tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60962414677316441162024-03-13T04:31:55.396-07:00BeirutTracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-32694631813347808832013-10-19T07:46:00.003-07:002013-10-19T07:46:32.935-07:00This Summer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This Summer was nothing short of amazing! The first two days were rough. Michael brought Beirut Belly back to the States with him and I brought a low alcohol tolerance to Sonoma, which meant a lot of unpleasantness for us and our poor hotel maid. We left her a big tip..=) The rest of the time was great.<br />
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Then it was off to Portland, which was perfect. We got to celebrate Shelby's big 30 and we got to meet the brand new addition to our Portland family Maribel. Who is perfect by the way! We were lucky enough to get days with the Asher family before and after the birth which was great. I also got my first girls only night with Mariana, something I want more of!<br />
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After Portland, it was off to D.C. I got a few days at home by myself while Michael visited his brother in Colorado. I was politely told that although he loves him he looking forward to some brother time without me..haha<br />
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D.C. was also perfect. It was not the usual 300 degrees and I got to do lots of fun stuff with my family and friends. Will only hit me a few times and spit at me a few more, quite the improvement. Just kididng, I love that guy more than I can explain and one day the feeling will be mutual.<br />
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A few short weeks in D.C. sent us off to Brussels. Our hospitality in Brussels was great. We couldn't have been more forutnate to have a place to stay with a friend. Brussels however, was not the most exciting city I have ever been too. They do have 100s of beers to try, each one served in a specialty glass with the name of the brewing company on it. This was my favorite Brussels tidbit! <br />
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We also did Amsterdam and a soccer game, both fantastic! I would highly recommend a few days in Amsterdam<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3ZmAV2XksG9maUHPUJHg5mGgmcKd4NWmKloL8Ro2fKsxyxaT7NNwRVMGmsqH_ssDuVLbzb5WUZPlfQJldlDZ7iDTsnIvTT-S2DVaL2DaJEK4wgtEKPwzWs3y0FI8PjAzP1SoNjMpboDr/s1600/DSC01521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3ZmAV2XksG9maUHPUJHg5mGgmcKd4NWmKloL8Ro2fKsxyxaT7NNwRVMGmsqH_ssDuVLbzb5WUZPlfQJldlDZ7iDTsnIvTT-S2DVaL2DaJEK4wgtEKPwzWs3y0FI8PjAzP1SoNjMpboDr/s320/DSC01521.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Amsterdam!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCR5yIaN-XbJHy8bLBwR0WBpkrLDpxJYFxNGblvw7XxLd_bBuJAU0S7L0oo1PzKwlXYf9RFXnFN-JJT44GHKQWBz4jCInW_0OuL2Ayb4CgEOEvRzKyz0TTZ3c1LgLYR_IIkyXN7jVZa8A/s1600/DSC01534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCR5yIaN-XbJHy8bLBwR0WBpkrLDpxJYFxNGblvw7XxLd_bBuJAU0S7L0oo1PzKwlXYf9RFXnFN-JJT44GHKQWBz4jCInW_0OuL2Ayb4CgEOEvRzKyz0TTZ3c1LgLYR_IIkyXN7jVZa8A/s400/DSC01534.JPG" width="400" />In Amsterdam we took what turned into a 30 mile bike ride. Yep, it hurt</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyLt28g_w8t3ksBh27f1Q7oTAvOUaT31Fx1rHBN8iNYrrHBN-EQDJuWTvuvvdMCL8wKWk2OrxrqwHRjoFPPR8Bluw5FC2RMy8kuAYa4KcmJu3fH5C3kxS5_enpC8jdez_VUwh-YiNWpP6/s1600/DSC01555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyLt28g_w8t3ksBh27f1Q7oTAvOUaT31Fx1rHBN8iNYrrHBN-EQDJuWTvuvvdMCL8wKWk2OrxrqwHRjoFPPR8Bluw5FC2RMy8kuAYa4KcmJu3fH5C3kxS5_enpC8jdez_VUwh-YiNWpP6/s400/DSC01555.JPG" width="400" />This was a view from the bike ride!</a></div>
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Then went rode the train to Paris and had another great place to stay. I got my picnic at the Effiel Tower, which was everything I wanted, as well as a trip to Champagne region, again something I have always wanted. The drive alone out to wine country is worth a trip. The little french villages are adorable and charming. I highly recommend Champagne region, but do suggest that you stay away from Moet and Chandon, for the price of the ticket and cost of the tour, the hospitality was poo-poo. We sat in the tasting room with two glasses of Champagne with two plastic chairs and the entire staff gone. It was super weird.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2tsCnCKDMrlsK0VBfc1FvyFZVNoCO3n-Pcoke7TsNOqY477wskX4XJ6OWViNy12O5xqOFRn1HLsD4ub7aYnZe0aLCg7ShmDhnbSH1JwWIyZ3IHu2pfu2iLZwquEowAVUrSEn0ppRArGm/s1600/DSC01650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2tsCnCKDMrlsK0VBfc1FvyFZVNoCO3n-Pcoke7TsNOqY477wskX4XJ6OWViNy12O5xqOFRn1HLsD4ub7aYnZe0aLCg7ShmDhnbSH1JwWIyZ3IHu2pfu2iLZwquEowAVUrSEn0ppRArGm/s400/DSC01650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Then back to Brussels and Bruges, Bruges is really amazing. A quiet and charming town with some really fun stuff to do. A night or two is plenty but very worth a visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZE7V_wYKJL72gopFwJgVtjK3j2rGj5qbSZZPiTb3orsbBprtwUAVam-fZkPNvxRnORbSq6VvfeCnx49gTMFpcTwMRnUzXKWIm-YTHKFEeRL6jzCaIrOvETQtKX6yLCPXPJ1kYbB240RD/s1600/bruge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZE7V_wYKJL72gopFwJgVtjK3j2rGj5qbSZZPiTb3orsbBprtwUAVam-fZkPNvxRnORbSq6VvfeCnx49gTMFpcTwMRnUzXKWIm-YTHKFEeRL6jzCaIrOvETQtKX6yLCPXPJ1kYbB240RD/s400/bruge.JPG" width="400" />Bruges</a></div>
<br />Finally, I got lucky enough to tag along on an Ireland trip with Callie and Allison and another soccer game. Ireland vs. Sweden for the chance at the World Cup. The game was not much to see but everything was fantastic. We did a really fun roadtrip through the South and found one of the cutest bed and breakfast ever, as well as a lot of great laughs.<br />
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Ireland!!!<br />
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Although the Summer was probably one of the best of all time, towards the end an underlying concern about Beirut flowed. We read a lot of scary reports about Beirut and heard a lot of scary things from people that were currently here. We got a couple of understanding emails about not returning, we had more than one slightly drunken debate about the seriousness of returning. While I was in Dublin Michael headed back to Beirut without me, I hated having him here without me and President Obama threatening strikes in Syria. It was really intense. I didn't know if I should come or stay in Ireland another few days and Obama kept putting off his decision. The indecision is the worst part and it appeared to be in the only news story even in Ireland. Of course, Callie and Allison were beyond understanding for random freak out sessions.<br />
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It was very weird to have a Presidential decision affect you so heavily. Yes, his decisions might affect me financially or in my job security, but never had his decision put me in potential danger. It would have been very unsafe for us to be in Beirut if he had decided to attack. There were lots of school plans for getting us out and hidden away for a few days. And then of course the decision was put off time and time again, and just like that it was settled. I knew in my gut that things were more dramatic than necessary in the news but how stupid do you feel when you don't listen and you get trapped in Beirut?<br />
Clearly things worked out and we picked up our life here same as before. We are in a new apartment this year, same building but top floor. Which is a nice change. My job is busier this year and I am taking two online classes, so boredom is not an issue right now, which is also a nice change.<br />
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We just got done with a nice visit from Michael's parents. It was so fun to show someone Beirut and put to rest of their worries. Then we got to go to Athens together and had a wonderful time. Athens is a neat city but the islands are really want makes Greece beyond special. We only did 1 island this trip but it was enough to get hooked. We went to Hydra, which has no motorized vehicles, but you can ride donkeys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCtXuNueujJVNXQ1klc-_357NCiKYjbu3BqgXgjlS1rf7cyMeD5H82QdRBxIuWkyUIITxs_2kqr4e_Mbm0YcTzvYtmYEBl-X4wxowcTlZZI2-U0-vr-b4aTC2PDElmiAIKgvcTaHilAgZ/s1600/hydra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCtXuNueujJVNXQ1klc-_357NCiKYjbu3BqgXgjlS1rf7cyMeD5H82QdRBxIuWkyUIITxs_2kqr4e_Mbm0YcTzvYtmYEBl-X4wxowcTlZZI2-U0-vr-b4aTC2PDElmiAIKgvcTaHilAgZ/s400/hydra.JPG" width="400" />Hydra</a></div>
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Athens. Michael said we always pose this same so all we could come up with was this! I call it the i don't wanna touch you pose!</div>
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Unfortunately, I don't have any funny stories to report yet, but give it time. It is Beirut after all. I can't believe it's almost November. I think this year will shock us in how fast it goes by. We are already thinking about our Christmas travel plans. We are hoping Africa if prices work in our favor! It is fun to base your year on traveling.<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-88850697204718805492013-07-03T10:13:00.001-07:002013-07-03T10:13:42.781-07:00The last one of the school year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First of all, Thank you to everyone who followed my blog through the whole school year. It really means a lot.<br />
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I thought I would finish this blog with what I learned about Lebanon and myself from the past 9 months.<br />
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1. Triple kisses is two too many kisses in a greeting and I am already dreading the first day back of school next year where triple kisses will be the only thing on the menu.<br />
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2. If a pedestrian does not respond to your first honk about needing a ride, don't give up and try at least 2 more time. You can never try too hard.<br />
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3. The beach and beach visits are requirements not just something pretty to look at. <br />
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4. You have to ask the price before you pay, because after all you are American.<br />
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5. I really like Iced Coffee with milk and sugar. This is a new thing. My tea was making me too hot these fast few weeks so I went for something new and it stuck!<br />
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6. I don't like to be bored at work and I am not great at entertaining myself. However, I have made great strides in this and found there are lots of ways to waste time..=)<br />
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7. A coffee shop on a Sunday doing odds and ends is not a bad way to spend a morning.<br />
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8. I can't say no to chocolate even in other countries.<br />
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9. You have to be very firm about saying no to food when offered and you must offer some of everything you have, even if you only have a little.<br />
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10. That even through scary stuff, there is beauty in Lebanon. The sea, the rivers, the mountains.<br />
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11. That I like to travel but your own bed is always the best bed to be in.<br />
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Here are some beach pictures to finish out the year!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKWEs313nYS6rnyNep5I_ORDM5p4H1BIGeS3BRt2UcPCRvHteYkAvOC7Eh04Uw83d0xrmOcs1Mqgk2S-stnHS3Ws4VQ_hmXSnXF2fF85flxlJGXJeEs29N7sE7akvXhBzx5XbuoJMO7KM/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKWEs313nYS6rnyNep5I_ORDM5p4H1BIGeS3BRt2UcPCRvHteYkAvOC7Eh04Uw83d0xrmOcs1Mqgk2S-stnHS3Ws4VQ_hmXSnXF2fF85flxlJGXJeEs29N7sE7akvXhBzx5XbuoJMO7KM/s320/IMG_0588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also had a our end of the year teacher's lunch last week. I have been to 7 of them and never one like this. It was lunch and karaoke. The Lebanese can't resist it. It started immediately and lasted for at least an hour. There was dancing on chairs and singing, even the waiter got involved. It was hysterical. Everyone at school is inviting and wonderful but we will always clearly have our differences..=)<br />
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BUT SUCCESS...I mentioned in one of my first blogs I wanted to get a compliment on an outfit. It officially happened the last day of school!! It is a borderline compliment but I am taking it. A teacher told me I looked "cool" and another one said she liked the "ethnic print" of my skirt. YAY!! Here is the legendary outfit.<br />
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I know my eyes are closed but this is the best one out of 5 Michael took, he wanted it to look natural..=)<br /><br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-28173278190096771002013-06-22T21:37:00.001-07:002013-06-22T21:37:08.338-07:00Awesome Road Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We took an awesome road trip yesterday to Baytroun (sp) which is a quiet town along the coast. It has a phonecian wall that is amazing, we have been there before but Jen and Tyson hadn't so we tagged along and Andree showed us a restaurant where you could have a table that was actually sitting partly in the water. It was a perfect day, Lebanon has so much to offer, if you stay in the right areas!<br />
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But first we went to a big ravine, also called here a pothole! Its called Goufree Batara. It was fully discovered in 1952. It is a 3 level ravine carved out by water over a long, long time. You can repel there and have picnics. But, I also saw a 3 foot, fat black snake, so I will not ever be picnicking there!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The walk to the pothole/ravine! We got there early and we were the only ones here for almost an hour</span>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0VoL3Ad_G0bzzIW4j7vk8p5VoFboC0FPxH3XRS1rF-LA3EhsOG7fw56TjIPXpeedTPpdo_I-tEKEHOSgxwmDegLEreJ5Mbdt1Eev1GVNbAC2IHF3etvXW3GCebsYrYHa_-0coiI9EfsW/s1600/DSC01093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0VoL3Ad_G0bzzIW4j7vk8p5VoFboC0FPxH3XRS1rF-LA3EhsOG7fw56TjIPXpeedTPpdo_I-tEKEHOSgxwmDegLEreJ5Mbdt1Eev1GVNbAC2IHF3etvXW3GCebsYrYHa_-0coiI9EfsW/s400/DSC01093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me next to the big ass hole! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef-1YywaGfVf2pAnzq3wf9lB-hrBJkGgMU_SlNgNXm206pNCwHgFoHeRkwXD3MFtuMgNcojPnPWUAq3szsUk30Gr4JtbSF7m8GbFz2u2RgWFUiIG6qU7mstEzCR-XVVv9_lxHUaOr53h-/s1600/DSC01100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef-1YywaGfVf2pAnzq3wf9lB-hrBJkGgMU_SlNgNXm206pNCwHgFoHeRkwXD3MFtuMgNcojPnPWUAq3szsUk30Gr4JtbSF7m8GbFz2u2RgWFUiIG6qU7mstEzCR-XVVv9_lxHUaOr53h-/s400/DSC01100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We crossed this bridge and then later read the sign that said not to. Oops!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaVi1_O11W-_u6vK2LC8tIMOYBokm5aBa6je0XRFER704GJwwvkgXh01ABHJUynP8sG3GbB4h3f0y7_NrOVzpCE08P562B4Op_Nkd_ee24Q9POMW2EmNR0YLd3tkQO8B6Uh3zIMd48gc4/s1600/DSC01124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaVi1_O11W-_u6vK2LC8tIMOYBokm5aBa6je0XRFER704GJwwvkgXh01ABHJUynP8sG3GbB4h3f0y7_NrOVzpCE08P562B4Op_Nkd_ee24Q9POMW2EmNR0YLd3tkQO8B6Uh3zIMd48gc4/s400/DSC01124.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting next to the big hole.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcVHiuhwj-e3A7NY_aBWkRGVDWq3w4BsH78-pHMhWZxXtReon8QAP_D0eGWXFD2OnQUnAnCiM12Ydxnq988eQCsPvc4r_1lMvpqOvjZpNsChxErJXqglx4GAZjsUZKbt0F190KgCTPgbH/s1600/DSC01130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcVHiuhwj-e3A7NY_aBWkRGVDWq3w4BsH78-pHMhWZxXtReon8QAP_D0eGWXFD2OnQUnAnCiM12Ydxnq988eQCsPvc4r_1lMvpqOvjZpNsChxErJXqglx4GAZjsUZKbt0F190KgCTPgbH/s400/DSC01130.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael is dancing on the no walking bridge!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD7DR8uZ7usfxOYZVvOPGmeZpM53VrNg6C-HnAvvWnH8PLnYDsLNSKfAHP47-7sxeVpSLt5FZqA7uoHOBTc33owleNnUDdPXQR-l2YXMy1BqVH_pQNeWDmSZHEdxs4tbQGYmDroIOPmkV/s1600/DSC01172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD7DR8uZ7usfxOYZVvOPGmeZpM53VrNg6C-HnAvvWnH8PLnYDsLNSKfAHP47-7sxeVpSLt5FZqA7uoHOBTc33owleNnUDdPXQR-l2YXMy1BqVH_pQNeWDmSZHEdxs4tbQGYmDroIOPmkV/s400/DSC01172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A restaurant in the woods. The tables and platforms are over top of a flowing river!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3LCud3tKJIPvvZqxNdPgppxB6h4FoyaUADIbTr7OaFuu35FNAuFevyLbJUyhu8OJi-iwr5Lbrafk2zFDTvjDYLK2kJ4B2wcj8txGDFpnJ7lXK9rV-KAUaZQZ3L_1FYO50SxyQDJnLxD0/s1600/DSC01177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3LCud3tKJIPvvZqxNdPgppxB6h4FoyaUADIbTr7OaFuu35FNAuFevyLbJUyhu8OJi-iwr5Lbrafk2zFDTvjDYLK2kJ4B2wcj8txGDFpnJ7lXK9rV-KAUaZQZ3L_1FYO50SxyQDJnLxD0/s400/DSC01177.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just one of the platforms!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykZgut-Xpgl2x9BNMgRbGYozgwTozuGn03Cq7f42vzbF_kvuuFxfdXB8v87zOeG3PRSo_nMVICOmQahtxzW1qpobjmbxYsCRPBnhcCNbcH8nQ-UZwYvNJtqJ8plvSpe7gWmM4tn0qtBpZ/s1600/DSC01180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykZgut-Xpgl2x9BNMgRbGYozgwTozuGn03Cq7f42vzbF_kvuuFxfdXB8v87zOeG3PRSo_nMVICOmQahtxzW1qpobjmbxYsCRPBnhcCNbcH8nQ-UZwYvNJtqJ8plvSpe7gWmM4tn0qtBpZ/s400/DSC01180.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our other restaurant in the Sea!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This time in 2 weeks I will be sipping wine in Sonoma! Life is going pretty good right now!</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-24530822812618670802013-06-21T06:22:00.000-07:002013-06-21T06:22:34.124-07:002 weeks left but holy crap it feels like 2 months!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Time for me has officially stopped moving. I am so excited about the summer that it is hard for me to go day by day. I truly believe we might be one of the only schools that is not year round still in session in the world!!!! The whole friggin world!<br />
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We have one more week with students then a week of professional development and then KHALLAS! We are out!<br />
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We are busy moving stuff slowly up to our new apartment in the Penthouse. We could not possibly let a new comer have the highest and of course now, the best apartment. It is has bonus features that we are looking forward too, like built in fans, patio furniture, and light!<br />
So, that will be a nice way to start next year. Inshallah (godwilling) this is used whenever there is doubt about something because hey, in Lebanon you never know what might happen or when a war will start.<br />
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It is officially HOT in Beirut. Low 90's but high humidity. You can not walk anywhere without breaking an extreme sweat. My hair will not be down for the next two weeks or it will grow to extremes I can not begin to imagine and not grow long and down but out and big! The schools have limited electricity since Lebanon has limited electricity, so there is a large portion of everyday where the air conditioning can't be on. So, even 4 year olds smell and our sweaty! It's grooosss!! <br />
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There are a few mixed emotions circling the end of the year, mostly the I can't wait to be home. We have such amazing plans this summer, I just want to get started.<br />
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However, this morning I realized why I am having such a hard time with my job. I know no one really likes to be bored at work, but there is more too it that than. I have narrowed it down to guilt. I think teachers innately feel guilty, its a consistent conversation in your head, of am I a doing enough, did I get everything done, could I have done more to help that student, etc. I have that, did I do enough guilt but I also have the I work the least amount of anyone in my school and yet I am paid double guilt. I feel like I am constantly trying to hide a secret. I don't want anyone to know how little I am working because its embarrassing, since everyone is very well aware of my higher salary and benefits. However, I want to be helpful and when teachers say "oh you don't need to help, you are so busy," and I have to find a way without telling my secret, of oh my god, I am so bored, I would love to help. It's a weird feeling. At least, if we all got equal pay I would feel less bad. It would be more of a hey, we all get paid shitty, so who cares how hard I work..=) I feel like I am superman always trying to be Clark Kent. Wow, that is an exaggerated example of me and my life, but you get the point. Don't let anyone know exactly what you do or don't do. There is also the other side that not only do I get paid more but my life opportunities are triple some of theirs. Of course, lots of the teachers have money, which includes a nanny, a helper, and a driver. But, they still live in Lebanon and I always wonder, why don't they get out but then I hear about the process for getting U.S. or other countries citizenship and even a visa to visit and it all makes sense. So, now I have the added guilt of knowing this is a temporary stop for me, a learning experience and when I am done with it, I am free to go with no strings attached and without extreme measures. The United States will welcome me with open arms and that will be that.<br />
I have decided this is why I am having a hard time embracing my "years-off" in Beirut. I am finding ways to help with the boredom, but will I find ways to cope with the guilt? Will I harden myself enough to just not give a shit? I kind of hope for my own sanity, I can do this just a little.<br />
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One way or another next year will be interesting!<br />
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We are doing a fun road trip on Saturday and then the beach on Sunday, so we have a great weekend ahead!<br />
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Then 2 more weeks! Let's go team America!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Here is the puzzle I started in Sept/Oct...I have officially given up. There is too much sky left and I can't tell the difference in all the blues! So KHALLAS<br />
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This is a video of one of our main street corners if you put in about 5 more cars and 7 more horn honks you get an idea of a typical 10 minute walk on Hamra.<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-40341761402448218552013-06-10T09:25:00.000-07:002013-06-10T09:25:15.729-07:00Beach Days!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Are we there yet? That is what I keep asking myself about the end of the school year. We only have a month left but right now it feels like an eternity. Thankfully, I get to have perfect days like this one to make the wait a little less painful..=)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Lazy B beach. It is a Lebanese favorite. They created a pool in the sea!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes on days like this you forget you live in Beirut and there is a war at your neighbors house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Day well spent with friends in the sun!! We had our own little hut to stay covered in if needed.</td></tr>
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This is Michael's favorite Lebanese meal. Our friend Carla's mom made it and she shared with us. It was a very special happy day for Michael. It is called Mloukheih. You have to say the kh like you have something caught in your throat. I really have no idea how to do it. But good luck trying! =)<br />
It is a type of green, kind of like spinach but not, with chicken and lemon, sometimes vinegar, and white onions served over rice and scooped with Lebanese flat bread. I have asked to learn how to make it and it sounds simple but there seems to be something about how you make it that seems to make people think Americans are not capable because no one will give me a recipe. Maybe they are born knowing.</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-66672902048296643222013-06-02T07:37:00.000-07:002013-06-02T07:37:04.935-07:00May!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can't remember if I posted yet in May. May went by so fast here. It is unbelievable. We are officially on the countdown to summer. We have 5 weeks left of our first year. It is amazing. I am ready to get started since we have such an perfect summer planned and next year our trips are going to be better than ever!<br />
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First, I have one more thing to add to my missing list. THE LIBRARY! I know it is nerdy and surprising because it sure surprised me, but I miss free books. I miss a place to go and browse the shelves for free! I have only been able to buy books since we have been here and I don't wanna do it anymore! I know there are libraries on campus but I want a big free library with adult, non-educational fiction! I want to read some crappy Chick-Lit for free, not for the 2.99 single kindle price. Crappy chick-lit for free is justifiable but crappy Chick-Lit for 2.99 or more is unacceptable!! I get my t.v. and movies for free, now I want my books! Due to my extensive library fines in both Portland and Virignia, I probably am not even allowed to check out books but I am sure gonna try!<br />
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On to the important stuff. It was Michael's birthday weekend and although we did not do anything wild and crazy, afterall he was only turning 29, =), we had a nice time!<br />
It started on Thursday night out in the more hipster part of town Gemmayze. We really like it there and it is about a 10 minute, with no traffic, cab ride from where we live! So, we went there for happy hour and got introduced to a bar that has several varities of Arak from different parts of Lebanon. Arak is a liquor and when mixed with water, it turns white. It tastes like black licorce and I do NOT like it. The bartender even mixed it with blackberries for me but it still tastes like medicine. So, I had a fresh watermelon martini and it was amazing! Michael and Tyson, however, sampled a few Araks and loved it! Pictures are below<br />
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<br />Then on Friday night we had a Foreign Hire BBQ at the President of our schools house. It was started out as a lovely evening with drinks and good conversations, however it ended not so well for me! I met up with my old enemy beef! Let me give you a little background. Sometimes, when I eat beef too quickly or in too big of bites, it gets caught in my throat and I can't shallow. Super weird, I know! Usaully, it passes with a small sip or two of water and maybe worse case the hiccups! But, occassionally there is a night where it does not pass so easily, it has only happened to me 3 times in my life. All, of course, in public places. Once, on a date in college, once at a bar in Portland and all through the neighborhood, and now at a Foreign Hire BBQ in Lebanon. Awesome!!! We had just sat down to dinner at a table of 6 and the beef struck! Thankfully, the table had just been complaining about how dark it was and hard to see their food, but I still proceeded to throw/spit up at the table, not once, twice, but three times before I got away. It was humiliating. I excused myself to the bathroom, started to cry and was too embarassed to return to the table. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL. Thankfully, he took me home, then went back to the party said my apologies and got to play soccer after dinner. All ends well. And I was completely fine an hour later! I also proceeded at 30 years old to call my Mom and cry to her about it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyCOrhFQN5gE4ifiLNg0jxQtDjyf-UTDzgKkb9JwFVvoz0gOo5iSoNUaYtgPdLMusxjrXfib1tNuOhuEqVVwdwW3h_MsZjRLIZoTT4jtqoAqoC6OHhdHOSqMy0VxoW2UoY_oztRT2Lljc/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyCOrhFQN5gE4ifiLNg0jxQtDjyf-UTDzgKkb9JwFVvoz0gOo5iSoNUaYtgPdLMusxjrXfib1tNuOhuEqVVwdwW3h_MsZjRLIZoTT4jtqoAqoC6OHhdHOSqMy0VxoW2UoY_oztRT2Lljc/s640/IMG_0008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael's second birthday dinner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Beach Club</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arak!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Watermelon Martini!</td></tr>
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On Saturday, we went to Michael's first Beirut beach club. This is
quite an experience and the thing to do in the summer months. Almost
every Friday or Monday, I get asked if I am going to the beach or if I
went. If the answer is no, a very quizzical look and a lot of sympathy
follows, because it is immediately assumed that if you weren't at the
beach or were either sick or incapacitated in some horrible way.
However, the truth is the beach clubs are an expensive adventure. They
range in price and quality. There are 5 that we can walk to that range
in price from $20 to $35 to get in and then there are the drinks, you
can't not have a drink, and then food. It becomes a pricey day.
However, the people watching is well worth the price of admission. The
best made of up of Beirut show up. There was a lot of work spent on
getting ready to go the beach clubs, and people stay all day. They
supposedly at night become quite a crazy party. But, it is incredibly
relaxing and fun. The beach club hires a dj for the day and there are
constant waiters at your beckon call. I think Michael and I were the
only people there using sunscreen and not baby oil. I really, really
enjoy the days we get to go but it is definitely costly. However, it
costs less than the 10 boob jobs, 20 nose jobs, and 100 gym memberships
or steroid injections that everyone else spent to go.<br />
We then went
out to dinner again in Gemmayze to an Argentinain restaurant and had a
rooftop meal and then back to the Arak place. It was excellent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Saturday beach club! The sea is just beyond that bar. You had to make reservations to sit by the sea. Who knew!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa8zaE9jOClAeVxsQh3Lp95GAaru8sX20GiYuDFARiYNZpdus0ow3nnLfp7YuJmdehMngnzN0dKi0Xx8rN0TwtL7NbILERzHbB9DW2uBQcOU5qZabLwmrGSt45JLBDQneLBZ_ITtuXArd/s1600/IMG_0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa8zaE9jOClAeVxsQh3Lp95GAaru8sX20GiYuDFARiYNZpdus0ow3nnLfp7YuJmdehMngnzN0dKi0Xx8rN0TwtL7NbILERzHbB9DW2uBQcOU5qZabLwmrGSt45JLBDQneLBZ_ITtuXArd/s320/IMG_0566.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a random picture but these are the smallest necatrines ever..Lebanon doesn't believe in adult sized fruit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnItto85aiUO25_xX8LG_KIaJtlVBI8nfWlClwB5VFwUOTp5ZaBKNuHtU881RnmQ21kDwz5xlkAcz-xepsiq1yJeN_zRAg-tx0bgwb4JB5jKeXoV_sSwYsMyz42gkTMOIMh-m_Jru5EbF/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnItto85aiUO25_xX8LG_KIaJtlVBI8nfWlClwB5VFwUOTp5ZaBKNuHtU881RnmQ21kDwz5xlkAcz-xepsiq1yJeN_zRAg-tx0bgwb4JB5jKeXoV_sSwYsMyz42gkTMOIMh-m_Jru5EbF/s640/IMG_0025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we like more world-traveled and a year older? BECAUSE WE ARE!</td></tr>
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I still can't believe in less than 30 days, I will be able to say that I lived a year in the Middle East! Who does that!?! I am not sure how I will feel about returning next year and doing it all again, but I am optimistic, especially with a bunch of cool trips on the horizon. I know I will never ever regret this decision. Although it has slightly delayed by baby plans..=) Michael and I are a stronger and better couple now and I just feel more aware. I came to this country assuming to find a sandy, conservative, slightly hostile, environment and have found some of that not to be true. Yes, this place has a huge list of deficits, but it also is so full of life and charm. We sat a beach club yesterday, where we had a swim up bar and the ocean in front of us, and war torn, broken down buildings behind us. It is hard to describe. I know I don't want to spend my life here or even more than 2 years, but these 2 years will always be a positive and important part of who I am!</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-71668120737905239982013-05-15T07:45:00.000-07:002013-05-15T07:45:39.942-07:00Things that I miss...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The countdown to the end of our year has begun. It is a little early still but within the last few weeks things that I miss from home are flooding to me. The "seriously, I live in Beirut" moments are fading, still attainable but fading. They are slowly being replaced with the "oh my gosh, I can't wait to have..." I am pretty much only talking about food and drink here which does not sound nice to my friends and family but please know that you all are the obvious bonuses of coming home! I am talking more about the taken for granted bonuses at home!<br />
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So here is what I have so far...<br />
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1. Not mixing my poop toilet paper with Michael's poop toilet paper. It just doesn't seem like the thing a married couple should do especially one where the husband still believes his wife doesn't go number 2 and he won't pee in the shower. Both of those are things about Michael encase you didn't get it.<br />
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2. Por que no. This is so obvious I shouldn't even mention it. I just want good Mexican and a margarita. Since, I don't drink as much here as I did in Portland, I am pretty sure one margarita there is going to be my undoing, but I am willing to risk it. Michael used to say I was a fun drunk from those margaritas, I think this time around might change his tune..hahaha<br />
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3. Slurpees. Truthfully, I have not thought of a slurpee in months! Since, there are no 7-11 reminders but the other day on my walk home from school their memory came flooding back to me. They used to be my go to for all occasions, driving home from college, the weekend, Monday. It didn't matter. So, I am surprised this void did not hit me earlier but it is definitely hit me like a ton of bricks!<br />
I wonder if I could make a replica in the blender. I will look into it!<br />
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4. I do not miss driving a car becasue I have never really liked it and it instantly makes me tired, not to mention I am bad at it. This is a fact many of you can attest to. But, I feel like I am 15 again waiting for the moment I turn 16 and get complete freedom. Of course, that is not exactly how it worked then and it won't be this time either, since we are only borrowing cars, but the freedom of just going is a really exciting idea. I don't have to talk in Arabic to anyone and settle a rate before I get in the car. I don't have to then argue that rate when I get out of the car. It is a luxury I completely took for granted when I was Mrs. Fancy with a car.<br />
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5. I miss understanding everything that is said in a group setting! I am not sure how my ears will adjust to being able to understand everything said everywhere I go. No hand signals and one word sentences. I might go into sensory overload and block out everything!<br />
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6. I miss quiet street sounds. I know everywhere has street noise but the noises I hear here are not the usual sounds. I have grown a slight hatred towards cats because here they seem to be in prepetual mating season, which means screams louder and more awful than any person should bare. I will not miss them this summer! Sorry Ryan and Stephanie!<br />
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7. I miss DVR..although I can download anything I want, whenever I want I have to wait until midnight so it is free and sometimes I don't want to wait. So pppffff.<br />
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8. This one might sound mean and out of place but I miss my independence, especially from Michael. I love him so much but here he has become my whole world. A few times a month or so I will go out with just the girls and do something but it is rare and not very often. When I have hard time here or a bad day at work, I come to him and he is amazing, but at home with a phone at the ready, I had other outlets for support. Of course, everyone is still supportive and amazing but timing is a real challenge and I get to talk to everyone so rarely, that I don't like to weigh down the time with grievances. So, Michael bares the brunt of it. I look forward to us being able to do things separately without concern and conveniently. There isn't much I will do where I can't walk by myself. I am not in danger by any means, but it is just a hassle. I am intimidated to bargain with the taxis and I am unsure of where to go and what I would do when I get there. We both have very little me time that isn't forced because of Michael's school work and I miss that. I can't wait to go somewhere with someone other than Michael or by myself that is more than half an hour away from my house! Please don't take this as any indication that we are not happy, we are doing wonderfully together and I think this move has only strengthened our relationship but such a heavy reliance on each other can be overwhelming.<br />
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9. All in All I just miss America!<br />
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10. I am sure this list will continue to grow but for now its my main misses!!!!<br />
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To encourage you all to visit and all and all miss Beirut, here are some photos!<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-27441045803233562332013-05-08T07:20:00.003-07:002013-05-08T07:20:53.930-07:002 months to go and oh yeah another year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can't believe i have not written in my blog for so long and I can't figure out where April went. =) We only have 2 months left of our first year in Beirut and what an amazing year it is has been. There have definitely been downs these last few months but more than enough ups. I got really homesick in March and April and really wanted to go home. I missed my family and friends more than I could imagine and I missed everyday conveniences. I wanted to get in my car and drive some where but couldn't. I wanted to walk or play in a park but couldn't. I wanted to see my family and friends but couldn't. Thankfully, I had Michael here with me and friends to show me the way back. Living here definitely allows you to go on downward spirals if you let it. You can easily become lazy and unmotivated since little things here can be a pain in the ass. But, then you remember its sunny, 70 degrees and you are only a 10 minute walk from the water. Things could definitely be worse. <br />
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In April we had a bunch of firsts. We had a friend from Portland visit and saw a bunch of new things. The pictures are included. We had our first Mexican meal and it was disgusting. I went to my first beach/pool resort. That is the thing to do on the weekends here. I am sure there are more. I will keep thinking. <br />
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So much as changed since we first got here, we are no longer intimidated to take taxis in and out of the city. Sometimes we even forget we live in a foreign city because we know our way around and we have developed quite a routine. But, then everyone starts speaking in Arabic around me and I remember! =) My Arabic has not improved much since the beginning, I am definitely not being modest on that point. I seem to be lacking the phonemic awareness for Arabic. I often say something and the person listening will not understand me and I don't know why. Then after several more attempts, I get a "oh...and then the item I was trying to say." I have no idea how there version of the word sounded any different than mine, so at times I hate to say it but I give up..=)<br />
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I have also decided I am the creepy lurker of the Preschool. Everyone is very nice to me and individually we have great meaningful conversations but in a small group, I am the creepy lurker. I am embarrassed to remind to them to speak in English, and even when they are reminded they don't. So, I have just stopped reminding anyone. Since, I have no idea what anyone is saying, I just sit and watch. Hey creepball..=) I often will contribute what I consider to be a funny comment about a student we have in common and often it is met with a blank face or minimal feedback, so I just stand there, unsure of whether I should just walk away or continue to wait for the conversation to continue. I often find that I stand there probably just a little too long. I am that waiter at a restaurant who hovers and talks at your table for one minute too long. I am the last one at a party when everyone else has left and the hosts are falling asleep on their feet. =) This might be an extreme but social awkwardness leads to that..=) I need to learn the Arabic word for creepball so I can know when it is used with my name in tow. Maybe by the end of next year I will learn appropriate conversation timing in Lebanon.<br />
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I am really proud of all Michael and I have seen and done this year. We have done especially recently of a lot of traveling within Beirut. Of course, there is a lot more to do and see but in the last few months we have made a lot of progress. We will continue to keep exploring and we are excited to see what else Lebanon has to offer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWoKsmbocSlrLhTAJBmTmPy6lcrvxLUkyZdLpnyGh9yFvBHlJVXeaYBAFBQbNWuYw3tN8CmUzdZpUQyT1u_LgLWbTbhSMBBTeEm1Y0QQRFBITMo2HHKlw5uIWmaGyujsGyO_yZQLuHGB3/s1600/DSC00787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The Cedar Reserve! A man in the tree!<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWoKsmbocSlrLhTAJBmTmPy6lcrvxLUkyZdLpnyGh9yFvBHlJVXeaYBAFBQbNWuYw3tN8CmUzdZpUQyT1u_LgLWbTbhSMBBTeEm1Y0QQRFBITMo2HHKlw5uIWmaGyujsGyO_yZQLuHGB3/s320/DSC00787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-CxbPlODp6nyFHOf_zhtVrQ6kWRS2tME9c2c12ztzVmi62oUIN3lBEpuz_gkX7BzUdURmqplc8zcUi05hd4Ai2dbGMH0IMaMWD5h46ecd1S3-7KEo9KDbSffgoBroP-at8GaPUQVSFAT/s1600/DSC00790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Cedar Reserve. It was not warm!<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-CxbPlODp6nyFHOf_zhtVrQ6kWRS2tME9c2c12ztzVmi62oUIN3lBEpuz_gkX7BzUdURmqplc8zcUi05hd4Ai2dbGMH0IMaMWD5h46ecd1S3-7KEo9KDbSffgoBroP-at8GaPUQVSFAT/s320/DSC00790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXown9JR8gpEoDhOVSOZ9_3ftHCzDkR4HQFNTqtLmtzuxYRAI3oZfO6tGqWvdVlZDsUaN444Bbm_uSdZ1kR9bmrKAacOPa5eggv3OuNracNBJqiHANLjTLOAGulCqZmGk30UamIMOLAiz/s1600/DSC00882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Jbeil<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXown9JR8gpEoDhOVSOZ9_3ftHCzDkR4HQFNTqtLmtzuxYRAI3oZfO6tGqWvdVlZDsUaN444Bbm_uSdZ1kR9bmrKAacOPa5eggv3OuNracNBJqiHANLjTLOAGulCqZmGk30UamIMOLAiz/s320/DSC00882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ywiSvogThKucw0Gcvtc678tc7qNv0wOKb0kTxWnTGYSeoTGOZMljxQ6MrLtoTFeDMWh5Hg5NVjL7NGGIP0U8eGHnf91E1ZXpvfLjKNCelEzeft9_oNSJQq_lKEdKkgHmOgJi34nzRp8K/s1600/DSC00899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Beiteddine Palace<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ywiSvogThKucw0Gcvtc678tc7qNv0wOKb0kTxWnTGYSeoTGOZMljxQ6MrLtoTFeDMWh5Hg5NVjL7NGGIP0U8eGHnf91E1ZXpvfLjKNCelEzeft9_oNSJQq_lKEdKkgHmOgJi34nzRp8K/s320/DSC00899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It is where the Prime Minister lives in the summer and it has the largest set of Mosaics in Lebanon.<br />
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During our 2nd Spring Break we went on a Byblos and Beyond tour. We went to 3 different cities. I can only remember the name of one but we really enjoyed it. We went to about 5 churches, so I think Michael was trying to drop a hint and take me on a conversion tour. The pictures are all from Batroun a very cute coastal town with churches and the sea.<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-87808698207916678782013-04-16T05:50:00.002-07:002013-04-16T05:50:23.287-07:00Beaufort Castle and Wadi Jezzine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYtDTd7ek4fqrS9gNiVgHJq7CbkdXTQyo774eKeSQaCw7d8EdDv8U6lzYeiK2YIwQiFuhcdfhrgbKhwvtDyTmMGE6I9J8aOBi3lFOA6tU3e-R5fCboEUDjWKm2Z6QK11OkOiITZf0SMDo/s1600/DSC00579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This is our rooftop at sunset. </a></div>
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The weather here right now is amazing. Mid 70s and mostly sunny! We are taking full advantage before the extreme heat moves in.<img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYtDTd7ek4fqrS9gNiVgHJq7CbkdXTQyo774eKeSQaCw7d8EdDv8U6lzYeiK2YIwQiFuhcdfhrgbKhwvtDyTmMGE6I9J8aOBi3lFOA6tU3e-R5fCboEUDjWKm2Z6QK11OkOiITZf0SMDo/s400/DSC00579.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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On Sunday we got the opportunity to travel for the day with our friends Andree and Eddie. We went to Southern Lebanon and had a great day. The weather was perfect and we saw some really, really beautiful things. We drove through Saida which is known to have escalations in violence but we just drove right through and didn't stop so we had no problems. Most of the time though Saida can is safe, it just is not a very vibrant or intriguing city. Whenever I ask cab drivers or locals about Saida I get a very mixed review, some people say it is a most see and others say there is no reason to go. I have to say just seeing it from the car, I agree with the latter but that might not be fair. <br />
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On the way through Saida a man had these pelicans out. Andree and I said they were real but Eddie and Michael didn't believe us because they are not found here, so we turned around and went back for a second look. Our assumption is that the man is selling them. They seemed to be friends and were very affectionate!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyjt3UsckMp13kFSjFsVUuch24NxaZ68zeBMe-BTUu5KbdEsTw7FhXEcupsqk97nIUeBXlsvlBxh76LGdNx43Hj4qyFHT-FmJHA1Un2T-8L58bGgh3WUiFDIslKncD3eZI4La4Q66QJe-/s1600/DSC00606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyjt3UsckMp13kFSjFsVUuch24NxaZ68zeBMe-BTUu5KbdEsTw7FhXEcupsqk97nIUeBXlsvlBxh76LGdNx43Hj4qyFHT-FmJHA1Un2T-8L58bGgh3WUiFDIslKncD3eZI4La4Q66QJe-/s320/DSC00606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzZmyP6xnwmhEdHo8KrrQYcHKncbkKMh4KHk3-QbVsjMzV9EFWDHgLPUKJO-8yZCLBBc0KcraNFBAcbb2XjVLivkQNa0wvmpPLNX6g45ii-wHni4AII8OpzRgKMchkxBrNxRWRYUZwX_f/s1600/DSC00626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Andree, Eddie, and Me next to the Beaufort Castle</a></div>
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The Israelis' lived in this castle because it is on a high bluff and they can see anyone coming. They built look out rooms out front of the castle. The castle is mostly in ruins now but you can still see a few rooms and hallways. It is very close to the Israeli border so we went through many check points and were turned around once because they do not let Americans too close to the border encase they are spies for Israel. I will have to remember on the next trip to bring my work permit and maybe a copy of my passport because I had no real ID to show the military and when they come to your car with their automatic weapons and long knives, I would like to be prepared. Nevertheless, the military and the locals we met on this road trip could not have been nicer and more helpful.<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzZmyP6xnwmhEdHo8KrrQYcHKncbkKMh4KHk3-QbVsjMzV9EFWDHgLPUKJO-8yZCLBBc0KcraNFBAcbb2XjVLivkQNa0wvmpPLNX6g45ii-wHni4AII8OpzRgKMchkxBrNxRWRYUZwX_f/s320/DSC00626.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCob3Y4VJmVNi9Zaw8WuAWGS04xoB7mUk7X3l7BabNF5KKHfeEKT3QtUG1fMp5EWg6_asKPOnhMsDWjqZwo_9a73brYkg3izoYYWV6KV27TZoIwiz03PKDLHGwNgit3RGONlfIzMY5PBGh/s1600/DSC00650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I believe this is a crusader castle.<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCob3Y4VJmVNi9Zaw8WuAWGS04xoB7mUk7X3l7BabNF5KKHfeEKT3QtUG1fMp5EWg6_asKPOnhMsDWjqZwo_9a73brYkg3izoYYWV6KV27TZoIwiz03PKDLHGwNgit3RGONlfIzMY5PBGh/s320/DSC00650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At one point during our visit we saw a animal that we did not recognize and then a few minutes later we heard a loud gun shot ring out. I think a local man took out our mystery animal..haha. I don't think I have ever been so close to a real rifle being shot. It other places it would be illegal to randomly fire your gun next to a public tourist spot, but ahh This is Lebanon and he had no bad intentions.<br />
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This is a cathedral in Jezzine. It is a small town in Lebanon and it is beautiful. This is where Michael and I found our first Lebanese waterfall. All of the next few pictures are Jezzine!<br />
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We had such a great day and it was so nice to see a new side of Lebanon. Beirut is the opposite of green and open. The road signs are terrible and mostly in Arabic so we got really lucky that Eddie drove us around and handled all the directions for us, this would have been a very expensive trip with a taxi or an impossible trip alone. We ate lunch at a restaurant over looking the waterfall. One wish I have for Lebanon is that it would start a clean-up/environment campaign because all the beauty was slightly distorted with trash. There was a huge pile of garbage under the waterfall and leading up to it. I am not sure what can be done about it, but it definitely makes me think twice about my own affects on the environment. I am not sure when Lebanon got this attitude of just drop it on the ground but if something isn't done about it soon, Lebanon will lose even more of its natural beauty. Overall, though it was one of the prettiest places I have seen and getting out of the city is always a special treat. It helps remind me when I am homesick or lonely, I am one lucky girl.</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-62836495732328794822013-04-09T04:46:00.004-07:002013-04-09T04:46:52.820-07:00Birthday Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Even though we were back to school after Spring Break for my birthday, I had a really fantastic week! It ended up being much more exciting than anticipated, mostly thanks to Michael and my friend Andree. Of course, everyone I know here and back home made it special but Andree ended up having a friend in town and I tagged along on their adventures.<br />
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On the Wednesday before my birthday. I went with Andree on a Rocche Rock boat trip. There are two giant rocks off the coast near our house and you can take a very small boat and drive through them. The whole thing lasted about 5 minutes, I think we got the American trip instead of the local trip. I was unsure if the boat would stay afloat and the man kept encouraging us to move around our body weight, I ended up the only one on one side of the boat between the 4 of us and I tried not to take it personally..=) I am sure he just felt that I was more stable than the other girls..<br />
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Here is a picture of our boat that a 13 year old walked us to. As we walked down to the boat, several locals hanging out on the Corniche were quite proud of the 13 year old for wrangling up a couple of American women. One man was kind enough to tell me he loved me! We walked down a "cliff" that is a bit of an extreme word but I don't know a better one right now, I guess a hill but that doesn't really do it justice either, that had no steps just a slight trail to find our boat. It was an adventure all by itself.<br />
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The water felt warm and was so blue, we went inside one small tunnel/cave and then through the rocks. Here is a view from the boat.<br />
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After the boat trip we went to Zeituny Bay, I think I misspelled it but it means olive in Arabic for a drink. It was beautiful there and I am going to push Michael to spend more time there. It is a boat dock for really expensive boats, as well as a strip of fancy restaurants and shops. It also has a pool in the summer. A few of the restaurants are affordable enough for us and we can just go for drinks and to be in a quieter spot.<br />
<br />Then we were off to our Lebanese 101 cooking class. We went to a place called Tawla (again I think) It was featured on Anthony Bourdains visit to Beirut. Everyday they have a different woman come and she creates a buffet for lunch. It is only open for about 4 hours everyday. They have 26 women chefs in all that take turns. So, you eat that day whatever she has prepared. It is pricey but a very nice space. So, we took a cooking class from one of the rotating chefs. We made Tabbouleh (which is a type of salad) everything has to be chopped very finely and it takes a lot of time. It is not my favorite dish here in Lebanon but was quite good this time. Then we made hummus and kebbe in laban. Kebbe is something I think Michael has blogged about and finally found the answer to but this Kebbe is a football shaped meat-filled treat. The outside (the football) is meat and some other ingredients and then you sautee meat and onions and spices and stuff it inside then bake them and then put in Laban. (Laban is a yogurt based food).<br />
Everything was so delicious and the class was really fun. How much of it I re-create at home will be a different question.<br />
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On my actual birthday, I had to go to a guest speaker allllll day! But then I got to go to a delicious Armenian dinner with Michael at a new place we had not tried yet. Armenian food is a lot like Lebanese but spicier. We ate Chee Kufta/Kibbeh Nayyeh-which is a raw meat dish, a lot like steak tartar. Then we had spicy fried potatoes, and quail eggs with meat on toast. We had a couple other dishes but those didn't make the picture. Everything was amazing!! Mom, I can see you scrunching up your face as you read this.<br />
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Then the Friday after my birthday again with Andree, I went on my first mini-bus experience. Which ended up much better than expected. There is no public transportation in Beirut, so there are vans you can read in for about a dollar that stop and pick up and drop off people along the way. I think they go anywhere. So, we got on one and rode to Jabiel/Byblos which is an amazing coastal town. As we rode along, we picked up 4 guys from the military and 2 other random men. The bus had seats for 8 or 9 but I think would have taken more if there were people waiting. Andree can speak really good Arabic and French, so she had a good time talking and translating for all of us. It was quite an experience. I am always very aware of how little I know in Arabic when I am in a situation with fluent, non-english speakers of Arabic. I get very few words. Thankfully, Arabic classes started up again this week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRL5xdNwJZs_5e5d8j25rJ_8ff_aLck757oAZObBdCe5l5ymMC9huM2yfcYoXUDapR0Cr8i8u9fAAwY0svtqR1QGjW5fxMtvneV2wjWxA8TkL1X5SJR_wvGZ8tnAa4ldXN0tsDZjW_jcw/s1600/DSC00447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> These pictures are all Byblos with our new camera!!<img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRL5xdNwJZs_5e5d8j25rJ_8ff_aLck757oAZObBdCe5l5ymMC9huM2yfcYoXUDapR0Cr8i8u9fAAwY0svtqR1QGjW5fxMtvneV2wjWxA8TkL1X5SJR_wvGZ8tnAa4ldXN0tsDZjW_jcw/s640/DSC00447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, on Saturday we had a building and friends BBQ on our rooftop and it was perfect. The weather was a little cool but it is going to be so hot soon we are enjoying it while we can. So, it was a great simple evening with good people. I really appreciate everyone being so sweet to me in a new place on the big 30. I am totally fine with turning 30, I actually feel like I have a lot to be proud of and have accomplished quite a bit and probably more than some people thought I would in my 30 years. I was just having a hard time reaching a milestone with the people I know best and longest. But, my friends here really rallied around me and made my 30th birthday perfect. I am so grateful for my Fadllalah second family! Here are some pictures from the BBQ..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnjh7SjE0jYBTimJPM2wc-FibUCQSpuNSoLsbNbUm-k17WGwgSx0sqv56VaYNC7_Df83tfeD6CZsF_vox8NkY0_kbYFLrTcJRXBftEzcHu3FiAyd3Kl1-AvEuOHbRl1oY2YBLW_-SmX4c/s1600/DSC00454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The rooftop<img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnjh7SjE0jYBTimJPM2wc-FibUCQSpuNSoLsbNbUm-k17WGwgSx0sqv56VaYNC7_Df83tfeD6CZsF_vox8NkY0_kbYFLrTcJRXBftEzcHu3FiAyd3Kl1-AvEuOHbRl1oY2YBLW_-SmX4c/s640/DSC00454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My building friends <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdR2_74gzclHSVo2mRJvZ1v4ibB7kOLzoh_HyOYsqyMkum5MgulYFojm_-hovccBNRqe0iyvTg52ZysQH7EkmTf23gaqZE45Pme3h6pMQn1h5IICSyriDS9kxXlgZlbwVIyJWDtQO0ABs/s1600/DSC00469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdR2_74gzclHSVo2mRJvZ1v4ibB7kOLzoh_HyOYsqyMkum5MgulYFojm_-hovccBNRqe0iyvTg52ZysQH7EkmTf23gaqZE45Pme3h6pMQn1h5IICSyriDS9kxXlgZlbwVIyJWDtQO0ABs/s400/DSC00469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-82821053207976055852013-03-31T05:40:00.001-07:002013-04-18T07:42:32.188-07:00Spring Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just got back from Prague and Budapest yesterday and had a hard time returning. Prague and Budapest were so, so, so cold, so I was looking forward to coming home to warm weather. But both countries were also so, so, so peaceful and beautiful. I know Beirut has its own charms and beauty but it is not around every corner like in the countries we visited.<br />
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We went to Budapest first and it was gorgeous and cold..did I mention that already?..We spent a lot of time just walking the city. We saw Parlament and the House of Terror. I did not realize before going to Hungry what a challenging time the country had. The Nazis and the Soviets set-up headquarters in one building, now the House of Terror and while there they enforced laws that terrorized the people of the city. Everyone turned on each other and everyone was under suspicion, thousands of people died. Yet, through all of this sadness the country is filled with great beauty. We had heard before the trip that the Hungarians are a subdued culture and we found that to be true, but also very nice. While there I discovered Ruin Pubs, were are bars built into the old abandon buildings and they can be re-decorated but not renovated. So, we found a really cool one by our house and had a great time at it. It was super cheap to eat and drink in Hungry.<br />
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We did the same things in Prague, wandered the city and went into a few museums. Both cities were so full of charm and I would highly recommend them. I think a summer trip would give you a whole new perspective on both cities because beer gardens would open and it would be sunny instead of snowing.<br />
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I wish I had funny stories to tell of our great adventures but it was just a nice peaceful, fun trip.<br />
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I turn 30 in a few days and am not sure how I feel about it. I am mostly ok with it but it is sad to spend it without any family except Michael. Oh well, a birthday in Beirut will definitely be something to talk about in years to come. And my school loves me so much they scheduled a guest speaker to lecture at our school on my birthday til 6:30 at night. Yay! It will be interesting to see how the Lebanese teachers do in a long lecture. They are not quiet ever, even when our director is speaking so a 4 hour long lecture will be really trying for some. My plan is to wear a t-shirt that says I am American and I am being quiet. So, I don't offend the speaker..=)<br />
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BUDAPEST! <br />
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PRAGUE!<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-2042785743748006372013-03-11T06:07:00.000-07:002013-03-11T06:07:04.023-07:00Teachers Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Friday was teacher's day. It is like Teacher Appreciation week but you get the day off and some teachers get way better presents. Teacher's appreciation week usaully boils down to a much of stuff you don't really want from kids or nothing at all, which is fine! At least, it always ways for me, maybe it is just me..=)<br />
Teacher's Day this year was a weird situation because of the strikes. At first teachers were not supposed to expect gifts because the parents had been complaining about them and how little school we were having. That idea quickly went out the door. Several of the elementary school teachers ended up with ipad mini's.<br />
I even got a gift from my KGII kids. The moms all went in together and got me something. I couldn't believe it. The mom that came to drop it off for me had to ask who and where I was because we had never met and they gave me a real gold bracelet. I have never had anything real gold and a bunch of strangers gave it to me as a gift. Crazy! I think its real gold anyways, I am going to return it to the store and we will see what happens!<br />
<br />We also get the day off on Friday for teachers day which is really nice because Thursday they had a huge celebratory dinner. I was warned that there would be a receiving line when we got to the hotel dining room and I was dreading it. The Lebanese do three kisses instead of two and it is so awkward. I always mess it up, sometimes I am too close to the other person, sometimes too far, sometimes we bump heads, it is really a dreadful experience for me and I avoid it at all costs. Thankfully, we got to the banquet a little early and missed most of the receiving line, at one point there were at least 15 people in line, that is a shit ton of kisses, I can't do the math but I am sure its a lot! I also decided to play the American card and just shook most peoples hands. I am was worried about people being offended but then everyone just got super drunk so no one remembered. Score 1 Tracy, Lebanon kisses 0. Michael had to give a bunch..sucker!<br />
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At the dinner there were a bunch of speeches and awards given out and then we ate from a buffet and then music started which means the Lebanese have to dance! A Lebanese dance party is always a good time and everyone is usually quite good. So, I joined in with my preschool teacher friends and our assistant and head director, who both scare me to death. They are both wonderful women and great at their jobs but they are no holds bar and when you make them mad, look out! Thankfully, I have not done that yet! I wore a really cute grey dress from a Portland boutique, boots, and I got my hair curled and I was under dressed. Tight and short seemed to be the theme of the evening. The women teachers here spend all day getting ready, hair, nail, make-up, it is a riot. This is not the night to slack off on your looks!<br />
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We ended the night at a local bar just a few of us and had a great time. I have been lucky enough to have been befriended by a woman at my school. All of the teachers talk to me when they see me and are very nice but she is the only one that invites me out after school and is including me with her friends. It is weird to be in that place again of learning how to make friends and not being too forward since I have so few other friends here. But, she is really great and I am very fortunate.<br />
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This Thursday we are going to see our first live music show besides the rap battle and I am really excited. I read about him in a magazine and is music is on youtube, I have not decided if I like his music or not yet, but I am excited to go somewhere new and do something different and support a local artist. It is late on a Thursday night and I am already dreading the early wake up but itll be worth it in the long run!<br />
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We leave for Budapest and Prague in two weeks and I am soo excited! They are both most to be amazing places to see.<br />
Sorry no pictures this week, the ones from teacher's dinner did not really turn out.<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-13639239565099843492013-03-04T00:55:00.000-08:002013-03-04T00:55:28.319-08:00Preschool Interviews and Hamra Street<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These last few weeks have gotten by me without even realizing it. We only have 4 months of school left and it is hard to fathom. I am 5 months away from having lived in Beirut for a year. Holy Shit! Who does that? and then who comes back for a 2nd year? There are people in our building working on their 3rd and 4th years. I still wake up morning and am amazed that I live here. I am sure I have said that a hundred times but too bad..=)<br />
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Last weekend I had to work on Saturday because it was Preschool Interview day! I knew it was coming but no one mentioned that all the teachers worked it. I tend to get left out of the loop a lot, there seems to be a constant assumption that I already know whats happening or that I understand the plans made in Arabic. Lots of meetings get scheduled and then people wonder why I am not at them. I have learned to ask a 1000 times about meetings I know might be happening.<br />
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So, I knew our school was one of the top schools in Beirut and that it was highly desirable and prestiguous but to what I extent I was not even close. 250 kids applied to go to IC, you can apply to the English or the French side, the french side is more competitive because it is more bragging rights and sounds better when you tell your friends (no joking) but only 140 get in. I got assigned to monitor the waiting rooms because last year parents had destroyed them, leaving behind dirty tissues and toys everywhere (another Lebanese symptom of having a nanny/housekeeper). So, I got to see all the parents stew in their anxiety. Some came in and thought the interview happened right then and there, so they were very formal and polite, others made excuses for their kids (he was sick this week, and now he is tired, can you take that into consideration) little did they know that the white, american girl could not have had less to do with the decision making process. I walked back and forth between two rooms checking on things and as soon as I walked in a room the vibe changed. Parents starting playing with their kids and quizzing them "what shape is this? what about this?" I wish I had had a clipboard to take fake notes on and add to the excitement. I then ended the day with a parent whose child a long enough hair it could sit like a bun on top of his head and since I am a professional foot eater, I said I think the form has the wrong paper because this is a picture of a boy. Of course, it was a boy who was interviewing, Mom corrected me and said "i have all boys and I wanted one to have long hair." REALLY, i am sure looking back on this baby pictures with a future girlfriend he will show a lot of appreciation.<br />
Back to the interviews, one by one the parents and child are called into a room with a teacher and asked to perform a series of tasks. They are also categorized by how strong their affiliation with IC is. Are their parents alumni? Do they have siblings there? Do they have a WASTA connection ( i still don't know exactly what that means and at this point I am embarrassed to ask because everyone else seems to know). Then there is the dreaded category 5, I was not supposed to know what the categories meant but my mentor accidentally slipped and told me. Category 5 means you are an outsider, you have no affiliation with IC and you are screwed. 1 maybe 2 of the category 5 outsiders will get into IC and you have to basically be a 3 year old genius. I really wanted to warn these nervous parents "psst hey, you have no chance stop worrying and think about heading home early for lunch." I wish I had kept better notes of who I saw because I want to check up on all of them next year to see who did or did not make it. There was one little boy that went up to random kids and aggressively hugged and screamed them, shockingly he was not popular. He was also a dreaded category 5 outsider, so farewell my strange friends, but thanks for helping me uncover the mystery behind category 5.<br />
It was also fun to see what Lebanese parents considered appropriate preschool interview attire. One Mom came in with her freshly bandged nose job, this might seem weird to Americans, but a nose job is a badge of honor here, it is celebrated and congratulated by most. A) you can afford one, which makes you better and B) people just like having it done!<br />
Some Moms felt short shorts and 5 inch high heels was the dress for success method and some just went for the good old jeans and a cute top! Lebanon has such a fascinating mix of people and ideas. It is fun to spend a few hours watching them all come to you and you just get to watch!<br />
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Now to Hamra Street. Michael and I have both posted a lot of pictures from Hamra. It is the main street by where we live. Everyone knows it. It has a lot of clothing shops and a lot of restaurants and almost anything else you need. Every restaurant on it delivers as well. Even Hardees! Hamra can be a very overwhelming place. It is always busy. There is always bumper to bumper traffic, except Sunday mornings, which is a great time to walk it and remember why you like it. On Friday and Saturday nights, if you call a cab and say you live on the end of Hamra, they just drive away. None of them want to sit in the bumper to bumper traffic for a mere 10,000 cab ride. That is $6. Cabs here also let you put as many people into a car as you see fit, so when there are 8 of us in a 5 person Honda Civic and you are stuck in traffic, we often just climb out and walk the rest of the way. There are numerous roads that run parallel to Hamra and have no traffic but cabs never want to take them. It is insanely frustrating and makes zero sense. But, back to the topic, when we first moved to Beirut and spent time on Hamra we would occassionally be asked for money or to buy gum from local kids. But, as things in Syria have continued to be dangerous and unstable, we are experiencing more and more Syrian refugees on Hamra. Which means we are experiencing more and more begging and asking for money. Adults drop their kids off on Hamra with gum or flowers and then pick them up several hours later hoping to have turned a profit. A woman outside of Michael's drycleaner asked me for money in Arabic, at least I think that is what she wanted..=) and I walked inside of the dry cleaner and instead of going away, she just stood in the door and blocked the exit, I did an excellent job of cornering myself for her. haha. My point of talking about this is simply to show the changes since we moved. The war in Syria is affecting all parts of the Middle East and so little is being done about it. Lebanon is not a stable enough country to be able to sustain the migration of Syrian refugees and keep out the fighting. Lebanon already has too few jobs for its lower-class and this influx on new people is a recipe for disaster. A country that is already known for being dangerous (although that is horribly dramatized in the media, at least the day to day), does not need even more poeple trying to make ends meet by any means possible.<br />
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Just for fun this is a cat heading a chicken head on the sidewalk. A lady on our way to work throws them out for the cats, I got the pleasure a few weeks ago of walking by while she threw them. They make a very distant splat/thud on the sidewalk..yummy! </div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-75458453305479912452013-02-22T04:57:00.001-08:002013-02-22T04:57:05.546-08:00Some more around town pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week I had my first doctor appointment off campus adventure. I knew the building I had to go to and I had what I thought were my forms all ready. I was so proud of myself when I found the building and the doctor's office, since I get lost going anywhere. But, the lady at the desk told me to go to the HIP building for a form and then gave me the directions in Arabic. All I got out of it was across the street and parking. Being the genuis that I am I figured parking meant a parking lot. So, I went into the underground parking lot across the street and looked around. A man that was guarding/sitting watching tv the parking lot told me to go around the building to the next parking. I walked all through that building and found nothing. Then I ended up on the wrong side of the building and had to guess which way to turn and direction to go. Thankfully I picked the right way and ended up back the orginial doctors office. There was a parking lot on the far side of that building so I tried there. That guard told me to go to another parking. I found another parking lot and asked there, that guard understood no English, so I kept walking. I finally found one last parking lot and the building. Hooray. I went inside the building to get my form stamped. Why you have to get your form stamped first I will never understand, anyways, we were supposed to take a number and wait, but this is Lebanon and taking a number means nothing, so I got cut out of line by two men. Finally, the guy behind the counter called directly to me. I did not have the right id so I got sent to another desk. In the end we realized I had a form with the wrong insurance on it and I did not ever need to go to that building in the first place..haha..ridiculous. Sometimes, I really miss the ease of everyone talking the same language and knowing what is happening around me. I am still after 5 months here, surprised when I can't speak to anyone that I want to in English. How that is possible, I don't know but there seems to be an assumption in me that English has taken over the world, which is partly true, but not as true as I need it to me at times. Thankfully, I really liked the doctor and I have to go back to her next week for another mole removal. I had made it almost 2 years without having one taken off, but I figured it couldn't last forever. So, everyone remember your sunscreen, its not worth it! On, a second note the medical profession is much better than I assumed it would be. I don't know why I had the idea that it would be all backdoor, dirty needle doctors, but I happy to say I was totally wrong and am fully confident in being taken care of here when needed.<br />
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Tomorrow we are going to the Music Hall downtown, it is a big club, but its not a typical club. There is a main stage and throughout the night different music acts from all genres play for about 15 minutes and then there is drinking and dancing, I am super excited. Every local I have talked to loves it and highly recommends it. I will have pictures soon.<br />
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Here are some more pictures from around town.<br />
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This is the outside and inside of our favorite coffee shop.<br />
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The bathroom at the coffee shop. A friendly reminder not to flush.<br />
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In the far back corner of this area is a restaurant we really like with outdoor seating and cheap, delicious food. Its call Taa Marbouta.</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-54904550592197561282013-02-17T02:46:00.004-08:002013-02-17T02:46:55.525-08:00Qadisha Valley Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday Michael, Jen, Tyson, and I rented a car and drove for a little over an hour to the Qadisha (Kadisha) Valley. It was a scary thought to try and drive that far in Beirut, a place with no laws, ecspecially none on the road. So, we started out at 7 a.m. to ensure that would be a minimum of other cars on the road. It was a brilliant idea. With no laws or rules, traffic in this area can get really, really bad.<br />
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It was raining most of the drive up but the views were still incredible. Lebanon outside of Beirut, it is a really beautiful place full of trees, greenery, and rocks. I also got to encounter my first check point. You automatically get a little nervous pulling up, but the guard barely looked at us and passed us through, stress-free, but reassuring of security in Lebanon, not so much.<br />
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The day was great. It was so nice to be cold for just a day and remember what winter feels like. On the way home between eating way too many Lays potato chips and what felt like an hour of switchbacks, I got quite carsick, no real surprise there, but we decided to stop for dinner in Byblos (a coastal town a half hour away from Beirut) and had a wonderful time. It was so nice to get away from Beirut and have mini-vacation!<br />
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Here are some pictures<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ohmnlUT_LbmJSp5rRORv_mfWFtB2yZhq9QAsdvgo3jlxaiw3qB-7e74oT9ERWR4JlFgZhnTJG0gKPUpcB8prpMba0DhTyNJoozGKXUL2TcFiY0QhJZlNFxF89W930sq5KBomDaFtotiw/s1600/IMG_2940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Me at Gibrans house. He is a Lebanese poet and author. Zinnia read a piece from him for our wedding.<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ohmnlUT_LbmJSp5rRORv_mfWFtB2yZhq9QAsdvgo3jlxaiw3qB-7e74oT9ERWR4JlFgZhnTJG0gKPUpcB8prpMba0DhTyNJoozGKXUL2TcFiY0QhJZlNFxF89W930sq5KBomDaFtotiw/s320/IMG_2940.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jP1EzVorMmy5bM7cuPPRCgJsup4w4jKVIsbFCYaSi360lum9xmpBqL1nP4UX2NRhH79pPt81wNOImgpremYHQO8bbpjzqveOwLtSE8uKDs1jkDrTjpdChchL6nNYcIOBZol29Sz1Krzx/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jP1EzVorMmy5bM7cuPPRCgJsup4w4jKVIsbFCYaSi360lum9xmpBqL1nP4UX2NRhH79pPt81wNOImgpremYHQO8bbpjzqveOwLtSE8uKDs1jkDrTjpdChchL6nNYcIOBZol29Sz1Krzx/s320/IMG_2901.JPG" width="320" />We found snow! We had no idea there would be less much so we weren't prepared, but it was so nice to see.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD1cEq4rwYIbnyEukZFWhhlilJJU3FIzlLbXjw7DQS2bNUVJoZbPOWFrxt_5mUncalytJ2cnAeBl4DLV4rINMnFeKQES5jgEXToARx7U5MrxoD32NRO6wA4SmwhSz1uJgsx4yVMcstsr3/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD1cEq4rwYIbnyEukZFWhhlilJJU3FIzlLbXjw7DQS2bNUVJoZbPOWFrxt_5mUncalytJ2cnAeBl4DLV4rINMnFeKQES5jgEXToARx7U5MrxoD32NRO6wA4SmwhSz1uJgsx4yVMcstsr3/s320/IMG_2915.JPG" width="320" />A view from way high up into the valley. It was soo cold there.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12FHIJkh-VS4T3NWNKIJ4oabnGdN4ggUu7_f6_wkwlfSq4VGeLS68MCHr7xNmpzA8a5HK6_CdOu6vgvDxP-kiLRx8BvdUQLjJXWw2WSZyew5QuARmTmZz9QsVjTJ54yOCmsuRHm-VH_mz/s1600/IMG_2927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12FHIJkh-VS4T3NWNKIJ4oabnGdN4ggUu7_f6_wkwlfSq4VGeLS68MCHr7xNmpzA8a5HK6_CdOu6vgvDxP-kiLRx8BvdUQLjJXWw2WSZyew5QuARmTmZz9QsVjTJ54yOCmsuRHm-VH_mz/s320/IMG_2927.jpg" width="240" />A</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR5I9f3HRaQbKXQQpKycY4c5jOvhSI1V89IyJx2sMtQDBQoPHAilOPe_XAbHm_QEFht9TSFdSQPjz-Uw5ZGTy1sSIBFW_WSFHsPnHc1pmkVwBiuuXE3Kvw4qd7C20Wjwxci72RZKEMPcH/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR5I9f3HRaQbKXQQpKycY4c5jOvhSI1V89IyJx2sMtQDBQoPHAilOPe_XAbHm_QEFht9TSFdSQPjz-Uw5ZGTy1sSIBFW_WSFHsPnHc1pmkVwBiuuXE3Kvw4qd7C20Wjwxci72RZKEMPcH/s320/IMG_2932.JPG" width="320" />A street view!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMXEa1n7iDmlUenozwvka1GyXT42qPE9rOLAVWgzXFpdBF2f_Cj1C6MQzRRiJiqKWwMiKCdOnhPHT3pJHMr1-fLDFDZWHffnnHOlmllrCqoV_jj_PrfzZD7BigOXWVcE9FNvaK4clFGkw/s1600/monstary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMXEa1n7iDmlUenozwvka1GyXT42qPE9rOLAVWgzXFpdBF2f_Cj1C6MQzRRiJiqKWwMiKCdOnhPHT3pJHMr1-fLDFDZWHffnnHOlmllrCqoV_jj_PrfzZD7BigOXWVcE9FNvaK4clFGkw/s320/monstary.jpg" width="240" />We drove down to see a monstary. We are not sure if monks still live here but it was beautiful and it stopped raining right when we got there! It is built into the cliff. So inside is very rocky, cold, and wet.</a></div>
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The view from a small climb. It really was beautiful and hard to capture in a picture.<br />
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Us at the top. I might be wrong but I think this is one of the highest points in Lebanon.</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-15550653436369644532013-02-12T05:01:00.001-08:002013-02-12T05:01:20.576-08:00Pictures from the Days of our Lives!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GVnEFL9aDNLrqmbPvN3LA7hBoKoT5aPH3oLDNyzOpcn69hNfkpfLqnKwy0khllCjFGR85Sh3LIKPqlYyXVHrZiycyUj3EOJ0BN8FeW7rT4xEIh4vsPRGDJUNuvxzd7SZWTYwNu1sB4Pq/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This is the fair went to at a local theatre. It is the closest to Saturday market that I will get.. Lots of fun junk!<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GVnEFL9aDNLrqmbPvN3LA7hBoKoT5aPH3oLDNyzOpcn69hNfkpfLqnKwy0khllCjFGR85Sh3LIKPqlYyXVHrZiycyUj3EOJ0BN8FeW7rT4xEIh4vsPRGDJUNuvxzd7SZWTYwNu1sB4Pq/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is by our house on Hamra. No one knows what is inside but that creepy clown on the side keeps me far far away.<br />
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This is our front door. The trashcan is a poor attempt at recycling. I don't think anyone actually does anything different with this trashcan than any other trashcan. And that's our bag of trash we put outside our door for our building guy to pick up and throw away for us. Heaven forbid we walk down 3 flights of stairs to take out the trash!<br />
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This is a new section of Hamra. Hot Dog and Beyond.. What is beyond we have yet to find out. Also a Zatar (thyme) and stuff restaurant.<br />
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We pass this everyday on Hamra. It is the Max of Hamra. All the local kids from school hang out here. Michael hates walking by because they all call out to him. The food is supposed to be awful but people like to go there to be seen. They also give you plastic gloves to eat your food, so your hands don't get drity. RIDICULOUS. People mostly use them with chicken wings but I saw a guy use them for a burger as well.<br />
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Our hungover/late night spot. They deliver to our apartment and it is amazing if the timing is right.<br />
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I took this because Michael things lots of wires crossing a street symbolizes foreign countries to him. He just really likes them<br />
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Me and my shadow. This is me being artistic. Well done me!</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-61714815299662504672013-02-07T10:53:00.000-08:002013-02-08T03:03:01.191-08:00REALIZATION!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had a realization walking to school today! I also had one while writing this blog, that I am getting a little carried away with my blog writing!<br />
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However, my realization was that a year ago this month, Michael and I went to the job fair that pretty much, without being super dramatic changed Michael and I's lives. There have definitely been about 101 second thoughts, and more than a few tears of I wanna go home (from Michael of course, I never cry =) ) but overall I think we will never regret this decision to uproot and move to Beirut. What an experience and what a story to tell. I have always wanted the better story in a situation, for example, "hello new person, tell me about yourself." "ok, well I lived in Europe for few years." ME: "oh really, thats cool, I lived for 2 years in B-E-I-R-U-T, have you heard of it?" BAM! I win. The only person who can beat me on that front is a Syrian, parts of Africa, and parts of Russia. I think there might be a handful of others, but I am unlikely to run into them! Obviously, this experience has turned me into a better person and much less outspoken!<br />
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My other realization is HOLY CRAP I live in Beirut. I was walking to school today and its so weird that I would live in the Middle East and at times forget that I live in the Middle East, it seems like a pretty big thing to forget..=) Especially with camels walking down the street and people with machine guns around several corners (the first thing is not true, the machine guns definitely true) I would love to share pictures but then I would not be writing this blog post unless they have internet in jail.<br />
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My final realization, that I forgot and then re-realized, is that I have not been in a car for almost a month. I have not driven in about 6 months but I have not even sat in one for almost a month. CRAZY! and I don't miss it too much, I do miss the convenience of a car, but the streets with no signs and horrible traffic make it better to not have a car. But, it is still very weird to think about.<br />
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As a closing, all I can say right now around the year mark is that this has been one whirlwind of a year. All good more than bad which I will always be thankful for, but wow love and Michael make me do some crazy Shiznit!<br />
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Which one of these pictures do you think is safer? And I am not referring to the knife he is cutting with but the product.<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-74004568717332347232013-02-05T06:45:00.001-08:002013-02-05T06:45:39.000-08:00Pictures!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a cat eating a raw chicken head. We see this at least once a week. A lady on our walk to school is known for putting the heads out, so there are always about 5 cats lurking around her door in the morning. It is DISGUSTING! and <u><i><b>Shelby Davis </b></i></u>I think I win our picture taking contest! Chicken heads are wayyy better than Gary!<br />
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These are some lovely foam mattresses that could be yours for FREE! I think. When in doubt with what to do with your trash put it out on the street. Someone else will take care of it!<br />
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This is a painting, I am assuming was done by our Secondary art department. Umm Yikes! I don't know who it is supposed to be or even what. Its a lovely dress and mustache and unibrow! I have never seen anyone that looked like this in Beirut! However, since people here openly (half/jokingly) admit to being racist, I would hate to think what this could mean!<br />
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Our Arabic Teacher took us to the grocery store to practice. It was humiliating!! So, this is Robbie and Jen getting groceries and naming things in Arabic. Oranges are burtoquall. Bananas are mooz.<br />
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This is another school painting. I call it "The Star Sneezer." I am not sure why it is necessary to put stars so close to her nose but whatever! I also like the flower hat and the small handprints all over the other ladies face! Children even Young Adults are fascinating.<br />
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ON A SPECIAL NOTE!--My friend you might remember him from here...<br />
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He is back in full force and he now even sells women and men's underwear! Happy Valentines Day Michael..although I did see some of the underwear fall on the ground, he very quickly picked them up and wiped them off. 5 second rule on underwear totally applies! Heck you just have to wash!</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-9047223893447108212013-02-03T05:23:00.002-08:002013-02-03T05:23:21.674-08:00I picture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think Michael posted this as well but I really like it, so I am going to post it too!<br />
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I promise we live on the place on the right! Although it is usually a lot more crowded and there are about 3000 more cars in the road, but the rest is true.</div>
Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-31147854122677566592013-01-30T09:51:00.003-08:002013-01-30T09:51:39.160-08:00Fun times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recently, read a memoir, called Beirut, I love you about a woman who came here the year after the 20 year civil war and stayed through the 2006 bombings. It was a fascinating read and she talked about lots of places that I have been in our area. She mentioned numerous times in the book about her love/hate relationship with Beirut. She hated what the people here did to each other and how scary it can be but she could never leave it. I am beginning to understand this relationship more and more with each month that I spend here. Although at the end of the 2 years I am sure I will be able to leave..=)<br />
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Beirut and its people have so much to be angry about, there is so much injustice and frustrations. As, Michael mentioned in his post, there is a lot of "what can you do, it's Lebanon." Yet, there is such a wonderful and expected world here. It takes a lot of effort to find it but when you do, its worth it.<br />
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A few weeks ago we went to an Arabic Rap Battle, of course, we did not understand a word, expect for the occasional CIA and white man shout out, =), I am sure it was all positive! Nevertheless, it was soo much fun. There was an awesome vibe in the room and people were loving it. They were respectful and happy. It was located in a cool theatre near our house that is designed to look like a futuristic airplane terminal, it is really hard to explain but really fun. We saw Harold and Maude there for free a few months ago, as well. This is a perfect example of the love relationship with Beirut.<br />
We walked home from the Battle with our friends and I just felt so happy. Sometimes, you just walk around this town and you are like, for all of my complaints and annoyances there is just a charm here that can't be explained. Even the 50 honks and taxi shout-outs on the way home, couldn't ruin the night.<br />
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If you want to imagine the hate part of the relationship, try walking down the street near your house and imagine in a 10 minute walk, that you have heard, cats screaming in terror from sex, about 50 honks, and at least 15 taxi, taxi, taxi, calls and an occasionally boob glare and a very rare, you are beautiful comment. That is Beirut in a nutshell and the hate part!<br />
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<b>This is a really long story but I think it is worth it.....</b><br />
Back to the love part, a few weeks ago I lost the extra key to my cubby/shed office. I didn't want to admit I had lost it. I am kind of afraid of the secretary, she is always shouting and talking fast in Arabic and I don't know if she is mad or just intense. So, I kept telling her I forgot it at home. Anyways, it got to a point where I couldn't put her off any longer, so I decided I would have a new key made and put it back in her key box without her knowing! Good plan...absolutely!!<br />
So, i went to school Monday morning and confided in a teacher about what was happening and she said "oh the key place is always open early, just go real quick." So, I snuck out of school, in fear of running into the secretary again, I went out a side door and headed up to Hamra. It is about a 10 minute walk from school. Of course, it decided to rain right then and there. Hard! and of course, I had a raincoat but no umbrella, so I am soaking wet and practically running to Hamra, which means I am also seriously overheating. Shockingly this is the only time it rained all day, I think it was karma for being a sneak. I finally find where I think the key shop should be but all is closed. Not sure what to do while standing in the rain, and having left work without telling anyone, I decide to ask the old man at the Western Union office, if he knows where the key shop is. He says he is late because it is raining to hard, seriously, people don't open because of rain! I need to own a business here! Then the Western Union man, invites me to sit inside his office and wait. I am drinking tea so he offers me a candy bar to go with it and we have a conversation in broken English, about his family and life. I think he thought his room was the Western Union and so he mentioned several times he had a house and a family. Then he gave me the Beirut, 15 minutes speech, which in American time could be hours. So, I told him I had to go, he let me leave with a few happy cheek pats. This is the love part of the relationship. this would never happen in the States! It was amazing!<br />
I went back an hour later to try again when the rain had stopped and there was an Arabic sign on the door, I asked the lottery/magazine salesmen to read it for me and instead he called the key guy and asked when he would be there. It was amazing, how much people wanted to help me, the drowned rat American girl, who claims at times to be from Canada, I am pretty sure they see right through that..=)<br />
This day made me really happy and finally in conclusion. I GOT THE KEY MADE and no one has figured it out yet...<br />
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Here are some pictures to make this blog post less boring<br />
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I made this in my sewing class, as you all know I am in great need of a cosmetic bag! But, I am quite proud of it. I have two more classes to go in the beginners workshop, next week I can make a skirt! Woop, Woop, who would have thought I would be in a 4 week sewing class, I am so domesticated! <br />
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We can watch hockey!!! Mike Green I have missed your beautiful face!<br />
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Our yummy dinner the other night. I decided to do the opposite of what most people do and take a picture after we ate! Gross! We had a chicken plate, Fattoush (its a delicious salad), muttabal (its eggplant made up like hummus with pomegranate seeds), and a big water!!<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-90138445397335603812013-01-17T04:52:00.002-08:002013-01-17T04:52:40.722-08:00And we're back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, we came back to school on the 2nd of January and still have not had a full week of work. Last week Beirut and the surrounding areas got so much snow and rain that the Minister of Education shut down all schools for 3 days! It was really nice. However, since we have missed so much school already, IC has cancelled our February break. I am no stranger, to having to make up school days, so I kind of ok with it. BUT...why is the allocated number of school days the 1 rule that Lebanon follows. SERIOUSLY! People run red lights and park on sidewalks and bomb each other, without persecution but too few schools day, sends everyone into a frenzy! Oh well, its Beirut. That is the mantra every time there is something confusing or wrong here. We have probably told you this before!<br />
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Yesterday, we had parent teacher conferences, I always wondered what it would be like to be the most hated person in a room. I often wondered -What Obama would feel like at a Republican Convention or how it would feel to be Jewish in Lebanon. Thankfully, yesterday I got my wish. It is very uncool to have a special needs child in Lebanon, more uncool than not wearing brand name tennis shoes or being a domestic helper. So, when parents see me coming, there is an instant look for fear and disdan. Some parents refused to even let me meet with their children. The others constantly ask "is it only my child you see," "is my child worst than the other children" (more often than not the true answer to this is YES, but we pretend not too compare. There is also a lot "my child is nothing like that at home, I am surprised you see that at school." Interesting! Well as long as he is fine at home, I guess we don't have a problem here. Duh! Oh well, its Beirut! Please, do not call me when IC politely puts your child on academic probation and then even more politely asks you to find a school that is more suited for your student, in the dreaded and horrible world of public education. what would people say then!!! IC has to keep up their 98% pass rating on tests and your child will hurt the curve, so good luck! I am a little put off today, can you tell..=)<br />
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On a happier note, my Economics class is going well so far! Yay! I can now take any money you offer and put it in the stock market and make you millions, I have after all been taking the class for a whole 2 weeks!<br />
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We also found a new bar that we can walk to that has really good happy hour, so I have been 2 times since Wednesday, nice work me! It is some of the best quality non-lebanese food we have found here. The lebanese make some amazing local food, but their intrepretation of American food can leave a lot to be desired. I also blame the amazing food scene in Portland, for making other food always seems a little subpar!<br />
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Last night we tried to watch a illegally burned dvd of The Hobbit, that I bought at a local video store and it started out strong but quickly the words and the mouth no longer matched! Cutting corners doesn't always pan out but I am happy that I currently live in a place where a store can sell burned dvd's. Its no longer a taboo subject, well it's Beirut, we have bigger issues!<br />
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Here are three pictures from around town. I need to post more of these types of pictures.<br />
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Our first hot toddys in Beirut, at our new favorite bar<br />
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the back area of another restuarant, its beautiful back there but the food is just ok<br />
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I just like this sign and it doesn't seem to belong to a business..he just looks so happy to help<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-28257010111367155042013-01-07T05:52:00.000-08:002013-01-07T05:52:09.841-08:00Paris and other stuff<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since, this is happening at this moment I am going to start with it. I have decided as you know, to start working towards my General Education endorsement and the only class I could sign up for (for a lot of annoying reasons) is Introduction to Economics. I was reading through the syllabus today and am already kind of regretting my decision. I have completely forgotten how to read assigned chapters and take quizzes. Then I read that the final exam is in-person. That makes things tough, since I lied and said I still live in Portland, but yet I have to take the test or hopefully take the test in Beirut. Wow, lying never does pay off, although it saved me a ton of money...=) We will see how this goes. Hopefully, the American University of Beirut can help me out. Oh yea, I also need a TI-83. WOW WOW WOW, did I never ever ever think I would say those words again. Lindsay Arceo I don't know how you did this and had a baby!!!!!<br />
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Anyways, on to Paris.<br />
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Before going to Paris, I scoffed a little at the Most Romantic City in the World talk. Mostly because lovey, dovey stuff kind freaks me out..=) I am not great at the whole look in eyes lovingly and quietly while picnicking with fountains running and doves swimming. Thankfully, it was too cold for doves, fountains, or picnics. However, by the end of about 3 days I was a changed woman. I fell in love with Paris, just like most people, I would assume. I could actually visualize myself sitting by a fountain with a bottle of wine and not talking, me not talking, who have I become. A Paris convert that's who! It is an amazing city with sooo many things to see and a little bit for everyone. I only wish I had eaten more French Onion or just Onion soup! I already want to go back with just Michael and be that couple from the movies! Ecspecially the ones that ride bikes and laugh hysterically with their legs sticking out and a basket on the front carrying lunch! Oh, Paris you got me! haha<br />
Here are some pictures to encourage you to get gotten( i know thats not right) by Paris.<br />
I was also amazing to get to spend a whole week with my family. I LOVED IT. It was hard to say good-bye but seeing them is always worth it.<br />
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We put a lock on the bridge for continued luck in love! Its looking right at the Eiffel Tower! 7-22-11<br />
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Hanging out in our cute neighborhood!<br />
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There she is!<br />
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The Top of the Eiffel Tower. It was a long wait but worth it!<br />
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Ashley and I doing the European picture pose in front of the Louvre...Amaazing!<br />
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Bottom line I had the best two weeks ever!</div>
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Now to start planning February and March!!!</div>
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I am glad to be back to a bit of a schedule and all the honking horns! I feel a little lost without all the noise.</div>
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This week our school is closed for two days for weather. It has been down pouring off and on for 2 days now and there are no sewers in the street here, another great beirutian plan!! So, roads are even more dangerous than before. Cars are actually washing away! I really like how Beirut put in white lanes for traffic which absolutely no one follows but then did not put in anywhere for the water to run. Crazytown. I am not sure why I keep getting surprised by things here!</div>
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-90970196768376481992012-12-31T07:28:00.002-08:002012-12-31T07:28:47.726-08:00Winter Vacation 1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't even know where to begin with this blog, we have done so much in 2 weeks.<br />
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We got out of school on Dec. 17th and that night had a wine tasting party. It was really fun and a nice way to unwind from everyone elses busy schedule..=) Michael made me a Christmas Clumsy and I wrote him a short story about how Clumsy ended up on our way. I am quite proud of it..=) So, overall we had quite the Clumsy celebration!<br />
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Then on Monday bright and early we headed off to Barcelona. Our flight was fine and we had a lay over in Paris, which is the most insane aiport of all time. Thankfully our building friends had warned us that the lines and security at Charles DeGull were long and ridiculous so we booked a flight we a 4 hour layover. This was a huge blessing. They had one person checking passports for everyone going through the one terminal. The line was soo long. Everyone around us was already late for their flights. People were cutting line and some people got in an argument about who should go first. One lady just kept walking past people as if they weren't there. We were happy we listened to our friends. With the line and transfering terminals our 4 hour layover quickly became 2 hours.<br />
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Finally we got to Shelby and had the time of our lives in Barcelona. I felt like I was 21 again for a day or two. Then my body quickly let me know that I am about to be 30..=)<br />
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Pictures are in the next post. I don't know what happened.<br />
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-40493997838175799382012-12-31T07:28:00.000-08:002012-12-31T07:28:20.788-08:00Winter Vacation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Cool Art work in Barcelona<br />
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Las Ramblas- a popular street in Barcelona<br />
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A Gaudi building. His architecture is all over Barcelona and its all amazing.<br />
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The Cathedral.<br />
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Barcelona's Arc de Triomf! <br />
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The Sagrada de Familia Church ---as by Gaudi. It is still not finished they have been working on it for almost 150 years.<br />
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The Sagrada is based on nature, even I could tell that and I know nothing about architecture.<br />
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This was one of my favorite things in Barcelona. Some people don't have a Santa Claus. So they have Caga Tio, it is a log you beat with a stick until it poops out presents! AMAZING!<br />
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At an awesome wine bar. Super Happy! We waited 3 hours for this place to open..=)<br />
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Parc de Guell...this is an entire park with sculptures by Gaudi, right next to his old house. It is also a lesson in not sitting like a trucker!<br />
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Sitges. A cool coastal town outside of Barcelona. It was 65 and sunny. People were sunbathing. The perfect day!<br />
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Christmas ball light dancing!<br />
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I will post pictures from Paris later. It seems I have done quite a bit today. I have so many more pictures I could post. It was really hard to limit myself. Barcelona was an amazing city and we had the best tour guides in town. I loved every minute of it. </div>
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I don't usually make New Years resolutions, but this year after looking back on the last two weeks. I am going to work on being more appreciative. I have such amazing things going on in my life now and down the road. I want to make sure to take the time to stop and enjoy them. I think Michael will be a valuable part in this because he seems to be really good at enjoying the small things and the big things. I am so lucky to have such a great travel partner through life.</div>
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I thought I would dread coming back to Beirut because of the mixed emotions the last 4 months have brought and although I was horribly sad to leave my friends and family again ( I am not sure how many more times I can do that). I am happy and content to be back in Beirut. Which is a huge relief. This is my home for now and I am going to do what I can to make it a success. I know I will still have some ups and downs but each day I get a little more comfortable and find more of a routine. I am not intimidated by the strange differences between here and the States anymore. Although I will not be riding in any open door white vans anytime soon. (this is beirut's answer to public transportation) They are just a part of this world. We will see if I am still singing this happy tune in two weeks when I have to work on a Saturday!</div>
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096241467731644116.post-70571459389071036302012-12-11T05:57:00.001-08:002012-12-11T05:57:28.001-08:00Istanbul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Wednesday, Michael and I decided last minute to meet our friend Molly in Istanbul, this decision quickly determined that we would also be meeting Shelby there as well. The girls and I had started a countdown til we saw each other in Barcelona and it went from 12 days to 1 day very quickly.<br />
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Since, it was so last minute we left for Istanbul not knowing much of anything about it. I think I figured it would look like a twin of Beirut. Wow, could I have been more wrong. Which is not something I like to say often!<br />
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We got off the plane, it was a quick 1 and a half hour flight for us and boarded a bus for downtown. The bus ride took us through a part of Turkey, that could have been Centreville or Sterling set on the water. I was shocked. There were apartments and chain stores everywhere. I had no idea that it would feel so suburban in Turkey.<br />
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The bus ride took us only twenty minutes which was great because I was jumping out of my seat to see Shelby and Molly and we had just limited time. When we got off the bus in Takism square which is a huge location in Istanbul, everyone knows it. There are buses and cabs and the metro all right there.<br />
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So, then we spent the next two days doing as much as possible. And I fell in love with Istanbul. It was super cold but it was so beautiful. There were rows and rows of townhouses and apartments where we stayed and they each had such beautiful character and personality. The city felt welcoming and open at the same time. However, I have never seen so many people in my life, except for people in Times Square, but this is a much smaller space. Shelby actually got stuck on a small man-made bridge that went over construction because there were so many people trying to cross the bridge no one moved. I couldn't believe it!<br />
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The mosques were amazing, the views were amazing. I truly loved it. I was also surprised, although I am not sure why by the number of people that did not speak but a few words on English. I have gotten so spoiled that most people in Beirut speak English that I take it for granted. There was a lot of hand gesturing and motioning. It was actually nice to see that as Americans we have not taken over all languages and cities of the world...=)<br />
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The Turkish Evil Eye Pendant or the Nazar Boncugu, which literally means
the "evil eye bead", is actually a stone bead, which is worn to protect
oneself from evil looks. The stone is an amalgamation of molten glass,
iron, copper, water and salt. This particular combination of minerals
and metals is believed to provide a shield from the forces of evil.
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The Evil Eye pendant has the symbol of an eye worked upon it. The symbol
of the eye is regarded as a potent amulet for protection against evil
forces in almost every culture of the world like Jewish, Islamic, Hindu,
Buddhist and Christian. Thus, in Turkey, you have an eye for an eye.
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It is believed that the Nazar Boncugu deflects the negative energy that
is being directed towards a person onto itself, thus dispersing its
powers.
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The Nazar Boncugu is blue in color and the age-old Anatolian belief is
that it is actually the blue color of the stone, which holds the real
shielding power and absorbs the negative energy.
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Tracy combshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00205399753670600599noreply@blogger.com0