[DannytheBaggie]

Where in Saudi, Aries?
I was there in the 80s, at Riyadh, Jeddah, and Qasim. What a flipping miserable time I had!

I've been in Al Baha in the south west and now I'm in Al Ahsa in the Eastern Province, and I can tell you things are no better except my bank balance! I've visited Riyadh and Jeddah, I think Jeddah is overrated, to get to any beach as a single European you have to travel something stupid like 30 miles. I did like Riyadh though, but life in Saudi Arabia is still sterile on so many levels. For a weekend break, we either drive to Bahrain (2 hours) or catch a bus to Doha in Qatar (3-4 hours) - there are some nice places in both where you can get a drink, and really good restaurants, and there's women.

Aries, i live in Doha. Been here for 2 years but im moving to Muscat/Oman in March. Shame i didn't know you were so close as we could have had a weekend beer (not in Saudi obviously). If you ever fancy a trip to Muscat let me know. I visit Bahrain a fair bit too.