Nizwa... you stole my heart

I spent the last week in Nizwa, Oman.. living with a new family, who turned out to be more amazing than I could ever imagine. We spent the week learning Arabic, traveling the mountains, visiting schools, dressing up, getting henna, eating the "true" traditional Omani way, learning about Islam, and even slaughtering a goat. All truly amazing... I already know I am going back before I leave in December. I can't leave the loving people and laid back character of this interior city without a longer goodbye.

The view on Jebal Shams

Still on Jebel Shams... overlooking "the Grand Canyon of Oman"

At Nizwa Technical College

Getting henna again at my Nizwa home. They are fabulous!

My Nizwa mom and aunt dressed me up in traditional Omani clothing

Walking along the falaj system in Jebal Akdar

Sunset at a farm in Nizwa

My little brothers (and sister in the background) holding a baby goat at the farm

Clouds, glorious clouds

My sisters in Nizwa- adorable and so funny

The older brothers in Nizwa.. preparing chicken for the big bbq on my last night

My little sister.... and the goat we just slaughtered. If you want to see how they slaughter a goat... I've got a video. Of the entire thing. Its crazy. But you know you want to watch too.

Adios Madrid, Guten Tag Trier

The last day in Madrid flew by... a class presentation (which even the professor didnt want to be there for I think ahah), helping everyone with their last minute shopping, eating our favorite foods one last time (for me: a Napolitana de chocolate for breakfast and a chicken kebap for dinner), and saying our goodbyes at "our bar." Was pretty comical that the bar staff was so sad to see us all go... but we felt pretty special and a little sad ourselves when wee had group pictures with everyone. Actually got to see 4 of my sorority sisters who just arrived in Madrid yesterday for some sightseeing- always nice to see familiar faces. Spent the hours before bed packing, or rather cramming, my bags together, watching movies with my fabulous roommates, and counting the hours until my flight. Im so grateful to ISA for giving two of my bags a home while I'm in Trier... so much less to carry- and no need for a taxi!

When I write again, I'll have arrived in Frankfurt and will find myself with old friends... Melina and her mother are picking me up- I dont think I counld ask for a better welcoming party!

Missing Madrid already, but also very ready to try someplace new! Off to the airport now--yipee :)