Thank you again E.B. for your helpful advice. Are you able to buy music cds in Jeddah? How about musical instruments? Are kids toys such as bicycles, scooters, footballs etc available?

Do you find your children have enough to do to keep them occupied on their days off school? Mine are aged 7yrs and 5 yrs. We would like to get them involved in some organised sport, such as soccer and swimming. Are girls allowed to play soccer?

Apologies for the detailed nature of the questions but believe me any information is very good. Thanks.

Thanks again E.B. As I love my music, would you know if it is a problem to bring in CDs? I know the covers must not show too much female flesh but is there any hassle with the content perhaps? Also, I play some acoustic guitar, any problem to bring instruments such as these in at the airport?

Is it possible to purchase a wide range of sporting equipment for children and adults in Jeddah?

I very much appreciate your answers E.B, or anyone else with informed comment. Thanks.

E B, thanks very much for your very interesting comments. Are you able to give your opinion on the air pollution situation there? I have heard that it is not that wonderful, but not that bad. The Conti school is near the airport I understand.

Also to get to a decent beach, I am not sure if the Conti school has a beach club, how many minutes or hours driving, would it take to get to a place where the water and sand is clean and its suitable for children?

Regarding buying a car, would you recommend a 4 x4 type of vehicle, something that offers protection in a crash? I have heard traffic can be quite challenging. Or is a family sedan okay? Are 2nd hand vehicles a viable option?

Thanks again and I look forward to any informed comment on the above.

Thanks E.B. its good to hear that your children are enjoying life there. Have you had time to find out if the Red Sea is a good recreational option for your family on a weekend? Or perhaps sports or club opportunities? Our kids are aged 5 and 7yrs.

Can we please keep our personal issues out of the discussion. I would just like to know about the school and life out there, not interested in personal viewpoints regarding the world of int'l teaching. Cheers.

Just to keep this topic high on the list, if anyone has any info on the British International School Jeddah (formerly Continental School) and on life in the compound or Jeddah in general, it would be really helpful.

Yep, Jeddah is definitely in Saudi Arabia. So if anyone has any informed comment, it would be appreciated.

I am also considering BISJ as a potential destination. I have a young family as well, so if anyone can provide some information on the school and family life in the teachers compound, it would be greatly appreciated.