Random Observations

I’m not sure what to write about, but it's been an ok week and I feel the need to make an effort to share the good things and bad things, even if they're seemingly trivial. Activities of note include:

1. Confirming my flights and leave for 32 sleeps time to Melbourne & Wellington (and I’m as excited as anyone would be 32 sleeps-out).

2. Finding out that my Arabic teacher can no longer teach me, for an unknown reason.

3. Visiting a women’s only bazaar and watching a talented, confident and beautiful ~130kg teenager with a buzz cut, low-hanging jeans, studded belt and a heavy-metal t-shirt dance in the traditional Doo style, followed by her convincing two veiled young women to join her in a beautiful display. The music sounds like a DJ’s mix of Hindi tracks, American pop and Middle Eastern beats. The dancing seems as though the women is riding a camel. Up and down, up and down, but very smoothly. I can’t testify to the smoothness of a camel ride yet. Still on the to-do list.

4. Attended the horse races in a country where gambling and drinking alcohol is illegal. As fun as it sounds, but the food was good.

5. Had a lovely meal with a new Czech friend who was telling me a bit about her life. She told me that she hates Rongopai people (due to the history of activities in her home country). Something I didn't expect to hear, and I'm not sure how to process. Our friendship continues. For those that kk...

5. Hearing Abu Majeed’s new phrase when the religious police are in site. They routinely yell “Cover your hair woman!” so he’s taken to saying “Cover your hair, open your abayya” under his breath. Amusing, but quite naughty. This week, he was heard by one of the men as they walked past. They asked him to repeat what he’d said, and he looked at them very innocently before they walked away thank goodness!

6. Discussing the fear that my 8 new Czech friends had about sitting their English exam this week. I reassured them that I understood them perfectly well, and I was confident they would be fine. Unfortunately, only 5 of 20 girls achieved the pass rate of 65%. They were appeased by the thought that it is too much of a hassle for the hospital put them all back on a plane home. And so far, so good.