Today I was paid! How I had longed for this day since I arrived! I was paid for half a month (Yay me), in cash, in American dollars. It feels weird carrying around so much cash wondering what to do with it. It is even stranger that I don't have to worry about exchange rates and such...at least not directly. The stores seem to all accept the US money, though many of them give the change in Iraqi dinnar, which actually has English printed on the bills as well as the Arabic.
Well, that was the good thing that happened today. Unfortunately, today was extremely frustrating for me. Even when I first woke up, I felt frustrated. The water was hot, I was able to clean some of the mud off my shoes; I ran a cloth with petroleum jelly over my leather hat, and I was in the bus to get to work on time with little waiting. I should have been happy, but it was just one of those days.
The first thing the other teacher and I did was to tape name tags of the students' onto their desks. The other teacher was in a bad mood as well, and didn't like the way I was putting the tape on them. She snapped at me a couple times, and I went into the office that is apparently now meant for me, and I didn't really talk to her for the rest of the work day.
Some of the students complained about the assigned seats. The dean had to come in and tell them that we weren't going to be moving students without a very good reason; just because you didn't like a person was not sufficient reason. He told the other English class this as well. I moved one student because she needs to sit in the front in order to see the board. Apparently they knew this before, but I was not told (not that it should have mattered as the one who initially made the seating chart knew).
The other teacher moved a student who was "uncomfortable" sitting next to the student she was placed next to. She wanted me to move the students, but I didn't really feel comfortable doing so. I originally would have had no problem moving someone if they were uncomfortable sitting next to someone, but after the dean gave his little speech, I felt it was unfair to allow her to move and no one else. The other teacher apparently didn't see it that way; she moved the student. This also frustrated me a little more. Perhaps I was being a little sensitive today. I hope it does not continue into tomorrow.
When I was teaching my class this afternoon, I was really frustrated! It seems that my students are unable to grasp the concept of an answer being something that is not directly written in the text. For example, the question was "How long has ...bean singing?" In the article was a section that stated "In the year 2000, she climbed the stage for the first time to sing before ....." They wanted to put 2000, no matter what I said. They didn't get that you had to take the year that it is and subtract the year she started in order to find the number of years she had been singing for. If it isn't written, it can't be the right answer! I think this is the most frustrating thing for me with my students.
I have decided that I am going to attempt to do a lot of things with my students that others may thing would be too difficult. I am going to have them present an autobiography at the end of the semester. I am not going to be looking for anything fantastic, but I think they need to do something in which they use what they have learned, even if the program is very much test driven.
Last night my housemate from Bagdhad took me out to eat at a cheap, but very good restaurant. We had a plate of fries, a plate of salad, chicken (for me), a hamburger (for him), 2 cans of coke, and bread. This all came to around $10. The meal was good, as was the company and conversation. I learned a lot about living in Iraq that I hadn't known before. I think things may get easier now that I have all the paperwork out of the way now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Another Sunday at Work!
Today seemed to last forever! I was so tired when I came home on Saturday, that I worked on my lesson plan for today, and went to bed at about 7pm. I got up around 4:30am and finished what I didn't the night before. Then at around 6am I decided to start my day. I had hot water that came within 2 minutes!! How could things be any better than a day that starts with hot water and good conversation? Of course I felt it necessary to test the combined theory of water being wet, smooth surfaces being slippery when wet, and that the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" is actually a list that one should attempt to mark off the greatest number of parts that are injured. It was a great experiment, but I think I should find shower slippers to keep it from happening again. If I had been 2 or 3 cm closer to the faucet, I would have made it into the facial features of the song!!
Yesterday was sooo dusty! It was like a fog of sand blocking out the sun, and so thick that one could taste it. Today it was wet! I wonder how much change this weather will take. I spent my lunch break today at the Residency Office. I was told it was going to take half an hour, but one hour later, I was still sitting there waiting to finish. I didn't get my card, but I think all the paperwork is done. They took my name, my father's name, my nickname (for which they used my last name), my religion, and what languages I speak. They also took the fingerprints of my two index fingers and my thumbs. Then I just waited and waited. I don't know if there is anything left for me to do, but I am sure they will tell me just after it needs to be done.
In class we watched Tom and Jerry. It was about the Declaration of Independence. The students are really, really low level. The other teacher greatly overestimated their ability to understand English. I must find much easier writings and such to give them. I am thinking about having them write an autobiography using multiple mediums. This would give them the chance to be creative, and use the vocabulary they have been learning. They could use things about themselves, body parts, colors, family, and things such as that. I am not sure how to get making phone calls and leaving messages in there, but I will try to think of something.
Yesterday was sooo dusty! It was like a fog of sand blocking out the sun, and so thick that one could taste it. Today it was wet! I wonder how much change this weather will take. I spent my lunch break today at the Residency Office. I was told it was going to take half an hour, but one hour later, I was still sitting there waiting to finish. I didn't get my card, but I think all the paperwork is done. They took my name, my father's name, my nickname (for which they used my last name), my religion, and what languages I speak. They also took the fingerprints of my two index fingers and my thumbs. Then I just waited and waited. I don't know if there is anything left for me to do, but I am sure they will tell me just after it needs to be done.
In class we watched Tom and Jerry. It was about the Declaration of Independence. The students are really, really low level. The other teacher greatly overestimated their ability to understand English. I must find much easier writings and such to give them. I am thinking about having them write an autobiography using multiple mediums. This would give them the chance to be creative, and use the vocabulary they have been learning. They could use things about themselves, body parts, colors, family, and things such as that. I am not sure how to get making phone calls and leaving messages in there, but I will try to think of something.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Partying and working Lebanon/Kurdish style
Yesterday was a very long day! Generally when people say this, it has a negative connotation; however, this is not the case for me. I started out with going to work where I was supposed to get a ride to the Residency Office. This didn't happen, though, so as of tomorrow I will be in the country illegally. I hope that this doesn't cause too many problems for me.
At work I gave the test that I so dreaded giving; it was excruciating! I gave the dictation, which was obviously too difficult. They wanted me to read the individual words instead of the sentences. This probably would have been better, but I didn't do it. After that, I gave them their written portion. Most of them had a huge problem understanding the directions (not a surprise there). I had to explain that and then answer questions about the test as I walked around taking away a couple of cell phones and trying to keep students from sharing information.
This test was supposed to last the full 2 hours and 20 minutes plus the 10 minute break they normally get, but were not supposed to this time. Apparently they don't want the students leaving halfway through the test. Not my idea of fair, but I suppose if that is what they want to do. However, the test was giving me such a headache that I gave them that normal 10 minute break. I made sure that they left the test and their study materials in the class when they left, and then I went outside to see what they were doing. They, of course, were talking about the test. They talked about definitions, how to decide what months have 31 days, and that sort of thing. I found it all quite amusing, and I was happy about it! If they were discussing these things that means that they were learning, if only for a brief period of time, and that is what it is supposed to be after all.
Of course, it didn't make much difference on the test. They all did very bad, but when you make it so far over their level, what can you really expect? But it wasn't all bad. During the lunch period, the staff celebrated the birthday of one of my housemates. One of the teachers brought a small cake and we had pop with it. Small but nice. The real part happened later that evening at home. After classes, I spent about an hour "playing" basketball and then dancing with a couple of the students. They are really proud of their Kurdish heritage.
Around 8pm the fun began. The other teacher from school, the HR person, and 3 or 4 teachers (or something) from the other two SABIS schools in the area came over to do a more comprehensive celebration. There was the required
Arabic music, the smoking of Shisa (hookah, gheva (sp), water pipe or whatever you wish to call it), and alcohol... these last two were of course optional and I did not partake (the other college teacher said that I was Mormon and didn't do these things...I am still not sure where she pulled this from).
This party became really loud, and most of the conversation was a mixture of French, Arabic (both Iraqi and Lebanese), and Kurdish. I was mostly totally lost, but it was a good atmosphere. As the night grew later, the music grew louder, and the dancing more intense. They decided that I must participate in thi
s dancing, so we did a simple debke that was actually quite fun. The music was turned off around 12:30am. However, it seems that as the party is winding down, Lebanese tend to sing. So, they all started singing Lebanese songs that made no sense to at all (not that anything had before). Finally people started leaving. I was glad to finally get to bed around 3am.
Today, I decided I did not want to do anything. Therefore, I will pretend to sleep until maybe 5 or 6pm, then I will find out if anyone is doing anything. If not, I will just hang out some more. We shall see what happens.
At work I gave the test that I so dreaded giving; it was excruciating! I gave the dictation, which was obviously too difficult. They wanted me to read the individual words instead of the sentences. This probably would have been better, but I didn't do it. After that, I gave them their written portion. Most of them had a huge problem understanding the directions (not a surprise there). I had to explain that and then answer questions about the test as I walked around taking away a couple of cell phones and trying to keep students from sharing information.
This test was supposed to last the full 2 hours and 20 minutes plus the 10 minute break they normally get, but were not supposed to this time. Apparently they don't want the students leaving halfway through the test. Not my idea of fair, but I suppose if that is what they want to do. However, the test was giving me such a headache that I gave them that normal 10 minute break. I made sure that they left the test and their study materials in the class when they left, and then I went outside to see what they were doing. They, of course, were talking about the test. They talked about definitions, how to decide what months have 31 days, and that sort of thing. I found it all quite amusing, and I was happy about it! If they were discussing these things that means that they were learning, if only for a brief period of time, and that is what it is supposed to be after all.
Of course, it didn't make much difference on the test. They all did very bad, but when you make it so far over their level, what can you really expect? But it wasn't all bad. During the lunch period, the staff celebrated the birthday of one of my housemates. One of the teachers brought a small cake and we had pop with it. Small but nice. The real part happened later that evening at home. After classes, I spent about an hour "playing" basketball and then dancing with a couple of the students. They are really proud of their Kurdish heritage.
Around 8pm the fun began. The other teacher from school, the HR person, and 3 or 4 teachers (or something) from the other two SABIS schools in the area came over to do a more comprehensive celebration. There was the required
Arabic music, the smoking of Shisa (hookah, gheva (sp), water pipe or whatever you wish to call it), and alcohol... these last two were of course optional and I did not partake (the other college teacher said that I was Mormon and didn't do these things...I am still not sure where she pulled this from).This party became really loud, and most of the conversation was a mixture of French, Arabic (both Iraqi and Lebanese), and Kurdish. I was mostly totally lost, but it was a good atmosphere. As the night grew later, the music grew louder, and the dancing more intense. They decided that I must participate in thi
s dancing, so we did a simple debke that was actually quite fun. The music was turned off around 12:30am. However, it seems that as the party is winding down, Lebanese tend to sing. So, they all started singing Lebanese songs that made no sense to at all (not that anything had before). Finally people started leaving. I was glad to finally get to bed around 3am.Today, I decided I did not want to do anything. Therefore, I will pretend to sleep until maybe 5 or 6pm, then I will find out if anyone is doing anything. If not, I will just hang out some more. We shall see what happens.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
My second day of teaching
On the second day of teaching, my true love sent to me... Ok, so maybe I got a little carried away there, but it does feel like I am in the midst of doing a remake of the Twelve Days of Christmas! If I do get all 12 I will be sure to let you know. I wonder if I can keep with the tune as well. (This seems odd coming from someone not so creatively inclined :) )
Anyway, back to the case in hand. My second day, after being severely scarred and scattered by the blood test, went really well. The first class was the first class, but it is tough to really know anything at the moment as I have not taught the first hour by myself yet. Of course they are also my third class, and they were so awesome! They talked, they interacted, they tried to answer the questions! I was so happy...and the time just flew by. I hope I am able to keep material on hand that encourages such behavior.
The second class, while respectful, was not all that excited today. Of course they are the more advanced group, so being forced to study what we were forced to study for this week was not really fun for them. I quickly went over the worksheets we had to do because we are having a "revision exercise" (ie. test) today. Of course, much of the test is not reflective of what we did, but I didn't make it, and there is nothing I can do about it. (We are not allowed to use the word test for this because in the SABIS system, tests are put into databanks and can not be returned to the students. This revision exercise will be handed back for the student to learn from and put in their portfolios.)
As for this revison exercise, I am quite upset by it. It is totally unfair! The questions contain new vocabulary that has never been previously introduced; many of the questions have nothing to do with the last two days of material which is what we said would be on the test; the instructions use terms such as comparative and superlative, and while the students know how to make these structures, they were never told that this is what they were called.
Then there is dictations, which we are suppoed to do at least once a week (I think I want to do it more). The way they have been doing it has been to take a passage that was in one of the readings and dictate that to the students. The students have no idea what it is going to be. This is fine to an extent. The lower level, especially, finds spelling very difficult (duh!) and to expect them to know how to spell every word they come across is ludicrous. So, I shall have to change that. I will give them vocabulary words for every lesson. I will then use some of those to put in a dictation. Then, I will only check to see if they spelled those words correctly (as well as used punctuation and capitaliation correctly because we went over that as well). As long as a word, other than the present or past vocabulary) is spelled so I can read it, I will not take off points because of it (though I will correct it). The other teacher like to use readings to teach many things at the same time (grammar, reading comprehension, etc). This is another thing I must disagree with. I agree you can use it for doing all of those things, but one must do one at a time to teach, more global for assessment. I don't know if there are teachers out there who believe in teaching multiple things at the same time with one tool, but I generally don't . (This person has no teaching background so is doing things by gut feeling. It can work, but is not the best even if what they are doing works.)
I have learned that I am going to be getting phonics books for my class starting next month, and we may also have to teach basic mathematics. They were given a test before classes started for English and Math. These tests were in English (as is everything SABIS does). They didn't do so well. They were retested in Math, this time in Kurdish, to see if it was a language as opposed to a math problem. There math is terrible! The average score was less than 40% on basic arithmatic. So, basic math may soon be in my job discription!
In addition, sometime within the next month, 100 teachers are supposed to be enrolling for teacher training. So, I may also be doing teacher training as well. This would be a great opportunity. I would love to get experience with this as it means that I could then go to get the teacher training certificate and take jobs on a contract basis throughout the year doing teacher training courses. They pay well, last anywhere from one week to one year, and entails more responsibility. At the moment I keep feeling like I am just starting out. I need to get some real teaching experience (such as here) and stick around and learn from it. There is so much opportunity here that I may decide to stay on for much longer than the August end of my contract!
Anyway, back to the case in hand. My second day, after being severely scarred and scattered by the blood test, went really well. The first class was the first class, but it is tough to really know anything at the moment as I have not taught the first hour by myself yet. Of course they are also my third class, and they were so awesome! They talked, they interacted, they tried to answer the questions! I was so happy...and the time just flew by. I hope I am able to keep material on hand that encourages such behavior.
The second class, while respectful, was not all that excited today. Of course they are the more advanced group, so being forced to study what we were forced to study for this week was not really fun for them. I quickly went over the worksheets we had to do because we are having a "revision exercise" (ie. test) today. Of course, much of the test is not reflective of what we did, but I didn't make it, and there is nothing I can do about it. (We are not allowed to use the word test for this because in the SABIS system, tests are put into databanks and can not be returned to the students. This revision exercise will be handed back for the student to learn from and put in their portfolios.)
As for this revison exercise, I am quite upset by it. It is totally unfair! The questions contain new vocabulary that has never been previously introduced; many of the questions have nothing to do with the last two days of material which is what we said would be on the test; the instructions use terms such as comparative and superlative, and while the students know how to make these structures, they were never told that this is what they were called.
Then there is dictations, which we are suppoed to do at least once a week (I think I want to do it more). The way they have been doing it has been to take a passage that was in one of the readings and dictate that to the students. The students have no idea what it is going to be. This is fine to an extent. The lower level, especially, finds spelling very difficult (duh!) and to expect them to know how to spell every word they come across is ludicrous. So, I shall have to change that. I will give them vocabulary words for every lesson. I will then use some of those to put in a dictation. Then, I will only check to see if they spelled those words correctly (as well as used punctuation and capitaliation correctly because we went over that as well). As long as a word, other than the present or past vocabulary) is spelled so I can read it, I will not take off points because of it (though I will correct it). The other teacher like to use readings to teach many things at the same time (grammar, reading comprehension, etc). This is another thing I must disagree with. I agree you can use it for doing all of those things, but one must do one at a time to teach, more global for assessment. I don't know if there are teachers out there who believe in teaching multiple things at the same time with one tool, but I generally don't . (This person has no teaching background so is doing things by gut feeling. It can work, but is not the best even if what they are doing works.)
I have learned that I am going to be getting phonics books for my class starting next month, and we may also have to teach basic mathematics. They were given a test before classes started for English and Math. These tests were in English (as is everything SABIS does). They didn't do so well. They were retested in Math, this time in Kurdish, to see if it was a language as opposed to a math problem. There math is terrible! The average score was less than 40% on basic arithmatic. So, basic math may soon be in my job discription!
In addition, sometime within the next month, 100 teachers are supposed to be enrolling for teacher training. So, I may also be doing teacher training as well. This would be a great opportunity. I would love to get experience with this as it means that I could then go to get the teacher training certificate and take jobs on a contract basis throughout the year doing teacher training courses. They pay well, last anywhere from one week to one year, and entails more responsibility. At the moment I keep feeling like I am just starting out. I need to get some real teaching experience (such as here) and stick around and learn from it. There is so much opportunity here that I may decide to stay on for much longer than the August end of my contract!
Blood tests
Well, I went for my blood test this morning; right at 8:00 just like they said. Oh, wait. They said 9am!! Silly me, here I thought I would have time to give the dean more proper instructions on what to do in class. Oh well, I guess I will just have to learn to never trust what they say :)
The clinic looked a little worn down and dingy. I would have been more than a little apprehensive if the dean and the other teacher hadn't told me to expect such a thing. The needles they used were sterile, still sealed in the package, so I felt better about that. I am not sure how well they train their staff though. Perhaps my veins are difficult to find, but I don't think that has been the case before. Ahh well, at least they were kind enough to look multiple times and stick once rather than just go fishing for a vein. (Isn't there a carpenter adage that goes here?)
After the stole my blood (almost as bad as all those silly mosquitoes who feel the need to invade my bedroom every night, as if I am a running a nightly buffet!), I rushed to my first class, which was almost over. I watched the dean finish his portion and then I finished the period (though I kept them during their 10 min break because I forgot the time we were supposed to stop).
Today, I will have to go to the residence office to get an extension on my visa. It expires tomorrow, and you can't do anything on a Friday here. I can't get my residence card yet because they need the results of the blood test. We shall see how things turn out with this.
The clinic looked a little worn down and dingy. I would have been more than a little apprehensive if the dean and the other teacher hadn't told me to expect such a thing. The needles they used were sterile, still sealed in the package, so I felt better about that. I am not sure how well they train their staff though. Perhaps my veins are difficult to find, but I don't think that has been the case before. Ahh well, at least they were kind enough to look multiple times and stick once rather than just go fishing for a vein. (Isn't there a carpenter adage that goes here?)
After the stole my blood (almost as bad as all those silly mosquitoes who feel the need to invade my bedroom every night, as if I am a running a nightly buffet!), I rushed to my first class, which was almost over. I watched the dean finish his portion and then I finished the period (though I kept them during their 10 min break because I forgot the time we were supposed to stop).
Today, I will have to go to the residence office to get an extension on my visa. It expires tomorrow, and you can't do anything on a Friday here. I can't get my residence card yet because they need the results of the blood test. We shall see how things turn out with this.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Teaching again
I finally got my chance to teach yesterday, and I was not extremely happy with my first class. The students were unwilling to answer any questions and didn't like my accent. Of course, they are used to the South African accent, and the dean did come by and sort of take over the class. He has such an outgoing and loud personality that it is hard for him not to do so. This morning is not going to be any better because I will be teaching in my place as I have to go get my blood tests done (though they should have been done yesterday).
The second class was amazing though. They were friendly, happy, engaged, and very excited about my accent and my teaching them. After class, some of them came up and commented to me about how excited they are and how friendly I seemed. It was nice to hear.
The third class is the same as the second (there are only two groups at the moment). It was better than in the morning, but it still left a little to be desired. Most of this was my fault, but it is really tough to help someone review for a test when you really don't know what they had focused on before. And the other teacher wanted me to help make the test as well. It was a little uncomfortable for me to do that.
Hopefully when we finally start the regular book at the beginning of April, it will be a little easier and more comfortable. The students and I will be a little more acclimated to each other, and I will not have the feeling that I am being unfair to them in what I am going over. I do have to figure out my own style of teaching reading and dictations and things, though. Most of my teaching has been conversational in focus, and this is more academic. It really makes a huge difference.
I know I don't like the other teacher's style; she tends to just follow the book and do everything in it. It works, but it has never really bean what I did, even in my courses at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). I guess that means that I at least know one style that isn't mine :)
Well, here's to hoping that I find my way very quickly, and that the students from both groups are able to really improve during my time here. 60% is the passing mark, and many in the first group are well below that at the moment. They did, however, go from around 20% at the beginning to 40% now. It is definitely a step in the right direction. (I just can't help but wonder if we are going to have to teach basic math skills as well. Their previous education didn't prepare them well with such skills in their native language let alone in English. We shall see what the powers that be decide.)
The second class was amazing though. They were friendly, happy, engaged, and very excited about my accent and my teaching them. After class, some of them came up and commented to me about how excited they are and how friendly I seemed. It was nice to hear.
The third class is the same as the second (there are only two groups at the moment). It was better than in the morning, but it still left a little to be desired. Most of this was my fault, but it is really tough to help someone review for a test when you really don't know what they had focused on before. And the other teacher wanted me to help make the test as well. It was a little uncomfortable for me to do that.
Hopefully when we finally start the regular book at the beginning of April, it will be a little easier and more comfortable. The students and I will be a little more acclimated to each other, and I will not have the feeling that I am being unfair to them in what I am going over. I do have to figure out my own style of teaching reading and dictations and things, though. Most of my teaching has been conversational in focus, and this is more academic. It really makes a huge difference.
I know I don't like the other teacher's style; she tends to just follow the book and do everything in it. It works, but it has never really bean what I did, even in my courses at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). I guess that means that I at least know one style that isn't mine :)
Well, here's to hoping that I find my way very quickly, and that the students from both groups are able to really improve during my time here. 60% is the passing mark, and many in the first group are well below that at the moment. They did, however, go from around 20% at the beginning to 40% now. It is definitely a step in the right direction. (I just can't help but wonder if we are going to have to teach basic math skills as well. Their previous education didn't prepare them well with such skills in their native language let alone in English. We shall see what the powers that be decide.)
Monday, March 23, 2009
First Day at office followed by shopping!!
I went to the office today to have a meeting with the dean and the other teacher, so I could figure out what was happening and to be able to make a lesson plan for the morning. The day seemed to drag on and nothing seemed to be accomplished. I don't think I am any closer to knowing what I am going to be doing in the morning than I did when I first started!
At lunch time, one of the people in charge (I am really not sure what his job is) asked me for my passport. Luckily I had it with me as no one told me to make sure I had it today (though they did say that when you leave the house you need to have it). He made photocopies and then took me to get my picture taken. First head on, then facing left, then facing right, no smiling; it was definitely a mug shot sitting....maybe I was being arrested and didn't know it. Afterward he took me out for lunch. When we got back to the office, he told me that I needed to go get blood tests done tomorrow. Apparently these need to be done every 6 months. The other teacher told me that blood is very important here, even on the gym membership cards they have the person's blood type.
After a long day of work, with some moments of joking, we headed home to get ready to go to the store! This store is like a Target in that it has every type of thing that you may want, even if the exact thing you want isn't available there. I was at the store for approximately 2 hours, and all I got was an ice cream cone that I didn't even pay for!!
It definitely wasn't waisted time, though, that is for sure. As I walked through the store, I observed what was available and the approximate price. I learned that I made a mistake in buying my razor and shaving cream and bringing it here as the same brands here are the same or cheaper! The familiar brand shampoo is also here, though for slightly higher prices. As we walked down the toothpaste aisle, I noticed kinds I have never seen before; Colgate has flavors! Have you ever thought you would see chocolate toothpaste? Or how about enjoying the taste of cola while protecting your teeth in the process? Of course there were also flavors like vanilla and such as well. I was just overcome with absolute joy and horror as the ramifications of such products overtook me.
Of course it wasn't much different with the jalapeño Pringles or the ketchup potato chips. The grape vinegar and brown vinegar were new to me as well. One thing one must make sure they do when shopping here, it is to look at the expiration dates. It seems that the store is not going to do this, and they attempt to sell spoiled food as if it were still good. There was bread that had turned green, some meat that had passed its expiration date, and some cheese that had turned a funcky color as well. These were all good things for me to learn when I had no money to pay for any of this.
Well, tomorrow is another day, and on this day I will finally see my students for the first time. Hopefully I don't make too big of an idiot of myself, and I am able to settle in quite quickly.
At lunch time, one of the people in charge (I am really not sure what his job is) asked me for my passport. Luckily I had it with me as no one told me to make sure I had it today (though they did say that when you leave the house you need to have it). He made photocopies and then took me to get my picture taken. First head on, then facing left, then facing right, no smiling; it was definitely a mug shot sitting....maybe I was being arrested and didn't know it. Afterward he took me out for lunch. When we got back to the office, he told me that I needed to go get blood tests done tomorrow. Apparently these need to be done every 6 months. The other teacher told me that blood is very important here, even on the gym membership cards they have the person's blood type.
After a long day of work, with some moments of joking, we headed home to get ready to go to the store! This store is like a Target in that it has every type of thing that you may want, even if the exact thing you want isn't available there. I was at the store for approximately 2 hours, and all I got was an ice cream cone that I didn't even pay for!!
It definitely wasn't waisted time, though, that is for sure. As I walked through the store, I observed what was available and the approximate price. I learned that I made a mistake in buying my razor and shaving cream and bringing it here as the same brands here are the same or cheaper! The familiar brand shampoo is also here, though for slightly higher prices. As we walked down the toothpaste aisle, I noticed kinds I have never seen before; Colgate has flavors! Have you ever thought you would see chocolate toothpaste? Or how about enjoying the taste of cola while protecting your teeth in the process? Of course there were also flavors like vanilla and such as well. I was just overcome with absolute joy and horror as the ramifications of such products overtook me.
Of course it wasn't much different with the jalapeño Pringles or the ketchup potato chips. The grape vinegar and brown vinegar were new to me as well. One thing one must make sure they do when shopping here, it is to look at the expiration dates. It seems that the store is not going to do this, and they attempt to sell spoiled food as if it were still good. There was bread that had turned green, some meat that had passed its expiration date, and some cheese that had turned a funcky color as well. These were all good things for me to learn when I had no money to pay for any of this.
Well, tomorrow is another day, and on this day I will finally see my students for the first time. Hopefully I don't make too big of an idiot of myself, and I am able to settle in quite quickly.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A long sleep!
It is morning. It seems to have come so fast, but I do feel rested for the first time since I have been here. I woke up about 5am. This may seem like a relatively early time, but considering I went to sleep no later than 7pm last night, I would say it was just perfect.
So what made me sleep for so long last night? Did something happen yesterday to bring this on. Yesterday seemed like the same type of day to me: no teaching work (though Francois and I did discuss how to run the classes a little), going out to eat, coming back, talking some more and then falling into the deep sleep that is usually reserved for the people of Disney films.
The outing yesterday was a good one though. We went to a restaurant called Happy Times. We had a Happy Times pizza (assorted meats and vegetables including cucumbers and peppers), and apple juice which was actually apples that had been put through a blender; it even had red flakes from the skin! As we began eating, another customer finished his meal and came and talked with us. He was from El Salvador but currently lives in the US. It is so interesting the people you meet in random places like small restaurants.
After leaving the restaurant we stopped by a small fruit stand (minus the stand part) so Francois could purchase some tomatoes. He put the three tomatoes that he wanted onto the scales. The seller then added more tomatoes and took his money. Then we went by a p;lace that made bread. There was a line in front of the window, so I thought we were going to have to wait. However, a man came up and asked us what we wanted. We asked for 6. "6,000?" "No, 6 bread," we replied. They put 6 pieces of the thick, triangular bread into a bag. When he gave it to us, he indicated that we didn't have to pay. We tried to, but he wouldn't take it.
If there is one thing I have learned over the years it is that if you want to know the price of something, and you think that just asking the seller is either too easy or too hard, depending on the circumstances, you can go shopping with someone else who is buying what you eventually want. This time, however, it didn't work that way. I did, however, learn that they apparently buy this bread by cost and not by number of pieces. At least that is something.
So what made me sleep for so long last night? Did something happen yesterday to bring this on. Yesterday seemed like the same type of day to me: no teaching work (though Francois and I did discuss how to run the classes a little), going out to eat, coming back, talking some more and then falling into the deep sleep that is usually reserved for the people of Disney films.
The outing yesterday was a good one though. We went to a restaurant called Happy Times. We had a Happy Times pizza (assorted meats and vegetables including cucumbers and peppers), and apple juice which was actually apples that had been put through a blender; it even had red flakes from the skin! As we began eating, another customer finished his meal and came and talked with us. He was from El Salvador but currently lives in the US. It is so interesting the people you meet in random places like small restaurants.
After leaving the restaurant we stopped by a small fruit stand (minus the stand part) so Francois could purchase some tomatoes. He put the three tomatoes that he wanted onto the scales. The seller then added more tomatoes and took his money. Then we went by a p;lace that made bread. There was a line in front of the window, so I thought we were going to have to wait. However, a man came up and asked us what we wanted. We asked for 6. "6,000?" "No, 6 bread," we replied. They put 6 pieces of the thick, triangular bread into a bag. When he gave it to us, he indicated that we didn't have to pay. We tried to, but he wouldn't take it.
If there is one thing I have learned over the years it is that if you want to know the price of something, and you think that just asking the seller is either too easy or too hard, depending on the circumstances, you can go shopping with someone else who is buying what you eventually want. This time, however, it didn't work that way. I did, however, learn that they apparently buy this bread by cost and not by number of pieces. At least that is something.
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Outsider
I was wondering when it would happen, as it always does, that feeling of being completely lost while with a group of people. My roommates asked I wanted to go with them to a new clothing store that had just opened. I decided that since I had nothing better to do, I may as well go. When we arrived, the place was way too full, so we only stayed a couple of minutes.
I was expecting to return to home, but instead we went the half hour drive to the primary school where the school faculty live as well. Two of the math teachers, a married couple from Lebanon, had just returned today, and they had items they had purchased for my roommates. My roommates knew that we were going to be going there, but neglected to mention this to me before we left. In fact, the person said "we are only going to the new clothing store..." I think they deliberately didn't tell me because they didn't want me to say no.
Almost the whole time we were there, the conversation was in Arabic (with frequent French and occasional Italian words thrown in as well). I listened to the multiple conversations that were going on around me, which grew when another Lebanese girl who just came back decided to visit as well. To further complicate the issue, I was also trying to watch the Middle Eastern Talent Stars (or something like that), which was also in Arabic!! My mind was just reeling with all of the nonunderstood input.
The single woman who came for a visit had just lost her grandmother. Because of this she produced a rose flavored roll and handed it to one of my roommates. We were each to take a piece, eat it, and pass the roll on to another person who was to do the same. The idea is that you eat something and pray that God will take good care of the soul of the one who has just died. It is interesting the amount of traditions and rituals involve food; it is such an important part of social and religious life as well as providing us with the basic need of fuel. Perhaps this is why I have always had such a hard time eating with large numbers of people, especially if I do not know them. I guess that is something to thing about.
I was expecting to return to home, but instead we went the half hour drive to the primary school where the school faculty live as well. Two of the math teachers, a married couple from Lebanon, had just returned today, and they had items they had purchased for my roommates. My roommates knew that we were going to be going there, but neglected to mention this to me before we left. In fact, the person said "we are only going to the new clothing store..." I think they deliberately didn't tell me because they didn't want me to say no.
Almost the whole time we were there, the conversation was in Arabic (with frequent French and occasional Italian words thrown in as well). I listened to the multiple conversations that were going on around me, which grew when another Lebanese girl who just came back decided to visit as well. To further complicate the issue, I was also trying to watch the Middle Eastern Talent Stars (or something like that), which was also in Arabic!! My mind was just reeling with all of the nonunderstood input.
The single woman who came for a visit had just lost her grandmother. Because of this she produced a rose flavored roll and handed it to one of my roommates. We were each to take a piece, eat it, and pass the roll on to another person who was to do the same. The idea is that you eat something and pray that God will take good care of the soul of the one who has just died. It is interesting the amount of traditions and rituals involve food; it is such an important part of social and religious life as well as providing us with the basic need of fuel. Perhaps this is why I have always had such a hard time eating with large numbers of people, especially if I do not know them. I guess that is something to thing about.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
12 Hours of Excitement
I arrived here a mere 2 or 3 days ago; I haven't started teaching yet, and already I am so wrapped up in activities that I come home exhausted! Who spends 12 hours out on the road driving and picnicing/BBQing with people they don't even know? Apparently I am such a person.
When I was asked to go on this outing, I was under the impression that it was to be a small affair somewhere in the neighborhood. So, when we exited the van to meet the family of 3 children, I was a little concerned when we they pointed to a small bus and told us to get on. I furrowed my brow as I walked toward the entrance, and, upon reaching it, took in a sharp breath; the bus looked full. The colorful, formal look of many of the people, especially the women, was cause for concern as well.
I shook my head and entered. All in all there were approximately 25 of us. The seats were bench style with room for two on the driver's side and room for one on the other. Attached to the dual seats are individual seats that fold down into the aisle. I noticed that not everyone was able to sit down. And with the 6 or 7 children ranging in ages from 20 months to 12 years, I couldn't wait to see how much of an amusement park ride this was going to turn into. It didn't take long for me to find out!
As the bus started, the Kurdish music began to thunder through the speakers as if we were at a rock concert. Then people started standing up to dance. It no longer mattered that there weren't enough seats. The middle seats were folded up and the aisle left clear for the dancing of young and old alike. The others were clapping and hollering and making noises of encouragement. It would have been the perfect time to have a video camera, and me without even a still camera. During all of this ruckus, the 20 month old just kept staring at me. She would smile sometimes, but her eyes never left me. She was very cute, but it started getting a little creepy after a while!
We drove for around 25 minutes and stopped off at the SABIS elementary school (I work for there new college) to pick up a couple more people. We are all stuffed in, the music playing, the clapping going, but the dancing had stopped, at least for the time being. Along this road there are many checkpoints. Most of these we merely slow down, say something to the guard and are waved on through. One place, however, everyone is required to show their residency cards, so, as a bus, we are required to pull over. The men, who are all sitting up front, except for Francois and myself who are sitting in back with the women and most of the children, exit the bus and give the guards thier papers. The guard asks for the papers of the woman and children as well. This is quite a tense time for me as, while I normally always carry my passport, this morning, Francois came early and I forgot to grab my inkpen and passport! Luckily they were able to smuggle us through the checkpoint with no problems. Our luck was to hold on the other three times this happens as well.
The dancing begins again as we continue the drive to find a place to stop and picnic. We drive for approximately 3 hours before we find a place. It is around 50 degrees and cloudy, causing it to feel a bit chilly, so the fire is built. They offload the 4x4 pickup that traveled separately and put up a folding tent, folding chairs, a portable stove, and laid out rugs on which we would later sit to eat. The children started playing with balls that were brought and snacking. As time passed, I helped two of the girls learn to fly their new kite! The beaming smiles on those faces reminded me once again how much I really would love to have my own.
While the food was cooking, more dancing was taking place. One of the first things they did was to hook up the sound system they had brought along so they could have the music. They called me over so that I could participate in the dancing this time around. Who would have ever thought that I would ever use the debke lessons I recieved the semester I took Arabic?
The food was finished, and we all sat to eat. There was stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, curry chicken and rice, some other rice type dish, some type of thing that looked like a potatoe but wasn't and was filled with meet, and of course two different types of bread: nan (just like the nan you get at Indian restaurants) and a thicker bread that was almost like a roll in the shape of a triangle. Eating was a particularly difficult time for me. I have a hard time eating around a lot of people I have never met before, and being at such close quarters made it even more difficult. It took me a while before I was ready to start eating. This was not a good thing in that it worried the others a little. Many of them didn't know Enlgish, so they had to express their concern through one who did....not a pleasant moment, but I explained to her that it takes a few minutes for me to get ready. They seemed alright with that response. And I did eat! (It was soooo good.)
There was more talking and playing after the meal, as well as tea. We packed up and started off to find another place in order to cook shish Kabab! There was more of the same on the bus. We were heading back toward home, so the checkpoints were there this time around as well. We found a spot, cooked our kababs, talked some more, had a wonderful sweet desert, and a bottle of water from the American miliary base in Kirkuk as one of the people there is a Capatain and works alongside the Americans there. Then we packed up and were gone again.
I finally got back home around 7:45: 12 hours after having left that morning! I spent some time reading emails, cursing the cold water, and then trying to sleep. It has been a long day, but so much fun! I was smuggled through checkpoints, celebrated newroz (the Kurdish New Year; normally the actual date is around the 21st) with an extended family in Kurdistan, Iraq, and have the day off on Friday because it is the weekend here. AND I may be able to go on the 21st to one of the other cities where they have a HUGE Newroz celebration every year. Hears to hoping!
When I was asked to go on this outing, I was under the impression that it was to be a small affair somewhere in the neighborhood. So, when we exited the van to meet the family of 3 children, I was a little concerned when we they pointed to a small bus and told us to get on. I furrowed my brow as I walked toward the entrance, and, upon reaching it, took in a sharp breath; the bus looked full. The colorful, formal look of many of the people, especially the women, was cause for concern as well.
I shook my head and entered. All in all there were approximately 25 of us. The seats were bench style with room for two on the driver's side and room for one on the other. Attached to the dual seats are individual seats that fold down into the aisle. I noticed that not everyone was able to sit down. And with the 6 or 7 children ranging in ages from 20 months to 12 years, I couldn't wait to see how much of an amusement park ride this was going to turn into. It didn't take long for me to find out!
As the bus started, the Kurdish music began to thunder through the speakers as if we were at a rock concert. Then people started standing up to dance. It no longer mattered that there weren't enough seats. The middle seats were folded up and the aisle left clear for the dancing of young and old alike. The others were clapping and hollering and making noises of encouragement. It would have been the perfect time to have a video camera, and me without even a still camera. During all of this ruckus, the 20 month old just kept staring at me. She would smile sometimes, but her eyes never left me. She was very cute, but it started getting a little creepy after a while!
We drove for around 25 minutes and stopped off at the SABIS elementary school (I work for there new college) to pick up a couple more people. We are all stuffed in, the music playing, the clapping going, but the dancing had stopped, at least for the time being. Along this road there are many checkpoints. Most of these we merely slow down, say something to the guard and are waved on through. One place, however, everyone is required to show their residency cards, so, as a bus, we are required to pull over. The men, who are all sitting up front, except for Francois and myself who are sitting in back with the women and most of the children, exit the bus and give the guards thier papers. The guard asks for the papers of the woman and children as well. This is quite a tense time for me as, while I normally always carry my passport, this morning, Francois came early and I forgot to grab my inkpen and passport! Luckily they were able to smuggle us through the checkpoint with no problems. Our luck was to hold on the other three times this happens as well.
The dancing begins again as we continue the drive to find a place to stop and picnic. We drive for approximately 3 hours before we find a place. It is around 50 degrees and cloudy, causing it to feel a bit chilly, so the fire is built. They offload the 4x4 pickup that traveled separately and put up a folding tent, folding chairs, a portable stove, and laid out rugs on which we would later sit to eat. The children started playing with balls that were brought and snacking. As time passed, I helped two of the girls learn to fly their new kite! The beaming smiles on those faces reminded me once again how much I really would love to have my own.
While the food was cooking, more dancing was taking place. One of the first things they did was to hook up the sound system they had brought along so they could have the music. They called me over so that I could participate in the dancing this time around. Who would have ever thought that I would ever use the debke lessons I recieved the semester I took Arabic?
The food was finished, and we all sat to eat. There was stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, curry chicken and rice, some other rice type dish, some type of thing that looked like a potatoe but wasn't and was filled with meet, and of course two different types of bread: nan (just like the nan you get at Indian restaurants) and a thicker bread that was almost like a roll in the shape of a triangle. Eating was a particularly difficult time for me. I have a hard time eating around a lot of people I have never met before, and being at such close quarters made it even more difficult. It took me a while before I was ready to start eating. This was not a good thing in that it worried the others a little. Many of them didn't know Enlgish, so they had to express their concern through one who did....not a pleasant moment, but I explained to her that it takes a few minutes for me to get ready. They seemed alright with that response. And I did eat! (It was soooo good.)
There was more talking and playing after the meal, as well as tea. We packed up and started off to find another place in order to cook shish Kabab! There was more of the same on the bus. We were heading back toward home, so the checkpoints were there this time around as well. We found a spot, cooked our kababs, talked some more, had a wonderful sweet desert, and a bottle of water from the American miliary base in Kirkuk as one of the people there is a Capatain and works alongside the Americans there. Then we packed up and were gone again.
I finally got back home around 7:45: 12 hours after having left that morning! I spent some time reading emails, cursing the cold water, and then trying to sleep. It has been a long day, but so much fun! I was smuggled through checkpoints, celebrated newroz (the Kurdish New Year; normally the actual date is around the 21st) with an extended family in Kurdistan, Iraq, and have the day off on Friday because it is the weekend here. AND I may be able to go on the 21st to one of the other cities where they have a HUGE Newroz celebration every year. Hears to hoping!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Off with the hair!
Well, today was a lot better than yesterday. First of all, the sleep was extremely helpful in the thinking department. I visited with Francois, the Dean of the College from South Africa. Around 8ish, the driver came and picked me up to go get breakfast and a hair cut. Nothing was open, so we went to Francois' apartment. He gave me some cornflakes and went to get ready.
We all went out to the college to see how it was set up. I was not overly impressed with the facilities, but at least they have rooms. We may actually have books when it is time to start teaching on the 23rd. It is the students' break between semesters. We shall see how that turns out then.
We then came home, rested, went out to lunch, and then had the driver come back and take us out again. We wanted to visit the citadel, but the driver didn't understand, so we ended up at the bazaar instead. It wasn't great given that I really don't like shopping, but it was interesting to see nonetheless.
We got back around 6pm, met my housemates, stood around and talked for awhile before going out to dinner at around 7pm. On the way home, we stopped off at the barbershop. I asked how much it cost, and he replied, "As you like...5, 10." This didn't seem very concrete, so I asked "which is it 5 or 10?" "What you like. 5 ok, 10 ok." I decided to let him cut my hair.
I was very impressed with his work. He handled the hair quite well, and it turned out nice as well. Now all these people will be happy with me finally. Such an odd thing to get all worked up about. Now I have short hair, and will be going out for a drive with a bunch of people tomorrow morning around 745am. Hopefully the water is hot tomorrow. My housemates explained that there were problems in the past with this, but they were solved for the past month; now they are back again. It was good tonight, so time will tell about tomorrow. More then, I hope.
We all went out to the college to see how it was set up. I was not overly impressed with the facilities, but at least they have rooms. We may actually have books when it is time to start teaching on the 23rd. It is the students' break between semesters. We shall see how that turns out then.
We then came home, rested, went out to lunch, and then had the driver come back and take us out again. We wanted to visit the citadel, but the driver didn't understand, so we ended up at the bazaar instead. It wasn't great given that I really don't like shopping, but it was interesting to see nonetheless.
We got back around 6pm, met my housemates, stood around and talked for awhile before going out to dinner at around 7pm. On the way home, we stopped off at the barbershop. I asked how much it cost, and he replied, "As you like...5, 10." This didn't seem very concrete, so I asked "which is it 5 or 10?" "What you like. 5 ok, 10 ok." I decided to let him cut my hair.
I was very impressed with his work. He handled the hair quite well, and it turned out nice as well. Now all these people will be happy with me finally. Such an odd thing to get all worked up about. Now I have short hair, and will be going out for a drive with a bunch of people tomorrow morning around 745am. Hopefully the water is hot tomorrow. My housemates explained that there were problems in the past with this, but they were solved for the past month; now they are back again. It was good tonight, so time will tell about tomorrow. More then, I hope.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Finally here!
I am finally at my destination: Erbil, Iraq!! The trip was a long one. All told, including the drive time to the Detroit airport and the waiting at the transfer airports of Amsterdam and Dubai, and then the short 15 minute or so trip from the airport to my new home in Erbil, it took around 40 hours!!!! I was not keen on having to leave the evening after they told me when I would be leaving, but I guess it may have been the best way; I didn't have the chance to second guess myself this way.
In Detroit as I was standing in line to board, the woman in front of me turns around as says in a tone that could have been either a question or an accusation, "You went to HPU!" I was stupefied and was only able to nod my head and utter a single syllable, "yea." She continued, "I was wondering ever since I first saw you. Do I know him from Detroit? or maybe from Hawaii? That is when I remembered. I always saw you around campus with your hat." I knew that the hat was a good way to help people remember you, though I am not sure if that remembrance is a good or bad thing :)
The airport at Dubai is gorgeous, at least it was upon arrival at Terminal 1. It exoplored a little to figure out how to get to the departure gate as I was only here to switch flights. I hate having to go through customs and passport control only to pick up luggage and check back into the airport to leave; it seems like such a waste of time (though I had plenty of time to do it). I crossed the street and found an elevator that would take me to the correct level. I took the elevator, walked back across the street, found I had to walk down another 500 feet to the entrance, and stepped inside to look for the correct airline counter. As I was looking, a worker asked if he could help. I told him where I needed to go, and he told me that I needed to take a cab to terminal 2. I asked him exactly where it was, and he said that there was no way to get there on foot; it would require a taxi. I had no money, so I decided that I would try to walk it anyway. As I was walking (with my backpack and two pieces of luggage...I didn't even attempt to pack light this time) a taxi, with a passenger, pulled up and asked where I was going. I told him the information along with the fact that I had no money. He spoke with his passenger (a man from Canada) and told me to get in. So, I was taken the 10 km from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 for free!! I love the hospitality of people sometimes. I only hope I am able to repay others with the same hospitality in the future.
In the morning, while waiting for the plane to Erbil, I met a man who was raised in Erbil but now lives in Colorado. He is going to try to set up an auto dealership here to sell American cars. He gave me some advice about the culture and his email address, so I could contact him while I am here.
In Erbil, I made it through passport control (10 day visa during which time I have to contact the residence office), collected my baggage, and went to see if anyone was waiting for me. I saw no one (at least for me)! I stood there wondering what to do next. I saw people getting on a bus. I noticed that nobody paid as they got on and didn't seem to even as the first bus pulled away, so I went down and boarded the second one. I looked around and hoped I was doing the right thing. The bus pulled out, drove for probably 5 minutes, and stopped at the entrance to the airport where all these cars were parked. I exited the bus amidst the rest of the passengers. After I was on the ground and safely separated from the group, a man approached me and asked if I was Jason. I have never been so relieved in my entire life, at least not since I started this trip!
The driver took me to where I would be staying, helped out my luggage away, and then took me next door to meet with the university teacher coordinator, a man from South Africa whom arrived here approximately 2 months ago. We chatted for a little while, and he invited me out to dinner with him, the person I have been talking to from HR, and some others. They would be leaving in 3 or 4 hours. I went back to the apartment to get ready; I was excited about going.
Then it happened! I get to the apartment and find light switches for everything; many for nothing as far as I can tell. I want a shower, so I find the bathroom. On closer inspection, I find the toilet is not hooked up and the shower looks like what you would find in a public gym though there is only one shower head. (The toilet and shower are in separate rooms which are separate from the main room of the bathroom...) I try the water and discover it is ice cold with no signs of warming. Frustrated, I decide to try and rest. When they came to get me for dinner, I decided not to go (stupid!!) and continued resting instead. I awoke at 4am and decided to try the shower again...same thing.
I fixed myself a cup of instant coffee (water coolers that give hot water as well are so useful) and boiled some water in a pot. I used that water to wash up as I was not in the mood to take a cold shower (I hope they get the hot water up in running or at least tell me if there ever is any). I discovered that the toilet is now hooked up (though the floor surrounding it is a pond). I also found a cat-5 cable and hooked my laptop to the rouder as my wireless isn't working at the moment.
Ever since then I have been reading emails and typing information. I will meet up with people sometime today, my housemates will be back from their trip out of town so I will be able to meet them, and my dresser will be fixed so that I can use it. That is a lot to hope for, but I am confident that it will happen (eventually anyway).
In Detroit as I was standing in line to board, the woman in front of me turns around as says in a tone that could have been either a question or an accusation, "You went to HPU!" I was stupefied and was only able to nod my head and utter a single syllable, "yea." She continued, "I was wondering ever since I first saw you. Do I know him from Detroit? or maybe from Hawaii? That is when I remembered. I always saw you around campus with your hat." I knew that the hat was a good way to help people remember you, though I am not sure if that remembrance is a good or bad thing :)
The airport at Dubai is gorgeous, at least it was upon arrival at Terminal 1. It exoplored a little to figure out how to get to the departure gate as I was only here to switch flights. I hate having to go through customs and passport control only to pick up luggage and check back into the airport to leave; it seems like such a waste of time (though I had plenty of time to do it). I crossed the street and found an elevator that would take me to the correct level. I took the elevator, walked back across the street, found I had to walk down another 500 feet to the entrance, and stepped inside to look for the correct airline counter. As I was looking, a worker asked if he could help. I told him where I needed to go, and he told me that I needed to take a cab to terminal 2. I asked him exactly where it was, and he said that there was no way to get there on foot; it would require a taxi. I had no money, so I decided that I would try to walk it anyway. As I was walking (with my backpack and two pieces of luggage...I didn't even attempt to pack light this time) a taxi, with a passenger, pulled up and asked where I was going. I told him the information along with the fact that I had no money. He spoke with his passenger (a man from Canada) and told me to get in. So, I was taken the 10 km from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 for free!! I love the hospitality of people sometimes. I only hope I am able to repay others with the same hospitality in the future.
In the morning, while waiting for the plane to Erbil, I met a man who was raised in Erbil but now lives in Colorado. He is going to try to set up an auto dealership here to sell American cars. He gave me some advice about the culture and his email address, so I could contact him while I am here.
In Erbil, I made it through passport control (10 day visa during which time I have to contact the residence office), collected my baggage, and went to see if anyone was waiting for me. I saw no one (at least for me)! I stood there wondering what to do next. I saw people getting on a bus. I noticed that nobody paid as they got on and didn't seem to even as the first bus pulled away, so I went down and boarded the second one. I looked around and hoped I was doing the right thing. The bus pulled out, drove for probably 5 minutes, and stopped at the entrance to the airport where all these cars were parked. I exited the bus amidst the rest of the passengers. After I was on the ground and safely separated from the group, a man approached me and asked if I was Jason. I have never been so relieved in my entire life, at least not since I started this trip!
The driver took me to where I would be staying, helped out my luggage away, and then took me next door to meet with the university teacher coordinator, a man from South Africa whom arrived here approximately 2 months ago. We chatted for a little while, and he invited me out to dinner with him, the person I have been talking to from HR, and some others. They would be leaving in 3 or 4 hours. I went back to the apartment to get ready; I was excited about going.
Then it happened! I get to the apartment and find light switches for everything; many for nothing as far as I can tell. I want a shower, so I find the bathroom. On closer inspection, I find the toilet is not hooked up and the shower looks like what you would find in a public gym though there is only one shower head. (The toilet and shower are in separate rooms which are separate from the main room of the bathroom...) I try the water and discover it is ice cold with no signs of warming. Frustrated, I decide to try and rest. When they came to get me for dinner, I decided not to go (stupid!!) and continued resting instead. I awoke at 4am and decided to try the shower again...same thing.
I fixed myself a cup of instant coffee (water coolers that give hot water as well are so useful) and boiled some water in a pot. I used that water to wash up as I was not in the mood to take a cold shower (I hope they get the hot water up in running or at least tell me if there ever is any). I discovered that the toilet is now hooked up (though the floor surrounding it is a pond). I also found a cat-5 cable and hooked my laptop to the rouder as my wireless isn't working at the moment.
Ever since then I have been reading emails and typing information. I will meet up with people sometime today, my housemates will be back from their trip out of town so I will be able to meet them, and my dresser will be fixed so that I can use it. That is a lot to hope for, but I am confident that it will happen (eventually anyway).
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Unknown once again
Why do these wacko things happen to me? It seems now I am not sure if I am going or not. One of these days I will learn never to get my hopes up, even if I have signed a contract stating I have a job...the only time one can be certain is when they get there and start. I suppose I will find out here soon then....though it looks like the job is no more :(
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A New Begining
I am finally getting around to starting a blog; and I think it is about time that I did! Hopefully I will be able to keep up with writing in this thing. I ask that you all give as many responses as you can.
Not much going on here for now, so I will just end it here.
Not much going on here for now, so I will just end it here.
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