two more weeks to Eid!!!

My first two weeks of school were interesting. I learned several names of my kids--I know most of my homeroom class! I know who my trouble makers are. I know who my kiss-ups are. I know who's got wasta and who gets picked on for not having wasta. I also know that Ramadan brings out the best and worst in people here--especially when it comes to availability/convenience for teachers and driving.

My afternoons are filled with being just plain tired--the kids zap it all out of me. Then iftar dinners if I choose to leave my flat. So far, I've only done iftar out of my flat a couple times in the first two weeks of Ramadan. Honestly, I don't like doing iftar out because there are huge crowds of people and traffic is evil. Regardless, Gargaroon (the full moon and half way point of Ramadan) is on Monday so we can all celebrate by getting dressed up, throwing a party (a Kupka) and being crazy fools for at least one night this month. :) I really can't wait until Eid! Eating/drinking in public again will be nice and the fact that I'm going to Istanbul for Eid Break is equally very nice. :)

TIB

p.s. Aunt Debbie Skype called me today and totally made my afternoon!