Arabic Class
Hi Everyone,
Not much new is happening here in Baghdad. With my free time I am trying out different activities to help pass the time. So far I have attended the Women of War (WOW) support group, also known as Wacky Old Women, and Arabic class. WOW is held weekly at the palace and includes between 5 and 15 ladies disscussing their experiences in Iraq. The group includes 3 ladies from my unit, along with other american and british soldiers, and civilians. As you can imagine, I wasn't very talkative in the group but it was nice to meet new people and get information on what is going on in the community. Arabic class is also held in the palace. Currently they are studying how to read and write the language. After one session I decided to try and learn some simple sayings from the Iraqi workers around my compound and skip the classes. The organized Arabic class meets M-W-F for 1.5-2 hours each day and then has review classes on Saturday and Sunday. I just didn't have that much dedication to followup with such a strenuous schedule. I was amazed how small the writing is in books and elsewhere. I guess no one has presbyopia in the middle east. (That or everyone wears reading glasses no matter their age.)
The one thing I hope to do before leaving Iraq is hang out at the palace pool and catch some rays. Of course all military folks must wear the PT (Physical Training) uniform which is a grey t-shirt and black shorts. I have also seen an Iraqi flyer for a "Message Saloon" (Beauty Salon), that offers manicures, pedicures and massages. I hope to get a "message" at the "saloon" soon.
Heidi
Not much new is happening here in Baghdad. With my free time I am trying out different activities to help pass the time. So far I have attended the Women of War (WOW) support group, also known as Wacky Old Women, and Arabic class. WOW is held weekly at the palace and includes between 5 and 15 ladies disscussing their experiences in Iraq. The group includes 3 ladies from my unit, along with other american and british soldiers, and civilians. As you can imagine, I wasn't very talkative in the group but it was nice to meet new people and get information on what is going on in the community. Arabic class is also held in the palace. Currently they are studying how to read and write the language. After one session I decided to try and learn some simple sayings from the Iraqi workers around my compound and skip the classes. The organized Arabic class meets M-W-F for 1.5-2 hours each day and then has review classes on Saturday and Sunday. I just didn't have that much dedication to followup with such a strenuous schedule. I was amazed how small the writing is in books and elsewhere. I guess no one has presbyopia in the middle east. (That or everyone wears reading glasses no matter their age.)
The one thing I hope to do before leaving Iraq is hang out at the palace pool and catch some rays. Of course all military folks must wear the PT (Physical Training) uniform which is a grey t-shirt and black shorts. I have also seen an Iraqi flyer for a "Message Saloon" (Beauty Salon), that offers manicures, pedicures and massages. I hope to get a "message" at the "saloon" soon.
Heidi
posted by Heidi O at 5:24 PM
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