Date Pickin'

I am constantly reminded how different the culture is here. Like this morning. Andrew comes in before he leaves for work to tell me workers were going to be in the back yard cutting down the dates in our big beautiful palm trees. Which is good news because they are making a mess everywhere. So, I make a mental note not to let the dog out and go about feeding M&M breakfast. M&M are eating their Cheerios when I look out and see an Indian man, I mean with the bubble pants, long tunic, head wrap and all shimmying up the Palm tree. M&M have noticed him too and are staring, mouths wide open at him. He sees us through our big picture window in the kitchen and waves at the babies. It was fun to watch him. Amazing really. I mean they still do it the old-fashioned way...barefoot with a rope around his waste and the tree. Reminds me of the dichotomy of this place. So modern, with sky scrapers, big fancy malls, and Ferrari everywhere. Then on the other hand, men climbing barefoot up my tree and spending the winter in tents out in the desert 20 minutes away. In some ways it is like America. Many different nationalities are here...a melting pot of sorts. But unlike America, most of them are here only to work. Living very poorly here so they can send all their money back to their families. Wait...America is starting to look that way too, isn't it?! OK, OK, I won't go on a political rant here. But the class division is the most extreme of any I've experienced. The men were great fun to watch, however and very kind. They loved the babies...as most do. They kept saying what a blessing from God they are, to have two. I agree!

M&M watching the "Date Pickin'" in their little flight suit onesies!

M&M love seeing other people. So they thought it was great to watch the men outside the window. Now that they can sit up in their side-by-side stroller and see people when we're out, I never hear a peep from them. They look around and smile and talk to people. Which is part of the problem too. Yesterday we were at Lulu's Hypermarket and at least 20 people (I know you think I'm exaggerating, but I swear I'm not) came up to us and either talked to them (which is fine), touched or pinched their cheeks (borderline), or flat out kissed their face! You should have seen the look of horror on my face when this woman just walked right up like they were hers and smooched them on the face! I try to remind myself that it's just the culture. European really. One kiss on each cheek for a greeting and an extra kiss if it's a friend. But these people don't use toilet paper OK! Anyway I know I have a germ phobia when it comes to M&M so I try not to stress to much. I've learned subtle avoidance techniques when we're out. Angling the stroller away or into a shelf or rack and basically just keep moving and not stop. I just smile and keep truckin'! OK enough of my ranting. It's been only 6 months and I'm frustrated...my poor husband has been here almost 2 years! Have I said lately that America is the greatest place on Earth! If this adventure here has been for nothing but to remind us of that, it will be worth it.