Nurses wear suits

I'm at the hospital, not for me, with a friend. I'll update about her nausea and abdominal pain later (hypothesis is appendix, but really we're hoping for just BGs).
Here is what happens though.....
Go in to ER.  Everyone looks at you like you are crazy.  Apparently you only go to ER if they deem you to be an emergency.  My friend was not, but they escorted us to check in.  We waited for about 5 mins before they took care of her health insurance forms.  They called her back to triage, which is where they took her temperature and blood pressure.  That's it.  Then they sent us to the doctor.  The doctor looked at her (before the nurse) said all was fine, but he wanted samples and an ultrasound.  We did the samples, well she did them I stood there.  We left for a couple of hours and went back for the results.  Because this time we were there at night, the wait was a little longer, but she saw her doctor from earlier in the day, and a new doctor in an hours time.  She then went to the pharmacy and got her meds (nothing serious, but so glad we went to the hospital) and well...that was it.  It cost 5BD ($13).  The only annoying thing was that we had to leave and come back.

Quick facts about hospitals in Bahrain:

• Nurses wear suit jackets made out of scrub material over their cutesy scrubs.
• You queue for everything with a number.  And they ring an annoying doorbell to update you on which number is up...hope you don't have a headache!
• You are constantly on the move.  I thought I would sit and wait for a long time with her...it wasn't even worth it to set up my computer.  
• I watched a guy pass chocolates on a tray to the staff . I'm serious.
• They have modesty nurses.  A person who is meant to protect your modesty.  My friend had a male doctor with a female nurse in the room.  The nurse pulled my friends shirt up for the doctor...that's it.  We have a friend who had her gallbladder taken out last year and she had a nurse primarily meant to keep her covered the entire time.  
• Security is not big at the hospital...we walked where ever we wanted to
• I already said it but 5BD....for the whole day....awesome

What is brunch?

So there is something you should know about Bahrain, it is an awkward blend of Islamic culture, western ways and social status'. 

The island is smaller than most US capitals.  With that being said, half of the island is desert where large (religious) families live in compounds.  So basically everything I do is within Manama which is probably the size of Durham. 

So within this tiny area, you have a smattering of cultures from the traditional Muslims, to Hindu, to westerners like myself.  It is also a very hypocritical island.  This is like a judgement free zone as long as you do not mind being judged.  Muslims drink here, and some even eat pork, but don't you dare say that outloud.  The westerners all date eachother and can trace their relationships through others, but dont discuss who did what with who at the party, unless they are out of earshot.

So what do you do on this Muslim island? 
Shop: the stores here are just like home, including varying levels of slut tasticness.  The lingerie stores are worse than Victorias Secret with their mannequins.  The clothes are all short, or backless.  Malls are extravagant and over the top.  But you better believe they have a mosque and a call to prayer.

Pool: it is hot here so pool parties are common.  Hotels will have pool parties. However, just to note, most of the time, you do not go swimming.  You just look cute.  Because it is a time to be seen, be social and not judge who is judging who.  Oh and dress in very little clothing that costs more than my rent.  I think I have figured out there is a mathematical relationship between clothes and conservativeness...you can dress anyway you want to as long as the cost of the clothes is worth it,  if x=amount covered and y=cost of clothes then x+y>the cost of judgement.  This does not apply to women who wear the long robes, because some of them cost more than my house, not mortgage payment, but my house.

Eat:  food is available anytime of day, with free delivery, anytime.  There is also any type of food you can imagine, local cuisine, mexican, east asian, etc.  The portions are not huge, but they always want you to try as much as you can.  If you are offered food, it is also very rude to turn it down.  Of course you will like anything they serve, otherwise you are so american.

Drink: alcohol is not widely available,  not all restaurants have a liquor license.  It is actually illegal to sell alcohol to a Muslim.  However when they have alcohol, they do it right.  The liquor store delivers and you get a discount when you do that.  Restaurants always try to get you a double when they can.  I've been in restaurants with men covered drinking a bottle of wine, and then judging me for wearing a short dress.  I was at a party with a friend from Lebanon.  Another friend was there and he was from the same city as her.  She drank her drink out of a juice glass because he may tell somebody back home that she was drinking.  His rum and coke looked great in the coke bottle too. 

Well anyways, the hotels around here combine two of these things into a 4 hour marathon of all you can eat and drink brunch.  Stations are set up in different areas with different foods and drinks.  They keep your champagne glass full at all times.  It is also the place to be seen.  I knew people there and I've only been on the island for a month!

After brunch, you continue drinking.  Then you go to a pool party.  This was my Friday.  

And as I say in my perfected Arabic voice "this is how we do." 

Just so there is no confusion, it is a lot of fun here, and I do like it :)

Just so you know...

Just so you know...because I get this question a lot...






Life is good here...and hot like a desert....





However on this island....




Even though we are in the Middle East (Gulf)....





Even though you saw Sex and the City 2......





Even though Lawrence of Arabia had them everywhere....





These are the only Camels I've seen....

Courtyard of my School

Safety

I have been receiving many messages asking if I am safe.  I woke up this morning and read the Gulf Daily News article regarding the protests yesterday.  First, let me explain some things I know about the protests.

1. Fridays are the worst days for protests.  Our weekend is Friday and Saturday here.  Saturday is a normal Saturday, Friday is our Sunday.  If that makes sense.  The weekend used to be Thursday and Friday, but they switched it. Anyways, the groups form after religious services, which is why Fridays are the most prominent days for protests.

2. The protests are not intended to be deadly or dangerous.  Their goal is to literally be a pain in the ass.  One of the major things that occur through out the week are tire fires.  They take large tires, douse them with petroleum and light them on fire in the middle of the freeway, just to be an annoyance, and show the powers that be that they are powerful. There are cop cars stationed on all the freeways and at the gas stations.  If you pull over a cop car will immediately be on you.

So now lets talk about where I live. I live in Manama (pronounced Muh-NAM-a).  My school is in Isa Town (Eesa) which is where ALL of the private schools are and the Ministry of Education.  If you read the article, you see that the protests took place in Riffa and Isa Town, both south of where I live.  They are towards the desert, which the southern half of the island is desert and large compounds for families.  My school in Isa Town is about 15 minutes away with no traffic, but there is always traffic.  There is a small mall in Isa Town, but besides that, the only reason I go there is for school.  Riffa is a compound area.  The other places listed were Muharraq, which is in the diplomat area of the island, and it's own island of the archipelago.  Tubli Bay is the same.  When they say parts of Manama, lets go over what they mean.

I live in a district of Manama called Adliya (pronounced Adlee-ya).  The area where we are used to be water we were told.  You can see my neighborhood on the lower part of the map.  The Navy base is in Juffair (pronounced jew-fair).  We are friends with some of the Royal Navy so we know all riots and protests in advance and are constantly being looked after.  Juffair is about 5 minutes by taxi from my apartment.  Adliya does start the Navy "off limits zone".  We are on the edge of the range of possible activity.  It goes up to the Souq (or Souk pronounced sook) which you can see is close to the diplomatic area.  So basically, the protests are taking place north of me and south of me.  No matter what you believe about politics and policies in the middle east I have been told (and shown nothing different) that the protesters want nothing to do with westerners HERE.  They are not mad at me, or my friends.  They are upset with their government, not me, I am completely safe.  I live in a very western neighborhood and Juffair is all western.  

When we go out to dinner, or grocery shopping, or to bars, it is in Adliya or Juffair.  We have no need to go anywhere else.  My students and their parents are incredibly sweet and eager to learn about my culture and life, as I am to learn about their culture and life.  Half of the population of Bahrain is foreign, with 20% of the total population being western.  It is very welcoming to western life.  

I have not seen any action, riots, protests or disruptions.  I am completely aware of the city around me and like I said, I get daily safety reports from my friends. 

So thank you all for your concerns, thoughts and prayers.  I really am having fun and feel very safe.

***edited to add: New information just came through text that things are still unsafe.  We are taking precautions.  I was supposed to go to base today but the boats (ships, but I like to call them boats) are confined.  I'll keep you updated. ***

Carissa, my love, where are you?

I know, I know, I know….I’ve been in Bahrain almost 2 weeks and no update.  It’s not that I’m too busy.  I’m actually impressed with my free time so far.  I know it won’t stay that way, and I’m hoping to get some tutoring time in, but I’m not too busy.  Well then I must be out going and doing right?  That’s why I’m not blogging.  Well, it’s not really that either.  I am not out and about that much.  The thing is that there is not really anything to blog about.  Life here is pretty much the same as it was back in the states.  Right now I’m sitting at a coffee shop watching a mustang, CRV and Mazda CX9 (cry!) go by.  There are cell phones ringing around me, and a family having coffee on the couch next to me.  Really the only difference right now is that BBC is on the television instead of CNN (and to be honest with the DNC coverage on right now, I’m happy to be watching BBC). 

School starts at 7 (like it did last year) and since I ride the bus we leave the house at 6:15 (like last year).  I get home around 4, and I’m tired by 8 (like last year).  I’m not doing my National Boards (like two years ago) and I’m not doing my Masters (like last year) or coaching/working another job…so basically, I’m bored. 

The main reason we aren’t going and doing right now is because we haven’t been paid yet.  We get paid at the end of the month, so all of us are strapped for cash.  They gave us moving in money which was nice so we are trying to make that last until September 28^th .  I’m not bored as in unhappy, I do like it, it’s just there is nothing to blog about!

So let me first start with my “classmates”. We are all starting at the same time and on a two year contract, so it’s like we graduate together.  First of all there is Ezza, Camille and Kristi, all people I had communicated with before I got here.  It was so nice to have a familiar name/face!  Ezza teaches primary and she reminds of Leigh Ann if Leigh Ann could stand little kids.  Camille teaches 7^th grade English and is always up for hanging out which is so nice to have a built in friend.  Kristi is my math partner and I’m feeling a flash back to 2006 when Ann and I started at Northwest together.  Kristi and Carissa and we both teach math…and we’re both white girls with light brown hair.  If I didn’t have a foot on her in height there would be no hope (like the height comment Kristi?)  I am so happy to have her as my partner in crime though.

There is also Susan (primary), Allison (primary), Matt (primary), Greg (theatre) Emishea (business) and Dennis (high school Art).  They are all fabulous.  Literally.  Not just saying that.  I am really lucky to have such a good group.  We all live together in great apartments.  It makes me not want to go anywhere else foreign to teach because everyone keeps talking about how nice our places are.  I have tile everything.  Ever wonder how much hair a girl loses during the day?  I know, just look at my floor. 

My school is nice.  It is 80’s vintage, so just like working at NE in the old building.  I really like the faculty.  My classes are going well and everything is smooth so far.  See?  So boring.

Last weekend we all went out to celebrate our first week of work.  We went to a local expat bar.  It is a 5 minute walk from our house so with it being the local navy hang out and so close in this heat, it is our favorite place in Bahrain J  I may expand on this a little more in a later blog…maybe not.  Let’s see how this weekend goes and then I’ll decide the amount of details everybody gets.  As the girls said Thursday night “what happens at JJ’s………gets talked about for the next week on the bus”. 

Thank you to everybody for the well wishes and prayers.  I know you are all anxious for my address, but I don’t have one yet for mail…I’ll let you know.  I do have mobile router so I have skype and gchat at all times.  Add me at Carissa.berglund. 

Back to Bahrain

I got the weekly gazette this week.  First of all the graduation looks amazing, second of all...I see some knees!  I have also contacted a couple of other teachers...I'm getting really excited!

A Walk To Remember

I watched that wonderful horrible wonderful movie on Sunday right before work.  Bad move. I may be a CHB, but I still cry like a little baby when Landon hugs his dad at the end, and when they get married.  Well then that evening at work two co-workers informed me about a guest of the restaurant who lost her husband in a horrible plane crash.  If I had not been so caught off guard I would have cried again. I may have privately.  I don't know what it is but the idea of losing someone, or finding them again, is just overwhelming.

I leave in 80 days.  I have my plane ticket information, my class schedule and I have discussed plans with my colleagues.  I am so excited.  I really am.  But you know the adage, you don't know what you have until it's gone?  Well I kind of wish people told me how awesome they thought I was before I decided to leave.

I feel like I have a lot of doors open in DPS and when I leave they will all close.  I didn't know I had multiple doors though. I'm not saying that I would stay because Durham is awesome, just saying, it's nice to know that people respect me as an educator.  I have amazing friends, and I knew they were amazing, but I didn't know how much I needed them.  My MGC crew has carried me and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.  Much to their hatred, the strength they gave me is part of why I know I can leave, and come back and still have my people.  They know what I mean by this.  Having so much family across the US I knew that going a year without seeing them wouldn't be "new" for me...but when your family is bigger now than it used to be I worry about losing pieces.  I consider my DVT people-family.  The people I work with, the guests that visit us, they have supported me and have truly become more family for me.  I worry that I will lose them.

Facebook, Skype, Facetime, will keep me in touch.  People will read my blog and feel like they know what I'm up to-I'll read status' and find who is engaged, pregnant and has other news.  But then there are things...

Do you have a happy place?  A place where you feel completely comfortable, safe and peaceful.  It may be your parent's house, where you grew up and had family dinners.  While I love my fam-this isn't it for me.  Maybe it's your car, driving down a country road with the windows down, blasting country music.  That is such a relaxing time for me-but I do have a bit of a car phobia. My happy place is Elon.  It is where I became an adult, first in my early 20's, and now again, in my mid late 20's.  I'm a very different person now, than I was as an undergrad.  I've had good times on campus and bad times.  I have happy memories and bittersweet ones.  But I know that who I am today is happy, and Elon's campus confirms that for me.  So when I move, I will miss the opportunities to walk on campus....I will miss Walks to Remember.

I won't miss that damn movie though...or The Notebook.  Nicholas Sparks is totally ruining my CHB reputation.

It's a small world after all...

When I was 5 my family took me to Disney World. It was the first trip we took as a whole family (that I remember) with my step-dad. I have pictures of the character breakfast and group shots but the only thing I REALLY remember is my grandfather, Pa, holding my shoulders during Space Mountain because he thought I would fly out, and It's a Small World. Seven years later my grandparents took my cousin Jessi and I back. Jessi liked the swimming pool better than the rides. But I still loved It's a Small World. I loved it 6 years later too when I went with my high school boyfriend...eh, we won't mention that time.



The North Carolina Teaching Fellows program has been the best decision of my life....well my guidance counselor and teachers that prompted me to do it, best decision. Gladys Graves and Joanne Norris are two of the most inspiring women I have had the pleasure of knowing and learning from. Two adages any TF knows from summer experiences are "if you hoot with the owls you still have to soar with the eagles" and "networking, networking, networking". (sidebar: notice how there are no important dates under prospective candidates-NC get on that budget change.)



The thing I love about education is the connections you make. Through my fellow teachers at Elon I have had the honor of teaching next door to my best friend, shared lesson ideas and flash drives with them and now will experience the Middle East with one of them!  Through connections I have made with my teaching career I will be moving abroad knowing I can visit someone in Scotland, Ecuador or Angola (but who wants to go to Angola? Just kidding Katy J).  Through Twitter connections I have learned more about educational philosophy, lesson ideas and places to visit-I even had one document our collaboration for my National Boards (thank you Rachel-@seestur).  From my past teachers I have learned so much about teaching, literature to inspire me (I’m being very Dweck-right Dr. Little?) and have been given a lot of support to pursue my dreams (thanks Beth!)  Even my Area Facilitator has worked with my new director-talk about a small world!



Well who would have thunk it, but I think I have made just as many connections through working at Da Vinci’s Table, or The Table as I lovingly call it.  I have been given the name of a world renowned optometrist who lives and works in Bahrain from Dr. Brennan, support and love from all of my family there and now a friend in Bahrain to visit!  This is how it went….

Victor: Carissa, guess where my new business deal is?

Me: Where--Bahrain? ::said with as much sarcasm as possible::

Victor: Yes.

Me: NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Victor: Yep, I go there in 45 days.

Me: That is SO exciting!

So I may know someone who will be traveling there!  I love small worlds, apparently since I was 5. 

You're moving overseas? I teach in Hillsborough.

This was the response I got from a customer at The Table last night.  I mean Hillsborough does have a mountain....

Now to answer Emmy's question about my calendar.  I've outlined time/days off below but honestly these are all guestimates because the 2012-2013 calendar isn't up yet.  It also will vary because the Muslim holidays vary year to year and they also depend on government announcement. 

• I will arrive in Bahrain on the 25th of August, after leaving Minneapolis on the 24th.  This is what is supposed to happen, depending on flight information (which I'll get in July) it may change a little. 
• We (me and the 10 other newbies from US and Canada) will have a week long orientation where they take us to the souks, grocery, US Embassy, Visa stuff, car stuff, etc...
• My contract officially starts on September 1st.  We will then have professional development and curriculum writing until school starts-which is the second week of September. 
• Depending on the announcement of the Islamic holiday Eid Al Adha, we may have a day off October 26th. 
• Student/Parent Conferences are the week of Thanksgiving.  I don't know if this means we will have class too, or not.  There will also be days off for Ashura, the Islamic New Year around November 15th.
• For National Day and the New Year, we get about 2-3 weeks off.  I'm assuming December 17th-January 2nd (National Day is December 16th.)
• The Prophet's Birthday will be celebrated Thursday, January 24th-although celebrated in February this past year...
• We'll get a week off for Winter break in February which will also start the second semester. 
• Spring Break will be the first week of April.
• Labor Day is the first week of May. 
• The student's last day, and the teacher's last day is the last week of June. 
• I'll be home by July 4th.  I won't have to return until September 1st. 

As for my teaching schedule I will have 4 preps-good gravy!  I will be teaching Maths 9-1, 10-1, 11-1, and IB 11-1 (SL). Classes are 55 minutes each.  We are on a 6 day rotating schedule.  The school day is from 7am (blah!) to 2:20.  I am used to teaching 300 minutes of 420 minute days.  Bahrain has 440 minute days...I'll be teaching...

Day 1: 3 classes, 165 minutes
Day 2: 2 classes, 110 minutes
Day 3: 4 classes, 220 minutes
Day 4: 4 classes, 220 minutes
Day 5: 2 classes, 110 minutes
Day 6: 3 classes, 165 minutes

So while it is four preps...it is more planning time...although I'm sure, like American schools, it won't really turn out to be all planning time. 

So when are you coming to visit me???

Bahrain-that's near Texas right?

I have an awesome friend, Bailey.  She is so sweet and fun.  Her husband, Will, has the dry sense of humor to balance out her sweetness.  His response, "Bahrain-that's near Texas right?" was perfect. 

Let's continue the fun Q and A because I know that so many people are wondering...(sidenote: it's so fun to know that Ryanne, a fellow TF Elon grad with me, is going to Dubai and is experiencing the same questions!)

How will you get around?
In my great days of spring break I have been doing a lot of research and apparently, Bahrain is just like Texas.,  So while it may not be located near, it is close.  I read two blogs yesterday that say that Bahrain looks like America transplanted.  Including, sadly, it's dependence on cars.  My school provides transportation to school and back, but anything else, I will most likely need a car.  I would love to "go in" with someone on a car, or just rent on the weekends when I want a car-but everything I have read, says I'll need a car.  There are buses that run daily from 6am to midnight, on the hour.  There are also taxis. 

Where will you live?
I will live in apartments provided by the school.  You have to live in them for a year-just like being an Elon TF again!  Anyways, it's paid for by the school, utilities are paid by the school too.

 Hopefully my place won't have the stranger in the back bedroom or the cat in the kitchen, but I'm open to both.  Just kidding.  maybe....

Can you drink the water?
Technically? yes, it is potable.  Taste wise? no.  I will have to get the water cooler thing.  Bob made a good point that I can get American water then :)

Can you decorate?
Duh.  Can I decorate...oh wait, you mean am I allowed to? Oh.  Yes, that too.  They give me $400 (~150BD) to buy stuff for the apartment-plates, linens, pillows, etc.  I may have bought some of those cloth cubes in fun vibrant colors.  They will fold flat in a box and pop up when I get there.  No, I'm not overpacking already.

What is the staff like?

Here is a picture of a PD at the school.  Every Tuesday (which is like their Wednesday) is an early release professional development day.  I really feel like they are invested in learning to be the best educators they can be.  I cannot wait. 

Clubs, do not mean nightclubs, although, it does, but it doesn't....
To get into any establishment that serves alcohol, you have to be a member.  To play sports with any group, you have to be a member.  To show my shoulders, I'll have to be a member.  Basically there are clubs that people can join to hang out with likeminded people.  If I want to play tennis (indoors of course) I can join the British club.  It is a gym, theatre, and library all in one. I can even show my shoulders.  All nightclubs seem to be like smoking establishments in NC.  You have to pay $1 to become a member to smoke.  There are clubs that are traditional Arabic night spots and American ones.  There is even one for the Naval Base when they are on R&R called The Hunter's Lodge.  No, I'm not joking.  Yes, I will go there.  Just to see what they think a lodge looks like of course.  No other reasons. 

Basic info compacted:
Workweek: Sunday-Thursday
Hours: 7-2, for school and government buildings
**Hours are adjusted during the fasting holidays.  No I do not have to fast, but I am not allowed to eat or drink publicly during these times.**


Keep the questions coming!

Meet the Bahrain F1 drivers

Don't mind if I do...

I understand that the people selling, will always think they have the best product.  A person selling a similar product will always think the other is the worst. It's the same with politics and educational institutions.  I really like the quote from the Grand Prix Circuit Chairman regarding people who do not have facts first hand.  I also appreciate when establishments admit their weaknesses-such as saying there are protests and demonstrations, but they are on 5% of the island. So take these articles with a grain of salt.  They are selling their race.  Although I appreciate the honesty.  I also appreciate (used much more loosely) the fact that they came from Fox news. 

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/Bahrain-adviser-says-F1-security-plans-in-place
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/04/10/bahrain-circuit-chairman-goes-on-defensive/

To balance out the fairness of the above articles here is a CNN article regarding how a political activist could disrupt the grand prix more. 

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/04/09/rivers-bahrain-f1-doubts.cnn

Here is my honesty: I am reading articles everyday.  I am scouring the news and ask many (probably annoying) questions to my new teammates in Bahrain.  I am supportive of the Grand Prix, but I am slightly biased.

Bahwhaaaaatttttt?

If only you know Dr. Spencer, the title would be so much funnier.  She is my regional superintendent who has the best country accent in the world.  I decided the best time to tell her about my new job would be during my evaluation...I am really good with tact. Anyways, here is how it went:
DS: Carissa, I think you are doing great and we will work to make next year even better.
Me: Well, I should probably tell you before you make plans for next year...I want to go back to the classroom.
DS: Really?
Me: Yes, and actually, I got a job, internationally.
DS: Oh wow, that is fabulous, we had a principal go to China and now he is in France, where are you going?
Me: Bahrain.
DS: Oh that will be, wait, Bahwhaaaaatttttt??

I mean, not exactly the first time I had heard a reaction similar to this, but her accent made it perfect.

Well, so let's talk about Bahwhaaaaatttttt.  Let's do a little question and answer...I'll do the scary stuff first...I know you all are wondering.  I'll do many more posts-you all have a lot of questions! 

Where is Bahrain?

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands with a little more than 700 sq. km. (~270 sq. miles) in area, so it's roughly half the size of Phoenix.  It is located in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Bahrain.  Saudi Arabia is it's neighbor to the west and Qatar is to the East.  It is close to the UAE and across the Gulf?  I can see Iran from my window!  Just kidding...about being able to see Iran, although it is across the Gulf.  Basically, it is surrounded by a bunch of countries we have all heard (little) good and (mostly) bad about.  I have talked to Americans in Bahrain and read a few blogs and feel very safe on my little island. 

So on the safety note...What about those protests?
Bahrain is a monarchy (King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa-ruling since 2002) with a Prime Minister (Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa-took office in 1971).  Interesting to note here Khalifa means successor or representative for Mohammad.  So Wiz Khalifa stems from his grandfather saying he was so smart-a successor of his families intelligence, but I digress, a lot. The leaders in Bahrain are Sunni Islams in a majority Shia population.  (While of the 1.2 million people in population, 600,000 are non-nationals with about 300,000 being Westerners-all religions are practiced but it is still very much a Muslim Country).  With the wave of protests fighting for political freedom, the Bahraini Shiites followed the demonstrations of other countries such as Egypt and Yemen.  Seeking to gain more leadership roles for Shiites in the government and rewrite the constitution, peaceful protests were formed.  They turned out not to be so peaceful with martial law taken over for three months last spring.  Since then, it has been an up and down and I am still learning more.  I have read liberal views that I have heard from the Americans at my school are far from the actual truth (New York Times).  I have also been given the "rainbows and peaches" stance from the materials put out by the school and government.  I believe that it is somewhere in between.  The protests are announced, and not where my school is located (Isa Town). I also understand that I have to be safe when I go out somewhere and use the buddy system. 

Carissa, you know oil is a cause of a lot of problems between US and the Middle East?
Why yes, I do.  I am reminded of how much the oil situation sucks every time I fill my car up for almost $4.00 a gallon ($1.05 a litre).  However, in the 1960's when the economy of Bahrain took off with the oil industry, they realized that it may not be a stable source. They have invested greatly in their banking industry and are one of the fastest growing economies of the Arab countries.  In 2004, America and Bahrain signed the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement aimed at reducing barriers for trade among the two countries.  The alliance is really important on another note because the Fifth Fleet Naval base is located in Juffair.  They assumed station there in 1971 when Bahrain gained their independence from Britain.  On a sidenote, gas is about $.25 a litre or $.94 a gallon-it's like being in 1998 again!

Where do you buy your head coverings from?
I don't.  I do not have to cover up from head to toe.  Bahrain is a very liberal country recognizing all religions.  I am not Muslim, therefore I do not have to cover up.  My students may or may not.  I have seen pictures with both groups.  However, since it is an Islamic nation, I am expected to be respectful of their culture, so no shoulders or knees will be shown unless I am in an American or British establishment.  Lots of shawls, cardigans and blazers will be worn-which is great since the whole country is air conditioned.  Speaking of air conditioning...

Does it get hot there?
Um, yes.  The temperature is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and about 120 degrees in summer.  The county gets about 70 mm of rain a year, or about 2.75 inches.  The whole country believes in air conditioning though.  Apparently I go from my air conditioned apartment to my air conditioned bus stop to my air conditioned bus to my air conditioned school.  So I would wear a jacket of some sort anyways!

Ok

Again, I love you all-thank you!


facts and history courtesy of the ever factual Wikipedia, Royal Colleges of Bahrain and documents from Al Bayan. 
map courtesy of: http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/bhas.gif

Beauty and Bahrain(s)

Conceited title I know...but so clever right???


Well, for most of you it is no secret...I'm moving to Bahrain!  No this is not an April Fool's Joke.  I have been asked that many times!  Yes, I'm serious, yes, it's safe, yes, it's in the Middle East.  I will answer all those questions in another post, this one is about me. 


For those of you that don't know, I taught high school math for 5 years and was always told I would be a good "teacher of teachers" (we'll blame Mr. O'Donnell for that one).  When a job opened up, doing just that in two middle schools, I thought "why not?" What if I don't like it? I can do anything for a year.  What if I love it? I have a new calling!  Well it's been 10 months...and I'm finished with that adventure.  There are many more that I am being called to in Durham (to clarify-it is the job role that I do not care for, but Durham and everyone I have met here, I love) but when it comes down to it, I want to teach.  


I have been blessed with an amazing support system within Durham.  On my first day I saw two previous teachers who have become close colleagues.  Christine and Beth (Ms. Fierro and Ms. Cross for you DSA grads) have both let me vent, offered suggestions, and raised my spirit.  My principals that I work for have done everything in their power to make my tricky situation (being between two schools and new to the job) as smooth as silk.  I really respect both of them and admire how much they have done in their short careers. The teachers I work with are amazing and have struggled through a whole lot this year, and I believe, come out brighter, stronger and more distinguished (how's that for a Teacher Eval word) this year.  Through all of this, I must say, the kids are my favorite though.  Which is why, I knew I had to go back into the classroom.  


I was reading a prior blog of mine that was supposed to be about life...and it centered around teaching.  I tried a new job this year doing more administrative duties (read: holding people accountable) and I ended up wanting to teach.  I do not know why I keep trying to ignore what I really love to do.  People have told me I need to do more than "the job" (read: have a personal life and invest in it), but I really consider myself blessed to love my career as much as I do.  Do I want to have a fulfilled personal life?  Yes.  But this is where, in both professional and personal life, you have to establish what you want.  Perhaps as Patty says, the 5 non negotiables.

I said something about the past year being an adventure for me in trial and error with personal life, professional life and the all around balance, to a friend at lunch the other day...she said "it's only been a year?!"  It pretty much summed up my feelings too...(sidenote: I want to apologize for anyone and everyone who has listened to me gripe, complain, cry or overthink very simple things.  I am trying to do better, to do less, to love more.  I also want to apologize to anyone I have hurt, although, let's be honest, they are probably not reading this blog.)

I need to figure out what I want-professionally and personally.  The only consistent thing I find in my life that I want, is to be challenged.  I loved teaching because the students challenge you everyday with an off the cuff question or I challenge myself with a  lesson plan.  I like it when my friends and family challenge me mentally by introducing me to new topics and situations that I would normally not expose myself too.  I want to embrace people for their differences and guide them to find their voice, not someone else's.  


Other the past couple of years, as they have grown, I have felt like my sisters and I have become incredibly close.  Emily tweeted:
"@CarissaJuneK for 21 years I have looked up to and loved you with my whole heart. I am SO HAPPY for you! #inspired #adventure#fulfilledlife"
This is the kind of support I'm "dealing" with so how can you not feel like you can do anything you set your mind out to accomplish!  


I know that it will be hard.  I know that the culture shock will be overwhelming.  I need that. I have lived in North Carolina my whole memorable life.  I believe that education is a 21st century profession that has no boundaries-with NC having a hispanic population that has grown exponentially since I last lived in Durham I feel like I need to be able to accept new cultures.


I know that a student will speak Arabic in class, I won't know what it means and I will get frustrated.  This happens everyday with Spanish in our schools in North Carolina-I need to grow a pair and learn to handle it.  


I know that I will need food and not know where to go.  I will live.  I know that I will get looked at funny because I am a tall, white girl-I will learn to dress modestly-'bout time, right Dad?


I know that you will all worry about me anytime you hear something about the Middle East.  But don't.  I'm so excited and nervous.  I am anxious to be in the classroom again.  I am looking forward to the challenge and adventure.  I hope to live today, better than yesterday, and strive to be even better tomorrow.  I know that there will highs and valleys, and again, I just hope to celebrate my high moments and do everything I can to rise stronger from the valleys.  


I love you all.