104; feels like 124

WHEW! They have arrived in their new city and have settled into their cozy hotel on one of the major thouroughfares in the city. Upon arrival, the two searched the hundreds of people for the name placard bearing their family name. None was to be found. After going through customs and weaving around other arriving passengers, E stayed by the curb outside while C whet back into the airport to inquire about transportation to our hotel. E wasn't too worried...at least she had her ALL of her luggage which was 100% different than her experience in SY the previous summer.

C has finished his first day on the job and leared that the academy has over 65 nationalities employed as faculty and staff. C found it much easier to call his collegues by the name of the country of origin rahter than trying to pronounce some of the names. He said it was interesting to The complex is the largest of its kind int he world! His classroom will be given to him in the next few days...then E ha to come up to the campus and assist in decorating.

Yesterday E took care of purchasing mobile phones and C took care of renting a Honda City for the month. It's a safe car (a bit larger than an accord) and doesn't smell like smoke. Most used and rental cars smell like a tobacco factory, So C & E settled on renting the 2007 model...never been used.

The weather is HOT! It's tempting to stay inside all day, just so the heat doesn't melt glasses to a pers on's face. If you would like to know what 124 feels like---fly on over! Or you could just turn on your oven to 125 and leave the door open to see how warm it is outside. The inside temperature is anywhere from 65-75. Nice and cool!

C&E got to enjoy a nice regional meal last night with some new friends. The lamb was fantastic and the hummus , mattable, and fatoush (salad) were the perfect compliment to the meal. The evening ended with hot mint tea and cream caramel So much for loosing those extra 'newlywed pounds'!

E is touring the oceanfront this afternoon with another American and hopes to take C out this evening when it is much cooler. Tomorrow C goes back to work and E goes back to househunting.

Points to ponder:
--YES! We arrived safely with all luggage
--THANKFUL: We have a place to stay and a vehicle for one month
--Jet lag: it's a nasty beast and needs to be GONE from our systems in order to us to function at full capacity
--E locates a 2-3 bedroom flat (apartment) before Rmadn begins on / near Sept 13th
--C continues to build relationships wih those at the Academy...adjustment to the new position.