The Colours of Sand

Subitha Baghirathan left Bristol with her family when her husband landed a promotion; a three-year overseas posting in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In The Colours of Sand she writes about her experiences as a woman living in an expat community. Bristol, October 2007: my partner landed a promotion; a three year overseas posting in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Out of our family of four, I was the only one who hesitated at this offer. I was overwhelmed with thoughts of a harsh, arid environment- in both a physical and mental sense. I saw myself diminished under the black shroud of an abeya, against a backdrop of monotonous, yellow sand, the call to prayer providing a repetitive soundtrack. Yet,simultaneously, I was enticed by the lure of shedding wellies and cagoules, to relocate from a country where autumn seemed eternal, to a place promising 20 degree warmth even its winter months; an outdoor life for my young daughters; and a new culture to explore.