I hereby accept the nomination for...

I went to a party last night that had people from all over the globe. There were people from everywhere except South America. I think it was their night off. Anyway, this was the best party I have been to in a really long time. Not only was there cool and educated people there, they were cool and educated and from everywhere I am not. I talked beer with an Aussie and a Dane, I talked politics with a Canadian and French man from West Africa. I talked dating with some local girls. Oh wait. Nevermind that last one.

I now feel, after much thought and consideration, that I am a citizen of the world. Coming here was the first step for sure, but meeting all the other people from around the world that work here made me feel like I just got nominated for world citizenship. The US is my state in a great big country. Colorado is my county in our beloved state. Denver is just my local neighborhood hangout spot. What a big world we have. Won't everyone come and explore it with me? SEGWAY I just had great Mr. Rogers vision with a man or woman from any country inviting kids to explore the world with them all Mr. Rogers style. I'd watch it! Cardigan and all!

Anyway, the party was fun. I got nice and lit for the first time, since we didn't go to Lebannon last weekend I decided it was time to tie one on! Chris went back to Englad for the week - his Grandpa died. Unamazingly he was more stoked to "see" his girlfriend than to go to a funeral; he forgot why he was giong home a few times last week.

I will be mailing my first letters out soon. Also, now that I am settled I want to start Christmas shopping. Let me know what you want so I can make a list, check it twice, box it up, and send it thrice (nothing ever happens the first time here.)

Hope all is well with my friends and family and I will post a picture or two soon.

love,
chris

Tzzz.

An outsiders point of view would be that many interesting things have happened to me in the past week or so, but can't think of anything exciting to talk about. That says something about how comfortable I have become with my life here. I do the same stuff every week and have little bits of fun in between.

Last weekend our friends took Chris and I to see an Austrian choir perform in the auditorium atop the Citadel. Not bad...but not good. The atmosphere was cool and the view was great at night. Every time I go in there I think of some kings and warriors that have walked the same steps years ago. God I love history.

I am getting better at teaching fourth grade, and am constantly pushed by parents and children to do my best. I am trying new things every day and am enjoying what I do.

Arabic lessons have started and I am starting to read and am learning grammar. I read the bus drivers liscense tag in the window on the way home from school and everyone in the bus gasped at me with wide eyes. "When did you learn to read?" It's not that hard really. Thank God for Phonics is all I have to say. If you are hooked on phonics you can learn any language.

I continually ogle beautiful women like a jobless logger lookin' at a lush Federal forest. If only you could just go to work...alas I have a job - being celibate.

The season is ripe for travel and tourism. Chris and I are going to start making weekend trips to some of the many archaelogical sites in Syria. I am open to suggestions if anyone wants specific photos or details. Have camera, will travel.

Well that is all in the land of Allah. Ramadan is approaching and school is cut short one hour every day during the holiday. Sweet. Hope all is well in Americaland. And remember...VOTE QUIMBY!