ambivalence suits you

BLARG. Can I just tell you all how sorry I am that I can’t supply you with photos????
Sorry, it is frustration overload. My camera aches for you.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you a bit of the weird culture switch that has happened since leaving Cairo and Damascus.

In the past couple of days I have slept in the most comfortable bed I have ever touched. I have met business men from Denmark, England,  Saudi and Jordan…all here just on business. The one from Denmark could not get himself to talk about anything but energy efficiency with me. Hmmm. I have had the best Asian noodles that I have ever feasted upon. I bought groceries at a hyper market–not to be confused with a super market. I saw a Burger King for the first time in 5 weeks. I sat in a mint infused steam room. I an elevator that got me to the 23rd floor in less than 30 seconds. I watched an Arabic soap opera. I endured 108 degrees of heat. I learned that in my flight home, the plane is making a stop in Saudi Arabia! I have seen prayer rooms in a commerical mall, where the call to prayer is broadcast throughout the entire place. I have seen women in bedazzled hijabs. I found the 1$ bill for Qatari Riayls has three birds on it.

I have walked through tons of sand and into a manicured hotel lobby. I have purchased a Starbucks coffee halfway around the world. I have yet to dip my big toe in the Gulf, but be sure I will!

I hate that this all is coming to a close. It thrills me and saddens me at the same time. I know things are just getting started, but I also feel I am leaving something behind. Call me ambivalent.

It’s a mix of wacky and weird, mainly that I don’t know how to make sense of. I guess I’ll take it all in now, and sort it out later.

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