The Beer was Good but the Waffles were Fantastic

The Canadian Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saturday, March 24th, 2012


I finally made my first visit to the Canadian Embassy here in Riyadh. Funny thing about embassies here, to become a member and get invited to most of the events and parties and such you have to know someone. Being Canadian isn't enough. When I first arrived I obviously registered (so if something happens they know to come evacuate me) and sent them an email to let them know I was around. And then I heard nothing.....and still nothing.

Suddenly about 10 days ago I got an email about an event they were hosting. It was actually an event to celebrate the Francophone community (or something like that) but they were showing a movie followed by a cocktail hour so thought it was a chance to get out and meet some people. Did I mention all the refreshments were free? Makes it a pretty cheap night out since most events cost a couple hundred SAR (that's Saudi Arabian Riyal).

I recruited Catharine to come with me (which wasn't hard) even though they were showing a french movie with English subtitles (turns out she likes that kind of stuff too). The movie was called "Incendies". It is a Canadian film that was recently nominated for an Oscar (and won a bunch of other awards I think). It was really good. I won't tell you much about it but check out the link, watch the trailer and pick it up if you get a chance. Not a very light subject but worth a watch.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1255953/

After the movie they held a little cocktail hour complete with free Moosehead (ahh cold beer.....how I miss that) and some refreshments. Those refreshments included the usual finger sandwiches and egg-rolls but also a total surprise to me were some Canadian favourites, poutine and waffles. Now if you don't know what poutine is.....I don't think I can be your friend anymore, however since Catharine didn't know what it was I have to except the fact that it is a very well kept French-Canadian secret. Fries with cheese and gravy are always so good. But the waffles.....oh the waffles were the best ever. 

It reminded me that I may in fact be a little bit spoiled. When I was living at home last (between my Australian and Saudi Arabian adventures) Mom and Dad made me pancakes one morning. I really enjoyed them but made the comment how I was hoping for waffles. Dad then told me that they didn't have a waffle iron anymore. I clearly conveyed some disappointment in this because later that day, Dad went out and bought a new waffle iron and I had waffles the very next day.

What is the point to all this? Nothing really except nothing makes me feel less home sick than warm waffles covered with real maple syrup.

Julie