It's been practically five months since I touched down here (happy anniversary!). But, I haven't been wholly faithful to here the whole time - it's okay - we've talked. I've touched off twice to try out new sights and new soil. And they were good times.
First, I flew solo to another archipelago. Though colder, (yet warmer, thanks to a borrowed cap and Tove's warm heart), Stockholm was almost just like Bahrain. Almost. Except not really much at all. It was nice to flip my surroundings upside down. I went to a birthday party with hanging orange peels, Swedish conversation, very friendly people, dancing, and friendly music; I had dumplings, delicious soup with Jerusalem artichokes boiled in cream, called jordartskocksoppa, risotto, lasagna, and many scrumptious breakfasts of yogurt, bread with cheese, eggs, and juice. It was a delicious trip, and it fed my soul to have so many good conversations over these tasty treats. Thank you, Tove.
Fika (a break in mid-afternoon when you stop to drink a hot drink and a tasty, buttery, cardamommy roll)
I also went to Oman with a group of trooper, adventurous teachers. This was take-off from Bahrain number two. We rode around the country in a land cruiser, and we loved it. Fish markets, "modern" art museums with dioramas of old Oman, a palace, marigolds, a Grand Mosque with a towel on my head and fleece on my arms (making due with what I had), a wadi (valley) with a secret blue door, a sink hole to jump into, a beach at sunrise with a mama turtle and her little scurrying babies, corniches by the seaside, topography!!, laughing!! Shukran, habibis - it was fun.
Then, I came back to Bahrain, and I have been settling in again since then. We had a concert with the Manama Singers, and it was really fun to harmonize with people again. I went to a play at St. Christopher's school, "Arabian Nights," and it was awesome. The students did fantastically and I laughed so hard. I've finished the dark novel, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding in my class. Their assignment over break is to find an article about the GOOD things people can do together. I think it will be good for their hearts. There have been some bullying issues, as well, and it has sometimes been frustrating to know how to get them to see that they need to pass the conch much better in class, and to respect each other more, just like the boys in the novel. It's a challenge to know exactly how to make that connection, but hope is not lost - it's kindling.
Now, I have a few more days until winter break. AND MY FAMILY IS COMING! I am so excited to see them! Best Christmas present ever.
Well, though this might seem like a long post, it feels quite short for me as I'm missing SO many things - events, ponderings, nummy food, and other things - with it being such a long time. But, I wanted to send a little piece of what life has been like for those who would like a small bite. I am learning, I am living, and for every challenge, I would say there is also something that makes me thankful, makes me smile, and makes me hopeful. This is good.
Thinking of all of you - whether in snow or sunshine! xoxox
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