(This post was originally published in October 2009...)
My 16 year old son Adam, whose alter-ego is Captain Kabob, has been interviewed by my friend and fellow blogger Carol, over at American Bedu.
Carol's blog is amazing. It is your virtual "Everything You Wanted to Know About Saudi Arabia, But Were Afraid to Ask" informational source. She is a former seasoned American diplomat who resigned her position to follow her heart by marrying her Saudi soul mate and moving to Saudi Arabia.
Carol recently propositioned Adam about doing an interview to get an American teenager's perspective about living in the Magic Kingdom, as we here in Saudi Arabia call it, and Adam obliged. The resulting interview, Meet Adam, a Saudi American Teenager, can be read at the American Bedu Blog. Please pop over and have a look!
Yay! Can't wait to go over there and read kaptain Kabob's interview!
ReplyDeleteA Fan
Hi Susie,
ReplyDeletei just read the post about your son.....
he is very handsom, and very good with his responses!
you are an awesome mother to raise such a well grounded child, i may have to get advice from you time to time about son..haha
but really. i was very impressed, and i'm sure you are proud of what a good kid he is!
So refreshing to read..
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful interview. You can tell that Adam has a great head on his shoulders and blessed with talent. He definitely sounds more mature than most teens his age. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHey Susie:
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for a while. But it's the first time i comment. For a simple reason:
I remember one day reading something your sons said about that popular glamourous Turkish TV series with the blond Turkish former Basketball player tuned movie icon. Something in the lines of: "why is it always the same ones that get it all, the good looks and all?!"
And now that i read your son's interview on AmericanBedu, it brings me back to younger times when i was myself experiencing insecurity. The type that comes with this specific age but also sometimes by hanging out with the wrong crowd. The one that doesn't help you build self-esteem, or character.
I want to scream to your son: "you're a great dude! You have great potential. It is obvious. And you do have it all! The looks, the smart, the parents...what else do you need! Subhanallah!"
Anyhow, i think it was a great decision you made as parents and the perfect timing to move to Saudi when you did. Although challenging at times, it is obvious from reading your son that he has already started turning those challenges into beneficial learning experiences that enhances his awareness, his maturity and artistic skills. It is very wise of him to stay out of politics at this young age. The kid is not only good looking , he's smart.
Your son is a great kid and i'm sure so is his brother. How could he not be with parents like you!
I'm glad giving this interview made him feel like a rock star! Now I want to move to Jeddah! If only i could !
God bless you all!
I wonder though why AmericanBedu titled her post: "A Saudi-American Teenager" when Adam sees himself, at least in the present time, more like an American?
ReplyDeleteWhich is totally natural and understandable considering he's lived for 14 years in the US and only 2 years in the Kingdom: he sounds more like an American-Saudi to me. But that's just a detail.
Peace.
He's a ROCK STAR now!
ReplyDeleteSusie...
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky to have such a bright and well-adjusted son. I know from my experience that bringing North American children to another country and culture to live for part of their youth has a great broadening effect which enables them to be more tolerant and understand of others when they do return to their original country.
I enjoyed the interview and always love reading your blog.
a wonderful interview...you've a great young son ms. susie. adam, you're awesome.
ReplyDeletehi susie
ReplyDeletei enjoy reading the interview! i must say you must be proud of captain kabob, and i totally agree that ur a ROCKSTAR, such a cool cucumber mom! lol
What a rocking mother Adam has!
ReplyDeleteGreetings to Adam!
Hey Susie, that was a super interview and I'm glad he did it. Was curious... and if this is none of my business just ignore or don't publish, but I was wondering, given that Adam wasn't entirely positive about KSA (and I get that... was a teenager once), how does his dad feel about that? Like, is he hurt that his son hasn't totally embraced that country and culture, that he wants to go back to the US and, it sounds like to me, stay there? I am just asking, maybe I read it wrong, but I'm curious anyway. It can't be an easy switch for anyone.
ReplyDelete-Monica
Congratulations Susie to you and your husband on raising such a great kid. You must be very proud - justifiably so. By the way, I just read his grandma's comment on the interview - so lovely.
ReplyDeleteHehehe, he said your arabic sucks! XD I just had to come back here and comment lol! I'll go back and read more :P I'm lovin it.
ReplyDeleteSalman
hehehe, just finished, mom is a ROCK STAR indeed! god bless you Kaboob ;) keep your mom happy.
ReplyDeleteSalman
WOW such a handsome young man your son has grown to be!!! Captain Kabob handled this interview very eloquently. You must be very proud of him as he is of you “Rock Star” mom!!
ReplyDeleteWhat are shawarmas? They sound good if he ate 7!
Susie - This was a great interview! I know you're proud. My oldest son is 16 too and he has grown (matured) so much as well over the summer. Adam is awesome! And lucky to get the chance of some overseas living. I did for 4 years when I was younger and it made me appreciate all cultures, wish my children had the same opportunities now. Take care!!
ReplyDeleteLoved Adam's interview and wish the best for him.
ReplyDeleteLove, Vivian
TOO COOL!
ReplyDeleteBruno,
ReplyDeleteAdam is American since he was born in the U.S. Saying 'Saudi American' is just describing his heritage. I was born here of Irish parents so some might say I am Irish-American or my father in law was born to Italian parents and he could be considered Italian-American. We don't hold any kind of citizenship or necessary allegiance to the countries of our heritage though. It's just the way we desscribe people when we want to point out their heritage.
Oh, and as I already told Adam over on Carol's blog, you must be very proud of him he is an impressive young man who has a very bright future ahead of him.
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview! So genuine. How great that your son thinks you're a Rock Star! Go mom... looks like you've raised a wonderful son! Good luck to him and his endeavors. :0)
ReplyDeleteI am a faithful reader to your blog and really enjoy learning about Saudi Arabia. I also love your pictures, but what I really want to say is: Your son is amazing and I know you and your husband must be so proud of him.
ReplyDeletePlease tell him his interview was
"cooler than a cucumber"
Really enjoyed the interview Susie! Adam is super-cool. Left a comment at Carol's and a question for Adam ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks The Queen for the precision. I can't believe i missed that one!
ReplyDeleteHello, Susie. I can't say anything more complimentary than what all the others have said. Adam has his head right where it should be. I am reading your blog every day now, and have also added it on my sidebar!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED your son's interview. He sounds like such a awsome kid!! You must be so proud!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview! Thanks for sharing it with us, Susie.
ReplyDeleteI did like the interview, Adam is polite enough and knows how to answer all the questions without hurting both sides.
ReplyDeleteHe feels like an american boy and and belongs to America - where he was raised too, anyway ! I do agree with him !
I was blown away by Adam's honest account of his life in KSA. No matter where his future takes him, these diverse experiences will remain for the rest of his life.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Susie - your son is so sweet like u, and so mature for his age. Once again congratulations for the education of your son!
ReplyDeleteAmazing Parents...Amazing Adam! And wise beyond his years! I can DEFINITELY see you and the doctor within Adam, especially your artistic trait!!!
ReplyDeleteʇɐǝɹb ʞɹoʍ ɯɐpɐ¡¡¡ :-D
Wow - Captain Kabob is cool! He got the looks, attitude and smart - he'll be a great man ...
ReplyDeleteI brought me to laugh when he refers Saudi Taxis' smell as combination of of Curry, BO and ciggarettes!
Honestly I have been checking your blog on daily basis to check for new post - so I am your blog big fan:)
Looks like we are all in agreement. Adam is a young man to be proud of. He sounds secure and confident while trying to make the best of a situation he is not compeltely sold on. That is very mature outlook for a 16 year old. He is an impressive guy.
ReplyDeleteamazing!!!Rock star rule!!!
ReplyDeleteAdam just reminded me of my adolescent days, being raised in a multicultural household. And its great that Adam is making the best of his situation and i wish him the best.
ReplyDelete@aafke:
Though your comment just fell through almost being ignored, i don't think if you re-read Chiara's comment, she ever claimed that it was her idea.
And as for your comment "Actually, nobody with a link to KSA is safe from her! ", she has always offered her comments with Links and as a Professional thats all i have to say.
And i don't want to discuss this issue any more than this, and wasting Adam's comment space here.
Thanks
Great nterview!
ReplyDeleteVery refreshing point of view!
Must be proud of him!
Handsome young man!
ReplyDeleteOK Susie! I said he was good looking thinking i'd be the first one and original.
ReplyDeleteBut after so much raving about your son , i want to say myself: "why is it always the same ones that get it all, the good looks and all?!" ...LOL!
Peace.
What a great interview! Best wishes to you and your family
ReplyDeleteHi, Susie --
ReplyDeleteI just read the Captain's interview, and your son sounds delightful. You must be so proud.
If for any reason Washington doesn't work out, it sounds like Adam would be a good fit in the Portland area. There are lots of good schools down here as well. Lewis & Clark sort of has a special line in expat & third culture kids.
Kudos to Adam on his interview, and to his parents, Susie and Adnan.
ReplyDeleteSUSIE!!! I've been side-tracked with work and school, so I haven't been on in a while. It's so nice to see your blog again & to see Adam's interview!! He's soooo cute & sweet. You & your son are always in my prayers :-D
ReplyDeleteHi Susie,
ReplyDeleteI haven't been on your blog or others due to being on dial-up again :( Anyway, just read Adam's interview (I think i mentioned my only son is named Adam, too) and found him to be funny, intelligent and having a good heart; oh yeah, he is handsome, also. :) I can only imagine how hard it is for an adult American to live in Arabia let alone a teenager. I sure hope he is able to start his own blog when he feels safe and comfortable to write one. Really interesting to hear what he experiences in Saudi Arabia. You must be quite proud of him. Take care.
Susie,
ReplyDeleteYou and Adam are showing the greatest sacrifice of love.
Your husband, his father, has an elderly mother who he hadn't seen since he was a young man. And, he missed years with his late father while living in the U.S.
Now, your darling can be with his mother in her final years. That is a point that I do not see mentioned much, but I kind of read it in between the lines.
Sure, darling husband (and father) has his extended family, who Adam is finally getting to know... and that's so important!
But, Adam and you are making loving sacrifices right now, for family, and that speaks volumes to us all.
He is a ROCK STAR for sure. What great understanding of and expression of himself and his place in the universe right now. What a kid! Yeah you! and Double Yeah to Adam! Luv ya!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview! I just love the pictures of Adam. He's a great guy. You must be so proud of him.
ReplyDeleteWow - great interview! You have raised a great son who seems very secure in himself! He spoke so well!
ReplyDeleteMany of the things he said reminded me of what my husband (and students) said about growing up in KSA. The boredom needs to be addressed... at least you are in Jeddah which is supposed to be easier to live in than Riyadah! (I can't say) Of course, my husband will talk to my students about how he was able to get movies and stuff in Saudi (mostly through the compounds) and the Saudis are so amazed that he could do this. Because he's not Saudi they would never give him the time of day except for in the U.S. that does't matter! lol
Seems like you have a great son!
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog and i really appreciate the excellent quality content you are posting here for free for your online readers. thanks peace sandro
ReplyDelete