Hello faithful blog followers,
It's been almost 10 days since I arrived in Damascus and all in all it's been a terrific experience. Things are starting to come together in my classroom - that is to say that my classroom is actually starting to look fit for children (and teacher)! I am excited that my shipment will be here on Sunday or Monday. That means all my school treasures will arrive too. With those things here, I will certainly be ready for the very first day of school.
The weather has been unusually hot since we arrived. Something like mid-forties. usually it gets no hotter than high 30s here, but apparently this isn't a "usual" summer. I've enjoyed being warm, but am ready for the temperature to drop just a wee bit. The heat makes me feel very lethargic...either that or too many late nights in a row.
The kitties arrived yesterday. They had a rather traumatic experience - nothing to do with the flight, but more so to do with the imbeciles who lost them after they were taken off the plane. Needless to say the poor dears were might dehydrated and overheated. They did come around - so much so that Ella enjoyed some time playing the the garden and Henry decided he could be bold enough to come out and socialize with my company that I had for dinner - mind you, it was about 9:00 before he was willing to be social. Then, as though there had been no passage of time, I was instructed that midnight was definitely bedtime. Henry saw to it that he found a most comfortable place for a pre-bedtime cuddle...resting his heavy head on my hand so I could scratch under his chin. Ella was content to curl up beside my feet. While Henry didn't stay for the night, Ella popped back and forth between their room (yes, an actual bedroom for my cats) and my room. She was really sweet until 4:00 this morning when she decided that it was time to wake up and pet her. She was certainly being affectionate.
Work has been ticking along. We've finished our first week of orientation, which has included trips for HIV and TB testing, rounds of shopping at various malls, a bus trip to the top of the mountain to get a better view of the city and of course, some actual work. We've had many hours in our classrooms as well, which has been an absolute delight. I am, by far, ready for the year, but things will come together next week. The campus is closed tomorrow for painting - perhaps a forced break for those teachers who are spending every waking minute here. I have learned from my many hours of teaching that what doesn't get done today will wait until tomorrow. I'm not slacking off, but I am taking time to go out for walks, keep up with my exercise and be social. It's been great thus far and I hope it will continue.
This coming week will see three days of teachers-only and then a two day week with students. I then believe we have 10 more days of teaching prior to the Eid break in early September. If all goes well, I'll take a jaunt to Kuwait for the break - missing my gym classes at the Corniche. Since my membership goes until November, I might as well take advantage.
If the first 10 days are any indication, I think Damascus is somewhere that I could settle for a while. I am happy to be here and enjoying the pace of life! My apartment will start to really come together once my shipment arrives. Following that, I will be sure to put up some pictures for everyone to check out so you have a better idea of what my new surroundings are like.
Well, Arabic class starts in just a few minutes, so I best be wrapping this up (Yes, Arabic is somewhat more necessary in Damascus than in Kuwait). One of our teachers is giving 10 Arabic lessons to the staff...those who wish to continue with her will be able to do so. I think I will be one of those who chose to continue. Being able to get around in Damascus involves a little more Arabic than I currently have...although my hellos and goodbyes are well developed.
I hope this finds everyone well. Until next time...
Tylene
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