This has been a week full of "firsts". Firsts embedded in firsts. And thus I have decided that the second week of February will for ever more be dubbed thus: The First Week.
In my first time living over seas, I was driving the first car that I did not pay for, yet drive regularly (except for my parents cars - but those don't count). After driving for two weeks, I had to fill it up at the gas station for the first time. I paid a mere $12 to fill it up - the first time I've spent less than my life savings on gas (though probably due to the fact that, for the first time, my income is actually able to increase my lifesavings fairly significantly). It was the first time I was so greatful to oil-rich countries who provide their residents cheap gas.
However, today I had my first flat tire. Ever. It was the first time I had to replace a tire on my own car, and for the first time, I figured out how to use those stupid little car jacks that come as part of your car.
And now for the finale: On thursday, for the very first time, I went ice-skating. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I lived in WI for 12 years and MN for 4 years without ever having laced up a pair of blades (and who would've thought my first time would not only be overseas, but in a desert country land). I went with the school, so all the teachers and students were there. I've rollar-bladed, so my first time wasn't too bad. It took me a minute or two to get used to, but after a while, I was doing my first cross-overs on ice. During this experience, I threw a snow ball at a student for the first time (I'm such a bad example).
Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures documenting any of these "Firsts". So, and not for the first time, you'll have to take my word that all of this actually did happen. But next time I go ice-skating, I'll take some pictures - for the first time.
PS - my first shout out. Ryan Lang is pretty cool. I talk to him on skype. Also, he has lots of great skills. Like finding girlfriends in China and teaching 5th graders.
Feb 10, 2007
Feb 7, 2007
And In Other News...
Mickey Mouse Heads for Bahrain
As one of my students said today when I mentioned the article in class - "Where are they going to put it?"
He wasn't joking, either.
As one of my students said today when I mentioned the article in class - "Where are they going to put it?"
He wasn't joking, either.
Feb 3, 2007
Here Are Some Pictures to Wet Your Appetite
But to get the full meal, go to my web album. Link is on the left.
This is an ariel view of the balloon ride we took above the nile valley. It was pretty sweet.
The temple of Hapshetsut, near the valley of the kings. Ruined
Our hotel building definitely looked British colonial, circa 1940. Well, the equipment was also from 1940. This, my friends, is a working switchboard for incoming phone calls.
The brains behind our faluca ride on the nile. They guys were pretty cool. The ride was good, too.
The friend we made while walking around Hapshetsut. He was kind enough to let us take his picture without giving him some baksheesh.
This is an ariel view of the balloon ride we took above the nile valley. It was pretty sweet.
The temple of Hapshetsut, near the valley of the kings. Ruined
Our hotel building definitely looked British colonial, circa 1940. Well, the equipment was also from 1940. This, my friends, is a working switchboard for incoming phone calls.
The brains behind our faluca ride on the nile. They guys were pretty cool. The ride was good, too.
The friend we made while walking around Hapshetsut. He was kind enough to let us take his picture without giving him some baksheesh.
Jan 31, 2007
More Than I Bargained For
I knew I got more than I bargained for when
1) My airline scheduled 5 flights to leave from the same gate AT THE SAME TIME and 500 people were trying to get through a 4 foot wide door.
2) My hotel room had not been cleaned from the previous inhabitants, and the hotel attendant apparently thought this was ok.
3) I was advised to travel between cities in convoys with other tourists escorted by armed military vehicles, due to potential danger.
4) I was blatently asked for a bribe (yes, they used the arabic word for bribe) whenever a service was performed.
5) My cab driver was comfortable driving 100 mph while weaving through traffic (that was in kuwait). And I'm not even joking. He was doing 160 kph. I looked.
Overall the trip was good. I saw some temples, saw some heiroglypics and got hassled by all the shopkeepers. But whats a trip without a little hassling. We also ate some good egyptian food and had good conversation. Russ, who was with me, speaks fluent Arabic, so that was awesome. I'm sure we saved a lot of money simply because of his language skills.
We didn't see the pyramids. Those are in Cairo. We were in South Egypt, in Luxor and Aswan. But maybe I'll make it back there again and I'll visit Cairo and Alexandria in the North.
Pictures are coming soon.
I'm not going to lie. I sometimes feel like I'm living this odd existence where I live in the Middle East and travel to these exotic countries. And I do. And if feels strangely normal. But there are times when I have these "what the crap am I doing" moments. So I try to remember my strange life as I do the 'mundane' things as well - like teaching. Even that is an adventure, though. I would have never thought 8 months ago, that I would be teaching arab kids in the middle east. Its pretty sweet. Usually. Unless I'm frustrated. Then I have a bad attitude.
So I guess post-college life has been more than I bargained for, thus far. Fortunately, by grace, I have kept my head above water.
Knock on wood.
1) My airline scheduled 5 flights to leave from the same gate AT THE SAME TIME and 500 people were trying to get through a 4 foot wide door.
2) My hotel room had not been cleaned from the previous inhabitants, and the hotel attendant apparently thought this was ok.
3) I was advised to travel between cities in convoys with other tourists escorted by armed military vehicles, due to potential danger.
4) I was blatently asked for a bribe (yes, they used the arabic word for bribe) whenever a service was performed.
5) My cab driver was comfortable driving 100 mph while weaving through traffic (that was in kuwait). And I'm not even joking. He was doing 160 kph. I looked.
Overall the trip was good. I saw some temples, saw some heiroglypics and got hassled by all the shopkeepers. But whats a trip without a little hassling. We also ate some good egyptian food and had good conversation. Russ, who was with me, speaks fluent Arabic, so that was awesome. I'm sure we saved a lot of money simply because of his language skills.
We didn't see the pyramids. Those are in Cairo. We were in South Egypt, in Luxor and Aswan. But maybe I'll make it back there again and I'll visit Cairo and Alexandria in the North.
Pictures are coming soon.
I'm not going to lie. I sometimes feel like I'm living this odd existence where I live in the Middle East and travel to these exotic countries. And I do. And if feels strangely normal. But there are times when I have these "what the crap am I doing" moments. So I try to remember my strange life as I do the 'mundane' things as well - like teaching. Even that is an adventure, though. I would have never thought 8 months ago, that I would be teaching arab kids in the middle east. Its pretty sweet. Usually. Unless I'm frustrated. Then I have a bad attitude.
So I guess post-college life has been more than I bargained for, thus far. Fortunately, by grace, I have kept my head above water.
Knock on wood.
Jan 26, 2007
I can't decide which is better!
Today, I picked up a car. For free. Tomorrow, I'm leaving to travel in Egypt for four days. So all in all, its pretty sweet.
So about that car - I have a friend who went back to the States for an extended period of time, and wanted someone to be able to use her car. I was lucky enough to be that someone. I went today to pick it up - and its nice. A 2001 Honda Civic. Much nicer than I was anticipating. And to be honest, I'm a little nervous to drive it. Bahrain doesn't exactly have the Minnesota Nice driving I'd become so endeared to. Rather, there are no rules, and if I need to turn left from the farthest right lane (and crossing four lanes), I will do so. So I find myself being extra careful. Which is a good thing, I guess.
And Egypt? I was able to get cheap tickets to Egypt. Lucky for me, we have the Ashoora break next week along with the weekend. So I'm taking the opportunity to visit Luxor. And its got a lot of sweet stuff. Valley of the Kings, some ruins, some Hieroglyphics, but no pyramids. Those are up near Cairo.
When I return, school starts for real. The last few weeks had been a cake walk as I just gave tests. But now I have to start lesson planning and doing some prep work again. So my two months of bliss is in its twilight. But thats ok. I'm going to Eygpt. And I have a car.
So about that car - I have a friend who went back to the States for an extended period of time, and wanted someone to be able to use her car. I was lucky enough to be that someone. I went today to pick it up - and its nice. A 2001 Honda Civic. Much nicer than I was anticipating. And to be honest, I'm a little nervous to drive it. Bahrain doesn't exactly have the Minnesota Nice driving I'd become so endeared to. Rather, there are no rules, and if I need to turn left from the farthest right lane (and crossing four lanes), I will do so. So I find myself being extra careful. Which is a good thing, I guess.
And Egypt? I was able to get cheap tickets to Egypt. Lucky for me, we have the Ashoora break next week along with the weekend. So I'm taking the opportunity to visit Luxor. And its got a lot of sweet stuff. Valley of the Kings, some ruins, some Hieroglyphics, but no pyramids. Those are up near Cairo.
When I return, school starts for real. The last few weeks had been a cake walk as I just gave tests. But now I have to start lesson planning and doing some prep work again. So my two months of bliss is in its twilight. But thats ok. I'm going to Eygpt. And I have a car.
