The visiting feeling has worn off...

This week I have begun to no longer feel as though I am visiting this fascinating melting pot of cultures and diverse individuals. There is a small, but abundantly stocked, grocery store (Al Jazira) which sits directly across the street from the apartment building. At first I would walk in and feel as though I was an outsider searching for something to eat in a far off and distant land; however, as of this week I feel confident and hold my head high knowing I can lead myself directly to exactly what I need. Reading this it may seem as though this realization is minimal, but I assure you there are few greater feelings than being able to find your away around a foreign market. A guy has to eat!

Its still Ramadan, and as Emily and I explore Al Jazira we see a multitude of families stocking up for the meal they will receive after sundown. I am still in awe that the fasting occurs from sunrise to sunset – the baskets of these families are FULL, and I can only imagine how great it must be to share a huge meal with your family for hours into the night. The end of Ramadan is soon approaching at the end of this week. I am far from considering myself a Ramadan expert and I am learning something new every day from my students. I have just learned that while Ramadan was suppose to end on Thursday, and Eid al-Adha begin on Friday (hence giving us the whole next week off) – no one is sure when Ramadan will end due to the fact that it all revolves around the phases of the moon. With that in mind tomorrow could possibly be my last day for the week; however, something might change and it could be Thursday. Amazing that everyone is so relaxed concerning the end of their religious holiday, but also that people, after fasting, aren't seemingly anxious for Eid.

During Eid, Em, myself, and a few others are planning on renting a car and exploring the island. Renting an SUV here, which we want incase of a sudden sand storm, only costs roughly $20 a day. I have volunteered to drive – it should be an experience. One of my students told me that every one here are crazy drivers and that if I signal to change lanes, someone will speed up and get past me...apparently basic rules for being on the road need not apply to the people here. I would imagine that is due to the fact that there is little in the ways of police enforcement. Poppa Cushing should make the trip over here and set up his own driving school to make some serious cash! We are going to explore the southern part of the island and see what else Bahrain has to offer. I know for a fact that we will visit the tree of life. We are also planning on swimming with some dolphins, for less than $5, and pearl diving.