Questions Asked...Questions Answered!

Thanks to all the amazing posts to the blog. I want to send a big "Shout Out" to all the amazing BCS kids who've been posting. You guys rock. Mr. Wallington's class is out of this world!

While I can't reply to all your questions individually, I will do my best to answer everything that people have asked so far. Here we go:

After a two-day training in Houston, I arrived yesterday after a 21 hour journey on Lufthansa German Airlines from Houston to Bahrain. Bahrain is actually a tiny country in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf which is connected to KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) by a 15-mile bridge called a causeway, which is a low bridge over water. It is actually the longest Causeway in the world.

Houston was wonderful, but nothing compared to the experience of being in a foreign country for the first time, especially one that is so far away which has some unique cultural aspects. The best Mexican food in the U.S.A. is at a restaurant in Southwest Detroit called Mi Pueblo. Go there! I like the tacos and tortas.

When you greet someone in the KSA, you say in Arabic, "Wah-sa-laam Alei-kum," which means "Peace be with you."

There are 24 other teachers from all over the USA on this trip, including a Media Specialist from Western International High School in Southwest Detroit named Bill Bowles. I'm making friends with everyone.

The KSA is eight hours ahead of Detroit. Right now it's 1:05am Saturday here and 5:05 p.m Friday afternoon in Detroit. My body thinks it's 5:05pm, that's why I'm still wide awake. I haven't quite adjusted from the jet-lag.

I didn't see any armadillos in Texas, but I saw a cool fish some boys caught at the Arabian (Persian) Gulf today. I'll post the picture above. I also saw some small fish jump out of the water while I was swimming.

In Houston it was 77 degrees both days I was there. Check the KSA weather here. It was about 88 degrees here today. Unbelievably gorgeous:-)

Rachel Mucha, the woman in the picture from Houston was named Alma, and she was teaching us about life in the KSA. She reminded me of my cousin Lori, because she's Lebanese like my grandparents.

I definitely miss all of you, my students, so much, and I can't wait to come back and share more amazing stories and fascinating artifacts.

Katie Powell, there's actually a teacher on this trip from Vermont who teaches on an island in Lake Champlain. It's like Grosse Isle on the Detroit River, if you know where that is.

People in Texas and In Saudi Arabia both speak English with accents that are different from how we speak in Michigan. I can demonstrate when I get home.

I have eaten incredibly well everywhere I've been. Check out the pictures above from our special Saudi Thanksgiving dinner.

Lewis, the economy is Saudi Arabia is driven by petroleum exports. It is also a huge concern of the USA to keep the oil flowing so we can drive our cars and trucks, to name just two things we use oil for. As I learn more about oil production and distribution, I'll share.

I had a roomate from New Jersey, Robert, at the hotel in Texas, but while here in KSA, I've got my own room. I'm pretty lucky!

Malcom, I miss my wife and kids very much. I'm trying to use Skype to video conference with them. I'll let you know how that goes. It worked in Houston. Check out the picture above of a teacher "Skyping" with his family.

Here in KSA I'm staying at the Aramco companies headquarters. They have a dorm here, which is kind of like a hotel. The headquarters is surrounded by a fence, and is enormous. It's really more like a small city. Check out more info on where I'm staying here.

Lily, Arabian horses come from KSA, and if I see any, I'll post a photo. They don't farm too much here, although there is a small dairy industry. Here's more.

Frankie, I'll tell you all about the kids I meet when we go to schools for visits.

Nick A, I was on the 7th floor of my hotel in Houston. I really only saw Houston from the freeway, since we were busy all day both days, but I did get out to Chuy's Restaurant (see previous post.)

Keep the questions coming, everyone!