Struggling to learn Arabic

Why am I struggling to learn Arabic? No, no, no. Not why it is a struggle, but why do I even bother in the first place? Well, it is fun to study languages, but this one is really tough. It would be nice to know the language when I visit a place, to get a better feel for what's really going on.

But today, I came across this article from the BBC, Campaign to save the Arabic language in Lebanon. What?! So I read the article. Turns out that most people in Lebanon speak French, because it was a French colony. And the younger generation tend to speak English. While hardly anyone can string together a decent Arabic sentence!

The article goes on to say that this is also an issue in North Africa, Egypt, Jordan & the UAE. So I ask myself, "Why am I struggling to learn Arabic?" I don't have a good answer as yet.

St. Croix: Images 10

This little pineapple, barely a handful, grew outside my bedroom window. That side of the house does not get any rain (unless there is a storm, then everywhere gets wet), so it stayed small for months, then gave up and turned yellow. But it smells so good. I'll eat it in a day or two.

The lighthouse at Hams Bluff. I hadn't planned to hike up there on that day, so I didn't take any water. But I found myself up there anyway. The lighthouse is in bad shape. I wanted to climb up and look out, but the metal floor was rusted through. So I decided not to risk it.

Ruin of the greathouse at one of the plantations during St. Croix's "Golden Age of Sugar." I don't get too excited about the island's history, as it is mainly about slave labour. The greathouse is where the European planter lived.

Another view, including a smaller building.

Do you think this coconut was terrified because he knew I was going to bash his head open? At some point in the future, I will post a video of me removing the husk from this same coconut, with Pierre giving a running commentary.

St. Croix: Images 09

A pretty neat location on the north side of the island. After a 1.5 mile hike up and down the hills and thru the bushes, you arrive at these tide pools. When the tide is high, the water comes crashing over the rocks and look like water falls.

Looking out at Protestant Cay from outside the house where my mother grew up.

The botanical gardens held their anual Mango Melee. They had on display countless varieties of mangos and other fruits. I was on patrol to keep people from feelin up de mango dem.

The kids mango eating contest. They had to eat 5 mangos. I didn't see who won, as I turned away after one of the kids regurgitated her mangos.

Tortola: Images 03

A bar named Three Sheets. I did a little research into the phrase "three sheets to the wind" and found out that in sailing terminology, a sheet is a rope not a sail! But I still don't quite understand what three sheets to the wind means. Yeah, I know it means drunk, but I don't get the connection.

I just like the style of this building. At one of the marinas.

This phony building. The walls appear to be a good solid 16 inches thick, but on close inspection, I found that they were made of foam.

Looking out wishfully at the boats...

Village Cay Hotel & Marina

Tortola: Images 02

My first chicken roti. When I was a child, we would have Christmas parties at school, and most of the time, there would be roti. But being the non-aggresive person that I am, by the time I got to the table, it would be finished. Everytime. Roti is an Indian dish from Trinidad. It is curried chicken, potatoes and vegetable wrapped in an Indian bread.

Some kind of chicken dish. It was a lot of food for about $10. Yeah, $10 is cheap here.

This was a $9 sandwich at Maria's by the Sea, I think. I was hungry soon after.

Some kind of pasta at Village Cay Hotel and Marina. About $12. Took a good 45 minutes to serve it. I came back at night, and this same dish was $25. I didn't eat.

Burger at Pusser's Pub, about $12.

Tortola: Images 01

Ahhh...the tranquil Trellis Bay on Beef Island, near the sleepy airport.

The view of the harbour from my uncle's house. Notice the large cattle ship.

The same view late at night. There was good moonlight, and by keeping the shutter open for 15 seconds, I was able to get an excellent night photo with no graininess. I actually took this photo in 2007, prior to the incident in New Zealand, which reduced my camera to a mere point & click & hope.The view from my cousin's apartment.
The beach at Cane Garden Bay. I've never seen it this packed before. They come from the ship, directly to the beach, and go right back to the ship. They are of no benefit to the local economy.

St. Croix: Images 08

It didn't take long...

...to degenerate into a shameful display...

...of flesh.

But really, since when is it the standard to wear a bikini and feathers on your head and call it a costume?

...and the conduct...they need to clean up this mess. It is embarrassing.

St. Croix: Images 07

One of the largest cultural events of the year, the festival parade, held on January 2nd, began innocently enough. This is Ms. St. Croix.

Interesting skirt. The girl in front was a bit energetic.

Some beautiful shots here and there.

Colorful costumes.

Hmm...the costumes are shrinking.

St. Croix: Images 06

Fruits in the yard today.
How long does it take for pineapples to grow to full size and ripen?

That fig is almost ripe, but I doubt I will get to taste it. The birds always get them first.

I thought it was an oversized weed and almost chopped it down when I saw two ripe tomatoes.

I've never eaten a papaya, (I know, you don't have to say it.) but I guess I'll try one when these are ready.

Big sour limes. I still don't know what to do with them.

Speaking Arabic

I am still here on St. Croix. My travels have been suspended for the time being. I have been studying Spanish and plan to spend some time in Puerto Rico, maybe during the summer. I've also been studying Arabic, as I plan to spend time in North Africa and the Middle East once I get moving again.

This morning, I had an Arabic conversation at the gas station. Remember, all or most the gas stations on the island are owned by Arabs. The conversation went like this.

Me:صباح الخير (Good morning)

The attendant:صباح النور. كيف حالكم يا صديقي؟ (Good morning. How are you my friend?)

pause

Me: Crap!

The attendant: I asked how you're doing?

Me: I know! I know! I just don't remember what to say! الحمد لله (Praise God)

The attendant: Yes! الحمد لله، شكرا (Praise God, thank you)

I gave him my money.

Me: عشرين على اثنين (twenty on two)

The attendant: شكرا. مع السلامة (Thanks. Goodbye)

Me: مع السلامة (Goodbye)

I will try again the next time I go to buy gas. Hopefully by the time I get to North Africa, the conversation can progress to ما اسمك؟ (What's your name?) أنا اسمي جميل (My name is Jamile.)

St. Croix: Images 05

Orchids in bloom today. I don't know their names, although I could just go back into the greenhouse and read the names on the tags.
lc Nippan 'Livinza x blc Momilani Rainbow

blc Hawaiian Leopard

slc Marie Nohava Hallowed

blc Golden Tang

lc Blazing Treat