It’s
hard to believe that I’ve been back in Tunisia for over a week already.
I am struck again and again by what a beautiful country this is. The
Mediterranean is just a gorgeous in real life as it is in pictures, and
this time, I've got a car to get to the beach. And the people are
wonderful as well. Perhaps a bit intimidating looking at first, with
their dark, serious faces. But when they smile, which they do so easily,
it's like the sun has come out. A few words of Arabic - and believe me,
that's all I've got - is enough to break down the barrier.
As
you might imagine, Libby was delighted to see me. She's keeping pretty
close when I'm in the house, too, and seems more biddable. I haven't
taken her to the beach yet, because it's Ramadan and it just doesn't
seem like the right thing to do, culturally. For one thing, people are
more observant at this time, and Islam is anti-dog. For another, the
beaches are full of people trying to keep cool during the day at this
time when they are not allowed to drink during the day. Sometimes they
can be a bit grouchy too because they are fasting. I'll wait another ten
days before I take my furry friend with me.
New
teacher orientation has gone very well. People are very pleased with
how they've been treated and supported, as well they should be! Last
night was the first meal any of them has had to cook. The rest of us
have taken turns hosting dinners every night, and the school has
provided breakfast and lunch in the library every day. That will
continue Monday and Tuesday as well. Friday noon, we headed off for a
day in Hammamet, staying at the Laico Hotel. It's a beautiful hotel,
made to look like a cruise ship inside. Having never been on a cruise
ship, I cannot comment on the success of this, but it certainly was
beautiful.
I
gave a library services introduction on Friday morning, and got very
positive feedback from that. It feels really good to be able to offer
service this year right from the beginning. The first few months of last
year were taken up with learning what I was dealing with in terms of
resources, space and time, and I really wasn't on my game until after
Christmas. This feels so much better.
I've
just come back from the market. Figs and run down your chin peaches are
in season. Yum. And I got a few sardines for the grill tonight.
Tomorrow night, we're going downtown for the Iftar meal at El Walima and
a tour of the Medina by our Arabic teacher Dorsaf. The next night, the
Director and his wife are hosting dinner. No cooking for me until
Wednesday at least!
