Going on the Hash

Somewhere Outside Riyadh (It's a secret)
Friday, January 27th, 2012

Today I took part in my very first Hash Run. For those of you who do not know, the Hash is an activity (that you will find in many different countries around the world) that involves getting directions to a secret location, joining a bunch of other people there and then going for a hike/walk/run through the desert.

There are a few rules........the largest being is that you cannot be a national of the country you are in.....as in your must be an expatriate. So for example....if you are a Saudi Arabian citizen, you cannot attend, but since I am a Canadian citizen I am more than welcome.

Of course there is a big challenge since we (as in women) are not allowed to drive, so if you want to attend The Hash, you just send an email to the hash ride people and tell them you need a ride. There is a pick-up spot just down the street from my place (outside the hospital) where you can meet and find a ride. Others going to the Hash who can drive (like men) volunteer to drive people to and from.

Watching some of the scenery fly by the window.....very, very quickly.

So a bunch of us from our GNO (that's General Nursing Orientation) decided to go this week ( a few had gone last week as well) so we met at the required spot and hopped in with Ewen (pronounced like U.N.) from Scotland who drove 5 of us out. It was a very interesting ride to say the least. Traffic here is pretty crazy and then we hit some very not so paved roads. The drivers get a not very accurately hand drawn map to the location so getting there is half the fun.

A little video of the the drive. All part of the experience.

Once you reach the hash location, you need to sign out (very important) so they know who and how many people are on the trail (of course when you get back it is also very, VERY important to sign in or they will think you are missing), pick which trail you want to do (the short walk, the long walk or the run) and then after some speeches etc. everyone heads out. Of course there are "hares" on the trail who lead the way and a few who will check up on you as the walk progresses. One of them is also required to carry the full first aid kit and that kind of thing.

A look at a few of the vehicles also heading to the hash. At this point in time no one was sure if this was the spot or not. It wasn't here but there was a little gate everyone had to go through, but it was full of soft sand and a little car had gotten stuck. No rules as to the vehicles that you need to get to the spots but I totally recommend something large, preferably with four wheel drive.

Basically you can walk as slow or as fast as you want, take pictures, meet new people (actually that is a requirement), stop for some oranges about half way through and then finish. When you get back to the parking lot people do different things. Many of the drivers bring out food and drinks, some have fires, almost all will sit and socialize for at least a few minutes. Today the group was celebrating Australia Day so there was a BBQ (only cost 10 SR.....a very cheap meal, even though my time in the Northern Territory means I don't really celebrate the holiday) and it seemed many people were taking part.

That's Carol and Sameera heading to find a bathroom....A.K.A up over the hill and behind a bush.

When the sun goes down the temperature gets a lot cooler and that is usually the first cue people take to start making our way home. Not to worry, whoever you came with will also take you home so there is no concern you will be trapped in the desert.

Our ride. I took a picture of it so we would remember where to come back to.

As I read this I realise it doesn't sound like much but it really is a very important part of Riyadh socializing.....especially for women. As no Saudis are allowed, Saudi rules do not apply. We can wear what we want and we can talk to who we want. For a few hours, it's like being back home.......except in the middle of the desert.

Heading out on the hike. That's Carol in front of me, as well as a whole bunch of other people. A pretty good hike. 

Part way through the hike. Not what you might expect from the desert. Not as flat and boring as they show in the movies.

You actually had to be a little bit careful on some stretches. These aren't marked and smoothed out trails. Just areas that at least one person has walked through before. Lots of loose rocks though so you had to watch your step.

Carol and I find this nice sandy spot just before the end of the hike. It was so nice and soft. Like a beach just without the water.

Carol and I enjoying the sun.

Carol liked this one. You can see the contrast in how much sun we get. HAHAHA......poor Irish girls.

Watching the sun begin to dip below the rocks. Such a beautiful spot.

It is a weekly event (there is also a Hash on Thursday) so it will be easy to say that attendance will be common. They also organize trips to other countries. Many are heading to Lebanon in a few weeks to do some skiing. I didn't realise you could ski in Lebanon. I can't go for two reasons. The first is I'm working. The second is I'm not allowed to leave the country until my 90 day probation period is up.

A great day, a great little hike and a great place to meet a few new people. Looking forward to the next one.

Julie