Saturday, March 26, 2011
Birthday in Bahrain!
I am not one to make a big deal about my birthday (particularly since I have been 30 now for three years), however this year I got to go swimming and lounge by a pool outside, so I am going to make a big deal out of it. For those of us from Minnesota and other cold locations, we know that the chances are very slim to wear a swimsuit and catch rays outside in March. This year I can say I did though, which was nice amidst all the lingering turmoil and fear. Making plans are really a day to day thing, so I had no idea what I was going to do until Tuesday evening. Being the middle of the week, it is also difficult for people who live in certain areas to make plans for the evening. So, it has kind of been an ongoing celebration, but I am okay with that.
On my actual birthday my students sang to me in both English and Arabic. It is great being back at school with the students. Dare I say they were happy to be back after over a week also? I think so, as several of them told me they were getting bored. I am not above knowing though that the boredom came more from not being able to see their friends, than actually getting some schoolwork done :)
After school I went to the British Club with Peter and Kathy, were I had fish n' chips- typical pub fare, but it was really good. Then I lounged by the pool and basked in the sun. In the evening I went across the hall to the flat of another teacher. She along with her sister (yet another teacher) had baked a cake for me and ordered Chinese Food. There was a teacher at school who made brownies for me and the head of English gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I also got some fun earrings, as I enjoy jewelry. It was a great day filled with friends and fun!
I really wanted to go to the Hard Rock Cafe on my birthday- alas that has been postponed and hopefully rescheduled for next week. Every place I travel to that has a Hard Rock, I have to visit. It is like a thing- I collect a shot glass from each location. I think I have 13 or 14. Silly, but fun nonetheless. Today, I got to enjoy the present from another teacher at the school. She booked me an hour long massage and a manicure and pedicure. Fabulous...that is all I can say...and reasonable. I figured all that to come to about $55, which I didn't think was that bad, compared to what I have paid in the States for just a massage. I have a feeling I will visit this place again before returning to MN. After the massage I did some more sightseeing, visiting The Site Museum and Al Jasra handicraft Centre. The Site Museum, was near Bahrain Fort and gave a detailed history and contained many artifacts from the Dilmun Era, which began in 2200 BC. Amazing how well preserved many of things were and so detailed for the time. I love being a tourist! The Handicraft Centre was a place where artists create things right in front of you, from baskets, to pottery to jewelry chests. Very interesting and fascinating. I kind of scoped out some things I need to buy before returning home. And what tourist day would be complete without a stop at the Dairy Queen? In Bahrain it is a must :)
It was great getting out today, as yesterday we were encouraged to stay indoors. There were rumors circulating on Thursday, that some things were going to happen all around Bahrain on Friday. I did my grocery shopping bright and early, then found lots to do inside...well cleaning, laundry etc. Not a lot happened though that I am aware of. It appears that rumors get started,get bigger and than instill fear in everyone. Not a day goes by though that I do not pray for peace and calm. While I am safe, many people are not. As I write this I hope that things remain calm overnight, so that we have school tomorrow, the next day and the next day. One just hopes and prays day to day for some normalcy.
On my actual birthday my students sang to me in both English and Arabic. It is great being back at school with the students. Dare I say they were happy to be back after over a week also? I think so, as several of them told me they were getting bored. I am not above knowing though that the boredom came more from not being able to see their friends, than actually getting some schoolwork done :)
After school I went to the British Club with Peter and Kathy, were I had fish n' chips- typical pub fare, but it was really good. Then I lounged by the pool and basked in the sun. In the evening I went across the hall to the flat of another teacher. She along with her sister (yet another teacher) had baked a cake for me and ordered Chinese Food. There was a teacher at school who made brownies for me and the head of English gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I also got some fun earrings, as I enjoy jewelry. It was a great day filled with friends and fun!
I really wanted to go to the Hard Rock Cafe on my birthday- alas that has been postponed and hopefully rescheduled for next week. Every place I travel to that has a Hard Rock, I have to visit. It is like a thing- I collect a shot glass from each location. I think I have 13 or 14. Silly, but fun nonetheless. Today, I got to enjoy the present from another teacher at the school. She booked me an hour long massage and a manicure and pedicure. Fabulous...that is all I can say...and reasonable. I figured all that to come to about $55, which I didn't think was that bad, compared to what I have paid in the States for just a massage. I have a feeling I will visit this place again before returning to MN. After the massage I did some more sightseeing, visiting The Site Museum and Al Jasra handicraft Centre. The Site Museum, was near Bahrain Fort and gave a detailed history and contained many artifacts from the Dilmun Era, which began in 2200 BC. Amazing how well preserved many of things were and so detailed for the time. I love being a tourist! The Handicraft Centre was a place where artists create things right in front of you, from baskets, to pottery to jewelry chests. Very interesting and fascinating. I kind of scoped out some things I need to buy before returning home. And what tourist day would be complete without a stop at the Dairy Queen? In Bahrain it is a must :)
It was great getting out today, as yesterday we were encouraged to stay indoors. There were rumors circulating on Thursday, that some things were going to happen all around Bahrain on Friday. I did my grocery shopping bright and early, then found lots to do inside...well cleaning, laundry etc. Not a lot happened though that I am aware of. It appears that rumors get started,get bigger and than instill fear in everyone. Not a day goes by though that I do not pray for peace and calm. While I am safe, many people are not. As I write this I hope that things remain calm overnight, so that we have school tomorrow, the next day and the next day. One just hopes and prays day to day for some normalcy.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Back to School (again)
In the week since I last wrote, a lot has happened in some ways, yet in others not a lot. By that I mean, chaos and tragedy erupted once again in Bahrain, while I stayed safely cooped up inside my flat. By the third day of being indoors, I found myself watching the washing machine spin and said to myself, "no I have not lost my mind." By the fourth day I walked just down the street to another teacher's place for lunch. Just being outside for those four minutes was fabulous. The weather here is so nice, I just want to stand outside and bask in it, alas I could not do that. I peered at the world from my balcony through a corner of the shade. I finally gauged the situation outside by how close the helicopters were flying and whether or not the cold store was open across the street.
I am not trying to focus on the weather, but two days this week I was able to get out and go with Peter and Kathy as a guest to the British Club. There I sat poolside catching some rays and then swam some laps in the pool. In cases like this not being in school is okay, because there is something to do and I was able to leave the flat. The other teachers who live on the same floor as me were a great comfort during the days of solitute. While I kept assuring everyone I was safe (which I was), that does not mean I was scared. It did come up whether or not I should return home, yet I did not want to be hasty.
That turned out to be a good things because on Sunday, teachers were mandated (for real) by the Ministry of Education in Bahrain to return to school. So Sunday and Monday were strange half days of meetings and sitting in my classroom, twiddling my thumbs. I pretty much have several weeks of lesson plans done, so there was not much for me to do in the classroom. Regardless, it was nice being able to get out of the flat for a while and see people. Seeing and reconnecting with people is a very important thing during troubled times. I am grateful to all the other staff members who kept calling to check up on me during the days off. I have for sure made some very good friends here :)
Yesterday afternoon I got a text, saying the Ministry of Education stated that students will return to school on Tuesday. Of course I was thrilled, but trying not to get too excited because I knew a lot could still happen between then and this morning. Fortunately, I am at school and students are everywhere. It is a great sight and feeling. I missed them all so much and know these times are not easy for them. I am trying to be the understanding teacher, while also teaching and giving them work to do. A lot is still going on locally and it is all very sad. I pray for peace and a return to normalcy for my students and the country. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Will write more soon.
I am not trying to focus on the weather, but two days this week I was able to get out and go with Peter and Kathy as a guest to the British Club. There I sat poolside catching some rays and then swam some laps in the pool. In cases like this not being in school is okay, because there is something to do and I was able to leave the flat. The other teachers who live on the same floor as me were a great comfort during the days of solitute. While I kept assuring everyone I was safe (which I was), that does not mean I was scared. It did come up whether or not I should return home, yet I did not want to be hasty.
That turned out to be a good things because on Sunday, teachers were mandated (for real) by the Ministry of Education in Bahrain to return to school. So Sunday and Monday were strange half days of meetings and sitting in my classroom, twiddling my thumbs. I pretty much have several weeks of lesson plans done, so there was not much for me to do in the classroom. Regardless, it was nice being able to get out of the flat for a while and see people. Seeing and reconnecting with people is a very important thing during troubled times. I am grateful to all the other staff members who kept calling to check up on me during the days off. I have for sure made some very good friends here :)
Yesterday afternoon I got a text, saying the Ministry of Education stated that students will return to school on Tuesday. Of course I was thrilled, but trying not to get too excited because I knew a lot could still happen between then and this morning. Fortunately, I am at school and students are everywhere. It is a great sight and feeling. I missed them all so much and know these times are not easy for them. I am trying to be the understanding teacher, while also teaching and giving them work to do. A lot is still going on locally and it is all very sad. I pray for peace and a return to normalcy for my students and the country. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Will write more soon.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Safe
I am sure many of you are aware by now that things have heated up again in Bahrain. Sunday at school was an unusual day. Students kept arriving late because roads and bridges were closed. Basically something was going on in the Financial District and being that a main road runs through that, it complicated matters in trying to get around. It seemed students had all arrived and then suddenly parents were arriving to take them home. Finally by 12:30pm parents were sent a message and slowly, slowly parents arrived and students took off. It is a day to day question, on whether or not school will be on tomorrow.
Monday, many staff members showed up (including me). Of course I live just down the street. Anyway, maybe a dozen or so students in the whole school showed up. They were sent to the library to hang out while there was staff meeting. Finally about 10am we were all told to go home. I used the time to my advantage though, cleaning my flat and doing laundry. I also had to get some materials together to e-mail to my students, so they have something to do at home, should this continue. I of course planned some things that would not require the textbook, as I know many of my students would not have brought that home with them. Saudi troops entered the city yesterday and this is looked upon as an imposition by the protesters. I knew the quiet that had existed the last few weeks, was merely calm before the storm.
Today, I awaited the message saying there was no school, but finally called Peter instead who said come late. He did eventually call me and told me not to bother coming at all. I stayed in bed and took advantage of sleeping in. With that luxury though, I hope and pray that this storm passes quickly and peacefully. I will head over to Peter and Kathy's for lunch. They live close and it will get me out of the flat. I look out my windows and people are outside and there are cars driving around. It is a matter of how things feel wherever you are. If I do not feel comfortable outside, I will come right back in.
I just want to reiterate that I am fine and safe. I have many people looking out for me. I have had four phone calls today from people checking up on me, so I feel very much cared for. Your prayers would be much appreciated during this time. I will write more soon :)
Monday, many staff members showed up (including me). Of course I live just down the street. Anyway, maybe a dozen or so students in the whole school showed up. They were sent to the library to hang out while there was staff meeting. Finally about 10am we were all told to go home. I used the time to my advantage though, cleaning my flat and doing laundry. I also had to get some materials together to e-mail to my students, so they have something to do at home, should this continue. I of course planned some things that would not require the textbook, as I know many of my students would not have brought that home with them. Saudi troops entered the city yesterday and this is looked upon as an imposition by the protesters. I knew the quiet that had existed the last few weeks, was merely calm before the storm.
Today, I awaited the message saying there was no school, but finally called Peter instead who said come late. He did eventually call me and told me not to bother coming at all. I stayed in bed and took advantage of sleeping in. With that luxury though, I hope and pray that this storm passes quickly and peacefully. I will head over to Peter and Kathy's for lunch. They live close and it will get me out of the flat. I look out my windows and people are outside and there are cars driving around. It is a matter of how things feel wherever you are. If I do not feel comfortable outside, I will come right back in.
I just want to reiterate that I am fine and safe. I have many people looking out for me. I have had four phone calls today from people checking up on me, so I feel very much cared for. Your prayers would be much appreciated during this time. I will write more soon :)
A Wildlife Park, Fort and Dairy Queen!
I have been keeping busy since I last wrote, which is a good thing. Until the last few days, things had been back to normal in that school was in session and I woke up and had some place to go and a routine again. I will write another entry that focuses on the latest news. This entry is strictly on the doings of tourist Anna :) As I mentioned in my last entry I was set to go to City Centre, which is the biggest mall in Bahrain. Everyone talks about it and says it is huge. I don't know what I was expecting actually since I come from the state where the Mall of America is located. Needless to say it was about one fourth the size of the MOA if even that, although it is always fun to walk around malls in other parts of the world. Some shops are the same....like GAP, Claire's and H&M...and some are different. I saw "Life As We Know It" again, which I saw was now on DVD in the States, so I have to laugh. Of course this time I got to watch it with Arabic subtitles on the bottom of the screen, so there.
Sunday, weak student reports were due for the first part of quarter 3. I am thrilled to report that all 49 of my students are passing. Some not by much, but passing nonetheless. I am told this is a big deal...so I feel good about that. The dance I was supposed to chaperone a while back was rescheduled for last Thursday, but on Wednesday, it was decided to cancel it. The worry was not our students, but youth from the outside getting in and creating problems. I know that all the students were disappointed. I was also bummed at not getting to chaperone, but safety is key.
On Ash Wednesday I attended service at the local Anglican Church, St. Christopher's. Besides the Catholic Church it was the only place that had an Ash Wednesday service and I really wanted to attend one. I really enjoyed it and I forgot how close an Anglican service was to a Lutheran one. For sure closer than any other services I have attended while in Bahrain, so that was nice and refreshing. Nothing against the other services, but there is something about what you know and are familiar with. I realised when Lent is over, my adventure in Bahrain will be half over. It really seems crazy how quickly time passes, even with what is going on around you.
I was busy last weekend playing tourist actually and not a moment too soon. I am grateful for all the places I have been able to see and visit and am especially indebted to everyone who drives me to these places. It is difficult not having a car, however I wouldn't want to drive around here anyway. Needless to say I am thankful to everyone who has been Anna's chauffeur. On Friday, I had lunch with Peter and Kathy at the BAPCO buffet. I do really enjoy that place with plenty of choices....some familiar and some not so familiar. I always like to try new things though and have done that a lot since arriving. After lunch we headed off to Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. Basically it is a zoo, but I really enjoyed myself of course took a lot of pictures. Part of the time we walked around looking at animals and the other part we got on a bus and were driven farther out to see other animals. I enjoyed it a lot. That evening I went out with another teacher from school, who is from India, although she has lived in Bahrain for seven years. She took me to a nearby Indian restaurant where I tried some new foods. Some I liked better than others, but again I tried them :) Hanging out with people is really important and I enjoyed the time.
On Saturday, I hung out with another teacher from school, her husband and two twin boys that are four-years-old. She told me if at any time I have had enough of them, to let her know. Of course I am used to being around little ones and really enjoyed myself. It made me miss Skyler, Hunter and Tristan a little more that day though. They were great and we tackled a few things on my "sites to see" list. First stop was the Beit Al Qu'ran Museum. It is basically a museum with different versions of the Qu'ran from all over the world and in different languages. Some dating back to the Fourth Century. Many were hand-decorated and written and are beautifully done. The most fascinating thing was a verse of the Qu'ran which was written on a grain of rice. They had a magnifying glass there to look at it...truly amazing. Alas, no pictures were allowed in the museum, so you will just have to believe me.
After that we went to Arad Fort. Like the Bahrain Fort this was built by the Portuguese although is not as big. It is on the island of Muharraq, just across the bay from Manama. They are currently working on it and updating it for visitors, which apparently they did with the Bahrain Fort awhile back. It is nice to see historic places not neglected as they are so important. The next stop was that where all tourists need to go....Dairy Queen- Grill and Chill. Let me tell you, I walked in and one would think I was back at the Grill and Chill in Minnesota. Exactly the same and even the food was. And the blizzard....delicious. The perfect way to end the day.
The school week on Sunday started off seemingly normal, although we could tell pretty quick that it was not going to be. Students kept arriving until two or three hours after the start time because a lot of roads and bridges were closed and parents had to find alternate routes. Anyway, more info on this I will include in my next entry. I will simply end this one with...and the blizzard was delicious!
Sunday, weak student reports were due for the first part of quarter 3. I am thrilled to report that all 49 of my students are passing. Some not by much, but passing nonetheless. I am told this is a big deal...so I feel good about that. The dance I was supposed to chaperone a while back was rescheduled for last Thursday, but on Wednesday, it was decided to cancel it. The worry was not our students, but youth from the outside getting in and creating problems. I know that all the students were disappointed. I was also bummed at not getting to chaperone, but safety is key.
On Ash Wednesday I attended service at the local Anglican Church, St. Christopher's. Besides the Catholic Church it was the only place that had an Ash Wednesday service and I really wanted to attend one. I really enjoyed it and I forgot how close an Anglican service was to a Lutheran one. For sure closer than any other services I have attended while in Bahrain, so that was nice and refreshing. Nothing against the other services, but there is something about what you know and are familiar with. I realised when Lent is over, my adventure in Bahrain will be half over. It really seems crazy how quickly time passes, even with what is going on around you.
I was busy last weekend playing tourist actually and not a moment too soon. I am grateful for all the places I have been able to see and visit and am especially indebted to everyone who drives me to these places. It is difficult not having a car, however I wouldn't want to drive around here anyway. Needless to say I am thankful to everyone who has been Anna's chauffeur. On Friday, I had lunch with Peter and Kathy at the BAPCO buffet. I do really enjoy that place with plenty of choices....some familiar and some not so familiar. I always like to try new things though and have done that a lot since arriving. After lunch we headed off to Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. Basically it is a zoo, but I really enjoyed myself of course took a lot of pictures. Part of the time we walked around looking at animals and the other part we got on a bus and were driven farther out to see other animals. I enjoyed it a lot. That evening I went out with another teacher from school, who is from India, although she has lived in Bahrain for seven years. She took me to a nearby Indian restaurant where I tried some new foods. Some I liked better than others, but again I tried them :) Hanging out with people is really important and I enjoyed the time.
On Saturday, I hung out with another teacher from school, her husband and two twin boys that are four-years-old. She told me if at any time I have had enough of them, to let her know. Of course I am used to being around little ones and really enjoyed myself. It made me miss Skyler, Hunter and Tristan a little more that day though. They were great and we tackled a few things on my "sites to see" list. First stop was the Beit Al Qu'ran Museum. It is basically a museum with different versions of the Qu'ran from all over the world and in different languages. Some dating back to the Fourth Century. Many were hand-decorated and written and are beautifully done. The most fascinating thing was a verse of the Qu'ran which was written on a grain of rice. They had a magnifying glass there to look at it...truly amazing. Alas, no pictures were allowed in the museum, so you will just have to believe me.
After that we went to Arad Fort. Like the Bahrain Fort this was built by the Portuguese although is not as big. It is on the island of Muharraq, just across the bay from Manama. They are currently working on it and updating it for visitors, which apparently they did with the Bahrain Fort awhile back. It is nice to see historic places not neglected as they are so important. The next stop was that where all tourists need to go....Dairy Queen- Grill and Chill. Let me tell you, I walked in and one would think I was back at the Grill and Chill in Minnesota. Exactly the same and even the food was. And the blizzard....delicious. The perfect way to end the day.
The school week on Sunday started off seemingly normal, although we could tell pretty quick that it was not going to be. Students kept arriving until two or three hours after the start time because a lot of roads and bridges were closed and parents had to find alternate routes. Anyway, more info on this I will include in my next entry. I will simply end this one with...and the blizzard was delicious!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Hello again!
I realised that it had been a while since I last wrote. Of course not much has happened since then, which is a good thing. Apparently, there was some trouble again last night, but I did not know about it until five minutes ago when I was looking at yahoo news. A lot of the teachers at the school/locals are looking out for me, as well as Peter and Kathy, so I know they will keep me informed if anything happens I should be concerned about. Everything seems to be in a different part of the city. Although, when I was sitting in my kitchen today working on lesson plans, I heard singing. I looked out my window and there was a parade of people walking along the distant street waving the Bahrain flag. It was all peaceful from what I could see and I was not afraid at all. Let me stress...no one should worry. I am getting out and about more again. I took a walk around my neighborhood this morning and took some pictures.
I continue to move around and attend different church services. As I have mentioned there are no Lutheran churches in Bahrain, so I am trying to mix it up. Plus, a lot of churches are very conservative and you know me...do not want to get converted :) I have met a lot of great people though, wherever I have been. Last week I went to the Saar Fellowship church again, where a lot of foreign teachers (like myself) go. It was fun because I went out with a bunch of people afterward for lunch. It is always interesting ton hear why and how people ended up in Bahrain. Last night I went to Arabic church again. Yes, it is in Arabic, but the pastor's wife translates. I just like to listen anyway. Besides during fellowship time afterward I enjoy talking to everyone and in English. I am trying to pick up some Arabic. I have one student who is trying to teach me a word-a-day. He has been slacking lately.
We had a full week of school this week (yay) and it has been great. I love going to work everyday. The students are so much fun and I learn from them as they learn from me. This week I tried to explain daylight savings to them, as they do not set their clocks ahead or back. I don't think they understood, but then again I don't really understand why we do it either. I am also picking up some simple things again that I had to get rid of when I left Jerusalem. For example, periods are called full stops again and the date is done day, month, year versus month, day, year. I always thought the rest of the world had that one right...I mean day, month, year just makes more sense. I am also starting to add the 'u' in words again and learning military time, as many people say 1700 hours rather than 5pm. Oh what I will go through when I return to Minnesota in July. A note to everyone now- be prepared and be patient with me :)
I have been hanging out with a teacher who lives across the hall from me. Her name is Victoria and she is from India. She just arrived in August, but her sister has lived her for seven years. It is so much fun getting to know new people. Yesterday after work, a bunch of us went to Fuddruckers for lunch. I think it is funny because we have them in Minnesota, but I have never been. Anyway, it was great social time. Tomorrow I am going with another teacher to City Centre. That is apparently the big mall in Bahrain. I will give you the lowdown in my next entry. the plan is to walk around, shop and see a movie. When we were trying to decide what to see the truth is, I had already seen a lot of what is new here. I remember that from Jerusalem days...movies arrive when they are almost or already on DVD back in the States. So, the plan is to see "Life As We Know It" again tomorrow.
In Bahrain, every restaurant delivers to your flat...and I mean every restaurant. That includes McDonald's, Hardees, other American chains and all the local ones. Tonight, I gave in and tried it. I ordered some Chinese food from a place nearby- I had been craving it. Anyway, gave the street number, building number and apartment number and 40 minutes later I had a delicious dinner. I could get used to this, but it won't become a regular occurrence as prices are a little higher here. I went grocery shopping this morning and pretty much stocked up on food that will tide me over for two weeks. It cost about $65. To some that might not seem like a lot, but if you could see what me- the person who does not cook- had in her cart, you would understand. I will say though that fruits and vegetables are cheaper here.
I suppose that is an update on the last week of Auntie Anna's life in Bahrain. I have been here a month now and it is crazy how quickly time has passed. It is starting to get warmer again and I am told before long Spring will arrive. Note: Spring temps here are in the 80s. Fortunately, I have never been one to complain of heat. I mean I am one of those crazy Bergman's who always goes to Florida in August. Anyway, my weekend is half over, but to many of you..."have a nice weekend!"
I continue to move around and attend different church services. As I have mentioned there are no Lutheran churches in Bahrain, so I am trying to mix it up. Plus, a lot of churches are very conservative and you know me...do not want to get converted :) I have met a lot of great people though, wherever I have been. Last week I went to the Saar Fellowship church again, where a lot of foreign teachers (like myself) go. It was fun because I went out with a bunch of people afterward for lunch. It is always interesting ton hear why and how people ended up in Bahrain. Last night I went to Arabic church again. Yes, it is in Arabic, but the pastor's wife translates. I just like to listen anyway. Besides during fellowship time afterward I enjoy talking to everyone and in English. I am trying to pick up some Arabic. I have one student who is trying to teach me a word-a-day. He has been slacking lately.
We had a full week of school this week (yay) and it has been great. I love going to work everyday. The students are so much fun and I learn from them as they learn from me. This week I tried to explain daylight savings to them, as they do not set their clocks ahead or back. I don't think they understood, but then again I don't really understand why we do it either. I am also picking up some simple things again that I had to get rid of when I left Jerusalem. For example, periods are called full stops again and the date is done day, month, year versus month, day, year. I always thought the rest of the world had that one right...I mean day, month, year just makes more sense. I am also starting to add the 'u' in words again and learning military time, as many people say 1700 hours rather than 5pm. Oh what I will go through when I return to Minnesota in July. A note to everyone now- be prepared and be patient with me :)
I have been hanging out with a teacher who lives across the hall from me. Her name is Victoria and she is from India. She just arrived in August, but her sister has lived her for seven years. It is so much fun getting to know new people. Yesterday after work, a bunch of us went to Fuddruckers for lunch. I think it is funny because we have them in Minnesota, but I have never been. Anyway, it was great social time. Tomorrow I am going with another teacher to City Centre. That is apparently the big mall in Bahrain. I will give you the lowdown in my next entry. the plan is to walk around, shop and see a movie. When we were trying to decide what to see the truth is, I had already seen a lot of what is new here. I remember that from Jerusalem days...movies arrive when they are almost or already on DVD back in the States. So, the plan is to see "Life As We Know It" again tomorrow.
In Bahrain, every restaurant delivers to your flat...and I mean every restaurant. That includes McDonald's, Hardees, other American chains and all the local ones. Tonight, I gave in and tried it. I ordered some Chinese food from a place nearby- I had been craving it. Anyway, gave the street number, building number and apartment number and 40 minutes later I had a delicious dinner. I could get used to this, but it won't become a regular occurrence as prices are a little higher here. I went grocery shopping this morning and pretty much stocked up on food that will tide me over for two weeks. It cost about $65. To some that might not seem like a lot, but if you could see what me- the person who does not cook- had in her cart, you would understand. I will say though that fruits and vegetables are cheaper here.
I suppose that is an update on the last week of Auntie Anna's life in Bahrain. I have been here a month now and it is crazy how quickly time has passed. It is starting to get warmer again and I am told before long Spring will arrive. Note: Spring temps here are in the 80s. Fortunately, I have never been one to complain of heat. I mean I am one of those crazy Bergman's who always goes to Florida in August. Anyway, my weekend is half over, but to many of you..."have a nice weekend!"
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