Sorry for the extended break in posts-I have completed my first four weeks of Arabic and WOW this language is difficult and challenging, but really exciting to learn. I have my doubts that I will ever shake my Arabic with a Minnesota accent speech impairment, but I am trying to get the sounds as authentic as possible. Last Friday, we (a class of 6) put on our first play using the Arabic we knew after our first two weeks- it was an exciting, edge of your seat thriller- (Spoiler alert-girls meeting boys in a coffee shop, exchanging pleasantries, and all going to the movies after a bit of flirtation- most likely with a sequel to follow after phase 2-perhaps even a marriage)-stay tuned... After I got comfortable being uncomfortable learning and struggling with the language has become really interesting and fun. I am now in a class with just me and another student- so far so good.
In addition to Arabic, we have a lot of area studies. This encompasses the entire Middle East and is really interesting. I never realized how little I actually knew and I love that we are being exposed to the culture, the politics, and the foreign policy- good times!
DC is great, lots to do, but wow it's warm-I feel like my skin is going to start bubbling at anytime. Just trying to get into my groove. I am working on kayaking on the potomac and getting some use out of my bike. There are some beautiful areas and great paths to explore. I broke down and got a navigator so I can stop driving aimlessly through the district and honestly everywhere else- I really do have a terrible attention span LOL. I took a great cooking class designed for diplomats and learned how to have a successful dinner party- apparently drinking fishbowls of Cabernet did not make the good idea list. Clearly I have been doing something wrong my entire adult life. I hit the golf course last week which is probably what began my homesick week. The course was rough to say the least (not challenging-rough where I thought I might lose the wheels of my cart) and I definitely need to find a better one. I miss Minnesota and everyone there-wish I could be living two lives at once!
Salaam
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Oh, good luck! Beginning Arabic is so hard. Just keep telling yourself that it's worth it... it really is....
ReplyDeleteMy bro-in-law is fluent if you need help with Arabic. I am so proud of you Karin. I really am.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs, Jodi
Thanks Jodi- where is your brother in law from? Honestly I think I nbeed a new brain- can yu help with that please?LOL
ReplyDeleteHe is from good ol Mn. He has his degree in foreign something with a something in Arabic :) how's that for helping you? He works for the State Dept (top secret agent I really think), they are in VA though so really, if you ever need anything let me know. She is my favorite sister ;) (none of my sisters read this do they?)
ReplyDeleteWHERE THE HECK ARE YOUR UPDAATES??? I NEED to know what you are up to! PLEASE FILL US IN!
mucho besos y abrazas... :)
Jomodee