First Local masjid in Saudi

This masjid was a block away from our first apartment. I thought it was a temporary masjid like they normally build in a new area before erecting the 'real' masjid. But, five years later it is still standing. They have actually added on to it since these photos. Go figure!?

That large tan thing in the window is not an air conditioner, but it is a desert cooler. It works by blowing water into the air and somewhat cools and humidifys (spelling?) the air at the same time. Brits here love them and we (me and a friend) poke fun at them because it does not have the same a/c cold effect. Rather it cools.

Culturally, we joke each other about our differences.
Other cultural differences may include:
ice tea (southeren US) vs. hot tea (rest of the world)
ice in beverages (US) vs. beverages without ice(rest of the world)
bbq vs. curry
stroller vs pram
van vs people carrier.
Bare with me, as I know I am generalizing.

Once while marking papers after exams, I used the word 'fanny' and a british brother beside me became red in the face and started laughing. He was embarrased and amused at the same time. According to http://www.effingpot.com/index.shtml this is what fanny means in british english:
"Fanny - This is the word for a woman's front bits! One doesn't normally talk about anyone's fanny as it is a bit rude. You certainly don't have a fanny pack, or smack people on their fannys - you would get arrested for that! Careful use of this word in the UK is advised!"
I now understand the brothers response.

It is interesting observing, experiencing and learning how others live and do things differently, not wrong but just differently.