Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Back in Minnesota!
Thank you readers for your patience, as I know it has taken me a few weeks to write another entry. Things have been crazy since returning to Minnesota (more later). I suppose I should start with my travels, which lasted 24 hours from the time I departed Bahrain to landing in Mpls/St. Paul. My first flight to Amsterdam was about six hours and I managed to sleep a little, as it departed Bahrain at 12:30 a.m. Then I had a seven and a half hour layover in Amsterdam. Had it been later in the day, I would have ventured out of the airport, but being around six in the morning, I found a comfortable lounging chair and rested. I did some shopping, as my brother requested Gouda cheese.
My second flight was nine hours long and my legs started cramping to the point that I needed to get up and walk around. I was unable to sleep on that flight. I think it was in part due to being uncomfortable and also because I was excited to arrive in Minnesota and see my family :) After going through customs, I collected my luggage and headed out to the greeting area. I love airports - they are great for people watching and to see the looks on people's faces when they see each other again...makes the trip worthwhile. My parents, sister Kirsi and Skyler and Hunter were there to meet me. I was so excited to see them and they of me. Skyler and Hunter ran and jumped all over me....but of course I loved it. They made me signs as well. It was so great seeing them all, that I forgot that it was midnight in Bahrain. Although that quickly caught up with me.
I have been home almost two weeks now and I think I am finally over jet lag. When I agreed to be Auntie Daycare for the month of July, I guess I did not figure jet lag into the decision. However, Skyler and Hunter have been very patient with Auntie over the last few weeks. Of course with jet lag over, there is culture shock that does not go away so easily. I counted the days until I would return to Minnesota, but have come to miss Bahrain more than I thought I would. It was my home for five months and with all that happened, my life was forever impacted and changed. I met so many amazing people and created new friendships that will survive long distances and time. Since coming back many people have asked me if I would go back. It is funny, because a month ago I would have said no...and now I am not so quick to answer.
People in Minnesota have asked if I am going to share pictures and stories from my experiences. I plan to sometime this Fall, so will keep everyone posted. It will be difficult to be selective and choose only a handful of pictures from 2600. Several people in Bahrain have also asked if I will continue my blog. I certainly will as long as people want me to. Although I doubt my life in Minnesota will be as exciting. I am touched that you are all interested in what I have to say regardless. Not sure if I will change the title of this blog....can you do that? Or will I start a new one? Again, I will keep everyone posted.
To all my friends and students in Bahrain- Thank you for making my time memorable. I am grateful for the time we spent together and getting to know you. Keep in touch and I will as well. Inshala- we will see each other again.
To all my friends and family in Minnesota- I hope we can see each other soon. Thank you for following me on this adventure.
My second flight was nine hours long and my legs started cramping to the point that I needed to get up and walk around. I was unable to sleep on that flight. I think it was in part due to being uncomfortable and also because I was excited to arrive in Minnesota and see my family :) After going through customs, I collected my luggage and headed out to the greeting area. I love airports - they are great for people watching and to see the looks on people's faces when they see each other again...makes the trip worthwhile. My parents, sister Kirsi and Skyler and Hunter were there to meet me. I was so excited to see them and they of me. Skyler and Hunter ran and jumped all over me....but of course I loved it. They made me signs as well. It was so great seeing them all, that I forgot that it was midnight in Bahrain. Although that quickly caught up with me.
I have been home almost two weeks now and I think I am finally over jet lag. When I agreed to be Auntie Daycare for the month of July, I guess I did not figure jet lag into the decision. However, Skyler and Hunter have been very patient with Auntie over the last few weeks. Of course with jet lag over, there is culture shock that does not go away so easily. I counted the days until I would return to Minnesota, but have come to miss Bahrain more than I thought I would. It was my home for five months and with all that happened, my life was forever impacted and changed. I met so many amazing people and created new friendships that will survive long distances and time. Since coming back many people have asked me if I would go back. It is funny, because a month ago I would have said no...and now I am not so quick to answer.
People in Minnesota have asked if I am going to share pictures and stories from my experiences. I plan to sometime this Fall, so will keep everyone posted. It will be difficult to be selective and choose only a handful of pictures from 2600. Several people in Bahrain have also asked if I will continue my blog. I certainly will as long as people want me to. Although I doubt my life in Minnesota will be as exciting. I am touched that you are all interested in what I have to say regardless. Not sure if I will change the title of this blog....can you do that? Or will I start a new one? Again, I will keep everyone posted.
To all my friends and students in Bahrain- Thank you for making my time memorable. I am grateful for the time we spent together and getting to know you. Keep in touch and I will as well. Inshala- we will see each other again.
To all my friends and family in Minnesota- I hope we can see each other soon. Thank you for following me on this adventure.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Farewell Bahrain
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.
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.
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 :)
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