Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Lost In Translation


Last week we stopped at a local shwarma place to get some take out. We pulled up in front of the restaurant and one of the "waiters" came to our car to take our order (much like the U.S. in the 50s minus the roller skates). When we tried to tell him what we wanted, he had a very confused look on his face. He smiled a lot and went to get a menu. The menu wasn't a lot of help but it was entertaining. We scratched our heads with wonder and then laughed out loud as we realized that their "Meal Speed" section (middle of the page) is their FAST FOOD section. You can see that there is a "Bice with Grilled" section too - I think they mean "Rice." The waiter finally understood what we wanted to order as we pointed. Then while we were waiting, he came over to the car again and said, "English number one, but I no speak." Then we asked him to teach us some Arabic words. I don't remember what he taught us now, but I just love the fine lines of language translation and the comedy that ensues when we attempt to bridge those language barriers. So now when I don't want to cook, I just ask Brett to order some Meal Speed and the heartburn is speedy quick on the way!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

I'll Be Home For Christmas!




We will be flying home on Friday to spend Christmas in the winter wonderland of wonderful Utah. And we will be filling our home to the brim with our family, including two very excited grandsons. I think I might be more excited than they are, but we can't wait. We plan to do lots of snowman building (if the weather cooperates), lots of reading in front of the fire, lots of family bonding activities (Brett, Ben, and Jared all aspire to be the superhero you've never heard of: Puzzleman), and eating lots of ham-themed meals (bacon, sausage, pork roasts here we come).



Another bonus of the trip is that I will get my hair cut and colored, and if you have read past posts about my hair woes, you know that I only let my stylist Julie touch my hair after last spring's fiasco. So my dark roots and gray strands are VERY apparent, and pony tails are possible hair styles now because of the length. Not for long though. If I could have made an appointment with Julie on the way home from the airport, I would have.