The Nepal Chronicles #2

March 3, 2021…

I was excited to fly on Qatar Air. The fact that Qatar is home for the largest American air base in the region will have to be set aside for the time being. After all I had heard that their in flight Wifi is legendary (which I am using right now!) plus Qatar is an Arab country and I speak the language and it was my chance in several years to show off my Arabic. So you can imagine my disappointment when I found out that there are no Arab flight attendants. There are no Arabs running this show at all. None!

My whole world shattered when I asked my flight attendant, dressed in HAZMAT whites, if she spoke Arabic. She sheepishly confessed that she’s South African while adjusting her mask. Moments later she returned asking if I needed someone to interpret for me, further disclosing that she did not think that anyone on the flight spoke Arabic but, if need be, she could probably find a passenger who did! She shared with me that the crew is made up of mostly South Africans, Nepalis, and Bengalis. But no Arabs. Even the captain, it turns out, whose name is David, is from El Salvador!

My layover in Doha is super short. About one hour. It will be my only chance to find an Arab speaker. But my hope is fading and I have a feeling that the flight to Kathmandu is not going to change that.

Hope you stay tuned for further adventures!
Namaste!

Busboys and Poets Books Recommendations: Women’s History Month

Busboys and Poets Books Recommendations: Women’s History Month

It’s Women’s History Month and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. After all, women have been around for a while and have been doing awesome things just as long – how can you figure out which awesome book to read next? Well have no fear, Busboys and Poets Books has you covered – just … Continued

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The Nepal Chronicles #6

Friday March 5, 2021 early AM… It’s 1 am and I can hardly sleep. A combination of very strong coffee, jet lag and excitement keeps me tossing and turning all night. Try as I may, sleep is nowhere to be found. I am using every trick in the book. Changing sides. Hugging pillows. Relaxing my … Continued

beyza ozer

Split This Rock Poem of the Week: beyza ozer

When I Kiss You, A Casket Opens  — after june 12, 2016 this is not terrorism this is toxic masculinity  made in the USA when my mother hears  about orlando she doesn’t look at me the next day is three years  to the night we first kissed  & it actually meant something  to both of us … Continued