Black Book of Arabia Read Online Free PDF

English proficiency.
    Lulu set out for Kuwait brokenhearted, thinking what a difficult task it would be to find the super-rich and super-fabulous in a small state, as opposed to glamorous America where at an Ivy League university she would be handed the opportunity on a silver platter. “The company of giants makes you a giant,” her mother used to tell her when she would complain about the children in school. Nevertheless, being away was better than being watched and controlled by her parents, by the conservative Saudi police, and by a strict society and traditions that limited her access toliberal attire and actions. Plus, the travel was interesting and mysteriously inviting.
    During her first week in Kuwait at the university dorms, Lulu developed a homesickness that left her crying every night, thinking how much better her schoolmates must be doing under the California sun. She remembered one of her mother’s customers from the salon, who had mentioned that she knew a royal from Kuwait, so Lulu asked for an introduction. Perhaps she would make life interesting and replace the royal circle she would sorely miss. Her friend made a few phone calls, and an introduction was made. The royal, Sheikha, called Lulu and welcomed her to Kuwait. It would become “her home away from home,” she promised.
    Sheikha was an attractive, confident, and successful woman. Born into the royal family of Kuwait, she was blessed with bewitching brown eyes; a fine, straight, slightly aquiline nose; full, shapely lips; and a tall hourglass figure. Lulu enjoyed the affiliation with Sheikha and thought that in due time, even the ladies-in-waiting of such successful people marry well-to-do suitors. With brains to match her beauty, Sheikha had put off marriage until she completed her studies: a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master of Business Administration in the UK that she planned to use for the launch of her own luxury products’ retail website. When she finally chose her suitor, hearts were broken and hopes were dashed.
    Sheikha enjoyed a whirlwind romance with the young, rich, and handsome prince of her choice. Herclose friends enjoyed accompanying her on yacht trips, lavish parties at the trendiest islands, and private jet trips to watch horses race at the most famous racetracks in Europe and America. Sheikha documented the trips in photos that she posted to her group of girlfriends on her BlackBerry Messenger and WhatsApp. Lulu saved all of these images along with the ones she herself took of her friend’s lifestyle.
    Sheikha’s life was cream and honey, as it were; Lulu’s life in Saudi Arabia had been vinegar and salt. Lulu had come to Kuwait wanting to study at the American University of Kuwait but did not make the TOEFL score so was not allowed entry. Furthermore, she had come with a group of Saudi friends who deemed her unworthy of their company to begin with, since she was of Bedouin origin and had a mother whose history was tainted. They feared both black magic and her reputation rubbing off on their as-yet single lives.
    Sheikha’s kind words warmed Lulu’s heart, and she was excited when Sheikha invited her to a gathering with a mix of girls from the Gulf, all seniors, who welcomed her to the country and university. Unfortunately, Lulu was too shy to admit to her new friends who were fluent in English that she failed the TOEFL prerequisite and would study at an Arabic university. As the evening went on, however, her new friends discovered that she was not keeping up when they spoke in English, and she broke down. She was scared and nervous, with no mother, no nanny, no father, and no salon services or food provided on speeddial. She was mortified at first, but then let the tears run like rain. Sobbing and seeking pity was a splendid way to introduce yourself to the kind, strong, and brave. She won their hearts as everyone felt sorry for her because she would not stop