Marriage Meeting (?!)

You remember the English language-challenged-Jordanian-colleague who was able to coherently express a desire to match me with someone he knows. I thought I dodged this strange and uncomfortable situation by feigning ignorance of his intentions. Well, I have found that Middle Easterners are nothing if not persistent; it's like cultural. My colleague has brought the issue up again, but with, I guess, a better strategy.

He asked for my number (previously, he gave me his number and directed me to call him - which I did not). He also secured knowledge of my available time. In response to his query about what I would be doing Friday - the holy day - I said I would be going to church. He did not seem to understand the word "church". When he brought up the marriage topic asking again if an Arab is acceptable as a marriage partner, I tried to be more direct. I said that, of course, I have no objections to Arab men, but I am a Christian. He said that my being a Christian is "no problem" (popular phrase). I laughed uproariously (seriously, I threw my head back and everything), and said to him that he is very funny (he did not seem to get the humor).

Anyway, my colleague is coming to meet me at my hotel apartment (in the lobby people, calm down). I fear he may bring the spousal candidate, and that my agreeing to meet may be considered tacit acceptance of the suggestion of marriage. The point is, if I come up missing, start looking in Amman.

Jeeeesus!

51

The best response from a student once I revealed my age: "How?"

Yas Island Waterworld!

Well, another field trip. I volunteered to chaperone. It took place on a Saturday - a Saturday! What is going on with me?! Anyway, I am determined to enjoy as much of this country as I can. The trip was free for me, and it meant I could see another aspect of Abu Dhabi. Yas Waterworld is considered one of the top 10 water parks in the world. It was worth it! I am not a great fan of parks of any kind. I am the kind of person who takes a book to DisneyWorld. I cannot ride rollercoasters and I cannot swim. So, what's a girl to do? Rent a cabana and relax in air-conditioned splendor until it is time to take the boys back to school! 

I rented a cabana for four and invited three of my favorite colleagues to join me (okay, it was the three colleagues who saw me first - anyway, pleasure is magnified when you share). The cabana had four lounge chairs, a fan, air conditioner, refrigerator, dry towels, wet face towels, complimentary water, Wifi and a phone with a direct link to a restaurant for front-curtain delivery service. There was even an electrical socket to recharge my iPad! Ohhhh, it was the life.  

It looks like I did not take any pictures of the water at the park. You've seen water; it was blue. The park is incredibly big and very attractive with many water slides. I guess I was all about the cabana. Oh well, to each his own.

She works hard for her money.
I was too glad to spend some of my hard earned salary to make this trip more enjoyable for me.  

This photo was taken by a student. I am standing near the entrance of the bus as we are about to depart for Yas Waterworld. The students were so much fun. Although, the bus ride was a bit loud. They brought FIVE drums!!!! 
They played every one of them as they sang - loudly.
Needless to say, my smile did not last long.