A nice trip, but had a bummer moment

I'll tell you more about my trips out of the country when I upload pictures... just wait, I know you are anxious to hear about them! Amongst all the traveling, and the colds going around, it was really nice to get back to good ol' Muscat. Realizing I really prefer Oman (and the quieter towns) over the craziness of Dubai. The last few days I have been on a mad search for my personal journal. It disappeared somewhere between Doha and Abu Dhabi.... and I am terribly vexed by its loss. Every note, every feeling, every day I hae been in Oman was in the book. And its gone.... I don't even know how to begin finding ways to try and recompile things. Crud.

Today was our last day of "class," which really was just my oral Arabic review. I think I did pretty well considering I knew nothing when I arrived! Now, I am beginning my independent study project... I am very excited about it- looking at Omani's views on US primacy and how the role of US leaders should use that power. Inshaallah I will finish on time and with good results!

More Developments

Well, I've returned from Nizwa, and had a few days to do laundry and settle in Muscat. Coming back was difficult... the change in lifestyle and trying to get back into the original flow. The contrast between rural and metropolitan is so apparent. But, I have talked to my host family in Nizwa, and I am going to return for a week to stay with them and do some work for my independent project. (Which is rapidly approaching, eeeek!)

And now, I am in Doha, Qatar. The change is already such a culture shock. For the first time in 2 months, I've seen a skyscraper. And I don't have to cover... though we are all finding ourselves more comfortable if we do. Seeing tourists along side locals is quite a trip, but that is shocking in Oman too. I am able to walk down the busy street from the hotel to the internet cafe alone... something I definitely could not do in Nizwa, and is always a little awkward in Muscat.

Tomorrow we are going to Al-Jazeera to see a component of media in the Middle East... I cannot wait- what a special opportunity!

In shaa allah, in a week I will update you all on the trips planned for this week- more of Doha, Abu Dhabi, and the famed Dubai! The experiences SIT is providing is outstanding and the personal encounters I'm blessed to have are far beyond what I was anticipating. I already know that coming home will be a little stressful... the changes.. the misconceptions... the realization of things I learned and am learning here.... I already know this has changed many aspects of how I think about.... well... everything.