Another year- way to go me! There aren't exactly a plethora of places to celebrate, but we have a few little gems that we've found for such times as this... So after a trip to the American & Brazilian Embassies, to register ourselves here, we headed to our little international cafe (ie: lots of UN people). We munched on bread and slush puppies- yes, there's no mistaking it- for real slushies! Then for supper we walked across the street to the great little dive that serves amazing beans (fuul), meat (laham) and... drum roll please... chicken (jidaad)! Chicken tends to be pretty pricey- costing upwards of $15 for a meal... ouch!
We just got back from visiting with a friend we met at English Club. He invited us over for tea and to meet his family. It was not our first time in a local home, or one practicing other religions. But it was my first time experiencing it on a more personal level. Everyone here usually shakes hands or taps a shoulder upon meeting someone. We went around the circle meeting the various family members and saying the appropriate words. When it came time for me to shake hands with an uncle, he politely refused, saying that for religious reasons he would not touch me. The family reassured me, telling me to not be offended. And for sure I wasn't. But I was definitely confronted with the reality of their beliefs and the depth to which they believe them.
Pictures: My birthday dinner- what a feast! Getting ready to go outside... Walking down a busy road we passed this little moped with a postal box strapped on... (Click on the picture for a closer look!)
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