Riding in Bahrain (VIDEO)

Well, I must admit my weekend in Bahrain ended on a very high note! After all, it’s not every day that a Bahraini hands you the keys to his Italian motorcycle and walks away. My friend’s boyfriend met Abdullah at the bar and they started up a conversation about riding as he had noticed the riding jacket hanging on the back of his stool. He graciously came and retrieved myself and his girlfriend. Abdullah and I began to have a conversation about him riding and how he was surprised, amazed, and impressed that I too rode. That’s when he relinquished the keys saying, “Go, have fun. Enjoy. I will be inside at the bar.” What!?! Who does that? He did! So, what did I do? I got on the bike and took off!

The motorcycle is an Italian Moto Guzzi V7 II Racer, which is a limited edition (Note: You can see the motorcycle information below, if you are interested). What a privilege. And the icing on the cake were of course that I was riding a motorcycle in the Middle East after 6 months of no riding or driving.

“THE NEW V7 II RANGE, RAISES THE BAR IN TERMS OF SAFETY AND STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND RIDING COMFORT.

V7 II RACER COMPLETES THE V7 II RANGE, BOASTING A COMPLETELY NEW STUNNING GRAPHIC. MOTO GUZZI CENTRO STILE HAS EXCLUSIVELY DEVELOPED THIS GRAPHIC FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET; AS A RESULT THIS GRAPHIC CARRIES THE EVOCATIVE “RACER AMERICA” NAME. THIS SPECIAL MODEL IS MANUFACTURED IN LIMITED EDITION (1/1000) AS INDICATED BY THE CELEBRATORY ALUMINUM PLATE LOCATED ON THE UPPER STEERING YOKE.”

Reference: Click here for the original source. 

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

I spent the weekend in Bahrain simply to get away from work colleagues, have some fun, and spend time with friends. I had some free time so I decided to take advantage of it and do what I have been doing for the past few years in Middle Eastern countries, visit their grand mosque. The country of Bahrain was no different. I invited my friend Mia to come along with me as she has never been to a mosque.

The tour guide was very impressive as he was well informative about Islam, Christianity, and the mosque’s architecture. Mia thanked me for inviting her along as she said she enjoyed it very much. I believe it is always good to experience cultures and religions besides your own. It provides you with understanding. 

Formula 1 (F1) – Bahrain (VIDEO)

To my surprise the company purchased a corporate suite and gave us tickets to attend the F1 festivities in Bahrain. That also came with hotel accommodations. When I heard that I would be attending, it brought back memories of how I used to attend the event in Abu Dhabi and its numerous concerts. Those were good times! 

The weekend turned out well and the F1 festivities were fun. The most enjoyable part was the view from the suite; being able to see the cars pull in and out of the pit was amazing and loud too!

Work, Work, and more Work

Well, it’s been two months since my promotion and I really like the position. Unfortunately, I am learning that I do not like the company and most of its senior management. While the Saudi educational reform for women is a great idea my company is concerned about the bottom dollar and only that. Because senior management were so focused on the dollar bill and not the education process itself all colleges are always understaffed with teachers, we don’t have all the supplies required to properly conduct classroom instruction, and several of them could afford to take a professional development class or two on professionalism and communicating with employees. I mean, I’m just saying.

It never ceases to amaze me how individuals believe you owe them something because they gave you a job and/or they feel you are beneath them. Well, if you know me, then you know my response, “Did you read my resume? I’m here because I want to be here and I was the most qualified to do the job. Not because I needed a job. There is a difference.” Their reply, “……..(In other words, silence. You can’t say a thing when it’s truth can you? ) So, please get some act right! And for those of you are thinking, “Wow! She is conceded. No, I’m not. I am thankful that I am in tune with my strengths and weaknesses and aware of a plethora of my capabilities and skills.

Autism Awareness Day

Today is Autism Awareness Day across the world. So, though I am far away from The States, I’m still celebrating with the other parts of the world. Are you supporting Autism awareness on today? I am!

Sudanese Wedding (VIDEO)

On yesterday evening I had the opportunity to attend a Sudanese wedding. It was my first wedding of Sudan descendants. I was able to attend the wedding because my friend, Jennifer, is a friend of the bride’s brother. As well, she song a few selections on that evening. I was surprised that the wedding in mixed genders. However, it was strange at the same time as the men were on the left side of the banquet hall and the women on the right. As well, the men and women ate at separate times. The men ate first and then the women ate.

After everyone partook of the food. It was time for the bride and groom to do their formal appearance. I do think it’s important to mention if you have not read my UAE blog that all of the legal and religious documents have already been taken care of. The bridge, groom, their parents and the Sheikh or Imam officiating has already sat and agreed on terms and files the document. The wedding is simply a formality and signifies that the bride will now go to live with her groom. I will allow the video to provide you with details of how it all took place. Yes, I was able to take video as well. Isn’t that something? The first Arab wedding that I could video. 

Class Project Based Learning

I was invited to attend a class’ Project Based Learning (PBL) activity on today. For those who are unaware of what PBL is, it’s learning that requires students to plan and implement real-life projects that improve their work based learning skills in preparation for their future careers. Today, this class created a salon with a menu of services such as: polishing nails, massages, tattoos, and make-up. The students actually provided the services and were required to speak in English the entire time. I opted for the polishing nails and make-up service. However, the student assigned to doing the messages wanted to offer her service as well so, I had a message also. The class and their teacher did an excellent job. I was very impressed.

But…..on the other hand, I’m not sure about my make-up. In this culture it is customary to make yourself light as possible as being dark is not good. Yep, you read it right. Whereas we believe in matching your foundation to your skin color as close as possible. So, all they had were light foundations, and here are the results of my make over.