The UPP Student Association sponsored a farm trip for students to express their appreciation to their teachers and enjoy some free time getting to know them better in an informal setting.  The family of UPP student Saud BinSaeed hosted the faculty and students on their family farm, which is located north of Riyadh.

Half the time was spent chatting while drinking tea and eating dates in the beautiful house of the bin Saeed family.  Several of the students played a wild game of “soap soccer” before the buffet meal was served, featuring Chinese and Thai food, Lebanese salads, and traditional Arabian lamb with rice.  After filling their stomachs with the food, which was prepared by the BinSaeed family’s own house staff, everyone was led on a tour of the property.  The tour ended on top of a ridge with a view of the wide beautiful valley below.  A downpour of rain soaked everyone on their way back to the house from the tour, but everyone was laughing and enjoying the unusual weather. 

The faculty members appreciated being hosted by the Student Association and valued the time to learn more about Saudi culture and hospitality.  Dana Forsythe, UPP Student Services Head, said, “The family home of the BinSaeed family is beautiful, and a perfect place to relax and enjoy conversation.  The land that the home is on is beautiful, as well.  Drinking Saudi tea and watching the rain come down was a unique experience.”

The faculty and administration of the UPP thank the Student Association; Saud BinSaeed and his father, Saud Hassan BinSaeed; and Walid KIhalid AlDeghaither, who brought desserts that were served after the meal.