An Indian Christmas

I spent this Christmas holiday in India with my dear friend, Megan, and her parents, Beth and Kevin. We had a delightful time in Kerala, one of the southern states of India, where we saw breathe-taking sights, ate wonderful food, met very, nice people, and even rode an elephant.

On our first day in Kerala, we flew into Cochin. It was nice to arrive in a warm, quiet town to start the holiday. In Chocin we visited St Francis Church, the oldest Church in India, a 16th century Synagogue in Jew Town and Mattancherry Palace, built by Portuguese, this Palace contains some of India’s most beautiful murals. After the Portuguese, this area was controlled by the Dutch. You can see in the architecture of some of the old houses and churches. We walked around the bay where we watch fishermen bring in the day's catch, cows, water buffalo, and goats wander around the city streets, and men rigging up the old, Chinese fishing nets. We stayed at a lovely hotel called Hotel Fort House which sits right on the water.

From Cochin, we made the long drive to Munnar which is located in the heart of Tea County. The rugged hills of this area are covered with tea plants as well as lush, green vegetation and trees. The views in these carpeted hills are colorful and awesome. Our "hotel" in Munnar was called Camp Noel, and while it got high ratings on Trip Advisor, nobody mentioned its remote location! By the time we got done with our daily sight seeing, the fog was rolling in. Our driver, Joy, dropped us off at the top of a misty mountain because our car couldn't make the rest of the journey. We should have had a clue at this point. We got into a camp jeep and became our 45 minute expedition to the camp, through mud, fog, road wash-out, and potholes big enough to bathe a small water buffalo, and one door that flew open every time we hit a bump (which was often!) The trip was worth it, though, because the camp was wonderful. We had our own, private bungalow with solar-heated water and a fireplace. After a delicious Christmas Even dinner, we decided to turn in, but the staff had other ideas! They hit "repeat" on the stereo and blared the famous, Indian tune, "Happy, Happy, Happy Christmas" as the danced and cheered their way around to each house, leaving a cheery Christmas cake for all their guest. After way too many rounds of the song, the finally turned in to give us all some peace on our Christmas Eve!

We visited an organic spice plantation Thekkady where we got to ride and feed an elephant. It was fun, but a little scary. It's a long fall from the back of an elephant. We saw a tradition India play-I can't remember what it's called-with heavily costumed characters, drummers, and a singer. Although the drums and singer were very loud, we all enjoyed it. I dropped a good share of cash into the economy of Thekkady, buying rugs, throws, pillow cases, and wall hangings.

After Thekkday, we took an overnight houseboat ride down the backwaters of Kerala. I spent the first few hours passed out in bed trying to get over some severe motion sickness (those roads are windy), but still had plenty of time to sit on the deck and watch life on the backwaters pass me by.

Our last few days were spent at a resort in Trivandrum, one of the southern-most cities in Kerala. It was a great way to end the holiday. We did a lot of reading, swimming, sitting on the beach, lathering sunscreen, still getting burned, and eating. We hated to leave this paradise location, but gave in and headed back to Chennai.

I spent my last few days with Megan and her folks in Chennai. We rang in the New Year at Meg's house, sitting on the roof at midnight to watch the fireworks that were being set off around the city. We went to the temple and sights at Mamalapuram on New Year's Day. The ancient carvings were amazing, but we were a little overwhelmed by all the people, motorcycles, and vendors in the city itself. We got back to Chennai and enjoyed a late lunch at a crowded and popular restaurant that served its food on banana leaves. Megan and I ate Indian-style (with our hands) but Kevin and Beth opted for spoons!

It was a delightful holiday filled with funny stories, great photos, and adventurous eating. It was hard to say goodbye to my friend. It's back to my routine, but I am already planning our trip to Jordan in April!!

Walk Like an Egyptian

I spent my Eid/Thanksgiving holiday in Egypt with my good friend, Allison. After arriving in Cairo, we flew out to Aswan early the next morning. We met our group which consisted of a lovely British couple, the Southerns, and a French family-Cedric, Christian, and Claudine with whom we became fast friends, and our Coptic Christian leader, Magdy.

Aswan is in "Upper Egypt" near Lake Nasser, the lake that was formed from damming the Nile River. We spent the evening in Aswan, visiting the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk. Ar 1168 tons this obelisk would have been the biggest and heaviest single stone ever used by the Egyptians, but late in it's process, it developed a crack, so it was abandoned.

The next day took a felucca ride with our group, and some of us got off in the Nubian village to explore. After lunch we took off and had a lovely day cruising the Nile, watching the people who farm and live along the banks. We visited the Temple of Kom Ombo which was dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek, and the god Horus the Elder in the evening.

The next morning it was off to the Temple of Horus, more cruising and then Luxor. The next morning we were up and heading to the famous Valley of the Kings. We visited the Tombs of Ramses the VII, Ramses the IV and Ramses the IX. Despite the crowds, the tombs were amazing to see with their beautiful paintings and hieroglyphics. The tomb of King Tutankhamen, "King Tut" is also in this area, but we didn't go in it. He is the most famous of the Kings because his was the only tomb found intact. The rest were robbed by workers during the ancient times. We got to see all the treasures from King Tut's tomb in Cairo at the Egyptian Museum. The guy had a lot of loot! Our last stop was the amazing Temple of Karnak with its obelisks, pillars, and rows of lions. While waiting to catch our flight, we joined our French friends for lunch and a felucca ride to Banana Island. We thought this island would be a rare find, but instead we found a line of tourists! They left shortly, so after we returned from our walk around the quaint, agricultural island, we were the only tourist left to enjoy a nice, quiet evening drinking tea and Stela!

Back in Cairo, Allison showed me around all the shopping areas and souks where I proceeded to help the economy of Egypt by spending too much money. Her trusty tour guide, Mohamed, took us to the Egyptian Museum, and to the Pyramids/Sphinx. We had a great meal at a local restaurant with all the traditional Egyptian food-yum, yum. Cairo is a amazing city of mass humanity, piles of rubbish, ancient taxis, blowing sand, fun shops and souks, ancient wonders.

After a mix-up on which day I was supposed to leave, I had to say goodbye. I was sad to leave Allison, but am happy to be back home in Abu Dhabi.

I am just sitting here, having a lazy weekend day, reflecting on my last 80 in my new country of choice. I have survived my first quarter at school, two swim meets and triweekly practices, one burst hot water heater, endless shopping sprees to fill my home, and one trip to Dubai. I think the ground is settling beneath my feet.

I miss my friends and family, and am excited to see my good friend, Allison, in November. We will be taking a Nile Cruise, and doing a quick visit to the sites in Cairo. In December I will be celebrating another Christmas with the McCrindle family. Same great family, different great location. Megan has made grand plans for us to tour the area of Kerala, India. Both trips should give me renewed energy to work through the haul to spring break!

It's Halloween week, so I must get cracking on my costume! We have a festival filled with kids, games, and too much candy. Some of the staff are throwing an adult party too, so I have to make a costume suitable for both! Will post photos! Happy Trick or Treating!!!!

Night View of Abu Dhabi

George Clooney-Coming to Abu Dhabi

Well, that's the rumor anyway! The Abu Dhabi International Film festival is going on for the next few weeks, and George is starring in one of the films (Men Who Stare at Sheep). We weren't able to get tickets to that movie because it's by special invitation only (guess I'm not special enough), but we got tickets for 12 other movies. Guess what I'll be doing in October?

I went to with a friend from work to get the tickets at the Emirates Palace-a seven star hotel! It was very nice. We sat down and enjoyed a cup of coffee and pretended like we could afford to stay there. The waiter asked us if we wanted regular or the Emirates lattes, and when we inquired about the difference, he told us the Emirates version is sprinkled with gold!! We opted for the regular. I'd rather wear gold than drink it.

This morning I went kayaking with Kelly and Bonnie, the two ladies in my classroom, Kelly's daughter, Nicole, Heidi (a nurse) and her Eram. We paddled out to an area with flamingos, so you know that made me happy! We docked on a little island, went for a swim, at some snacks, then headed back before it got to hot. It was very nice.

So now it's Saturday night, and it's time to get ready to back to work tomorrow. Next Thursday is our first swim meet! The kids are excited to be getting out of school early and going to Dubai. All I can think of is that I hope I don't get sick on the bus!

An Elephant Hunt in Dubai

We had the week off to celebrate Eid, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A new friend, Stephanie, and I rented a car, and headed to Dubai. I was a little worried about driving on the highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai because I have heard so many horror stories about the accident rate, but it was much easier than driving in Syria or Jordan.

In Dubai, we stayed with our friend, Joni. The apartment, which actually belongs to Joni's boyfriend, Peter (who wasn't there), is located on the 26th floor with a spectacular view the marina. We packed a lot into our short trip, including a trip to the Dubai museum, a visit to the Palm (the manmade island that looks like a palm tree from the air), a souke visit, and many excursions to the malls. Dubai malls are a cultural experience unto themselves.

At the gentle urging of Moe, we sought out the Al-Jazari elephant clock. Al-Jazari was a Muslim inventor, engineer, and astronomer in the 13th century. The clock replica is located at the Ibn Battuta mall which has an amazing theme focused on the travels of Ibn Battuta (an Moroccan scholar who travelled for thirty years, covering most of the Islamic world). Each section reflects the different countries to which he travelled. The elephant clock is located in "India", and is, apparently unknown to anyone outside of that country (except some old, wise man in Oregon). There were tons of India's taking pictures, and just us three American girls! The clock never did it's thing, but they had the animated screens to show us what it does. You can see it on youtube.

Once back in Abu Dhabi, I took advantage of the rental car and did some major shopping for my house. It is looking and feeling so homey. I got my cable hooked up, my spare bedroom furniture delivered, bought plants at the plant souke, and am now busy swearing as I assemble my IKEA wardrobe. The house is ready for visitors, who's first?!

Home Sweet Home

I have been in Abu Dhabi almost a month. I am getting my apartment put together slowly but surely. The curtain guys and internet man came yesterday, so I am very happy. I feel connected to the world again. I can't wait for my shipment. Who knows when that will get here. Now it is Ramadan, so I don't expect it to come until after Ramadan is over.

I am loving my new job and my students. I visit a lot of classrooms throughout the day, so I am still putting names with faces, but that will come. We started swim team practice today. It is torture to stand on the side of the pool, drenched in sweat. One day I might "accidently" fall in.

It is an understatement to say it's hot here. The heat and humidity are a physical presence. I think it's supposed to be 111 F tomorrow. You know it's hot when people don't even go to the beach. The mall is definitely the place to be in this weather.

Yesterday we took a tour around Abu Dhabi. It was fun to see where all the Sheiks live although it is hard to see their palaces because they are behind high walls. We stopped by the Grand Mosque, but didn't go on a tour. It's quite impressive.