My life is packed

As much as I've enjoyed travelling this year, I'm tired. I mean, I'm really, really exhausted.

For the past twelve months, I have not lived in the same place for more than 4 months. I've gone from Monterey to Paris to Dallas to Paris to Dallas to Monterey. In between these places I've gone to the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Tonight I packed and realized that everything that is "necessary" in my life is packed in two bags.

I'll be the first to admit that Dallas is not my favorite place on Earth. But my family and friends are there, and I'm ready to be in one place for awhile.

It's that time again!

Today was the last day of my Arabic program. What a long summer! I've learned so much, but I'm really glad that it's over. I'm not sure that I could have done another week of Arabic.

Tomorrow is my last day in Monterey. I'm going to spend the day saying goodbye to my friends and then shipping a box home. I decided to ship a box because I'm worried that my luggage will weigh too much. On Friday I go home!

In other news, as announced in my previous post, I'm going to Portland, Oregon for my Fall break. I'll be in Portland October 11-14. I'll be staying with my friend, Allison. I think it will be a great trip. I've always wanted to see the Pacific Northwest, and thanks to my grandparents' airmiles, I'll be able to!

Anyways, I'll see everyone soon!

Fall Break 2008: Portland, Oregon

Sudanese Party

Yesterday I set up a Sudanese party. The word "party" might be a bit of an overstatement, but there was Sudanese food, music and Sudanese people. I think everyone had a good time. The picture above shows the "informational table" with posters and food.

This is my teacher, Rana, and my tutor, Ibrahim. Rana is from Lebanon and Ibrahim is from Sudan.


This is my friend Eliza dressed in traditional Sudanese clothing.

This is Rana, Shadi (her son) and her mother. Her mom just happened to fly in two days before the Sudanese party, so naturally, she had to attend. She doesn't speak any English, but I think she enjoyed it.

The Sudanese food was basically doughnut holes with coconut on them. Tasty.

Moral of the Story: If you can't go to Sudan, bring Sudan to you!