[This is part of the series: A List of Things I Remember About Living In Saudi Arabia.]

I remember playing pool.

Not swimming, pool.

There was a pool room in the Rec Center and my dad taught me how to play pool there.

We spent hours and hours taking turns at the table as I learned to play 8-ball.

Smooth green felt, a dust of chalk, and the click of the the balls knocking into each other takes me back to a peaceful time.

I swatted at flies as we played, because flies were everywhere, and the room smelled of dilapidated carpet.

At some point, I remember winning an 8-ball tournament.

I don’t have easy access to a pool table anymore, and rarely get to play, but pool remains one of my favorite ways to visit with old friends and relax.

Goodness, I need to get a pool table.