Snowballs in Damascus

Oh Mylanta - what a time I had on the weekend at the Canadian Embassy's Snowball.  It was fantastic.  The ambiance was loverly as was the company.  I will remember that evening very fondly and look forward to next year's Snowball.  Just to give you fair warning, if you wanna come visit, February is a good month to do so - then you can be a part of the fun too.

Now, without being to "breakfast to bed" in my writing, allow me to share with you the adventure that was the Snowball. I  know, you want pictures...I will have them up on the sidebar by the end of the week.  Friday morning started with a workout in the weight room - my arms STILL hurt, but it was a great workout nonetheless.  I then took some time to rest and relax before I went for my hair appointment.  I was supposed to get my nails painted too, but the salon was running on Damascus time, so I just painted them myself when I got home.  I opted out of the mani and pedi on Thursday because I really liked the colour of my toes from my mani/pedi in Kuwait.  At any rate, once my hair was all fancied up, I headed back to the apartment with Lindsey to get into my gown, do my make up and paint my finger nails.  I must say I was the belle of the ball.  Hee hee hee - modest, I know.  My gown fit beautifully, my make up turned out great and I was all jeweled up for the night.  I wore my new ring and necklace that I got from mom for Christmas, as well as my Tiffany diamond earring and the other diamonds I bought a few summers ago.  I also wore a beaded bracelet that I got as a gift from a student - matched just wonderfully.  The only piece that I needed was a shawl and, of course, I had one of those too.  It, however, was a pain in the butt as it got stuck on the thingies on my dress.

Prior to our departure, we gathered at Paul and Cathy's (my Canadian neighbors) for a pre-gala beverage. It was a nice time. Chad (Lindsey's husband) hadn't met either Paul or Cathy, so it was nice that he finally had a chance to get to know them  little better.  We were fairly lucky and caught taxis just outside the apartment and were on our way to the Four Season's hotel (very swanky and fancy schmancy hotel).  Upon our arrival, we took some photos and then went upstairs to the lobby for some champagne as we waited to get in.  I usually don't like champagne, but this was some tasty champagne.  Once the doors were opened, we went into the ballroom - it was decorated simply, but beautifully.  The walls were covered with black fabric and mini-lights - looked like a starry starry night in Saskatchewan.  There was a short video showing the Northern Lights (the theme of this year's ball) and the fun was underway.  The tables were decorated with a tall vase filled with white roses and stones.  The table top was a mirror, so the lights flickered and danced.  Very simple, but pretty.  As we entered the ballroom, sounds of birds filled the air.  I knew I was in "Canada" when I heard the loon call.  We knew the evening was going to be a grand one when each table also included a bottle of Wiser's Special Blend.  YUMMY.

The appetizers on the table included a variety of bagel chips, tortillas and different dips.  There were also a variety of rolls and breads.  Dinner was spectacular: a tasty butternut squash soup, the most deliciously tender steak that I've had in my life.  A steak knife was not necessary. Wild rice and vegetables rounded out the meal.  Soon after dinner, the dancing began.  The band was great and so was the party. It was after 1 by the time we headed home.  It was just a great night all around.

Of course, with all fun comes some tragedy.  My dress was caught under a chair or someone's shoe and the tool-ish overlay has a rip in it now, but it's at the bottom, a clean tear and I'm fairly sure it can be repaired somehow or another.

I have attended four balls since I left Canada.  By far, this was my most favorite.  It was a great time and I can hardly wait for next year's Snowball.  I wonder what my next ball gown will look like...

Well, it's now back to reality.  I don't think there are other balls in my future - I think the ball season is over in Damascus, but I will be sure to keep you posted.  It's crazy to think that we have less than 4 months before the end of the school year.  I remember in my first year of teaching, people would tell me that each year passes more and more quickly.  It was true when my school year was 197 days, but now that it's around 180, it flies by even more quickly.

Hope all is well with everyone back home.  Looking forward to a relaxing weekend coming up.  Talk to you soon.

Tylene