It's mid-morning on Sunday and I am feeling a wee bit sleepy. This past weekend, about 15 members of our staff travelled to Latakia to visit the Mediterranean Coast. Prior to our departure, my director Jim said that we would see a part of Syria that would not compare to anything we've seen in the Damascus area. He was right!
It was a lengthy drive to Latakia. I believe it took about 5 hours on a very bumpy bus to get there. Once we arrived and checked into our hotel, we were beach bound for the rest of the day on Friday. The water was a wee bit colder than bath-tub warm. The beach was beautiful, as was the landscape. As I looked out across the Mediterranean, I was reminded of my time in Greece. There is something very special about that part of the world, and it's hard to believe I am so very close to it.
Friday evening we enjoyed a late dinner at a restaurant that had a breathtaking view of the sea and the city. The sun set was a beautiful orange, a color reminiscent of a harvest moon. The meal was an iftar buffet. I must admit that I've had just about enough iftar for one year. However, the meal was quite delicious. It included the traditional messa (appetizers of salads, hummus, babagannoush, pita...) as well as hot dishes that included some non-traditional dishes (lasagna and cream chicken) as well as lamb, chicken and rice and these thingers that are like perogies (only I think perogies are yummier!)
All in all it was a good weekend, although I must admit, as always in the case following a weekend of travelling, I am glad to be home and have a chance to catch up on rest...not for long, though. I am off to Kuwait on Thursday to visit with my friends, make a stop at my salon for a mani and pedi, hang out at the gym and go to IKEA...some things never change.
It's been a whirl wind thus far. I can hardly believe that we're into September already. Before I know it I will be making plans to head home for Christmas holidays. The year is off to a great start and I am excited to see what the upcoming months will bring.
Until next time...
Tylene and Grover (who is now, happily enjoying his time in our classroom...poor guy)
2 comments:
Sounds like a great weekend. Glad you are enjoying it so much. Makes all the struggles to get there worth it, eh? Love ya!
Hi, Tylene,
Thanks for the blogs keeping us in touch with your settle-in activities. The slide shows are wonderful - what a beautiful and exotic place you are experiencing and sharing with us!
Wish you were here to pack us for our trip! So nice that you remembered our plans in the midst of all the new things you are experiencing!
Looking forward to hearing more about your students and colleagues at school, trips and daily life on the roads to and in Damascus.
Lots of love, Lynn
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