Thanksgiving!

Well, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my coworkers on Wednesday; it was an awesome time! I went over to the science teacher's house where I and her daughter made biscuits from a mix that was sent to me from a friend back in Michigan (thanks Meredith). The eight year old had never seen biscuits before, and when I asked if she knew what they were, she quickly explained that they were thin and crispy ... ahh the British influence on her language is telling. I guess one can expect nothing else from someone raised in Egypt. I took this opportunity to show her the picture on the package and explain that an American biscuit is not the same as a British biscuit.

She read the instructions and proceeded to help me stir water into the powder that was just poured into the bowl. Unfortunately, we had to guess as to the amount because we had no measuring cup. As I have made biscuits in the past, I had some idea as to the proper consistency, and I think we made them a little watery. No matter, we mixed away and dropped the mix onto the waiting cookie sheet as the oven heated. Of course there was no way to tell if the oven was at the proper temperature as it is a gas oven with no thermometer inside. So, as every amateur cook knows how to do, we guessed yet again.

Now, I wanted to make the biscuits small as they generally rise better that way, but Selma, the girl, thought better of this and made them bigger. Of course this caused them to break a little when they were taken off the pan, but the eating of them was wonderful! They were just the right texture, the flavor was almost like home, and with honey or blackberry jam, there was no doubt this was a necessary contribution to the gastronomy of the day.

The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy were all expertly prepared by the two English teachers who live above the science teacher. It may have been late, but the food was definitely about as traditional as one could get. And to be there spending time with friends was the thing I was most thankful for.

Following this, we watched the new Star Trek movie, and then I went home, sans hat! The little one had stolen my hat and told me that I could have it back when I next cam for a visit! The nerve of some people...how dare she steal my hat? It was one of the nicest things she has done to/for me. Knowing that I am welcome is a great feeling. I did go back and get it just yesterday (Thursday).

Of course it wasn't just for this reason that I went back. They actually came to see me. I had messaged them that I had just moved into the downstairs apartment, and they came to see it. It is a wonderful 3 bedroom apartment very similar to the one upstairs. This one, however, has bigger beds, a bathroom connected to the bedroom as well as the main shared one which has a BATHTUB!!! This apartment also comes with a new roommate. He is from Baghdad originally, but has been living in UAE for the past nine years. He seems very nice.

As of now, it is not comfortable living here. I did sleep very, very well, the best since I have been here, but I have yet to get the washer, drying rack, refrigerator, stove, blankets, microwave, etc. I don't think it would actually be considered legally inhabitable in the US. Ahh, but it feels good to not have to feel like I am at work all the time. I also don't have to worry about constant visitors anymore! I am very happy about it. Hopefully I will be able to start focusing a little more now as well. I guess only time will tell with that though.