THE RAMADAN FAIRY!

This is something I think needs to be written about. The Ramadan Fairy is this good little Muslim fairy that typically makes things work correctly and brings things to you like international post. Well, during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ramadan Fairy is too busy fasting and praying to really help anyone in the Muslim world with getting what they need as they need it.

Why I mention this: I’ve been having the worst time with getting internet in my flat and my computer decided to stage a rebellion. I blamed the Ramadan Fairy and Sarah heard my ranting and drew her!

The picture above is a great picture of the Ramadan Fairy! She is wearing an abaia and hijab, her wand bears the crescent rather than a star and she’s got wonderful eye make-up! This is perfect! Thank you Sarah!

Something old, Something new...

If you don't notice anything new look again!

This weekend marked the half way point in Ramadan. This means a huge part for those old enough to handle themselves without their parents. My kids threw a huge Kuftka party. Kuftka is the half way mark in Ramadan. These kids were dressed up like it was prom. There was lots of dancing--segregated by choice. Lots of great arab/gulf food--shrimp being a major meat involved. I loved it! I danced, ate, was merry and left way before the party was over. The party was 7pm to 7am...I was only there for 3 hours. But I had a great time!

slightly late but here goes nothing

Hi! I have resurfaced to the land of technology.

I am half-way through Ramadan and still waiting for the Ramadan Fairy to bless me with working technology.

Happy Birthday to my dad--he is now a half-century old...or young. I don't know but he barely has any gray hair on his head...his beard--that's another story.

School is still going very well.

TIB

Three weeks in...

End of week 3 at school with students. I am still having a great time. My psychology kids just finished their first test. My sociology kids are going to be experiencing that joy next week.

It's Ramadan and there aren't a whole lot of changes in my regular routine. I don't get something to eat at the curry house right after school--instead I grab a quick snack right after school and wait until around 5pm for Iftar (sunset) and the food places re-open. I get an early dinner and retire early because I get up really early.

I was invited to a Ramadan Tent this year by a handful of my students. I may go this weekend with them. A Ramadan Tent is an Iftar buffet and social gathering. Traditionally a tent will have a place for eating the buffet and a separate place for socializing and such. I'll probably go for the socializing with my students and their parents and good fruit juices.

Public service announcements.....

I've gotten a few comments on my work space. No, I've never had a clean work space. It works for me and that's just how it is. (Thank you Rhi for reminding me that my bench was seldom ever clean).

My kids are great. I love talking with them during break. I'm working on using what Arabic I know with my kids and picking up the Gulf accent and slang.

Being on break duty is great. When the bell rings I basically get to herd students out of the courtyard and into the corridors :) it's just like herding cattle.

Ramadan is coming up this week. This will translate into shortened school days and me getting to sleep in an extra 15 minutes. :)

part two of chez Kate

My living room... well my living room furniture. Browns, blues, and burgundies. I need to get another lamp for the corner but so far so good.



My dining area is kindof my regular work area at the moment. This sight should seem familiar for those who knew me with my jewelry bench.

part one of chez Kate...

This is my bathroom. It's a nice bathroom with a separate shower area from where the sink and toilet are. It's bigger than my previous bathroom--Sarah can testify to the size of THAT bathroom.



Say hello to my kitchen. This kitchen is the size of my previous kitchen and bathroom combined! I love it. Things you don't see in the picture but I promise are in this room: my fridge and a little more counter.

I'll have more posted tomorrow from my island in the sun!

nothing terribly special...

Nothing really new in the comings and goings in Bahrain but a little observation that I thought I'd share with the wonderous audience that e-mails me to update this blog... This Is Bahrain (TIB). For those who have ever heard me refer to Bahrain as 'beyond the looking glass'... TIB and I've been saying it alot in the past two weeks.

This is my life... This Is Bahrain...

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Yes, THIS is henna on my hands. I had this done for the first day of school. I had a blast with my new kids. Some kids I knew, most are new to me, but we're gonna get along just fine whether they like it or not...

I started off the day with Psychology and ended with Sociology. There is very little between the two in the introductions. I had US hist today and that was great! So far so good with my kids.