I am happy to report that school continued as normal last week and so far this week. It is nice being back into a normal routine and not have to wonder day to day whether there will be school or whether or not I will be stuck in my flat again for a long period of time. Of course now that I have said something....keep praying and keep your fingers crossed. As of yesterday, there were only 59 days of school left and being that most of that time will be spent reading and studying the novel "Hoot," I am sure it will fly by. After this week we have next week and then it is Spring Break....or excuse me Easter Break. I am so used to not being allowed to refer to it as Easter break in the States, it is weird saying it here. Then again, back in Minnesota Spring Break doesn't necessarily fall around Easter anymore. When I found out from some of you that you were off the last week of February, I was shocked. That is way too early.
So finally after being rescheduled twice I made it to the Hard Rock Cafe, last Thursday! For those of you who know me, it is a big deal and a tradition for me. Wherever I travel where there is a Hard Rock, I have to go and eat and buy a shot glass that says the location. I think I have 13 or so in my collection now. I know it seems silly, but everyone is entitled to their bizarre collections. It was a lot of fun though. I went with five other teachers and we just had a blast, talking and eating. One of the others informed the staff that it had been my birthday, so they all came out to sing for me and gave me a brownie with ice-cream. Delicious! I am glad that I got to check something else off my to-do list, but even more important is getting to hang out with friends :)
It was the week to eat out last week apparently. Besides the Hard Rock, I went to two buffet style restaurants with friends as well. Both of them consisted of Middle Eastern and Indian food- also delicious. One was unique in that it was located in a mall food court. I had never seen a buffet set up like that in that kind of environment. I love people watching and a mall food court is just the place to do it. It is always nice to eat out because it means I do not have to cook, since I really can't.
The weekend consisted of other things, like a stop at Bab al Bahrain, which is basically the means gateway of Bahrain. At one point the shoreline was right up to this gateway, but certainly not anymore. Now to get to the water, you have to walk our equivalent of several blocks and cross a highway. I may or may not have previously mentioned that Bahrain keeps adding landfills to the island which gives more land. I have joked that if Bahrain keeps adding land, it will no longer be an island. There is something to be said as the country that keeps growing the fastest....literally. My friend Mariam was also kind enough to arrange a jewelry shopping outing with one of her student's and her older sister. I knew that I would be taken advantage of and would not get the best price. It was so much fun shopping with them and watching them barter. I had truly forgotten how fun it was to hear "for you I have special price." The excursion was productive, as I was able to pick up a few gifts.
The weather has reached the low 90s the last few days and while I am one who does not mind the heat, I am glad that the classrooms at least have air-conditioning. I love my students, but on a warm day after they come in from recess...there is definitely a distinct aroma in the air. Time continues to pass by and I am keeping busy, which also helps. There have been a few days when I am experienced homesickness, but for the most part I taking advantage of this adventure and enjoying every minute. As long as I am not under flat arrest, all is good. I hope that all of you are good as well :)
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