Last night a group of us headed out for dinner around eight in the evening. We had a long day and were feeling the need to experience the culture surrounding us that we may or may not feel a part of at the moment. We all walked as a group to a street that we have deemed, “American Row.” Whether or not the street name is anything like the real name (there doesn't seem to be any street signs, anywhere) we were humbled by seeing McDonald's and Burger King spelled out in Arabic. What was even more interesting was the fact that in front of each sat 8-10 road bikes equipped with baskets for delivery purposes. Yes folks, McDonald's delivers...God, or should I say Allah, help us.

We ended up picking an Asian cuisine place. We walk in and the first thing we all notice and comment on is how nice it feels with the air conditioning. At first when we were told how hot to expect the temp. to be we both thought it would be unbearable, but in reality its not as bad as we originally thought. With in mind, however, it was still extremely nice to feel cold air steadily pour its way out of the huge glass door as I held it open for everyone. As much as the hot air hits you like a brick wall as soon as you feel it, so does the air conditioning. Everything is kept to cold and this makes for a jarring juxtaposition between the two temperatures.

We sat down at a sleek black table, eight of us, and were so hungry we immediately began searching the menu. Being in an Arabic city, and an Asian cuisine restaurant, you might imagine the spiciness of all the items printed on the smooth leather bound menu. I ordered a blackened orange chicken – by the picture looked delicious and who doesn't like orange chicken? Emily decided she was going to order coconut chicken curry. We both shared one of the biggest bottles of water I have ever seen. As we sat with the group we began discussing expectations for the year. It was blissful to be surrounded by such positive amazing people thriving at the chance to make a difference in children's lives while at the same time enjoying themselves on what very much feels like a vacation.

Both of our dishes were outstandingly spicy and of which neither of us could bring ourselves to finish. Emily's was much spicier than mine, even though she had asked for it to be very mild. We sat and couldn't finish our dinner, but we didn't care. We were in a place that was so amazingly different and new that it was all we could do not to comment on every new item our eyes came across. After finishing our food, or eating all that we could eat, we made the walk back home.