That one time I was almost kicked out of a mosque

Okay guys, I got a story for you. Now, y’all probably know by this point that I LOVE Bahrain. I like that it’s just small and comfortable. You’re never far from the sea. It’s just comfortable, honestly. The malls are nice, the food is delicious, the people are pleasant… I could go on and on….

Newest vlogs

During this pandemic, I have been staying home literally all the time. I haven’t been to work since December since I had maternity leave. After my maternity leave, I didn’t return to work because of the COVID outbreak. I’m basically a stay at home mom these days.  With that being said, I have more time…

Ramadan Fashion

One of the things I love about Ramadan in the Middle East is how everything become so traditional seemingly overnight. Shops adorn their walls with lanterns and stars, red streamers hanging from the rafters… But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the one thing I love more than the decorations and lugamait is…

chocoffee

One thing I learned about living in Saudi is that food plays a central role in everyone’s life here. Every week I collect so many chocolates and candies from students as sweet as the goodies they give me. It is common for my colleagues to knock on my office door with fresh baked goods. Saudis…

Umrah

One thing that shocks most people when they find out that I have lived in Saudi Arabia for 4 years is that I hadn’t made Umrah. Most people make that their number one priority when they arrive here. And while it was definitely a priority of mine, I just never felt the timing was right….

Barefoot on a summer night

It can only be described as the perfect evening as I am sitting around with my loved ones, laughing and enjoying ourselves the same as we did  in old times, before everyone got busy and wrapped up in their own lives. Everyone is so jovial, content just to be in each other’s company. I’d forgotten I…

When people think of the Arabian gulf the usually envision tall, glittering skyscrapers that almost reach the heavens, luxury cars, and blue oceans. While all those things are present, lets not forget that there is a lot of farm land housing camels, horses, and other animals. It’s often nice to get away from the glitz…

Why do you blog?

Recently I received a message from a former professor I had in my undergraduate career at Marshall University. He informed me that he would be teaching a class in the spring semester focusing on blogging and other forms of social media, and asked me to write a few words about what I do and why…

Istaraha

There are not a lot of recreational activities in Saudi Arabia. Gender segregation is enforced very strictly not only by the government but by the people that reside here as well. One fun weekend activity would be to have an Istaraha party. An Istaraha is a small house with a giant walled in yard. Most…

Today in class we were discussing the presentations that are coming up next week. We went through lists of requirements and topic choices, picked the order to present in, and talked through any concerns students may have. “If anyone needs to ask me a question about their presentation, or if you want to show it…

Presentation day

I always love it when my students have a presentation. It’s so amazing to watch them progress in their language abilities and come out of their shell. Their progression is made better by their visual aids- FOOD! That’s right, every presentation yields enough food to feed us for a week. No matter what their topic is,…

آنا 3> الرياض

It’s always nice to find something vibrant and exciting while taking a walk. Photo taken at Culfest on Tahliah street. This is my lovely friend Shiana, who is currently teaching in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. We love Saudi Arabia!