The Land of Awesome!

The United States truly is the most amazing country in the world for many, many reasons!  And after having been overseas, this fact is all too obvious.  Let me explain...

I'll admit, living overseas is an experience like no other.  I have completely embraced each and every assignment with an open mind and open eyes.  And each assignment has been great in their own special ways.  But...

There is no place in the world like America.  We have rules, laws, and freedoms like no other country.  Simple things like grocery shopping are taken for granted here.  The quality of USDA is unequalled anywhere else!  Many countries where we've lived don't even have consumer standards on meats or vegetables.  Can you say "disgusting"?

Returning to America is an exciting time.  Before your household goods are even packed up in your foreign locale, you've begun making lists of things you want, things you need, things can't wait to buy, eat, see.

After living in a 3rd world country like Morocco, a simple trip to an American grocery store can be an all day event.  It's complete sensory overload, and your saliva glands get a thorough workout.

So this post is for all my friends who are in the process of PCS'ing (Permanent Change of Station) back to the States. 

Get ready to be completely overwhelmed by the  

fresh, clean lettuce,

even a touch of French to make you feel like you're still in Morocco,

a million different types of breads,

even soft, stay together hot dog buns (remember those?)

coffee creamers that are to die for,

the simple Hispanic tortilla,

real milk in a gallon jug that doesn't leak every time you pour,

pork products of all shapes and sizes

the BEST sharp cheddar cheese at affordable prices,

 great brands of American ice cream in more flavors than you can imagine,

   

beautiful, crisp fruits,

 

farm fresh veggies

even celery of your choice (regular stalks or hearts!),

  

and bug-free broccoli.

Yes, your first trip to a "real" grocery store once you're back in the Land of Awesome will be an outing for the whole family.  

But I'm curious, is there one particular item that you missed the most?

PS:  Thanks ND for the awesome "Land of Awesome" nickname for the good ole USA!  ;) 

Closed Windows

While we're on the topic of windows, I'd like to show you another type of fascinating window.  It exists in countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, but is most prevalent in Tunisia.

Like other North African countries, Tunisians speak two languages, Arabic and French.  In French these windows are called mucharabier (ch pronounced sh).  The Arabic word is mutated from the Spanish 'galleria' or gallery, but often comes out sounding like 'gonorrhea'. *   I think I'll stick with the English translation, 'enclosed window'. 

*Many thanks to M and K Ayachi in Tunisia,  for helping me remember the proper terms and spellings of these French and Arabic words.

While these windows are architecturally popular and seen in many different countries, I expect they are being used less and less for the purpose they were intended.  In the muslim culture, it is forbidden for females to have face to face contact with males outside the immediate family.  Women are to cover their faces when in public and to never show their faces to men.  The mucharabier allowed young women to "see" men, or their suitors, while peering at them through the designs in the wood, without offending themselves or bringing shame to the family.  And while our modern world has progressed in so many areas, there are still conservative families, and countries, that continue to practice the covering of women. 

It is not unusual in downtown Tunis, to see women walking together, one of them dressed and covered in the typical Tunisian way, while the other is dressed in the latest Western fashions, with beautifully coifed hair and perfectly applied makeup.  The variance rests solely on the woman's family, and her own personal choices.



photo from google images

In our modern world, with changes coming at break neck speeds, I respect the conservative muslims who continue to practice this age old tradition.  When we lived in Tunisia I found all this very intriguing, and tried to imagine myself as a teenager, living a "covered" life...........  I couldn't even begin to fathom what it would be like.  Check out my non-muslim friend's post on her blog about the day she dressed in a full burka and went out in Morocco with a non-covered friend here.

So with deep respect, I dedicate this post to all my muslim friends, covered or not.