j What particular aspect of Saudi Arabia do you like the most?

The warm hospitality of the Saudi people.

j Can you tell us about your favorite and oft-repeated Arabic word?

InshaAllah.

j Which book is on your bedside these days?

My BlackBerry cell phone.

j Which is your favorite holiday destination?

Al-Ula and Madain Saleh.

j What is your dream country that you would like to be posted after leaving Saudi Arabia?

Canada is next for me after Riyadh.

j Which country’s people have you found most friendly?

The Saudis. They have to get the gold medal for that.

j How do you react to or deal with anger?

Silence, deep breaths and a bit of a calming walk.

j What is your source of strength during tough times?

A very supportive wife and good sense of humor.

j What was your first impression about the Kingdom?

I was struck by the accelerating pace of change here, something that is not fully recognized externally.

j Which Saudi city fascinated you most?

Jeddah.

j Your favorite Saudi dish?

Dates and qahwa (the Arabic coffee).

j What is the one thing about the Kingdom that you will always remember?

Sitting on a rooftop in old Jeddah with my wife and son and listening to the call to prayer from a multitude of mosques while experiencing a beautiful sunset.

j If you were given only one option between Facebook and Twitter, what would you prefer?

Neither.

j If you were not a diplomat, what would you be?

A professional ice-hockey player.

j How do you keep yourself fit?

I walk and cycle. But with the heat here, I swim.

j Your favorite restaurant?

Big Smoke Burger in Riyadh.

j Which football club you like the most?

Boca Junior.

j Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Donald Sutherland and Cate Blanchett.