A Week in Review

...~did I just drop off my two favourite sweaters to a drycleaners where he said that they would be cleaned in oil? (sound familiar Mom?)...~the young man who followed me down the Tala'a Sghira for a bit today and said that he wasn't a quick hustler, but rather "I am a gentle hustler" (at least he was honest). He then asked if I needed "a cheap husband?"... (am not in need of an expensive one...nor in need of one, actually). He followed for a short while until one of the shopkeepers that I pass every day told him that I lived here. It pays to say good morning to everyone as I shuffle up the long hill...~In a giant technological leap, figured out how to lock my computer once I understood that the cook was using my laptop while I was out (and figured out how to unlock it so that I could use it myself:-)...~Took a two hour horseback riding lesson/trail ride with Younoss conducted almost solely in French with a smattering of English and Arabic thrown in for good measure. Again discussed my marriage situation. We agreed that content was the best applicable English/French word. Though my French is rusty, I believe that a free massage was offered. Imagine attempting to discuss one's private life, decline a 12 day horseback riding trek into the desert, explain Ravenstail Weaver as an occupation and follow the riding instructions ALL IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE and stay on the horse! My knees were very sore at the end. (Mr. Paviland, if you read this, please tell me what I am doing wrong that is causing my knee sockets to ache so much?) There was an interesting and funny cultural note: the first horse that I began the lesson on in the ring was a nice size horse. When Yacine (English-speaking co-owner) arrived and suggested a trail ride for my first visit, a larger horse was brought. In Chantilly, France I have taken a couple of lessons at a Polo Club. If I have difficulty getting my posterior into the saddle, Dominique (the aging elegant sophisticated instructor) will give my bottom a boost. Now imagine three Muslim men standing around this giant horse and placing their hands somewhere in proximity to my fingertips and think about how little assistance this offered. I was trying not to laugh at the ineffectual aid and this in no way made the situation easier. Anyone know the French word for "ladder"?...~met Simo the Biology/Physiology Degree holder who says that his life is better as a maker of leather belts. He holds quality of life as being of higher importance than the Western sense of hierarchical employment elitism. I pled guilty to being at first a bit doubtful that he'd happily chosen to be a belt maker over a biologist but love my new belt...~Waved most mornings to the man in the souk who owns the famous souk Fridge...~met the head of the American Centre here who has graciously shown me a few wonderful restaurants and took the time to assist me in The Great Djellaba Hunt...~watched the rain fall into the interior of Cafe Clock three stories below the roof...~discovered a stand with a cruller type donut which is great on a cool morning (but have not been brave enough to try it with the fried egg in the middle)...~but was brave enough to try the unsweetened yogurt...~and am looking forward to buying milk from the milk stand where they hand it to you in a plastic bag if you haven't remembered a container...