Maybe...

We went back to the work permit office today, payed the fees, bought the stamps, made the copies and even befriended a local businessman who helped us translate some forms. If everything goes as planned, we should have it Monday. Many people have warned us about trying to acquire a work permit and the process in getting it, saying "Never go to that office; you will never get it... it's virtually impossible". But it appears that perhaps we have conquered the beast! And by beast, I'm referring to a 5" x 3" flimsy sheet of blue paper with a picture stapled in one corner...

Since we were already in the city we walked over to a local eatery that makes tasty burgers and shuwarma (kinda like rotisserie meat) and splurged on some protein. We decided to walk home (4 miles), stopping several times to peek into shops to see what's available and how much things cost. We ended the day with some friends at party at an Embassy. Strange. We haven't seen that many white people (khawajas) in months. It was slightly surreal; everyone in their western clothes (tank-tops, tight pants, low neck-lines), drinking booze by the pool and chatting people up. Not our reality to say the least. Most people there work with NGO's or government orgs and have virtually no contact with locals. While fun to be able to socialize a bit with our friends, we really felt awkward and out of place, preferring our lifestyle with the local transport, living in a more rustic neighborhood and spending time with native friends.

Photos: Eddy & I in front of a more western cafe; every few minutes a fine mist of water sprays down on you while you sip your coffee...(Eddy is on the phone, people here LOVE phones); A funeral gathering on our street- the women prepare the meal while the men go to pray... She said we MUST (Lazem!) join them... we were heading to the Embassy.