ana laa atakallum al 3arabiyah

marHaba..

Hello to you all..Once again it is a late night. I just got home and it is midnight. So tired but energized at the same time. I don't know if I could learn any more..or be treated any more graciously. It has been another incredible day. The Saudi people have been so wonderful to us. The day started with a yawner of a lecture at Aramco about their progressive education and training program. We then went to the school they have for girls. About 30 % of employees and sponsored students are female. That is progress!! (who knows maybe they will be driving soon) The girls we visited were chosen from 10,000 students. 250 are chosen to train for college and then they go to a foreign university. (all over the world) These girls spoke perfect English and were so fun. We took a lot of pictures. The one of the girls in abayas was taken in

a micro economics class. We were able to have lunch with some of the students and I loved talking and asking very open questions about their hopes and fears. And, yes about being a woman in Saudi. I have even talked to some men about this.

Then we went to visit the desert and a camel ..I don't know what to call it..It is where camels are raised. We saw babies and I even got to ride. I was brave and went first. I didn't drink the camel milk we were offered. Our guide told us not to..it would clean us out. Camels make this awful noise like a lion in pain..and they have a huge lower lip..very weird looking animals.

Then, of course another feast. This time in a Beaudion type museum. Check out the place setting
I like the custom of sitting on cushions around the perimiter of the room..Lovely red woven cushions..then we all talk and laugh and drink cardomen coffee and eat dates..then eat the HUGE meal. You all would love it..lamb, rice, hummus, flatbread, and what they call Arab Champagne..
Apple juice with Perrier.

I learned a lot today..the most important thing is how wonderful the people here are. How they
love their families and their God. I understand some customs better too..

It is all good..and how lucky I am to be here. My post title means..I don't speak Arabic..isn't it funny how long that is??

ma3assalaama (the 3 is actually for pronunciation)

Love to you