Where does time go?

Shari brought it to my attention that I have not blogged in a bit, so I'd better get back to it. Thank goodness she keeps track of me better than I do!

I got our VoIP line up and going, now it's back down and I'm switching companies. Takes a while for the router eqipment to get here, so I figure it will be another few weeks until I get the new one going. I'll let everyone know the new number as soon as I get going again. Good to talk to those of you who called.

All in all, I have to tell you life here is pretty fun and very pleasant. I've been out and about exploring more and more, learning more and more. Since the apartment is pretty much finished, I'm venturing out more for just me. Basil goes along when he's home or sometimes I go with one of the other wives here. Many times, I'm just out on my own wandering around.

Arab Street is really more than just one street - it's an area comprised of about 3 city blocks by 3 city blocks. It is an area known mostly for it's carpet stores and it's silk shops. They have silks in every color and texture imaginable, from every place in the world. It is amazing. You can walk along looking at all these shops and they just have bolts upon bolts of the most gorgeous colors and prints I have ever seen. I don't think I've ever seen the same material or colors from shop to shop. Then when you go in to look at some, you find there are several more rooms you can't even see from the storefront. If you can't find exactly what you are looking for,
then they will take you upstairs to even more rooms. We're not talking just one place - we're talking all of them! Anyone who wants me to bring back a couple of lengths of silk - let me know how much and a color. For anyone out there who is knowledgable about silk - which I wasn't but am gaining interest in every day - they have the Jim Thompson silks here very reasonable. If I am not mistaken in what I have learned, this is a very good Thai silk known worldwide. I'd love to have some pants or a pants suit made before I leave here - ok, ok - maybe several!

Of course everyone who has read this blog knows I've been learning all about the persian carpets. There are almost as many of those shops as there are silk shops. They are all so beautiful and feel so good to touch. Again, I have never seen the same carpet twice!

And the food down at the Arab Street area is incredible. You can get Turkish, Iranian, Mediterrean (which is a little of both Turkish and Greek), Morrocan, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and some that are delicious that I haven't quite figured out what they are!

To give you an idea of how much I like this area, we met an American couple from Memphis the other day and took them down there for shopping and dinner. As we are walking along the sidewalk all these shopkeepers come out and greet me by name. Waiters and hostesses at 4 different restaurants greeted me by name. The couple were amazed, along with my husband. I was just a little embarassed to realize just how much I'm down there!

One of the restaurants I go to for lunch there quite a lot is owned by a family - mother, father, 18 yr old daughter. They are teaching me - trying to anyway - some Arabic words. I know how to say hello, goodbye, thank you and how are you. I just don't know how to write it for you!

Shari - love you, Doug and Abby.
Lynn- can't wait for court to be in session again.
Matt - kiss Jellybean for me.
Deb Mac - where are you?
Teri - how's the little monkey - you know it killed me to write that!
Bill and Betty - football, we need football details!
Rusty - sorry I keep missing you!
Heather - yes, still the future. Yes, he's still there!