How I spent the November Eid

Over the past nine days, I did a few other things beside paint our apartment and hang out in the hospital. It was a great week to discover some new things about where we live and also chill out.

Russ and I went shopping and out to lunch a few times. I have not known him to be such a shopper, but he has been determined to make our place more comfortable. Indirect lighting, softer wall colors, photos all help.

Maria and I found Abaya "Barbie" dolls at the schmancy Sultan center in Salmiya. We each picked up a couple of the dolls in their black gowns, head wraps, and henna'ed hands. I am going to dress my girls in really racy clothes underneath (from the US Barbie collection).

The Iranian souk (market) was a bit of a disappointment. Gorgeous handwoven carpets but otherwise basically a bunch of imported junk from China.

On the other hand, Maria and I had lunch at the marina one day which was so incredibly lovely. It felt like Southern Cal in the winter. Warm sun, cool breeze. We walked the boardwalk after that. This morning we walked the boardwalk which is a ten minute taxi drive down the road from the apartment. I would never go in the water here as you can see an oil sheen on the surface, but there is still something magical about sand and sea.

Speaking of oil, I filled up our friend's Pajero for only USD 12 (that is 85 a gallon)! Disgusting but true. Driving around, I found that most drivers are either completely crazy or incredibly brave. Driving is quite aggressive here, like I have experienced nowhere else - Traffic in LA and NY is quite tame compared to the road chaos and rage.

Sarah organized yoga night for five women this past Tuesday, and it will happen every week at our place since we have such a cavernous space and no kids. A wonderful way to unwind; too bad it's only once a week. But then there is the Hilton too.

Our hard cider is in the last stage of development. We filtered and bottled a small batch today and it should be ready to drink by Thanksgiving.

I got caught up on a number of logistical things - banking, uploading photos, updating our budget, rearranging the apartment, and hanging photos. Also finished off another book and a few Oprah mags. I feel remarkably ready to head back into our regimented school routine tomorrow.