I leave for the airport in about an hour. This is not my last entry. I will definitely do another entry once I return home...this blog needs closure, especially after my 24-hour travels. In the meantime, here is a little poem I wrote that sums up a lot of what I am feeling as I leave.
Farewell Bahrain
After five months in Bahrain,
My life will never be the same.
I saw turmoil and pain
and everyone in the world knew the country's name.
I will never forget
all the amazing people that I met.
Friendships that will last a lifetime,
Memories forever engraved in my mind.
My terrific students at times drove me crazy,
But I can certainly never call them lazy.
I taught them and they taught me,
Together we saw how life can be.
After good times and bad,
I am certainly sad to go on my way,
So long Bahrain,
My life will never be the same!
Will write more soon.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
10 Things I WILL MISS about Bahrain!
Again, these are in no particular order :)
1) Peter and Kathy Kapenga. They are the reason I had this adventure. Who knew by writing at the bottom of a Christmas card, "do you by any chance need any teachers?" would become this amazing experience. They have been like second parents to me since I was six-years-old and I am thankful that they are a part of my life. So, thank you very much Peter and Kathy.
2) Victoria. I have made so many great friends while in Bahrain, but Victoria gets a specific mention because she's not only become a great friend, but she is also a terrific floor mate (she had the flat across the hall from). We had some great late night chats and she was always one to check on me if I was sick. She waited with me when I expected a water delivery from the cold store, so that I was not alone with freaky cold store guy. Not to mention that she helped me when a 5 gallon water container leaked all over my floor. She was great for taking walks around the neighborhood with and I am proud to say I introduced her to Dairy Queen and bought her her first blizzard!
3) Mariam. She is another friend who gets a specific mention because she and her husband Jihad took time every weekend to drive me around Bahrain. The mission was to see all the sites on my tourist list and thanks to them I was successful. They were fun to hang out with as well as their four-year-old twins. I wish them luck as they start their new life in Wales.
4) FRIENDS. I wish that I could name everyone that has impacted my life and become important to me while I was in Bahrain. I just hope you know who you are....there are so many of you. I am grateful for the friendship everyone gave me and how welcoming everyone was. So many terrific memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you and I will miss you!
5) My Flat. As many of you know back home I live with my parents due to unemployment etc. I am not complaining because I love them and am okay with it. It is just that in Bahrain I had my own flat for almost five months and it was great. I could put what I wanted in the fridge, arrange furniture my way...simply I had my own place and it was nice to come home to every day.
6) A Job. To know where I was going everyday was terrific (as opposed to day to day subbing). I loved that I had my own classroom and a regular routine. I hope and pray that I find the same thing back home for the Fall.
7) Steady Income. Along with #6 is a steady income. It was nice knowing I was going to get paid every month and know the amount it would be. It was nice not stressing about paying for health insurance and having to live from paycheck to paycheck. Another nice sense of normalcy.
8) My Students. I love teaching 7th grade! For every crazy day there were two days when I remembered why I love being a teacher. My students were terrific and even though I had to yell a few times....I really will miss them. I wish them success in eighth grade :)
9) The Food. So many different types of food here and all delicious. From Indian to Lebanese, from Arabic/Middle Eastern to Thai, Chinese and Phillipino...there was always something new to try. I will miss the convenience of the different choices.
10) Food Delivery. So many varieties of food and all are available to be delivered to your door. I know in the States we can have pizza or Chinese food delivered, but in Bahrain every restaurant from KFC, DQ, McDonald's etc is available to you. Each restaurant has a little motorbike for food delivery. I love how they zoom in and out of traffic. I have used this convenience a few times and it is great.
These are by no means the only 10 things I will miss, but they are the things that come to mind as being different for me. Bahrain was my home for five months and it will be an important part of my life I always look back. I have so many stories to share and I cannot wait!
1) Peter and Kathy Kapenga. They are the reason I had this adventure. Who knew by writing at the bottom of a Christmas card, "do you by any chance need any teachers?" would become this amazing experience. They have been like second parents to me since I was six-years-old and I am thankful that they are a part of my life. So, thank you very much Peter and Kathy.
2) Victoria. I have made so many great friends while in Bahrain, but Victoria gets a specific mention because she's not only become a great friend, but she is also a terrific floor mate (she had the flat across the hall from). We had some great late night chats and she was always one to check on me if I was sick. She waited with me when I expected a water delivery from the cold store, so that I was not alone with freaky cold store guy. Not to mention that she helped me when a 5 gallon water container leaked all over my floor. She was great for taking walks around the neighborhood with and I am proud to say I introduced her to Dairy Queen and bought her her first blizzard!
3) Mariam. She is another friend who gets a specific mention because she and her husband Jihad took time every weekend to drive me around Bahrain. The mission was to see all the sites on my tourist list and thanks to them I was successful. They were fun to hang out with as well as their four-year-old twins. I wish them luck as they start their new life in Wales.
4) FRIENDS. I wish that I could name everyone that has impacted my life and become important to me while I was in Bahrain. I just hope you know who you are....there are so many of you. I am grateful for the friendship everyone gave me and how welcoming everyone was. So many terrific memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you and I will miss you!
5) My Flat. As many of you know back home I live with my parents due to unemployment etc. I am not complaining because I love them and am okay with it. It is just that in Bahrain I had my own flat for almost five months and it was great. I could put what I wanted in the fridge, arrange furniture my way...simply I had my own place and it was nice to come home to every day.
6) A Job. To know where I was going everyday was terrific (as opposed to day to day subbing). I loved that I had my own classroom and a regular routine. I hope and pray that I find the same thing back home for the Fall.
7) Steady Income. Along with #6 is a steady income. It was nice knowing I was going to get paid every month and know the amount it would be. It was nice not stressing about paying for health insurance and having to live from paycheck to paycheck. Another nice sense of normalcy.
8) My Students. I love teaching 7th grade! For every crazy day there were two days when I remembered why I love being a teacher. My students were terrific and even though I had to yell a few times....I really will miss them. I wish them success in eighth grade :)
9) The Food. So many different types of food here and all delicious. From Indian to Lebanese, from Arabic/Middle Eastern to Thai, Chinese and Phillipino...there was always something new to try. I will miss the convenience of the different choices.
10) Food Delivery. So many varieties of food and all are available to be delivered to your door. I know in the States we can have pizza or Chinese food delivered, but in Bahrain every restaurant from KFC, DQ, McDonald's etc is available to you. Each restaurant has a little motorbike for food delivery. I love how they zoom in and out of traffic. I have used this convenience a few times and it is great.
These are by no means the only 10 things I will miss, but they are the things that come to mind as being different for me. Bahrain was my home for five months and it will be an important part of my life I always look back. I have so many stories to share and I cannot wait!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
10 Things I will Not Miss About Bahrain! (do not worry, the things I will miss list will follow)
Please keep in mind that these are in no random order and do not reflect my general opinion on Bahrain, which is positive. These are merely small things that I will not miss.
1) People spitting anywhere and everywhere. While walking to school everyday it was a game to try and avoid stepping in any spit and believe me, it was difficult.
2) Being honked at all the time. Just because I am blond and Caucasian does not mean, "Please come pick me up. I am available."
3) Children and babies riding in the front seat of the car. Not sure what the laws are, but one would hope there would be one that prevented your toddler from hanging out the window in the front seat. Of course the fact that parents do not seem to mind also worries me.
4) Driving. People drive fast and crazy here and honking is incessant. The light has not turned green and horns are blaring.
5) (Along with #4) As a pedestrian I often feared for my life due to the crazy driving. Pedestrians do not have right of way here and sometimes it would take a while for a car to stop to let me cross (even in a crosswalk).
6) Roundabouts. Bahrain has some 100 plus roundabouts. One would think they are convenient, but really not. If you want to turn left off a road you have to drive to the next roundabout, turn around and head back to the road. Adds unnecessary time to your journey.
7) Poor service at restaurants. I may never complain back in the States again over bad service because here....there is not often any service. The restaurants you may get a drink refill? Good luck. You want some more napkins? Too bad.
8) Clothing/attire. Since I arriving I have discovered that one can wear a tank top if you want to. Although it is still a pain because you need to be selective of when to wear it and do you really want everyone staring at you anyway? Needless to say I am returning home with a farmer's tan.
9) Paying for drinking water. I have never been one to complain about drinking tap water in the past....and now I will return home and appreciate it even more. A lot of money has gone into buying water for the past five months and it is a necessity to drink a lot, especially with the heat. Must stay hydrated.
10) Freaky cold store employees. At first I thought it was great; place an order at the cold store, pay and they will bring the stuff to your flat. Then one employee kept knocking on the door to my flat when I did not order anything...one time at 11 at night. I have taken my business elsewhere.
Look for the things I will miss list tomorrow!
1) People spitting anywhere and everywhere. While walking to school everyday it was a game to try and avoid stepping in any spit and believe me, it was difficult.
2) Being honked at all the time. Just because I am blond and Caucasian does not mean, "Please come pick me up. I am available."
3) Children and babies riding in the front seat of the car. Not sure what the laws are, but one would hope there would be one that prevented your toddler from hanging out the window in the front seat. Of course the fact that parents do not seem to mind also worries me.
4) Driving. People drive fast and crazy here and honking is incessant. The light has not turned green and horns are blaring.
5) (Along with #4) As a pedestrian I often feared for my life due to the crazy driving. Pedestrians do not have right of way here and sometimes it would take a while for a car to stop to let me cross (even in a crosswalk).
6) Roundabouts. Bahrain has some 100 plus roundabouts. One would think they are convenient, but really not. If you want to turn left off a road you have to drive to the next roundabout, turn around and head back to the road. Adds unnecessary time to your journey.
7) Poor service at restaurants. I may never complain back in the States again over bad service because here....there is not often any service. The restaurants you may get a drink refill? Good luck. You want some more napkins? Too bad.
8) Clothing/attire. Since I arriving I have discovered that one can wear a tank top if you want to. Although it is still a pain because you need to be selective of when to wear it and do you really want everyone staring at you anyway? Needless to say I am returning home with a farmer's tan.
9) Paying for drinking water. I have never been one to complain about drinking tap water in the past....and now I will return home and appreciate it even more. A lot of money has gone into buying water for the past five months and it is a necessity to drink a lot, especially with the heat. Must stay hydrated.
10) Freaky cold store employees. At first I thought it was great; place an order at the cold store, pay and they will bring the stuff to your flat. Then one employee kept knocking on the door to my flat when I did not order anything...one time at 11 at night. I have taken my business elsewhere.
Look for the things I will miss list tomorrow!
Friday, June 24, 2011
More Fun Times!
There were no students this past week, nor are there any next week. It is literally go hang out at school and do nothing. At least I am getting paid. Plus, a lot of socializing is getting done. Despite the boredom the week flew by and I kept busy. We do get to go to work a half hour later and leave a half hour earlier, which makes a little difference. On Tuesday, we had an English department party/farewell. I am one of four English teachers leaving this year and it was nice because we got a gift certificate to a spa. I will be using that sometime next week. It was much appreciated considering I have only been here for half the school year. I also went to see the movie "Super 8" with some friends after school one day.
Wednesday night I went to Senor Paco's Mexican Restaurant with four other teachers from school. It was a fun evening of margaritas, hanging out and eating. My friend Amabel kind of fibbed and told the restaurant it was my birthday- so I got to wear a sombrero. I also got a dessert and a t-shirt out of the deal. Just more terrific memories to leave Bahrain with. We went dancing afterwards. Yes, it was a school night, but it was one teacher's last night in Bahrain, so we just wanted to keep having fun. I was indeed tired the next day, but being that there was not much going on, it was okay. On Thursday after school I went to Chili's with some other friends. I have made so many terrific friends here in Bahrain and have made new friendships that will last the distance once I depart. The people I have met here is one of the things that I will surely miss when I get back home. I attended Arabic church last night for the last time, so that was another group of people to say goodbye to. They were such a welcoming congregation and for that I am grateful. Today I had lunch at the British Club with Peter and Kathy. They truly are my second parents and I am so fortunate to have had them nearby should I need them.
In six days I leave Bahrain and head back to Minnesota. There is a lot I have planned for these last days, not to mention packing and cleaning up my flat. Time at one point seemed to drag on, but now it is passing quickly. You all know that I am anxious to return home and see family and friends, yet I know that I will miss the temporary life that I had in Bahrain. My life is forever changed because of what I experienced here, both bad and good. I cannot wait to share stories with everyone in person....not to mention pictures. I believe the picture count is currently at 2400 and keep in mind there are still a few days left :)
Wednesday night I went to Senor Paco's Mexican Restaurant with four other teachers from school. It was a fun evening of margaritas, hanging out and eating. My friend Amabel kind of fibbed and told the restaurant it was my birthday- so I got to wear a sombrero. I also got a dessert and a t-shirt out of the deal. Just more terrific memories to leave Bahrain with. We went dancing afterwards. Yes, it was a school night, but it was one teacher's last night in Bahrain, so we just wanted to keep having fun. I was indeed tired the next day, but being that there was not much going on, it was okay. On Thursday after school I went to Chili's with some other friends. I have made so many terrific friends here in Bahrain and have made new friendships that will last the distance once I depart. The people I have met here is one of the things that I will surely miss when I get back home. I attended Arabic church last night for the last time, so that was another group of people to say goodbye to. They were such a welcoming congregation and for that I am grateful. Today I had lunch at the British Club with Peter and Kathy. They truly are my second parents and I am so fortunate to have had them nearby should I need them.
In six days I leave Bahrain and head back to Minnesota. There is a lot I have planned for these last days, not to mention packing and cleaning up my flat. Time at one point seemed to drag on, but now it is passing quickly. You all know that I am anxious to return home and see family and friends, yet I know that I will miss the temporary life that I had in Bahrain. My life is forever changed because of what I experienced here, both bad and good. I cannot wait to share stories with everyone in person....not to mention pictures. I believe the picture count is currently at 2400 and keep in mind there are still a few days left :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
My Students!
In my last entry I forgot to mention how much I will miss my 7th grade students. They were all terrific and made my time in Bahrain memorable.
This is all of them! I will miss them all!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
More Fun in Bahrain...and some boring moments.
Exams wrapped up today, although I was in fact done correcting mine a week ago. After that I had to proctor two exams, but then my duties were done. Students basically showed up for an hour and a half exam each day and then left. With my duties being done, it is now the case where I have to come to work and sit and wait....and pretty much find things to keep me busy. My classroom has been taken apart and requirements for next year turned in. Even though I am not teaching here next year, I had to write up a course decsription and a year plan. That took a while, but now I am realising maybe I shouldn't have rushed to finish it so quickly. I just like being organized and don't think about the later, which in this case constitutes boredom. So exams are done and students are finished. Staff and teachers have to be here through June 30th, so that means only seven more days of school/work. Or lack thereof :) Of course that means only 10 days until I depart for home!
Now that I have gotten some complaining out of the way, I suppose I should also write that I am having fun as well. Last weekend I walked through the suq again. I did not buy anything, but just have fun walking through and looking at things. Shopkeepers throwing items at me and trying to get me to buy things does not even phase me anymore. I also went back to Adhari Park last weekend with my friend Mariam and her sons. The boys wanted to go on some rides, so we watched them while chatting. I also got to see Bahrain nightlife last weekend. With friends (and other teachers) Amabel, Kent and Leo I hit the town. We started the evening at Trader Vic's for drinks and apps. We sat by the water and there was actually a little breeze, considering the heat. After that we went to JJs Irish Pub for some dancing. It was a fun evening that lasted until the morning. I believe I got to bed about 3:30am, but it was a great night. It's great having friends to do different things with.
I have started packing actually. Well one of my bags anyway. I figured with all the clothes that I have not worn since I arrived due to the heat could be packed with some gifts and souvenirs. Now I just need to track down a scale or try to estimate how much it weighs. For the most part all of my shopping is done and I will be ready to go when the day arrives. The last day of school (30th) there is a staff farewell lunch, so I will at least have a chance to say goodbye to everyone. There are many reasons why I am not returning to Bahrain, but there are also so many things I will miss. Foremost the people I have met and friends I have made. Of course also the students I have taught. Thank goodness for e-mail and Facebook :)
Now that I have gotten some complaining out of the way, I suppose I should also write that I am having fun as well. Last weekend I walked through the suq again. I did not buy anything, but just have fun walking through and looking at things. Shopkeepers throwing items at me and trying to get me to buy things does not even phase me anymore. I also went back to Adhari Park last weekend with my friend Mariam and her sons. The boys wanted to go on some rides, so we watched them while chatting. I also got to see Bahrain nightlife last weekend. With friends (and other teachers) Amabel, Kent and Leo I hit the town. We started the evening at Trader Vic's for drinks and apps. We sat by the water and there was actually a little breeze, considering the heat. After that we went to JJs Irish Pub for some dancing. It was a fun evening that lasted until the morning. I believe I got to bed about 3:30am, but it was a great night. It's great having friends to do different things with.
I have started packing actually. Well one of my bags anyway. I figured with all the clothes that I have not worn since I arrived due to the heat could be packed with some gifts and souvenirs. Now I just need to track down a scale or try to estimate how much it weighs. For the most part all of my shopping is done and I will be ready to go when the day arrives. The last day of school (30th) there is a staff farewell lunch, so I will at least have a chance to say goodbye to everyone. There are many reasons why I am not returning to Bahrain, but there are also so many things I will miss. Foremost the people I have met and friends I have made. Of course also the students I have taught. Thank goodness for e-mail and Facebook :)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Another Week!
While I am anxious to return home to Minnesota, I am trying to make the most of my last three weeks here. I am keeping busy hanging out with friends. I have made some terrific new friends and it will be hard to say goodbye. I find that while keeping busy is more exciting than doing nothing, it also helps time pass more quickly. I am also doing some last minute shopping and making sure that I have seen everything that I need/want to see in Bahrain. So, what can I write about the past week?
As I mentioned in my last entry, graduation was going to be Tuesday night. My job was to stand by the door of the auditorium and make sure that the tickets were already ripped. Not rip them, but make sure they were already. Talk about challenging (insert sarcasm). Anyway, it was the quickest graduation ceremony I have ever been to at 55 minutes. For the record I checked tickets longer than that :) It was quick, yet a night that the graduates will remember. Of course it reminded me of my graduation 15 years ago and I told myself that yes I have accomplished a lot since then.
The week was spent reviewing for the final with my students. Although being that the final is questions from tests I gave, how do you really make it any easier for them? They grew more crazy and loud as they end of the year drew closer. Of course I was annoyed, yet despite my annoyance I will miss all of my students a lot when I return home. On Thursday, during the last class period it was party time in homeroom classes. My class was very prepared and came with lots of food and goodies and music. It was the happening place to be, as the other 7th grade students eventually joined us. Of course when I mentioned it was time to clean up, they number decreased dramatically. Funny how it works out like that. My homeroom students did however do a good job of cleaning up. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but not too exhausted. Went with a few other teachers to the Hard Rock Cafe again for drinks and food and of course socializing. It was a fun afternoon for sure.
Yesterday I went to get a massage, manicure and pedicure. I try to go frequently, as it is such a good deal here. For all three it comes to $55. I figure one cannot beat that price and the result is good. The plan is to go one more time before I leave. Need to be pampered and relaxed prior to my 24 hour journey home. Tomorrow final exams start and my students will be taking their English final. Then I have two days to correct it and get my grades in. Then I will have to proctor some exams over the next week and a half. Good times for sure. I only hope for many more good times before heading home :)
As I mentioned in my last entry, graduation was going to be Tuesday night. My job was to stand by the door of the auditorium and make sure that the tickets were already ripped. Not rip them, but make sure they were already. Talk about challenging (insert sarcasm). Anyway, it was the quickest graduation ceremony I have ever been to at 55 minutes. For the record I checked tickets longer than that :) It was quick, yet a night that the graduates will remember. Of course it reminded me of my graduation 15 years ago and I told myself that yes I have accomplished a lot since then.
The week was spent reviewing for the final with my students. Although being that the final is questions from tests I gave, how do you really make it any easier for them? They grew more crazy and loud as they end of the year drew closer. Of course I was annoyed, yet despite my annoyance I will miss all of my students a lot when I return home. On Thursday, during the last class period it was party time in homeroom classes. My class was very prepared and came with lots of food and goodies and music. It was the happening place to be, as the other 7th grade students eventually joined us. Of course when I mentioned it was time to clean up, they number decreased dramatically. Funny how it works out like that. My homeroom students did however do a good job of cleaning up. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but not too exhausted. Went with a few other teachers to the Hard Rock Cafe again for drinks and food and of course socializing. It was a fun afternoon for sure.
Yesterday I went to get a massage, manicure and pedicure. I try to go frequently, as it is such a good deal here. For all three it comes to $55. I figure one cannot beat that price and the result is good. The plan is to go one more time before I leave. Need to be pampered and relaxed prior to my 24 hour journey home. Tomorrow final exams start and my students will be taking their English final. Then I have two days to correct it and get my grades in. Then I will have to proctor some exams over the next week and a half. Good times for sure. I only hope for many more good times before heading home :)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
And the Countdown Continues....25 Days!
I realise I am not blogging as much as I did at one time, but my life is not as exciting. I have pretty much made my way through my sightseeing/tourist list, therefore my days consist of going to work and home. I also do find time to hang out with friends and I try to keep busy on the weekend. I have learned that keeping busy helps time pass more quickly. I know that I will leave Bahrain and there will be things that I miss, however I am excited and anxious to get home. There are many reasons why I have chosen not to return in the Fall, but the main ones are I miss my family, I want to wear what I want when I want and I want to be able to go out at midnight if I choose. The situation here pretty much prevents anyone from having an evening social life. Sure, I do not have a job to return to, but I am always applying and pray that something comes my way. If anyone knows of any teaching jobs, please let me know.
My mother's surgery went well. She has been in a rehab/transitional care place since the surgery and goes home tomorrow. Being at this place allowed her to do therapy several times a day rather than just once. The weather continues to be hot here! You all know I love my heat and sun...but many days over 100 degrees and even I am longing for some rain. Heard there was a lot of that in Minnesota. When I get home it will seem so cold :) A week ago I ventured into the suq alone and bought a necklace. Granted I had been to the shop a few times before and he gave me a good price, although I was proud of myself for doing it alone and heckling. Of course between the suq and my flat is a Dairy Queen and what better way to get cool on a 100 degree day? Get a blizzard of course. I have to say out of all the American restaurants in Bahrain, the DQ is the one I frequent the most.
Yesterday I went with three other teachers to the beach...and a beach where I could actually wear a bathing suit. We drove to the coast and took a 10 minute boat ride to a small island, Al Dar. We pretty much had the place to ourselves for a couple of hours. It was really nice to lounge and relax and swim. Despite several layers of sunscreen I did get a little bit burnt. Although it is in weird places, so I only hope it turns into a nice tan. There was a little excitement as well. I tend to have a history of blacking out from sun and heat. It happened once when I was on a cruise and a few other times. Apparently once you blackout once, you are more susceptible to it happening again. Anyway, despite hydrating galore, I got up to use the restroom and did not quite make it back to my chair on my own. No one needs to freak out while reading this. I am fine and I knew what was happening. I just always feel stupid. The employees and the people are was with were all great, which is nice. After relaxing indoors and hydrating some more and eating something...I was back in the water one more time, before heading home. It was an awesome day though and I had a great time with friends! I will post pictures soon.
Anyway, this week is the last week of classes, although the time is being spent reviewing and preparing for final exams, which start next week. Of course the students are getting even more crazy as the school year comes to a close. Despite the craziness, I will miss them all. Fourth quarter grades are due by the end of the week, so I am busy working on those as well. I think I mentioned it before, but students are done on June 16th, whereas I have to be at school through the 30th. Graduation is Tuesday night and being a secondary teacher, I have a job/duty. It will be interesting to see how graduation goes over here. Of course the class is small...I think there are around 24 seniors. Similar to class sizes at the school I attended in Jerusalem, but vastly different from my high school graduating class of over 400. Speaking of which, it will be 15 years since I graduated from high school!!! Where does the time go? It appears there will be some sort of reunion in September, so that is something to look forward to.
As the title states I will be coming home in 25 days! Of course I am excited and anxious. I cannot wait to see everyone...although please do not all call me at once :) I hope that everyone who reads this is doing well and ready to tackle summer...maybe you have some fun trips planned. I of course will be heading to Florida again for three weeks. So, I arrive in MN at the beginning of July and a month later head South. I am looking forward to both. Take care everyone!
My mother's surgery went well. She has been in a rehab/transitional care place since the surgery and goes home tomorrow. Being at this place allowed her to do therapy several times a day rather than just once. The weather continues to be hot here! You all know I love my heat and sun...but many days over 100 degrees and even I am longing for some rain. Heard there was a lot of that in Minnesota. When I get home it will seem so cold :) A week ago I ventured into the suq alone and bought a necklace. Granted I had been to the shop a few times before and he gave me a good price, although I was proud of myself for doing it alone and heckling. Of course between the suq and my flat is a Dairy Queen and what better way to get cool on a 100 degree day? Get a blizzard of course. I have to say out of all the American restaurants in Bahrain, the DQ is the one I frequent the most.
Yesterday I went with three other teachers to the beach...and a beach where I could actually wear a bathing suit. We drove to the coast and took a 10 minute boat ride to a small island, Al Dar. We pretty much had the place to ourselves for a couple of hours. It was really nice to lounge and relax and swim. Despite several layers of sunscreen I did get a little bit burnt. Although it is in weird places, so I only hope it turns into a nice tan. There was a little excitement as well. I tend to have a history of blacking out from sun and heat. It happened once when I was on a cruise and a few other times. Apparently once you blackout once, you are more susceptible to it happening again. Anyway, despite hydrating galore, I got up to use the restroom and did not quite make it back to my chair on my own. No one needs to freak out while reading this. I am fine and I knew what was happening. I just always feel stupid. The employees and the people are was with were all great, which is nice. After relaxing indoors and hydrating some more and eating something...I was back in the water one more time, before heading home. It was an awesome day though and I had a great time with friends! I will post pictures soon.
Anyway, this week is the last week of classes, although the time is being spent reviewing and preparing for final exams, which start next week. Of course the students are getting even more crazy as the school year comes to a close. Despite the craziness, I will miss them all. Fourth quarter grades are due by the end of the week, so I am busy working on those as well. I think I mentioned it before, but students are done on June 16th, whereas I have to be at school through the 30th. Graduation is Tuesday night and being a secondary teacher, I have a job/duty. It will be interesting to see how graduation goes over here. Of course the class is small...I think there are around 24 seniors. Similar to class sizes at the school I attended in Jerusalem, but vastly different from my high school graduating class of over 400. Speaking of which, it will be 15 years since I graduated from high school!!! Where does the time go? It appears there will be some sort of reunion in September, so that is something to look forward to.
As the title states I will be coming home in 25 days! Of course I am excited and anxious. I cannot wait to see everyone...although please do not all call me at once :) I hope that everyone who reads this is doing well and ready to tackle summer...maybe you have some fun trips planned. I of course will be heading to Florida again for three weeks. So, I arrive in MN at the beginning of July and a month later head South. I am looking forward to both. Take care everyone!
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