Cooler Days...............Sort of!

We're finally in the 80's & 90's instead of the triple digit heat everyday. It's such a weird feeling. I'm so used to being so uncomfortable when I'm outside. Now, I rarely complain. My negativity is gone for the most part. I don't know what to complain about now. I'm sure I'll find something. Oh wait! I remember something......the 32 pains in my side I deal with 5-days a week at work. They will definitely keep me complaining for a while. It's still hot, don't get me wrong. It's just not miserable all day long anymore.

Since it's "cooled off" Scott, Benny, & I find ourselves doing a lot more stuff outdoors. We took Benny on base for the Oktoberfest event. He ate half my bratwurst and enjoyed all the attention he received. It's been a while since we've hung out on base and since he's been the center of attention. Needless to say, he enjoyed every minute of it. Scott started running with Benny again. All Scott has to do is approach the little bench by the front door and Benny knows it's running time. He gets so excited, he runs around the living room grabbing and spitting toys out of his mouth.

Today we took Benny to the beach to run around. He was a maniac, as usual. People around here always stare at him. I'd like to think that they are thinking to themselves, "Oh look at that really good looking dog." But, I think they're actually saying, "I've never seen such a fat dog here in Bahrain." Compared to the stray dogs around here, he is a beast! Plus he always has this wild look of excitement on his face. Anyhow, it was nice to spend time outside. It was a really nice afternoon.

Scott and I ventured out to the souq. The souq is an indoor/outdoor shopping area. You can pretty much find anything there. As you're walking around, you're constantly harassed by different store workers. That stuff bugs me, but I know that's how things are done here. We dealt with it in Italy & Greece & I've dealt with it in Egypt plenty of times. Still, it bugs me. I just like to shop at my pace and leisure without anyone attached to my back. I made a very nice purchase for Scott. Our wedding anniversary is the 20th of October. I know he'll like it, because he had pointed it out to me. I can't wait to see what he gets me. I'm constantly pointing things out to him, so he should have no trouble at all. I can't believe we'll be celebrating our 3rd anniversary this week. Boy have we done a lot in 3-years!

After the souq we went to our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant. It's a middle eastern grill. It's definitely a dive, which is probably why it's so good. We are never disappointed there. It's packed with locals and Americans. We've always been lucky to get a table, but then again we do everything earlier than most over here. We're asleep just as the rest of the population is starting their evening. My students tell me daily that they went to sleep at 1 or 2am. I just don't get it! It's funny because most days I'll get the same excuse from different students as to why they didn't do their homework. They'll tell me they needed help but their mom couldn't help them because she was asleep. That's nice. She stays up till all hours of the early morning and then sleeps all afternoon. Must be nice! Good thing all these women have one or more maids and nannies to help out!