Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Homesick
Not exactly sure what brought it on, but I am homesick tonight. Maybe it's the fact that Thanksgiving just passed or that Christmas is coming up or that July is soooooo far away or that I had a bad day today. I just miss my family and friends back home and I want to go home. I know this will pass, and I hope it passess soon.
Pre-National Day Celebrations
Although National Day isn't until Thursday (we are off Thursday, so we're celebrating it on Wednesday), our morning assemblies are filled with skits, songs, and dancing. The girls are getting pulled from class to practice their performace for tomorrow's big show. And just about everywhere you look you can see red, green, black, and white. And chaos reigns in the classroom (even more so than usual; it's like the week before Christmas break).
Sunday during morning assembly some boys from a local boy's school came and did a performance using swords and sticks. It was really neat. They did a great job twirling them and tossing them back and forth. They were very coordinated. There was even a little sword fight! Of course no one got hurt, but you could hear the swords clanging. I couldn't beleive they were using real swords. They had them trained well! We also had a group of middle school girls come and do an aerobic routine. I was amazed as I watched them jump on and off their little step thing in time with the music. Not only were they jumping on and off they were sharing the step with another person and miraculously no toes got stepped on (as far as I could see). Then the girls went on a little parade around the building. They were singing the National Anthem as they walked. We didn't walk outside of the school, just around the inside, so it was kind of weird. No one really saw. Oh well, it took up time! The entire assembly lasted for one full period (40 minutes), so I only had to teach 5 periods instead of 6. Unfortunately I had 3/2 in the morning so I missed a period with the class I like. I wish I would have missed a period of 3/1.
Monday was a pretty normal day actually. A group of kindergarteners (boys and girls) came and presented something about the different emirates. I think they were talking about the sheikhs because they had a picture of the sheikh on their crown. I was able to hear the names of the different emirates, but that was all I got out of their presenation. Other than the fact that the little kindergarteners memorized an awful lot! They did a wonderful job! A few girls did a song and swayed to the song, but that was it. I had 3/1 so why would we miss a class today?
From what I understand tomorrow is just a free day. The girls come to school and the assembly is full of all the different presentations that they've been preparing the last 2 weeks. It should be interesting to see. After they assembly they just play. Can't wait to see that! Oh yes I can! Structure Please! I believe we get out of school at 1:00 tomorrow. Or I should say the girls get out at 1:00; I have to stay until 2:00. No big deal though. I have tons of things that I need to do in the classroom.
Sunday during morning assembly some boys from a local boy's school came and did a performance using swords and sticks. It was really neat. They did a great job twirling them and tossing them back and forth. They were very coordinated. There was even a little sword fight! Of course no one got hurt, but you could hear the swords clanging. I couldn't beleive they were using real swords. They had them trained well! We also had a group of middle school girls come and do an aerobic routine. I was amazed as I watched them jump on and off their little step thing in time with the music. Not only were they jumping on and off they were sharing the step with another person and miraculously no toes got stepped on (as far as I could see). Then the girls went on a little parade around the building. They were singing the National Anthem as they walked. We didn't walk outside of the school, just around the inside, so it was kind of weird. No one really saw. Oh well, it took up time! The entire assembly lasted for one full period (40 minutes), so I only had to teach 5 periods instead of 6. Unfortunately I had 3/2 in the morning so I missed a period with the class I like. I wish I would have missed a period of 3/1.
Monday was a pretty normal day actually. A group of kindergarteners (boys and girls) came and presented something about the different emirates. I think they were talking about the sheikhs because they had a picture of the sheikh on their crown. I was able to hear the names of the different emirates, but that was all I got out of their presenation. Other than the fact that the little kindergarteners memorized an awful lot! They did a wonderful job! A few girls did a song and swayed to the song, but that was it. I had 3/1 so why would we miss a class today?
From what I understand tomorrow is just a free day. The girls come to school and the assembly is full of all the different presentations that they've been preparing the last 2 weeks. It should be interesting to see. After they assembly they just play. Can't wait to see that! Oh yes I can! Structure Please! I believe we get out of school at 1:00 tomorrow. Or I should say the girls get out at 1:00; I have to stay until 2:00. No big deal though. I have tons of things that I need to do in the classroom.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Surprise!!
"Miss, we go zoo !"
"What? You already went to the zoo."
"No, we go... (lots of thinking, words in Arabic, "Noussaiba Inglasie (English)?") casa la Sheikh. You know Zayed? Baby, he live, casa."
"Casa, yes I know casa (thinking Spanish? Can't be right). Yes Sheikh Zayed, where he used to live?"
"Casa Al Ain" (but it never really comes out Al Ain, and I can't figure out how to write what they say it's something like Al Eyeeehn which makes it difficult to understand at times).
I was following this logic and piecing together that the girls were going on a field trip today to the Al Ain Palace Museum. They most likely were saying "castle" and I heard "casa", unless of course "casa" is an Arabic word that I don't know yet, which could be the case. I just needed to figure out when they were going and who they were going with.
"When?"
"Today."
"Yes, but when?"
"Today."
Ok so this wasn't going to work. We could spend all day on this one conversation alone and never get anywhere.
"Who?"
"All. 3/1, 3/2, 3/3." I figured that much.
"Abla (teacher)?"
"Abla Salha period 7."
Oh, so now I knew who was taking them and when they were leaving. Period 7, no big deal that's at the end of the day and it's only period 1. We still had a lot of time for learning left. I gathered the girls on the floor and went through our morning routine and began our English lesson. Period 2 began with a knock on the door.
"Miss Sara, need girls now."
"Why?"
"They need canteen (where they buy their snacks)."
"Now? They aren't leaving until period 7."
"No, they leave now. You come. Yella (hurry up)." To the girls, and maybe, quite possibly to me as well.
So, what choice do I have? I quickly get the girls ready and gather up my stuff and head to the canteen. The girls buy their snacks and board the bus.
I get off the bus with 3/1 and begin walking towards the Palace. It's amazing. It's original, but it looks like it was just built the other day. Amazing what can remain preserved in a country that experiences no rain. Ms. Salha calls us over and we join her. She takes the girls and me on a guided tour. Her English is very good and she was able to explain a lot of the museum to me.
The Palace was built for Sheikha Fatima, one of Sheikh Zayed's wives. I'm not sure how many he had, but he did have 19 sons. Two of them died and the rest are ruling somewhere in the Emirates. That's how it works here, if your dad was the Shiekh than you will get to be a sheikh as well. No questions asked.
We weren't at the museum very long, maybe an hour at the most. But, it was a nice little field trip. Very fitting this week since National Day (Etihad Wattan) is coming up. So, thanks to this surprise field trip I was able to cross off one of the things that I need to see in Al Ain.
Our little National Day skit this morning went very well. The girls were actually prepared. They had practiced over the weekend. The girls were a little nervous speaking into the microphone, but other than that it went well.
For National Day we all have a bulletin board to decorate. There is a contest for the best decorated door, and the winning teacher will get a prize of some sort. I probably won't win since mine is student created, but it is beginning to look good. Last week I had the girls make a poster about the UAE. Most, if not all of them, drew the flag and wrote "I love the UAE!" in the white stripe. Today we made a handprint flag. I had one large poster board that we made the flag on. It was chaos, but the girls enjoyed it. They love anything with paint. Me, not so much, but the end product looks nice. I just need a little more border and then it will be finished.
So, we will see what happens tomorrow! Who knows what the surprise will be! I'll just try to be prepared for anything, maybe even a regular day!!!
"What? You already went to the zoo."
"No, we go... (lots of thinking, words in Arabic, "Noussaiba Inglasie (English)?") casa la Sheikh. You know Zayed? Baby, he live, casa."
"Casa, yes I know casa (thinking Spanish? Can't be right). Yes Sheikh Zayed, where he used to live?"
"Casa Al Ain" (but it never really comes out Al Ain, and I can't figure out how to write what they say it's something like Al Eyeeehn which makes it difficult to understand at times).
I was following this logic and piecing together that the girls were going on a field trip today to the Al Ain Palace Museum. They most likely were saying "castle" and I heard "casa", unless of course "casa" is an Arabic word that I don't know yet, which could be the case. I just needed to figure out when they were going and who they were going with.
"When?"
"Today."
"Yes, but when?"
"Today."
Ok so this wasn't going to work. We could spend all day on this one conversation alone and never get anywhere.
"Who?"
"All. 3/1, 3/2, 3/3." I figured that much.
"Abla (teacher)?"
"Abla Salha period 7."
Oh, so now I knew who was taking them and when they were leaving. Period 7, no big deal that's at the end of the day and it's only period 1. We still had a lot of time for learning left. I gathered the girls on the floor and went through our morning routine and began our English lesson. Period 2 began with a knock on the door.
"Miss Sara, need girls now."
"Why?"
"They need canteen (where they buy their snacks)."
"Now? They aren't leaving until period 7."
"No, they leave now. You come. Yella (hurry up)." To the girls, and maybe, quite possibly to me as well.
So, what choice do I have? I quickly get the girls ready and gather up my stuff and head to the canteen. The girls buy their snacks and board the bus.
I get off the bus with 3/1 and begin walking towards the Palace. It's amazing. It's original, but it looks like it was just built the other day. Amazing what can remain preserved in a country that experiences no rain. Ms. Salha calls us over and we join her. She takes the girls and me on a guided tour. Her English is very good and she was able to explain a lot of the museum to me.
The Palace was built for Sheikha Fatima, one of Sheikh Zayed's wives. I'm not sure how many he had, but he did have 19 sons. Two of them died and the rest are ruling somewhere in the Emirates. That's how it works here, if your dad was the Shiekh than you will get to be a sheikh as well. No questions asked.
We weren't at the museum very long, maybe an hour at the most. But, it was a nice little field trip. Very fitting this week since National Day (Etihad Wattan) is coming up. So, thanks to this surprise field trip I was able to cross off one of the things that I need to see in Al Ain.
 |
| Al Ain Palace Museum |
For National Day we all have a bulletin board to decorate. There is a contest for the best decorated door, and the winning teacher will get a prize of some sort. I probably won't win since mine is student created, but it is beginning to look good. Last week I had the girls make a poster about the UAE. Most, if not all of them, drew the flag and wrote "I love the UAE!" in the white stripe. Today we made a handprint flag. I had one large poster board that we made the flag on. It was chaos, but the girls enjoyed it. They love anything with paint. Me, not so much, but the end product looks nice. I just need a little more border and then it will be finished.
 |
| Bulletin board for National Day |
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
It certainly doesn't feel like Thanksgiving. Maybe it's because it's 85 and sunny, or because I had to work, or because this country doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving. Most likely it's a combination of all three. I will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, when everyone at home is going shopping to try to get the best Black Friday deals! I am glad that I don't have to deal with that aspect of Thanksgiving! I am going to a friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner after church. It will be nice to have a home-cooked meal. I am not exactly sure what's on the menu, but I know there will be turkey!
I had a very quiet week. Nothing too exciting going on. Getting back into the routine of going to work was difficult, but it always is after a break. The week was a relatively normal one, other than the fact that we're getting ready for National Day (12/2). Green, black, red, and white everywhere (the colors of the flag). Our morning assemblies are now filled with a group of girls dancing (usually in flag dresses), waving flags, throwing balloons (they love balloons!), and letting their hair down. Oh yeah there's more Quran reading, reading of papers/reports about the UAE (which I have no idea what they're saying, but they sound important!), and skits about being an Emirati. The girls love to say "I love the UAE" and "Emirates of life". Today the LTs got called up on the stage and asked some questions. As we walked up to the stage we asked each other if anyone knew about this. Evidently no one had any idea! We were first asked "How are you?" to which we all replied "Fine, thank you" that's the only response to that question that they really understand. We were then asked to say something about the UAE. We all gave a response about how nice and welocming this country is and how we enjoy living here. A teacher handed us a bag of goodies (a UAE bracelet and some chocolate) and told us that we were going to play a question and answer game. Oh no, now I'm really going to embarrass myself because I don't know a lot of trivia about this country. The questions were just riddles, not trivia! Good thing too. Not that they were any easier. Q - "What has legs and goes in your ear?" A - sound. We asked for an explanation on that one, but didn't get one. Q - "What is something you eat with, but don't eat?" A - a fork. Easy one. Q - "What has teeth but doesn't eat?" A - a comb. Another easy one. There were a few that didn't get translated and 1 that I didn't understand even after the translation. We got a round of applause and a lot of laughter from the girls and then headed off the stage.
The next guests were Mickey and Minnie Mouse! All the way from Florida! I think the LTs were more impressed with Mickey and Minnie than some of the girls were. Mickey and Minnie joined a group of 4th and 5th graders in a dance. It was pretty fun to watch. I took some pictures, but I won't put them on the Internet. Sorry. You'll just have to look at my actual pictures when I return in July.
Sunday a few of my students will be putting on a skit for the assembly. They are going to be doing a quiz show with UAE trivia. We didn't have a lot of warning so they only got to practice for 2 days, but they're excited. We are also going to be decorating our door and classroom for a contest. I told the girls to bring in UAE stuff to decorate and from what I hear they will go all out. I'm a little scared!
All of this makes me wonder what would happen if schools were in session July 4th. How would US public schools celebrate Independence Day?
I had a very quiet week. Nothing too exciting going on. Getting back into the routine of going to work was difficult, but it always is after a break. The week was a relatively normal one, other than the fact that we're getting ready for National Day (12/2). Green, black, red, and white everywhere (the colors of the flag). Our morning assemblies are now filled with a group of girls dancing (usually in flag dresses), waving flags, throwing balloons (they love balloons!), and letting their hair down. Oh yeah there's more Quran reading, reading of papers/reports about the UAE (which I have no idea what they're saying, but they sound important!), and skits about being an Emirati. The girls love to say "I love the UAE" and "Emirates of life". Today the LTs got called up on the stage and asked some questions. As we walked up to the stage we asked each other if anyone knew about this. Evidently no one had any idea! We were first asked "How are you?" to which we all replied "Fine, thank you" that's the only response to that question that they really understand. We were then asked to say something about the UAE. We all gave a response about how nice and welocming this country is and how we enjoy living here. A teacher handed us a bag of goodies (a UAE bracelet and some chocolate) and told us that we were going to play a question and answer game. Oh no, now I'm really going to embarrass myself because I don't know a lot of trivia about this country. The questions were just riddles, not trivia! Good thing too. Not that they were any easier. Q - "What has legs and goes in your ear?" A - sound. We asked for an explanation on that one, but didn't get one. Q - "What is something you eat with, but don't eat?" A - a fork. Easy one. Q - "What has teeth but doesn't eat?" A - a comb. Another easy one. There were a few that didn't get translated and 1 that I didn't understand even after the translation. We got a round of applause and a lot of laughter from the girls and then headed off the stage.
The next guests were Mickey and Minnie Mouse! All the way from Florida! I think the LTs were more impressed with Mickey and Minnie than some of the girls were. Mickey and Minnie joined a group of 4th and 5th graders in a dance. It was pretty fun to watch. I took some pictures, but I won't put them on the Internet. Sorry. You'll just have to look at my actual pictures when I return in July.
Sunday a few of my students will be putting on a skit for the assembly. They are going to be doing a quiz show with UAE trivia. We didn't have a lot of warning so they only got to practice for 2 days, but they're excited. We are also going to be decorating our door and classroom for a contest. I told the girls to bring in UAE stuff to decorate and from what I hear they will go all out. I'm a little scared!
All of this makes me wonder what would happen if schools were in session July 4th. How would US public schools celebrate Independence Day?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Vacation
This is going to be quite a long post. I will try to break it up into different days to make it easier to read. I hope you enjoy reading about my vacation to Jordan.
Sunday 11/14 - Abu Dhabi
Cassie drove Susan and I to Abu Dhabi Sunday afternoon. She finally has her car and she is a wonderful driver! We arrived safely and had a great French lunch with Kisha. After lunch we walked around some ane enjoyed the sights. It was so much more pleasant than it was in August. On our walk we saw some interesting signs, what exactly is 1/2 an executive bachelor??? We also some fish, shrimp, and lobster flavored chips in one store. I was not brave enough to try those, but Cassie got some shrimp flavored ones. I'll let you know her thoughts later.
I went back to Kisha's place, so Susan could get her luggage, while Cassie and Kisha went to do some errands. While I was waiting for them to return I called Mary and ended up having a wonderful dinner with Mary, Kate, Jennifer, and Tom whom I haven't seen since I left for Al Ain in Sept. Great food and great friends, but the night had to end too soon so I could get up at 3:30 the next morning for my 8am flight.
Monday 11/15
Susan and I arrived at the airport at 5:15 which was way too early. The Etihad check-in desk wasn't even open. We had to wait until 6am. A lot of waiting this morning. Check-in and security were smooth processes. I got my first exit stamp in my passport!! The 3 hour flight was very smooth and comfortable. I had asked for exit row and actually got it!
We arrived in Jordan at 9:30am. Customs and immigration were very quick processes other than waiting in line. Absolutely no hassels! I paid 10JD (Jordanian Dinars) for my visitors visa and got a new stamp in my passport. When we got to baggage claim my suitcase was waiting for me. It was nice not having to watch for it on the luggage thing and then fight the crowds to pull it off.
With luggage in hand we headed to Avis to rent a car. We paid 600JD (about 3,000 dirhams; very expensive) for a 4 wheel drive car that I thought we didn't need. Turns out that it was a very good thing that we got the car that we did. After 2 1/2 months of not driving it was nice to be behind the wheel! At least until we got to the downtown area. Chaos, absolute chaos. No lines on the road, no turn signals, lots of honking, lots of merging, street signs in just Arabic (I surprised myself and Susan by actually reading one; my instructor would be proud:), packed streets, pedestrians crossing whenever and wherever and roads blocked for Eid. It was like cattle crossing. Terrible. Drivers doing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted to. Not a good idea to get behind the wheel in a foreign country!
The hotel is about 30-40 minutes from the airport, but it took us about 3 hours!!!! I was so frustrated and sick of driving past the same things 10 times and not being able to find the hotel. So we found a place to park and took a taxi to the hotel. At the hotel we begged for help; pleading lost tourists. The owner's son walked me back to the car and drove it to the hotel. What great service!
The Hotel - Arab Tower Hotel (Burj al Arab)
Very nice staff, but very small. It's actually a hostel not a hotel. There were 2 twin beds in the room and a table. The bathroom was a toilet and water hose. I can't really call it a shower because it was totally open and it was just a hose with a head to it. That was a new experience for me. I had to be very careful where I put my towel and clothes because I didn't want them to get too wet. The room was only $40 so I guess I shouldn't complain. Breakfast was included as well. Breakfast consisted of toast, hard boiled eggs, and cucumbers and tomatoes. Different.
After we got settled into our tiny room and got somewhat cleaned up we went out to a delicious restaurant for dinner and had some authentic Arabic food. Wonderful salad (fatoosh) and hommus. There was this cute little boy there who kept looking at us and smiling and waving. He was practicing his English as well. At one point he came over and shook my hand and introduced himself to us. Very cute!!
After dinner we walked the streets. Everything in downtown Amman was open 24 hours due to Eid. So it was really a party type atmosphere. The people are so friendly. Just about everyone said "Welcome" or "Welcome to Jordan" as we walked past. I, of course, got lots of stares and wows and laughs and pointing due to my height. Then there's the fact that there aren't many Westerners here so I'm very different. We did some shopping and talked to some nice local people. I had to turn in early because of all the cigarette smoke. It was really hurtning my throat. I did get some gifts and souveniors, but it was time to go.
Monday Night
What a miserable night. The twin bed was tiny. Fine for Susan, but problems for me. The AC didn't work so we had to open the window. That normally wouldn't have been a problem since it was a beautiful night, but this was party night. There was music playing and horns honking literally all night. Not conducive to sleeping.
Tuesday 11/16
So, we headed to the Citadel. Awesome views of Amman! Great archeological sites. Amazing that this was built out of stone and it is still standing. Lots of history in this country. We could not enter the main portion of the site due to Eid but I still got some good pictures anyway. I was a little upset because I couldn't really see the Roman theater from the Citadel. I did get to see it from street level, but I couldn't go in due to construction. It would have been great to see it from on top of the city at the Citadel.
Then began the worst experience in my life. Praise God because He is in control and He kept us safe. Driving from the Dead Sea to Petra was a very horrifying experience. For the first hour everything was fine as it was the open road. At Namal Checkpoint I had to turn off the highway and start driving through the desert. No big deal for a while. There is a nice 1 lane road and I'm sure the scenery would have been unbelievable, but it was dark so I couldn't really see anything other than the road. All of a sudden the road starts getting bumpy and torn apart. Mountains appear and I realize I must drive up the mountain in the dark. It was only 25km (15.5miles), but the worst 25km ever. Windy, rocky, steep roads, dark, uphill, downhill, sharp corners, and mountains on one side and deep drop offs on the other. I was terrified. "Please God keep us safe. My God is in control. He knows my future and He is bigger than this mountain and desert road." I prayed and prayed and prayed some more. I was so scared. Then God gave me a sense of peace. I knew He was in control and His will would be done. I had nothing to fear. If I had died I would be in Heaven. No fear. God is in control. Then I saw a truck and I waved for the driver to stop. Two Bedouin (desert living people) men got out of the truck. One spoke excellent English and reassured me that everything was going to be fine. Just continue to go slow and be careful. Angels sent by God! I continued on in peace and finally arrived in Wadi-Musa (the hotel area just outside of Petra).
When we finally found our hotel we found out that our reserved room was given away because we were late. They didn't care that we traveled the King's Highway (name of the awful road; eveidently it's no big deal to the locals they think it's beautiful). They tried to give us another room, but there was just one tiny double bed and Susan and I couldn't share that. So we left. We tried to find another room, but the entire town was booked. I have never heard of that happening. We ended up at a 5 star resort that had 1 room left for 1 night. We were planning on spending 2 nights in Petra. So we took the last room in the entire city! What a contrast to the hotel in Amman. We had a junior suite. Two twin beds plus a living area. Very nice bathroom with an actual shower! I had a great night's sleep! We even kept the windows open; no loud partying or horns honking or repetitive Quran verses early in the morning! Breakfast was fabulous as well. I could live like this! Wait, didn't I do that when I was staying at the InterCon?! I can't beleive I was so ready to get out of the hotel!!
Wednesday 11/17 - Petra
Amazing! Absolutely beautiful! What a sight! Not sure words or pictures can describe what I saw, but I'll try. The rock formations were beautiful. Rock layers of different colors lined the entire walk from Wadi-Musa to Petra. Then there were the buildings from the ancient city of Petra. It's amazing that they built an entire city out of rock and sand and into a mountain. The columns and architecture were fabulous. Everywhere you looked there was evidence of the people that lived there. Holes in the rock to show their houses, theaters, paved roads, carvings... Lots to see and a lot more to learn. I wish I had a tour guide, but Susan didn't want to get one so we explored on our own. I tried to listen while some of the tour guides were explaining, but I didn't get much. Even without a guide it was fabulous to see, but I would have enjoyed it with a guide. We walked for quite a while taking in the sights. I actually walked more than Susan and would have continued but I knew it was getting late and we had to leave for Amman. So I reluctantly turned around and experienced all of Petra in reverse. It was still beautiful to see as I was walking out of the ancient city. We eventually got a horse drawn carriage to take us the last bit of the way, the part that was uphill and most difficult for Susan. It was a nice, albeit bumpy, ride.
We explored a little bit of Wadi-Musa, ate lunch, and then got back in the car to head back to Amman. We did not take the King's Highway back. I was not going to drive that again. There is a different route, it's longer but it's safer. It's called the Desert Highway and it goes through the desert. The views were amazing. Vast expanses of nothing. I didn't think "nothing" could be so beautiful. The desert hills and flat lands were astonishing. Lots of colors due to the sunset! I would love to drive this highway again! We drove back to our little hostel where a different room was waiting for us.
Thursday 11/18
Susan had made an appointment at Movenpick, the resort on the Dead Sea, so we headed back there. We spent the day relaxing at the various pools the spa had available. I did not go back in the Dead Sea. Once was enough. I just enjoyed the relaxation and sunshine. Evidently the sun at the Dead Sea is not dangerous. Not sure why or how, I just enjoyed sunbathing! It was actually relatively cool. Well, cool for me! It was just nice to be able to sit outside and not sweat! What a perfect way to end our vacation!
Friday 11/19
Back home! We left Jordan at 11:30am (our flight was supposed to be 10:20, but it was delayed) and arrived back to Hili at 8:30pm. A long day of travel.
Overall I had a very good time. I saw a lot of interesting things that I never thought I would be able to experience. I think I could have seen a lot more if I didn't have a car and relied on public transportation and tours provided by the hotels. I learned a lot about international travel. I need to get an international plan for my phone if I'm going to be doing anymore traveling. It was scary not being able to use the phone if necessary. I realized this while driving the King's Highway (not that I would have had reception, but just to be able to have a phone would have been nice). My phone only works in the UAE. Book tours, call ahead for reservations to make sure the room is still available, and don't drive.
Now it is time for bed. The weekend is going to go so fast. Lots to do tomorrow and then back to work on Sunday.
Sunday 11/14 - Abu Dhabi
Cassie drove Susan and I to Abu Dhabi Sunday afternoon. She finally has her car and she is a wonderful driver! We arrived safely and had a great French lunch with Kisha. After lunch we walked around some ane enjoyed the sights. It was so much more pleasant than it was in August. On our walk we saw some interesting signs, what exactly is 1/2 an executive bachelor??? We also some fish, shrimp, and lobster flavored chips in one store. I was not brave enough to try those, but Cassie got some shrimp flavored ones. I'll let you know her thoughts later.
I went back to Kisha's place, so Susan could get her luggage, while Cassie and Kisha went to do some errands. While I was waiting for them to return I called Mary and ended up having a wonderful dinner with Mary, Kate, Jennifer, and Tom whom I haven't seen since I left for Al Ain in Sept. Great food and great friends, but the night had to end too soon so I could get up at 3:30 the next morning for my 8am flight.
Monday 11/15
Susan and I arrived at the airport at 5:15 which was way too early. The Etihad check-in desk wasn't even open. We had to wait until 6am. A lot of waiting this morning. Check-in and security were smooth processes. I got my first exit stamp in my passport!! The 3 hour flight was very smooth and comfortable. I had asked for exit row and actually got it!
We arrived in Jordan at 9:30am. Customs and immigration were very quick processes other than waiting in line. Absolutely no hassels! I paid 10JD (Jordanian Dinars) for my visitors visa and got a new stamp in my passport. When we got to baggage claim my suitcase was waiting for me. It was nice not having to watch for it on the luggage thing and then fight the crowds to pull it off.
With luggage in hand we headed to Avis to rent a car. We paid 600JD (about 3,000 dirhams; very expensive) for a 4 wheel drive car that I thought we didn't need. Turns out that it was a very good thing that we got the car that we did. After 2 1/2 months of not driving it was nice to be behind the wheel! At least until we got to the downtown area. Chaos, absolute chaos. No lines on the road, no turn signals, lots of honking, lots of merging, street signs in just Arabic (I surprised myself and Susan by actually reading one; my instructor would be proud:), packed streets, pedestrians crossing whenever and wherever and roads blocked for Eid. It was like cattle crossing. Terrible. Drivers doing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted to. Not a good idea to get behind the wheel in a foreign country!
The hotel is about 30-40 minutes from the airport, but it took us about 3 hours!!!! I was so frustrated and sick of driving past the same things 10 times and not being able to find the hotel. So we found a place to park and took a taxi to the hotel. At the hotel we begged for help; pleading lost tourists. The owner's son walked me back to the car and drove it to the hotel. What great service!
The Hotel - Arab Tower Hotel (Burj al Arab)
Very nice staff, but very small. It's actually a hostel not a hotel. There were 2 twin beds in the room and a table. The bathroom was a toilet and water hose. I can't really call it a shower because it was totally open and it was just a hose with a head to it. That was a new experience for me. I had to be very careful where I put my towel and clothes because I didn't want them to get too wet. The room was only $40 so I guess I shouldn't complain. Breakfast was included as well. Breakfast consisted of toast, hard boiled eggs, and cucumbers and tomatoes. Different.
After we got settled into our tiny room and got somewhat cleaned up we went out to a delicious restaurant for dinner and had some authentic Arabic food. Wonderful salad (fatoosh) and hommus. There was this cute little boy there who kept looking at us and smiling and waving. He was practicing his English as well. At one point he came over and shook my hand and introduced himself to us. Very cute!!
After dinner we walked the streets. Everything in downtown Amman was open 24 hours due to Eid. So it was really a party type atmosphere. The people are so friendly. Just about everyone said "Welcome" or "Welcome to Jordan" as we walked past. I, of course, got lots of stares and wows and laughs and pointing due to my height. Then there's the fact that there aren't many Westerners here so I'm very different. We did some shopping and talked to some nice local people. I had to turn in early because of all the cigarette smoke. It was really hurtning my throat. I did get some gifts and souveniors, but it was time to go.
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| view of Amman from the Citadel |
Monday Night
Then there was the wakeup call at 5ish; call to prayer followed by loud constant repetition of a verse from the Quran. Very loud, annoying, repetitive, and monotone. I was ready to scream "KHALLAS"
خلاص(enough, finish, quit, stop, done) out of the window. I eventually had enough and got out of bed to brave the "shower" at 6.
Tuesday 11/16
The day started with us trying to find The King Abdullah Mosque. We had seen it on our travels on Monday, but couldn't remember where it was. We asked at the hotel and it sounded easy enough and looked close enough on the map, plus I have a Garmin so we could find it. Yeah right! We got so lost. But we did end up seeing the sheep market. Not something I want to see again. People buying and slaughtering sheep for the sacrifice. Slaughtering on the side of the road. Not a pleasant sight. Poor sheep. After driving around for a while we decided to give up on the Mosque. Good thing because we found out later that it was closed due to Eid.
So, we headed to the Citadel. Awesome views of Amman! Great archeological sites. Amazing that this was built out of stone and it is still standing. Lots of history in this country. We could not enter the main portion of the site due to Eid but I still got some good pictures anyway. I was a little upset because I couldn't really see the Roman theater from the Citadel. I did get to see it from street level, but I couldn't go in due to construction. It would have been great to see it from on top of the city at the Citadel.
Our journey to the Dead Sea began at the InterCon. We just had to stop at our home away from home. We had a nice lunch and then we were on our way. Amazingly it wasn't too difficult to find! There were actually a few signs in English pointing us to the Dead Sea.
What an experience! Everything was so peaceful and calm at Zara Spa and Resort, the resort we chose to spend the day at for 40JD. We went to the spa but couldn't get any treatments because they were booked. Susan scheduled something for Thursday. So, we changed into our suits and headed down to the Dead Sea. Unfortunately the escalator was broken so we had to walk. The Dead Sea is so weird. It is 420 meters (1,377 ft) below sea level and 33.7% saline. The bottom is very rocky and then muddy. After I got off the rocky part I plunged in and immediately floated to the surface. Everyone looked so funny laying on top of the water. It was a very weird feeling. There were people covering themselves in Dead Sea mud, but Susan and I didn't. I don't like getting messy. I know I probably should have because it's the Dead Sea mud, but... After we showered to remove the slimy salty feeling we had dinner and watched the sun set over the Dead Sea and Israel. One day I will get to Israel.
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| floating on the Dead Sea |
When we finally found our hotel we found out that our reserved room was given away because we were late. They didn't care that we traveled the King's Highway (name of the awful road; eveidently it's no big deal to the locals they think it's beautiful). They tried to give us another room, but there was just one tiny double bed and Susan and I couldn't share that. So we left. We tried to find another room, but the entire town was booked. I have never heard of that happening. We ended up at a 5 star resort that had 1 room left for 1 night. We were planning on spending 2 nights in Petra. So we took the last room in the entire city! What a contrast to the hotel in Amman. We had a junior suite. Two twin beds plus a living area. Very nice bathroom with an actual shower! I had a great night's sleep! We even kept the windows open; no loud partying or horns honking or repetitive Quran verses early in the morning! Breakfast was fabulous as well. I could live like this! Wait, didn't I do that when I was staying at the InterCon?! I can't beleive I was so ready to get out of the hotel!!
Wednesday 11/17 - Petra
Amazing! Absolutely beautiful! What a sight! Not sure words or pictures can describe what I saw, but I'll try. The rock formations were beautiful. Rock layers of different colors lined the entire walk from Wadi-Musa to Petra. Then there were the buildings from the ancient city of Petra. It's amazing that they built an entire city out of rock and sand and into a mountain. The columns and architecture were fabulous. Everywhere you looked there was evidence of the people that lived there. Holes in the rock to show their houses, theaters, paved roads, carvings... Lots to see and a lot more to learn. I wish I had a tour guide, but Susan didn't want to get one so we explored on our own. I tried to listen while some of the tour guides were explaining, but I didn't get much. Even without a guide it was fabulous to see, but I would have enjoyed it with a guide. We walked for quite a while taking in the sights. I actually walked more than Susan and would have continued but I knew it was getting late and we had to leave for Amman. So I reluctantly turned around and experienced all of Petra in reverse. It was still beautiful to see as I was walking out of the ancient city. We eventually got a horse drawn carriage to take us the last bit of the way, the part that was uphill and most difficult for Susan. It was a nice, albeit bumpy, ride.
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| the treasurery in the Anicent City of Petra |
We explored a little bit of Wadi-Musa, ate lunch, and then got back in the car to head back to Amman. We did not take the King's Highway back. I was not going to drive that again. There is a different route, it's longer but it's safer. It's called the Desert Highway and it goes through the desert. The views were amazing. Vast expanses of nothing. I didn't think "nothing" could be so beautiful. The desert hills and flat lands were astonishing. Lots of colors due to the sunset! I would love to drive this highway again! We drove back to our little hostel where a different room was waiting for us.
Thursday 11/18
Susan had made an appointment at Movenpick, the resort on the Dead Sea, so we headed back there. We spent the day relaxing at the various pools the spa had available. I did not go back in the Dead Sea. Once was enough. I just enjoyed the relaxation and sunshine. Evidently the sun at the Dead Sea is not dangerous. Not sure why or how, I just enjoyed sunbathing! It was actually relatively cool. Well, cool for me! It was just nice to be able to sit outside and not sweat! What a perfect way to end our vacation!
Friday 11/19
Back home! We left Jordan at 11:30am (our flight was supposed to be 10:20, but it was delayed) and arrived back to Hili at 8:30pm. A long day of travel.
Overall I had a very good time. I saw a lot of interesting things that I never thought I would be able to experience. I think I could have seen a lot more if I didn't have a car and relied on public transportation and tours provided by the hotels. I learned a lot about international travel. I need to get an international plan for my phone if I'm going to be doing anymore traveling. It was scary not being able to use the phone if necessary. I realized this while driving the King's Highway (not that I would have had reception, but just to be able to have a phone would have been nice). My phone only works in the UAE. Book tours, call ahead for reservations to make sure the room is still available, and don't drive.
Now it is time for bed. The weekend is going to go so fast. Lots to do tomorrow and then back to work on Sunday.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Eid and other stuff
Yeah! Eid is finally here! Eid is an Islamic holiday and I get a week off of school!
I asked my Arabic teacher to explain this holiday, so here's a brief synopsis. I hope it's right. Well, I'm sure the information she gave me is right; I just hope I'm remembering it correctly.
This Eid is celebrated by haj حج (by the way, I can write that!, of course I didn't but I can:) (pilgrimage) to Mecca. Mecca is the holy city in Saudia Arabia. All Muslims are supposed to go on haj once in their lifetime during Eid. When they get to Mecca they pray, fast, and walk around a mosque (Kabba) 7 times. This mosque is regarded as Allah's dwelling and is to be treated with respect and reverence. She told me why you walk around 7 times, but I can't remember. I suppose I should have written this one last night when I remembered more of what she told me. Oh well. Animal sacrifice is also required and then a 3 day celebration. Those that do not go on haj, pray more than usual at home, fast, and perfom an animal sacrifice. My Arabic teacher has already perfromed her haj so she is not going to Mecca. She said that even with the crowds of people gathered for haj it was a very serious event for her and she could really feel Allah's presence. A couple of my students are going to Mecca. I'm not sure if this counts as their haj because they are so young, but they are going with their family.
Dare I say it? I think it's getting cooler! Well, it is getting cooler, but there was one morning when I was a bit chilly! Yes, chilly! OK that's only in the morning and evening, but still, that's better than hot all the time. The temps here have been in the upper 80s to mid 90s this week. No more 100s!!!! There's a nice breeze in the mornings and evenings and if I wasn't in the middle of the desert I would probably have my windows open as the temps can drop to the 70s.
Wednesday a couple of teachers surprised me with a birthday gift! They were so sweet! They came into my room in the morning smiling and saying "Happy birthday!", which of course made my girls giggle and start singing Happy Birthday all over again. I thought they were done with that! They told me that they wanted to see me for a minute and then they gave me the gift. They gave me some body wash and lotion. Very nice!
I am surviving Arabic classes. She asked me to read on Wed. I had a very hard time. I could identify some letters and say them one at a time, but it was a very difficult and slow process to push them together to make words. The girls know that I'm taking Arabic and they're so funny. They try to teach me how to say words and write their names. I will say that my attempts at writing their names or reading words are not always correct. I have a hard time hearing the differences in certain sounds and knowing what letter to write or to say. Then there's always the added difficulty of letters changing shape based on their position. Still lots to learn, but they are so cute trying to teach me. Although they go very fast and don't really give me enough time to think, but it's cute nonetheless. One little girl was so cute today. I aksed to see her Arabic book and she was standing on a chair next to me so she could help me! Too cute:) Not very safe, but cute! I guess I should have sat down instead of her standing on a chair. Oh well, there's no OSHA here.
Wed. Miss. Salha, a teacher that I share one of my rooms with, asked me "why they not clean up, Miss Sara?" I told her that I really try. I do, I try to make them clean up and put their English books away and get Arabic out, but they just don't listen to me. I am not going to waste my time yelling at them to clean up. I try. I tell them to pick up and straighten their tables, but they don't listen. She made me kind of mad; like I'm not trying and I let them do whatever they want. I will say that when I come in the room isn't perfect looking either. I am always telling them to put their Arabic books away and get English out. I see papers on the floor and all over their desks. So she's not making them clean up either.
Dinner with Cassie and Susan was at an American restaurant, where they had 50s and 60s music playing. What a taste of home! Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for humus, rice, chicken tikka, and shwarma. Although it's good, we all just needed a break tonight. So we went to this new restaurant in Bawadi Mall. It was very good. I had a chicken turkey melt with fries. The fries weren't all that good especially since the Ranch dressing isn't really Ranch dressing. But sitting there listening to the music and eating American food I felt like I was at home. That is until I noticed the Arabic writing on the menu and other stores in the mall. It was just a quick taste of America!
I am going to Abu Dhabi (which I just found out is not pronounced D-abi, it's pronounced Thabi the /Th/ like that) on Sunday and then to Jordan for the break. Can't wait!
I asked my Arabic teacher to explain this holiday, so here's a brief synopsis. I hope it's right. Well, I'm sure the information she gave me is right; I just hope I'm remembering it correctly.
This Eid is celebrated by haj حج (by the way, I can write that!, of course I didn't but I can:) (pilgrimage) to Mecca. Mecca is the holy city in Saudia Arabia. All Muslims are supposed to go on haj once in their lifetime during Eid. When they get to Mecca they pray, fast, and walk around a mosque (Kabba) 7 times. This mosque is regarded as Allah's dwelling and is to be treated with respect and reverence. She told me why you walk around 7 times, but I can't remember. I suppose I should have written this one last night when I remembered more of what she told me. Oh well. Animal sacrifice is also required and then a 3 day celebration. Those that do not go on haj, pray more than usual at home, fast, and perfom an animal sacrifice. My Arabic teacher has already perfromed her haj so she is not going to Mecca. She said that even with the crowds of people gathered for haj it was a very serious event for her and she could really feel Allah's presence. A couple of my students are going to Mecca. I'm not sure if this counts as their haj because they are so young, but they are going with their family.
Dare I say it? I think it's getting cooler! Well, it is getting cooler, but there was one morning when I was a bit chilly! Yes, chilly! OK that's only in the morning and evening, but still, that's better than hot all the time. The temps here have been in the upper 80s to mid 90s this week. No more 100s!!!! There's a nice breeze in the mornings and evenings and if I wasn't in the middle of the desert I would probably have my windows open as the temps can drop to the 70s.
Wednesday a couple of teachers surprised me with a birthday gift! They were so sweet! They came into my room in the morning smiling and saying "Happy birthday!", which of course made my girls giggle and start singing Happy Birthday all over again. I thought they were done with that! They told me that they wanted to see me for a minute and then they gave me the gift. They gave me some body wash and lotion. Very nice!
I am surviving Arabic classes. She asked me to read on Wed. I had a very hard time. I could identify some letters and say them one at a time, but it was a very difficult and slow process to push them together to make words. The girls know that I'm taking Arabic and they're so funny. They try to teach me how to say words and write their names. I will say that my attempts at writing their names or reading words are not always correct. I have a hard time hearing the differences in certain sounds and knowing what letter to write or to say. Then there's always the added difficulty of letters changing shape based on their position. Still lots to learn, but they are so cute trying to teach me. Although they go very fast and don't really give me enough time to think, but it's cute nonetheless. One little girl was so cute today. I aksed to see her Arabic book and she was standing on a chair next to me so she could help me! Too cute:) Not very safe, but cute! I guess I should have sat down instead of her standing on a chair. Oh well, there's no OSHA here.
Wed. Miss. Salha, a teacher that I share one of my rooms with, asked me "why they not clean up, Miss Sara?" I told her that I really try. I do, I try to make them clean up and put their English books away and get Arabic out, but they just don't listen to me. I am not going to waste my time yelling at them to clean up. I try. I tell them to pick up and straighten their tables, but they don't listen. She made me kind of mad; like I'm not trying and I let them do whatever they want. I will say that when I come in the room isn't perfect looking either. I am always telling them to put their Arabic books away and get English out. I see papers on the floor and all over their desks. So she's not making them clean up either.
Dinner with Cassie and Susan was at an American restaurant, where they had 50s and 60s music playing. What a taste of home! Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for humus, rice, chicken tikka, and shwarma. Although it's good, we all just needed a break tonight. So we went to this new restaurant in Bawadi Mall. It was very good. I had a chicken turkey melt with fries. The fries weren't all that good especially since the Ranch dressing isn't really Ranch dressing. But sitting there listening to the music and eating American food I felt like I was at home. That is until I noticed the Arabic writing on the menu and other stores in the mall. It was just a quick taste of America!
I am going to Abu Dhabi (which I just found out is not pronounced D-abi, it's pronounced Thabi the /Th/ like that) on Sunday and then to Jordan for the break. Can't wait!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
I went back
Due to my lack of understanding and participation in my Arabic lesson on Thursday I did not get much out of it. All of the lessons are building upon the previous one and I didn't want to be behind, that would only make it more frustrating for me. So I asked, yes I asked, my instructor if I could come for an extra lesson today. She agreed and I went.
It was extremely difficult to go back, but I needed to. I went and tried. I didn't produce the sounds correctly, but at least I tried. I even specifically asked for help with the most difficult one. Which meant that I had to say it. And believe it or not, I survived.
She even prepped me for tomorrow's lesson, which includes the most difficult sounds. Of course! At least I know in advance and had the opportunity to practice for a bit. I can prepare myself mentally for tomorrow.
I will not give up!
It was extremely difficult to go back, but I needed to. I went and tried. I didn't produce the sounds correctly, but at least I tried. I even specifically asked for help with the most difficult one. Which meant that I had to say it. And believe it or not, I survived.
She even prepped me for tomorrow's lesson, which includes the most difficult sounds. Of course! At least I know in advance and had the opportunity to practice for a bit. I can prepare myself mentally for tomorrow.
I will not give up!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Weekend
What a wonderful weekend at the exact moment that I needed it! Kisha came from Abu Dhabi to spend the weekend with me and Cassie. It was great!
We went to church on Friday morning then out to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. No, not the Family Restaurant. We went to Corriander. It's a wonderful Indian restaurant where all the food tastes so fresh. The service is fantastic and the food is prepared right when you order it. The spices are wonderful. I love the curry. Not too spicy though, just a little bit! Great lunch! Then we did some shopping at Bawadi Mall (our favorite mall). I got some Christmas presents! Be on the lookout for some handmade gifts from Pakistan.
We then headed up the mountain and since I had bought a new camera I could take some pictures. They didn't turn out all that good because it was dark, but have a look anyway. I love it up there! It is so beautiful and peaceful. Well, it wasn't all that peaceful on a Friday night, but it was still beautiful. Nothing here is peaceful on a Friday night. I didn't have coffee like I wanted to, but it was still nice to go back up. I will have to take a trip in the daylight.
We went to church on Friday morning then out to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. No, not the Family Restaurant. We went to Corriander. It's a wonderful Indian restaurant where all the food tastes so fresh. The service is fantastic and the food is prepared right when you order it. The spices are wonderful. I love the curry. Not too spicy though, just a little bit! Great lunch! Then we did some shopping at Bawadi Mall (our favorite mall). I got some Christmas presents! Be on the lookout for some handmade gifts from Pakistan.
We then headed up the mountain and since I had bought a new camera I could take some pictures. They didn't turn out all that good because it was dark, but have a look anyway. I love it up there! It is so beautiful and peaceful. Well, it wasn't all that peaceful on a Friday night, but it was still beautiful. Nothing here is peaceful on a Friday night. I didn't have coffee like I wanted to, but it was still nice to go back up. I will have to take a trip in the daylight.
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| top of Jebel Hafeet where the coffee shop is |
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| view from the middle, valley in the middle and city beyond |
After our trip up the mountain we came home and just hung out in the apartment. We had some girl talk time! It was very nice.
Saturday we had a nice breakfast and then went to the camel market. We had to take Kisha there; it's just something that you have to experience when in Al Ain. We saw baby camels that were only 1-3 days old. Very cute. When they are sleeping they look like they are dead. We saw a few that were sleeping and I thought they were dead until a guy told us they were sleeping.
Now it is time to study Arabic:( and get ready for the week:( Where does the weekend go?? Next week at this time I will be getting ready for my trip to Jordan. Well, not really at this time since it's only Saturday and I don't leave until Monday, but it will be a lot closer.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Arabic class
I am not quite sure how to explain my frustration. If you have ever taken a foreign language and have struggled making certain sounds, you know how I am feeling. It's frustrating, difficult, and very overwhelming.
I had gone into tonight's lesson feeling very confident and prepared. I had studied and even memorized 10 words. I could read them in Arabic and translate them to English and read them in English and translate to Arabic. I was enjoying writing the letters and I could even identify some letters in words! I was ready to show her what I knew.
Unfortunately that is not how the lesson went. I knew that it was going to be difficult right from the beginning when I saw on the top of the page "letters with no Engish equivalence." Oh no here we go again. That brought back memories of 2 weeks ago when I attempted the /ha/. Supposedly my /ha/ is getting better, but I still don't hear it. Anyway, I glanced down the list of the letters we were learning this week and saw /s/, /sh/, /s/ (yeah, exactly why 2 /s/'s?), and /d/. I thought I had learned /d/ last week. I had only learned one /d/. There are 2 and they are slightly different, just like the 2 /s/'s. Sound hard? I wish you could hear the letters, maybe then you could help me because I don't hear the difference in the /s/. I can hear it in the /d/. One is more like the regular /d/ sound and the other is more like /daugh/ like in daughter. Easy enough by itself, but try combining that sound with an e. /daughe/???? Try saying that one.
I was so frustrated and overwhelmed that I started crying after she spent several minutes trying to get me to hear the difference and say the sounds. I just couldn't do it. They all sounded the same and incorrect when I said them. The more frustrated I got the less I wanted to participate. I just wanted to go home and quit. It became very difficult to continue the lesson. I even had trouble with the letters that I knew. I couldn't even find the /b/ (one of the easiest letters and one that I learned in the first lesson) in words and I couldn't say words that had letters in them that I knew. All the letters were becoming jumbled, which isn't too difficult in the first place since they are all smushed together and change shape based on their position in the word.
Now that I know all the letters in my name, she showed me how to write it, but I wasn't all that impressed. I know she was trying to cheer me up, but I didn't care. She is very kind and encouraging so I shouldn't be getting upset because she really isn't putting any pressure on me. She is very patient and wants me to do good. She kept telling me that I need to be proud of myself because I am reading and my /ha/ is better, and I can do the /r/ (rolling r's like in French and Spanish), and /kh/ very well while others are still struggling with those sounds. She made a point of making me read the word patience, in Arabic of course. Learning takes patience and practice. It's pretty bad that on the 5th lesson my instructor can tell that I am a perfectionist and sensitive.
Hopefully things will get better.
I had gone into tonight's lesson feeling very confident and prepared. I had studied and even memorized 10 words. I could read them in Arabic and translate them to English and read them in English and translate to Arabic. I was enjoying writing the letters and I could even identify some letters in words! I was ready to show her what I knew.
Unfortunately that is not how the lesson went. I knew that it was going to be difficult right from the beginning when I saw on the top of the page "letters with no Engish equivalence." Oh no here we go again. That brought back memories of 2 weeks ago when I attempted the /ha/. Supposedly my /ha/ is getting better, but I still don't hear it. Anyway, I glanced down the list of the letters we were learning this week and saw /s/, /sh/, /s/ (yeah, exactly why 2 /s/'s?), and /d/. I thought I had learned /d/ last week. I had only learned one /d/. There are 2 and they are slightly different, just like the 2 /s/'s. Sound hard? I wish you could hear the letters, maybe then you could help me because I don't hear the difference in the /s/. I can hear it in the /d/. One is more like the regular /d/ sound and the other is more like /daugh/ like in daughter. Easy enough by itself, but try combining that sound with an e. /daughe/???? Try saying that one.
I was so frustrated and overwhelmed that I started crying after she spent several minutes trying to get me to hear the difference and say the sounds. I just couldn't do it. They all sounded the same and incorrect when I said them. The more frustrated I got the less I wanted to participate. I just wanted to go home and quit. It became very difficult to continue the lesson. I even had trouble with the letters that I knew. I couldn't even find the /b/ (one of the easiest letters and one that I learned in the first lesson) in words and I couldn't say words that had letters in them that I knew. All the letters were becoming jumbled, which isn't too difficult in the first place since they are all smushed together and change shape based on their position in the word.
Now that I know all the letters in my name, she showed me how to write it, but I wasn't all that impressed. I know she was trying to cheer me up, but I didn't care. She is very kind and encouraging so I shouldn't be getting upset because she really isn't putting any pressure on me. She is very patient and wants me to do good. She kept telling me that I need to be proud of myself because I am reading and my /ha/ is better, and I can do the /r/ (rolling r's like in French and Spanish), and /kh/ very well while others are still struggling with those sounds. She made a point of making me read the word patience, in Arabic of course. Learning takes patience and practice. It's pretty bad that on the 5th lesson my instructor can tell that I am a perfectionist and sensitive.
Hopefully things will get better.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Birthday in the UAE
Today is my birthday and although it is different not being with friends in NC, or family, I have made friends here who are helping to make this day special for me!
The girls knew it was my birthday today and they have been asking me about it for the past week. I'm actually glad it's over with so they won't ask me anymore. "Happy birthday today, Miss?" Everyday for a week.
Oh the gifts! They are so different from gifts that I have gotten from students in the past. I got a lot of jewelry! And those of you who really know me know that I don't do a lot of jewelry. I got a necklace with a big flower on it (too big for my taste), one with black and red beads (that one is kind of nice but very heavy), and a diamond necklace and earrings (that's more my style:). It's very nice, I was actually looking at something similar in the store and thought about buying it. It's very simple yet elegant. I love it and I can't believe that it came from a student. I also got some perfume (Chanel), a watch (diamond studded, but I don't know if they're real diamonds or not) and a huge heart ring. I will definitely be wearing all the jewelry so the kids see that I have it on, but some of it is just not for me. It's the thought that counts and I was truly surprised at the gifts. I also got some more traditional gifts; things that I would have gotten from students back home. I got a few hand made cards! Those are precious:) I got a box full of candy (I don't need it, but it's chocoloate:), some stickers, and a liter of Pepsi. Yes, a liter of Pepsi. OK that one is weird, but I'll put it in the fridge and drink it anyway.
So that being said, I got all the gifts and then succeeded in making 3 girls cry today. Yeah not the best birthday present, but the afternoon was rough. I am sick of it. I am tired of them listening when they want to and doing whatever they want to. So I decided to make the ones that weren't listening go back and sit at their table for the rest of the day. They also got no stickers. That's what made them cry. I know 2 of them will be better tomorrow because they are usually very good students, but the third one I'm not sure. I had 10 girls out of 26 in my 3/1 class that were listening all day and not yelling at each other. Many of the girls that weren't listening said "I sorry, Miss", over and over but I wasn't taking it today. They constantly tell me sorry, but they continue in their misbehavior. Maybe things will be different tomorrow.
So that's my birthday. I talked to family members yesterday and even this morning, which was still last night in the US. It was kind of interesting to talk to Amy on my birthday, but it wasn't my birthday yet. I get to celebrate my birthday for 32 hours! How many people can say that?
The girls knew it was my birthday today and they have been asking me about it for the past week. I'm actually glad it's over with so they won't ask me anymore. "Happy birthday today, Miss?" Everyday for a week.
Oh the gifts! They are so different from gifts that I have gotten from students in the past. I got a lot of jewelry! And those of you who really know me know that I don't do a lot of jewelry. I got a necklace with a big flower on it (too big for my taste), one with black and red beads (that one is kind of nice but very heavy), and a diamond necklace and earrings (that's more my style:). It's very nice, I was actually looking at something similar in the store and thought about buying it. It's very simple yet elegant. I love it and I can't believe that it came from a student. I also got some perfume (Chanel), a watch (diamond studded, but I don't know if they're real diamonds or not) and a huge heart ring. I will definitely be wearing all the jewelry so the kids see that I have it on, but some of it is just not for me. It's the thought that counts and I was truly surprised at the gifts. I also got some more traditional gifts; things that I would have gotten from students back home. I got a few hand made cards! Those are precious:) I got a box full of candy (I don't need it, but it's chocoloate:), some stickers, and a liter of Pepsi. Yes, a liter of Pepsi. OK that one is weird, but I'll put it in the fridge and drink it anyway.
So that being said, I got all the gifts and then succeeded in making 3 girls cry today. Yeah not the best birthday present, but the afternoon was rough. I am sick of it. I am tired of them listening when they want to and doing whatever they want to. So I decided to make the ones that weren't listening go back and sit at their table for the rest of the day. They also got no stickers. That's what made them cry. I know 2 of them will be better tomorrow because they are usually very good students, but the third one I'm not sure. I had 10 girls out of 26 in my 3/1 class that were listening all day and not yelling at each other. Many of the girls that weren't listening said "I sorry, Miss", over and over but I wasn't taking it today. They constantly tell me sorry, but they continue in their misbehavior. Maybe things will be different tomorrow.
So that's my birthday. I talked to family members yesterday and even this morning, which was still last night in the US. It was kind of interesting to talk to Amy on my birthday, but it wasn't my birthday yet. I get to celebrate my birthday for 32 hours! How many people can say that?
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