Anthony Bourdain in Saudi Arabia

[Mamacita]

Anyone see it tonight? A really interesting look inside Saudi Arabia. My eyes have been opened somewhat.

One of the funnier parts of the show was the beginning where he was viewing all the submitted tapes of people who want to travel with him. He had to screen through and eliminate "serial killers, masturbators and vegetarians".

I also loved the guy who took him in to the desert to hunt and eat a lizzard and then didn't want to eat it, even wanted to trade plates with him because Anthony's plate had less meat on it!

I thought it interesting that the girl who took him around thought that the segregation of single men from families was for the good of the families as men are naturally "less well-behaved".

[Debbielasvegas]

Havent seen it yet.
I love his series.

I have a dirty girl crush on Chef Tony....
can I be his roadie?

[Dan-0]

I saw this episode tonight. It was interesting, but I was amazed that out of the places he had to choose from he chose to go to a country where ALCOHOL IS ILLEGAL. I don't think I want to go to Saudi Arabia.

[Gus]

one of the greatest shows ever.

[Dan-0]

Gus, I disagree. It was probably my least favorite episode ever. I know Bourdain was trying to show the positive side of a country with a bad reputation, but, I think the program, for the most part, confirmed most of the bad things we already suspected about this repressive country. I know there are a lot of good people in Saudi Arabia, but it's just sad, to me, to see people live under the thumb or a state religion like that. I could rattle off a long list of recent episodes that I liked better. The episodes in Romania, Korea, and Greece just to name a few.

[JEZ]

Didnt see the programe, but IMHO Saudi is not one of the top 170 countries in the world to visit. Though could make the top 171.... Maybe.

[Debbielasvegas]

here's a cool clip, not on his tv show.

oh, that brunette is his wife (young wife).

YouTube - Anthony Bourdain at Miami Ink.


I dont know how to put youtube clip on here... help pretty please.

[vegasbabie]

I saw it last night and really liked it. It also kind of opened my eyes a little about Saudi Arabia. I liked that the people laughed a lot.

[JimmyMN]

Originally Posted by Debbielasvegas

here's a cool clip, not on his tv show.

oh, that brunette is his wife (young wife).

Thanks for the introspective clip.

...I kinda laughed when he mentioned how he orders in a restaurant. Guess there are a few of us out there that like to run menuless.
...that's where you really find the good stuff!!

Jimmy

[Mamacita]

Originally Posted by Dan-0

Gus, I disagree. It was probably my least favorite episode ever. I know Bourdain was trying to show the positive side of a country with a bad reputation, but, I think the program, for the most part, confirmed most of the bad things we already suspected about this repressive country. I know there are a lot of good people in Saudi Arabia, but it's just sad, to me, to see people live under the thumb or a state religion like that. I could rattle off a long list of recent episodes that I liked better. The episodes in Romania, Korea, and Greece just to name a few.

While I'd agree that it did confirm some aspects of their culture that we view negatively, it also showed the people to be very normal in their intelligence, humor, optimism and family life. I thought the people he met, especially the woman who took him around, were great and funny and warm. I don't know why I thought it would be otherwise.

Did you guys see the one in Columbia. WOW, now that was an eye opener. Those people have really turned things around in Medellin especially.

[Rissask]

DARN IT! I missed it! and I love him. No matter where he is.

I will have to look for it, I think they replay episodes later in the week on my dish.

He should have gone to Dubai, UAE, he could have drank there.

[Sue]

I totally have a crush on him too. I didn't know he was married. Bummer!

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Sue

I totally have a crush on him too. I didn't know he was married. Bummer!

In his books he wrote years ago, he was married to a woman named Nancy, but they seemed to lead very separate lives, and they didn't have kids.

This is his second (trophy? ) wife he had the baby with.

[Dan-0]

Originally Posted by Mamacita

While I'd agree that it did confirm some aspects of their culture that we view negatively, it also showed the people to be very normal in their intelligence, humor, optimism and family life. I thought the people he met, especially the woman who took him around, were great and funny and warm. I don't know why I thought it would be otherwise.
Did you guys see the one in Columbia. WOW, now that was an eye opener. Those people have really turned things around in Medellin especially.

Amy, I agree that the people seemed to be very normal, but I never thought otherwise. Individually, I'm sure most Saudis are good people. It's the oppressive religion, society, and government that I have a problem with. I would hate to live there. In contrast to more liberal Muslim countries like Turkey or Egypt, Saudi women have basically no rights and can't even drive. I know its their culture, but I still don't like it. Sorry, I don't want to hijack your thread.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Dan-0

Amy, I agree that the people seemed to be very normal, but I never thought otherwise. Individually, I'm sure most Saudis are good people. It's the oppressive religion, society, and government that I have a problem with. I would hate to live there. In contrast to more liberal Muslim countries like Turkey or Egypt, Saudi women have basically no rights and can't even drive. I know its their culture, but I still don't like it. Sorry, I don't want to hijack your thread.

I agree Dan-O- and you are a man saying that! I find it hard to believe women would defend it, but I like to see a man admitting it is oppressive.