Dont Ask, Dont Tell

It's going to take every bone in my body not to gain weight in Turkey. Their food is so delicious. But, its so full of carbs and rich oils. Everything I have had so far has been so delicious. I bought bread at the market on the way home from work because I was craving it. I don't know what it is about Turkish bread but Im addicted.

Our school has the most wonderful lunches. I bet you never thought you would hear school, lunch and wonderful in the same sentence. But I have to be honest, lunch is one of the highlights of my day. Hey, call me what you want but this is my year off from life and Im not passing up a good Turkish meal. I will work it off at some other time.lol.

Anyhow, I was eating this delicious Turkish stew on Friday. Absolutely, loved it. The meat was so tender. So, the teachers and I were sitting around talking about the Eid Holiday. Its a holiday celebrated in the Muslim religion. She was explaining to me how Eid is about sharing and helping the poor and in their religion there is this concept of killing a sheep, cooking it and sharing it with the poor. So, I reply "that's gross". Then, she goes well you don't eat sheep and I said "NO"! Then she replies "Well, that's what you were eating at lunch on Friday". I couldn't do anything but laugh lol. So my new theory is if I dont ask then please dont tell. 

On the Midnight Plane to.....

The next step on my quest of traveling the world....Gaziantep, Turkey. I arrived to Gaziantep just three days ago. I stepped off the plane to the most foreign feeling I have ever felt. A Chill!!!!! I stepped of the plane and I was actually cold. From Louisiana to Doha....I haven't been cold in at least 6 months lol. So, for the first time in a while I had to wear a sweater. However, the effect of the chill didnt last long. As soon as I saw the breathtaking views of the mountains and greenery. I knew I was home. Turkey has amazing natural beauty. Gaziantep is an old city mixed with modern charm.

I literally spent my entire weekend outside. I wondered through the parks and splashed in the streams. I ate lots of random vendor food on the side of the road that I couldn't identify. I took a train into the town and went down roads and roads of shopping. Turkey is wonderful and it is actually a place I could see myself living.

Now, Turkey does have its challenges. No one here speaks English. In fact, Ive eaten pizza the last 3 days because it is the only thing I can read and point to on the menu. However, the people have been so lovely about it. They use hand gestures and use what English they know to help me. I want to learn Turkish so badly but apparently it is the 6th hardest language in the world to learn. The kids in the school absolutely love me and just want to ask me questions about where Im from!. Its good for them it helps them practice their English. The teachers in my department are lovely as well. They have been so generous and helpful. The school is massive and beautiful and they serve the most delicious Turkish food. I dont ask questions I just eat...lol. Im afraid if I ask I wont eat lol.

So far Turkey...has been amazing. However, the adventure has just begun....There is so much more to come!

Farewell Doha

As i sit here my last evening in Doha in a diner eating a large peperroni pizza, I realize that what Doha was missing was the "Eat Pray Love" experience. Doha is beautiful and most people would adore it. It's modern, sleek busy, traffic ridden, honestly its like NYC with sand. There is still a strong islamic presence but just in a modern way. I think I was looking to have an ephiphany while overseas and both professionally and socially I experienced more of the same. More of what I experienced in the US.

 

What I loved about Doha is that it had heart. The people here devoutly believe in something. The women I met here were the most kind, hospitable and open women I have met. They were willing to share their culture, welcome me in with open arms and answer all my questions.They have made a sincere impression on me. I will never forget the days they just made me feel special. The day when my co-worker who is from Cairo brought me an Egyptian jewelery box and Candelabra as a housewarming gift. She had heard me nagging about wanting to go to Egypt my whole life.  I loved the variety. There were so many different people from so many places and so many walks of life. They embraced so many people of different cultures.

 

Now, that my stay in Doha has come to an end, I think about the things I will put in my mental backpack as Im leaving. First and foremost, I've learned not to put your faith or trust in everyone. Put your faith and trust in god and he will show you who to share it with. Second, Ive learned that the most valuable thing in life isnt money or people or location. It's happiness. At some point in our lives, we have to do things for ourselves and ourselves only. Focus on the positive and do what makes the heart content. I admit even I dont like to disappoint people so I try to make decisions for the greater happiness of everyone. At this moment, I realize that life is short and there shouldnt be more pockets of bad than good. If there are then its time to make some hard choices. What I know for sure is I want to enjoy every  single day in this world and not let anyone tamper with that.

 

Anyhow, I am moving on to one of the oldest parts of the world. To a place with strong history and I hope that this is the experience I dream of. Doha was the pray for sure. Now, im looking for the eat and love. As in love, I mean a love of concepts and ideas. A greater appreciation of something. A love and embracement of a new mindset. Stay tuned..... Im on the midnight train to...........

People are People Regardless of the Location

Experiences are powerful regardless of whether they are negative or positive. You learn from the positive as well as the negative. The biggest challenge I have had in the Middle East has not been the Middle East. You would think that I would have a challenge with the culture, the language or the customs. Or that maybe I would be bothered by the fact that you have to wear long sleeves and pants in 100 degree weather. The surprising fact is that my biggest obstacle in the Middle East is people and not people from the Middle East.

All of the Middle Eastern people have been absolutely loving. They are so caring and endearing. One of my co-workers brought me an Egyptian jewelry box and candelabra because I've been ranting about wanting to go to Egypt. My issue has been with non-middle Eastern people. There are so many people who bring their sheltered views  and attitudes to a new place.

I think the thing I have struggled with most in Qatar is having faith in humanity. Having faith that people will be understanding, genuine, non-judgemental. Faith that people will respect and honor one another for no other reason than that we are all people. Having faith that there are people who will accept you as you are. Having faith that somehow, one day, people's minds will be opened and their eyes will see something new. That people will learn to see outside of themselves.

I have enjoyed Qatar but I think that what's missing for me, it is too Western. There isn't anything unique about it. Its like living in a Western country. Over 80% of the population are foreigners, most from western countries. I never thought I would say this but its not different enough. Most cities have history, a unique culture, unique customs. The muslim culture is very unique and I have learned so much from it. On the same hand, in this particular country it doesn't define it. I enjoy it here but I can't help but to wonder whats next in my journey.