Athens: Not What We Expected

In April 2012 Dan and I traveled to Athens, Greece, for a week and then onto the island of Santorini for a few days. I attended the Near East South Asia (NESA) Council of Overseas Schools spring educators conference for four of the days we were in Athens.

Abayas in Saudi: Modesty vs. Control

This is a difficult topic for me to write about. An "abaya" is the long, black "choir robe" that women are required by Muslim law to wear in public here in Saudi. I've reserved judgment and public comment about this for over a year now, but I had a revelation the other day that I just had to share. It's been nagging at me ever since, and if I don't share this observation, I feel that it will make me very bitter over time.

A Very Saudi Evening

On Dec 1, 2011, Dan and I were invited to his boss's house for a visit. We attended with our friends Chad and Susanne and their two children. While this invitation sounds innocent and commonplace enough, I assure you, it was quite a cultural experience!