...yogurt

Or should that be spelled "yoghurt?" Either way, a LOT of it is eaten in this country. There is always a big bowl of it at breakfast, next to the fruit salad, and another bowl with a bit of olive oil drizzled in it next to the cucumbers and tomatoes. Breakfast is the only meal provided, so many of us have stocked our mini bar fridges with food for the rest of the day. At the grocery store the other day we went in search of the yogurt section. I was so surprised by what I saw that I had to pull out my camera. The entire aisle was devoted to yogurt, in small containers and large. (The picture doesn't capture it all.) And, only a very, very few of them were flavored. I've tried different brands and like them all. The yogurt is smooth, thick, and creamy. Its flavor is fresh and not very tart at all. I had been making my own yogurt at home for the past several months, but I don't know that I will here. Milk is a bit expensive, but yogurt is not. Oh, and I haven't had any tummy trouble that often accompanies overseas travel. I think it might be due to the good microbes that I've been ingesting every day. I also tried something called "laban" that was right next to the yogurt. I thought it was a yogurt smoothie--the container looked just like what a smoothie comes in at home. It turned out to be a buttermilk-like drink--much milder than buttermilk, but thick like a smoothie. I liked it, but my friends did not.

...a conversation with a cabbie

This morning two new friends and I took a cab from the hotel to the largest mall in Abu Dhabi--about a 20 minute drive. The porter shook his finger at the driver and admonished him not to take us on a roundabout trip--to go straight there and not to add miles. The driver muttered, "Yes, yes, I am not from Pakistan." He was from Bangladesh, and an "honest driver."

It always interests me to learn how people have learned English, so I asked the driver my standard question--"How did you learn English?" He thought for a second, then waved his hand in the air and said, "Here and there." He went on to explain that when he was young, only the priviledged in his country learned to speak English, and that was at the university level. Now, however, his children are learning English at school, and they start at the primary level. He apologized, saying that his English was "not so elegant." I assured him that his English was just fine--we were communicating, and that is what is important.

One of my companions asked him what he likes most about this country. Without hesitation he said, "It is safe. There is no crime." He then said that he liked having a job, and none are available in his home country. He goes to see his family every six months or so. He goes so often because his mother is 80 and has "the sugar sickness--diabetes," but his wife takes good care of her.

Once at the mall he wanted to know how long we would be--should he wait? We told him that we weren't sure--maybe a couple of hours, so not to bother waiting for us. He said he would be there when we returned--and he was.

A passing glimpse of the second-largest mosque in the world. I hope to get to see it up close!

...learning new things

I can open a hotel door, turn on the lights, run water for a bath, put a stopper in the sink and pull it out again. I can operate a TV and open a sliding door. Or can I?

The Education Council has put us up in a lovely hotel until our teaching assignments and housing have been determined. We arrived here around 10:00 last night, exhausted from the day of traveling. I looked forward to getting to my room, kicking my shoes off, soaking in the tub, and falling into bed. Instead, every little thing along the way had me flummoxed! I finally did figure out how to turn on the water, and I think I've got the lighting system down. The TV needed help from someone at the desk, so that wasn't my error. I won't be opening the balcony window again, though. It is big and heavy and almost impossible to close. It's not the usual slide-along-a-track type door. It's too hot to be out on the balcony anyway, but I had to take a look. A young man from housekeeping gave me a puzzled look when I asked how to let the water out of the sink, but he graciously showed me. I had to laugh--it was so simple.

To add to my consternation, the combo lock that I put on one of my bags wouldn't open. Thankfully, I had appropriate clothing in my other bag, so was able to go down for breakfast. Someone from engineering came up with a big pair of snips and cut the lock off for me.

I'm sure there will be more things to learn and other little bumps in the road, but I am delighted to be here.

The view from my window last night.

...missing her

Tomorrow is the big day, and although my suitcases aren't quite organized and packed just yet, they will be soon. I've spent the past almost-two weeks here at Katie's. We haven't spent so much time together since her freshman year of college when she came home for three weeks at Christmas. Katie has continued to work while I've been here, and I've made play dates with friends and relatives who live in the area, so we've both been busy, but she and I have settled into a rhythm of living together. It has been a good way to end my time here before flying off into the unknown. Katie has to work tonight, so last night was our last hurrah. We went to a fancy place downtown, known for it's view of the city. We talked and laughed and took lots of pictures. We walked along the riverfront, even though our shoes weren't exactly walking shoes, and enjoyed the lovely weather and interesting people. The memory of sitting side by side on a park bench, slurping our ice cream cones and just being together will be one of my go-to memories to get me through the rough spots ahead. I will miss you, Katie!

...reservations

The electronic tickets finally made it to my inbox. I fly out of Portland on the morning of August 3rd. After a short layover in Chicago, I'll be on my way to Abu Dhabi! It's interesting for me to notice that I'm really not too anxious--just excited. It's been a wonderful month of traveling around, visiting family and friends, and now...I'm ready to go. (Although saying goodbye to Katie will be hard.) Stay tuned for photos and ponderings from the other side of the world!

Blogger is still being a booger and won't allow me to comment on anything--my own blog and others. Just so you know I'm not being unsociable!

...sisters

Spending time with my sisters was on my happy list for the summer.

Check

In Burns with Lani on the 4th of July.

In Boise with Arlene on the 9th of July.

Thanks for the good wishes for my dad--he is doing very well. :-)

...a change in plans

I left my parents on Sunday and traveled four hours to visit my youngest sister Lani and her family. We were enjoying time on her patio when the text message came from mom: At ER, will fill you in later. Wha??? I thought it was mom being treated--she has upper respiratory issues. Finally, more info trickled in--Dad had had a minor stroke and was being admitted. So...instead of going on to see Arlene in Boise, Lani and I came home. Two of my brothers are here, and one more is on his way. Arlene will be here after work today. (She doesn't know it, but we're turning the kitchen over to her.)

Dad is home and doing well--a bit unsteady on his feet and confused, but otherwise....ok. His room is upstairs at the top of a very steep and narrow staircase. So...our task is to shift things around and make a room for him downstairs. We made good progress yesterday, and it's good to have so many hands to help. If you read this, please send prayers, positive thoughts and/or well-wishes to my dad and our family. Thanks!