People always told me, and it certainly was always implied,
but living with an Omani family has given me a whole new perspective on the
extreme importance that family has in the Middle East.
Almost every day there is family coming over to our house. I
live in the main house where their mom lives. There are five brothers, three of
which with families outside of the house. They visit all of the time with their
kids. On the weekends, at least one of the cousins stay for a night or two. My
sister Haifa lives here with her son Laith, and this house seems to be the
house to visit.
The brothers are the most common visitors, or more
specifically, their wives and kids. Visiting with family seems to be the main
pass-time here. Yesterday we spent the morning with Samia, Basm’s wife in the
morning. Visited Arfah, one of Haifa’s cousins, downtown for lunch. We sat
around and talked for a while, watching movies. I saw part of a crazy love
triangle Indian movie. Then we went around Muttrah for a while, looking at all
of the parks. I had the opportunity to play on rides there! A mini-carnival J
But after, we went home, and Ahmed, Arfah’s brother, and his
family came over for a little while. I had one of my favorite Arabic
conversations as of yet. I made a joke about women being amazing because
they’re women. But mostly, good Arabic conversations come from those with the
quiet patience and understanding and interest in learning more about me. And
it’s an amazing feeling.
But still the visiting wasn’t over until after they left and
Samia returned with her daughters.
My experience is limited because I am a woman. Mohammed and
Marsal are gone frequently, I assume with friends and outside of the house
adventures. But this is how it is, and I think it’s quite nice. Always a warm and friendly environment.
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