Monday, April 4, 2011
A Little Bit of Normal (and finally the Hard Rock Cafe)
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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