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| Roxy's Diary from the Middle East |
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by Roxy Fera Many of you most likely think of the Middle East as a place of war, destruction, and the main site of religious extremists. Well, that exists but it is only a little fraction of what Middle East is all about. Think of this fraction as the dry and dead trees of a flourishing and beautiful forest. There were several reasons why I came to Middle East, but the most important one was my need to explore my own fears and to make up my own mind about this part of the world. I was fearful of becoming a victim somewhere for reasons beyond my humane understanding. Even though I am neither American nor British, my country is an ally in the fight against terrorism. No one can deny that the September 11 attacks have shaken the whole world and left us all with a sense of fearful wonder of "why?" The Middle East, as I have come to experience it, is much more than just “dry and dead trees." Think of what foreigners might say when they see the beautiful fall in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, or the Grand Canyon in the north-west of Arizona, the Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, or experience the customer service of America. So does the Arab world have its own beautiful, inimitable and magical side: the silence of the desert with its wind blowing from all directions, its warm to hot temperatures that make you want to go outside and play all the time or hide in the coolness of the AC; its camels wandering around on a sand dune or a green pasture in an oasis; its beautiful Arabian horses and vultures that are more like unique signatures setting this wondrous place apart from others; or meet the people of each region with their unique clothes, customs and the common welcoming phrase: "Salam Alecum,"which means "Peace to you." It all sounds like in a fairy tale, but it’s not. It’s real! I have come to understand the Middle East through my students, through the people I work with, through my friends, locals and expatriates alike. Living day by day in the Middle East is actually a normal living experience with its unique sides - both good and bad. I like to call it LIFE as many others do. Oman, the gulf country where I have been living for the last three years, is one of the most beautiful independent states in the Middle East, and the third largest country in the Gulf, extending about 1,000 miles along the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered on the south-west by the Republic of Yemen, on the west by the Rub‘ al Khali ("Empty Quarter") of Saudi Arabia, on the east and south by the Arabian Sea, to the north by the Gulf of Oman, and to the north-west by the United Arab Emirates. I live in Muscat, also known as “The Jewel of Arabia” for its predominant white traditional low-built architectural structures, its beautiful unspoiled beaches and the surrounding rocky, bare mountains that define the identity of the city. My daily life revolves around my job as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher. I teach English to both Omani and non-Omani students of different ages and backgrounds. I usually work from Saturday to Tuesday five hours daily. However, a normal working week in the Oman starts on Saturday and ends on Wednesday from 7: 30 to 2:30pm in the government sector and in the private sector the days extend to Thursday and the timings are from about 8:00 to 1:00pm. A long siesta of about three hours follows and then the economic activity is undertaken again from 4pm to 10pm. Thursday and Friday are considered a weekend. During this time, I try to disconnect myself from my work as much as possible by going for a walk on the untarnished beach, sailing, or hanging out with friends in coffee shops. People tend to be quite social around here, spending quality time either visiting and spending time with their own families or their friends. One of the highlights of the weekend is the crowds gathered on the beach either for a barbecue or a football match displaying a conservative appearance especially women. As the sunset approaches, the atmosphere becomes calmer, and so do the spirited voices of the people waiting for another week to start. Read more of Roxy's Diary from the Middle East in the next issue of AMG! |
| Editor's Note: Roxy Fera is currently living in Oman, and is keeping a diary of her experiences. Every issue she will share a new experience with Athena readers. Stay tuned! |
November 2007