New Word

We've learned many new words since we've been here. One of my favorites is "shway, shway," Arabic (approximately) meaning "little by little." I actually got a laugh from one of the higher ups at the ministry of foreign affairs when I said it to him on the phone. We were having a bit of difficulty communicating and it made him laugh-definitely lightened the situation.

Our favorite new word is from the little Asian girls that work everywhere. Every time they see us they say "hello, ma'am sir" or "welcome, ma'am sir." It is always said as one word and is obviously a form of respectful address. It's just funny!

Hot

Well the temp is 42 degree celsius (108 fahrenheit). I suppose that would be considered HOT.

I really worried about how we would adjust to the temp, but so far I think we are doing really great!! It's 108 in Jun and we still get out a little in the evening-without melting. One of the locals walked to the parking lot with us yesterday and said that "we have two seasons: summer and hell." One, I couldn't believe he used a curse word and two, I can believe I'm still surviving the heat!

I must admit that we do work indoors and I make sure that I go inside in the morning and out only in late afternoon. I never said I was capable of outdoor activity in this heat, because I surely am not.

Yes, I now know what they mean by "but its low humidity." It is 53% humidity and it really "feels like" about 95 F back home. So while YES it is very hot, we are surviving.

I wonder what the situation will be in August.