spices in arabic

[Nothing1234 2]

Off topic...I have the Morocco shirt too! (someone i know bought me that shirt! hint, hint )

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

[palilover 1]

are palestinian prices that bad?????????? usually eating is much cheaper over there

anyway snacks are good

nuts, crackers of any kind...you may need tupperware containers so things dont get crushed or broken

i used to bring foods i liked when traveling cuz i wasnt sure if they had things i would like

i was wrong but still they dont SNACK all the day like we do

omg my husband hasnt taught me a lick of arabic ..cant help you with the spices in arabic

granola bars..raisins...think what kids put into their lunches...LOL

tuna is a good one tho..cereal (just add milk)....peanut butter, pita bread

i even got little soy milk boxes to drink along the way or add to cereal...vanilla is delicious

its not much but hope it helps

I could fill lup an entire suitcase with american snack foodds:))) Cheese Its would be topping the list!!

Palestinian food prices are more like Israeli prices except even in Israel I think things are more expensive. A can of coke costed more in Jerusalem than in Ramallah i know that. The rest of the middle east is so lucky to be owned by arabs and not Israeliis:)))

[palilover 1]

"..Where ignorance is bliss tiss folly to be wise"..........

If this person is going to fly into Amman why not stop and buy spices in Jordan? They are a lot cheaper then buying and bringing from the USA.

Yeppers Or just buy them in Palestine -- they're just as cheap there. It makes no sense to lug this kind of thing thousands of miles from the U.S. -- and it's a waste of valuable space in your bags.

The reason i suggested taking them with me was because I already had some at home. Why buy what I already have?

[Tunisia216 2]

Who ever bought you that shirt has GREAT taste :lol : :devil:

We need to get Nour one!!!!!

Off topic...I have the Morocco shirt too! (someone i know bought me that shirt! hint, hint )

[Nothing1234 2]

OMG! That would rock!!

Who ever bought you that shirt has GREAT taste :lol : :devil:

We need to get Nour one!!!!!

Off topic...I have the Morocco shirt too! (someone i know bought me that shirt! hint, hint )

[palilover 1]

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

Good idea if you live in a model family. If I cooked around thsoe women, they would take everything away from me and stare and start cooking themselves. When I lived with my sister in law, she would criticize everything I did becaues I was not as "housewife" as she was.

No way am I travelling millions of miles to put up with that no way. Besides, his family does not speak English. It is just uncomfortable having them stare all the time. I got so uncomfortable with the women there the first time I was there that now I dont even want to be with them witout my husband. And they worship money too, that is another thing I dont like.

My husband does not care if I cook American things. He knows I cannot cook arabic yet although someday will learn. He is ok with eating fried foods and even he is excited about mac and cheese. He told me he misses american food. When he was over hre, he helped me cook and clean. I would try to make him arabic things or at least something harder than tuna:) He would tell me not to worry for now, I am busy with working all the time so he does not want to make things hard for me.

See the difference between my husband and his family? That is why I married my husband and not the women:))) lol

[palilover 1]

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

Good idea if you live in a model family. If I cooked around thsoe women, they would take everything away from me and stare and start cooking themselves. When I lived with my sister in law, she would criticize everything I did becaues I was not as "housewife" as she was.

No way am I travelling millions of miles to put up with that no way. Besides, his family does not speak English. It is just uncomfortable having them stare all the time. I got so uncomfortable with the women there the first time I was there that now I dont even want to be with them witout my husband. And they worship money too, that is another thing I dont like.

My husband does not care if I cook American things. He knows I cannot cook arabic yet although someday will learn. He is ok with eating fried foods and even he is excited about mac and cheese. He told me he misses american food. When he was over hre, he helped me cook and clean. I would try to make him arabic things or at least something harder than tuna:) He would tell me not to worry for now, I am busy with working all the time so he does not want to make things hard for me.

See the difference between my husband and his family? That is why I married my husband and not the women:))) lol

and anyways my husband and I spent most of our time alone this time, not even with his family. He gets nervous at their house because of so many kids there and women cackling. He's used to being alone:) And when I'm there I get nervous too!! We aer happiest at home though to be together without everyone in our face. We eat together, watch tv together. The only thing we do everyday with any family members is talk to his brothers. Yep I like the men better then the women, lol

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

Good idea if you live in a model family. If I cooked around thsoe women, they would take everything away from me and stare and start cooking themselves. When I lived with my sister in law, she would criticize everything I did becaues I was not as "housewife" as she was.

No way am I travelling millions of miles to put up with that no way. Besides, his family does not speak English. It is just uncomfortable having them stare all the time. I got so uncomfortable with the women there the first time I was there that now I dont even want to be with them witout my husband. And they worship money too, that is another thing I dont like.

My husband does not care if I cook American things. He knows I cannot cook arabic yet although someday will learn. He is ok with eating fried foods and even he is excited about mac and cheese. He told me he misses american food. When he was over hre, he helped me cook and clean. I would try to make him arabic things or at least something harder than tuna:) He would tell me not to worry for now, I am busy with working all the time so he does not want to make things hard for me.

See the difference between my husband and his family? That is why I married my husband and not the women:))) lol

and anyways my husband and I spent most of our time alone this time, not even with his family. He gets nervous at their house because of so many kids there and women cackling. He's used to being alone:) And when I'm there I get nervous too!! We aer happiest at home though to be together without everyone in our face. We eat together, watch tv together. The only thing we do everyday with any family members is talk to his brothers. Yep I like the men better then the women, lol

[Nothing1234 2]

Getting to know the women in an Arab family can be tough but you need to take the time and do it. The women in families hold so many beautiful stories, recipies, etc....they are the threads that hold families together. I think it can be so intimidating but trying to spend the time, even if you're "Arabic" challenged will be an experience worth remembering!

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

Good idea if you live in a model family. If I cooked around thsoe women, they would take everything away from me and stare and start cooking themselves. When I lived with my sister in law, she would criticize everything I did becaues I was not as "housewife" as she was.

No way am I travelling millions of miles to put up with that no way. Besides, his family does not speak English. It is just uncomfortable having them stare all the time. I got so uncomfortable with the women there the first time I was there that now I dont even want to be with them witout my husband. And they worship money too, that is another thing I dont like.

My husband does not care if I cook American things. He knows I cannot cook arabic yet although someday will learn. He is ok with eating fried foods and even he is excited about mac and cheese. He told me he misses american food. When he was over hre, he helped me cook and clean. I would try to make him arabic things or at least something harder than tuna:) He would tell me not to worry for now, I am busy with working all the time so he does not want to make things hard for me.

See the difference between my husband and his family? That is why I married my husband and not the women:))) lol

and anyways my husband and I spent most of our time alone this time, not even with his family. He gets nervous at their house because of so many kids there and women cackling. He's used to being alone:) And when I'm there I get nervous too!! We aer happiest at home though to be together without everyone in our face. We eat together, watch tv together. The only thing we do everyday with any family members is talk to his brothers. Yep I like the men better then the women, lol

I just wanted to add... I'm not sure if she's near by but you were talking about your MIL being diabetic and things to take for her, so I am guessing she's close.. I agree with WOM that it would be better to get things there and I'd go for local things, let go of "cooking something for him American" and if I were you I'd spend most of the time with his mother and any other female relatives he has, learning how to cook from them.

I did this with Jihed's mother every time, especially the last time when I stayed almost 5 weeks. I was cooking with her every single day, his Aunts and grandmother as well. I made couscous by hand with his grandmother, cooked tagine, brik, mklouhia, crepe, so many things with his Mom - And when your husband gets to the US he will be most grateful that you know how to cook the kinds of food he grew up with. They are homesick and nothing "fixes it" but having a meal that tastes like Mom, tastes like home can be a huge comfort.

And it's an amazing way to get to know your new MIL and spend time with her.. Sets her mind at ease as well that her "baby" is going to be taken care of.

I also made some dinners for his family that were more American.. We did hamburgers, grilled chicken, things I'd cook here that they really loved, but I did it all with food that I found there. I understand the food is expensive there, but I really do think in the end it's going to be a wash with *most* (not all) items if you just purchase them there, or purchase their equivalent there and learn to make do and adapt your recipes.

Some of my best memories are in the kitchen.. This is a picture with me and his Aunt Akila (my favorite Aunt ) cooking together... I would watch her, cook with her, go to shop for the items, we ate together.. And I'd even sit down and write out in English what we did and what she told me - and what I didn't understand or ingredients I didn't know the equivalent of, I'd have him translate for me.

Good idea if you live in a model family. If I cooked around thsoe women, they would take everything away from me and stare and start cooking themselves. When I lived with my sister in law, she would criticize everything I did becaues I was not as "housewife" as she was.

No way am I travelling millions of miles to put up with that no way. Besides, his family does not speak English. It is just uncomfortable having them stare all the time. I got so uncomfortable with the women there the first time I was there that now I dont even want to be with them witout my husband. And they worship money too, that is another thing I dont like.

My husband does not care if I cook American things. He knows I cannot cook arabic yet although someday will learn. He is ok with eating fried foods and even he is excited about mac and cheese. He told me he misses american food. When he was over hre, he helped me cook and clean. I would try to make him arabic things or at least something harder than tuna:) He would tell me not to worry for now, I am busy with working all the time so he does not want to make things hard for me.

See the difference between my husband and his family? That is why I married my husband and not the women:))) lol

and anyways my husband and I spent most of our time alone this time, not even with his family. He gets nervous at their house because of so many kids there and women cackling. He's used to being alone:) And when I'm there I get nervous too!! We aer happiest at home though to be together without everyone in our face. We eat together, watch tv together. The only thing we do everyday with any family members is talk to his brothers. Yep I like the men better then the women, lol

[Sandrila 1]

My mother in law doesnt speak a lick of english

i tried to watch and retain but nothing like taking down the actual receipes

and remember how our grandmothers always "estimated"? they dont know "exactly"

well that is how his mother was cooking too, just with eye measures so that makes it hard

but i have a great cookbook that is simple and the food is exactly from all countries in MENA

"from the land of figs and olives" great title too!

I love dates and olives..in fact it was my mission to eat as much of those things as possible there

omg and the avacados...OUT OF THIS WORLD!

I think I need more time there and really getting into the whole cooking thing cuz we were so busy out and about that i wasnt always up from sleep or in home to really observe

i did cook american things too and they loved that

they have grocery stores that sell alot of similiar items and things we have here in the states ONLY they recognize them by different names

[palilover 1]

yeah I've heard of that cook book. It is on my "to buy" list when he gets back:)

Although I do like the women, I just dont feel comfortable with them. My husband is going to try to find someone who speaks English to translate for me. I cannot imagine me being in a kitchen when they dont speak english and me no arabic. From my experience of being with them, that can only lead to bad things:) Because I will say something in english and ask tehm if that is what they meatn. And they will say yes! So my husband said he will ask his friends if any of their wives speak English. Aside from that, I just dont like sitting there alone not being able to know what is going on when he goes with the men to play cards or something and he leaves me with the women who aer talking amongst themselves and me sitting there alone. My husband is the only one I can talk to so I want to be with him. But he says when men from the village come, he said they wont like it that I come because I am women and they will get shy. But last time this happened, I got mad at my husband and my husband sat with me and the women so would not be alone.

[Nothing1234 2]

yeah I've heard of that cook book. It is on my "to buy" list when he gets back:)

Although I do like the women, I just dont feel comfortable with them. My husband is going to try to find someone who speaks English to translate for me. I cannot imagine me being in a kitchen when they dont speak english and me no arabic. From my experience of being with them, that can only lead to bad things:) Because I will say something in english and ask tehm if that is what they meatn. And they will say yes! So my husband said he will ask his friends if any of their wives speak English. Aside from that, I just dont like sitting there alone not being able to know what is going on when he goes with the men to play cards or something and he leaves me with the women who aer talking amongst themselves and me sitting there alone. My husband is the only one I can talk to so I want to be with him. But he says when men from the village come, he said they wont like it that I come because I am women and they will get shy. But last time this happened, I got mad at my husband and my husband sat with me and the women so would not be alone.

Well, although its hard to "just sit there" as you say...you make them feel comfortable by trying to help around the kitchen, cleaning etc. You can use hand gestures and simple words at times to get things thru to one another. Its all about learning and especially since you're visiting in their country ... they enjoy it when you try to learn instead of going against the grain. Joining the men is not always looked upon nicely and it does make the men feel very uncomfortable. At times, though you don't mean it, the women may think your being snotty if you don't try to participate with them. Good luck!

P.S.---Dont' get mad at ur hubby for living his culture in his own country...try to embrace it and appreciate it.

[Tunisia216 2]

I agree.. I know it can feel rough and uncomfortable at first but this is really the only way to push past that. I know that everyone has a different situation.. And some people feel like they only married their SO but I kinda feel like you marry the family and not just the person. Again some situations are different and far more extreme (when SO is not accepted and insulted, etc of course things like that won't work ) but if there is any opportunity to get in there and try, it's worth it. I know that not everyone speaks Arabic or whatever the language of their SO is, but as Nawal said hand gestures and smiles can go a long way at times.

Quite a few times Jihed would drag me to sit with his friends or the men and most of the time, even being able to speak with them, I was the one that felt and wanted to escape back to the woman-folk.

I know a lot of people though that were not able to speak directly with their inlaws / new family but still managed to forge an incredible bond just picking up a few words (yes no please thank you, good, bad, i like it, etc) and hand gestures.. A smile is worth a thousand words

yeah I've heard of that cook book. It is on my "to buy" list when he gets back:)

Although I do like the women, I just dont feel comfortable with them. My husband is going to try to find someone who speaks English to translate for me. I cannot imagine me being in a kitchen when they dont speak english and me no arabic. From my experience of being with them, that can only lead to bad things:) Because I will say something in english and ask tehm if that is what they meatn. And they will say yes! So my husband said he will ask his friends if any of their wives speak English. Aside from that, I just dont like sitting there alone not being able to know what is going on when he goes with the men to play cards or something and he leaves me with the women who aer talking amongst themselves and me sitting there alone. My husband is the only one I can talk to so I want to be with him. But he says when men from the village come, he said they wont like it that I come because I am women and they will get shy. But last time this happened, I got mad at my husband and my husband sat with me and the women so would not be alone.

Well, although its hard to "just sit there" as you say...you make them feel comfortable by trying to help around the kitchen, cleaning etc. You can use hand gestures and simple words at times to get things thru to one another. Its all about learning and especially since you're visiting in their country ... they enjoy it when you try to learn instead of going against the grain. Joining the men is not always looked upon nicely and it does make the men feel very uncomfortable. At times, though you don't mean it, the women may think your being snotty if you don't try to participate with them. Good luck!

P.S.---Dont' get mad at ur hubby for living his culture in his own country...try to embrace it and appreciate it.

[allousa 1]

yeah I've heard of that cook book. It is on my "to buy" list when he gets back:)

Although I do like the women, I just dont feel comfortable with them. My husband is going to try to find someone who speaks English to translate for me. I cannot imagine me being in a kitchen when they dont speak english and me no arabic. From my experience of being with them, that can only lead to bad things:) Because I will say something in english and ask tehm if that is what they meatn. And they will say yes! So my husband said he will ask his friends if any of their wives speak English. Aside from that, I just dont like sitting there alone not being able to know what is going on when he goes with the men to play cards or something and he leaves me with the women who aer talking amongst themselves and me sitting there alone. My husband is the only one I can talk to so I want to be with him. But he says when men from the village come, he said they wont like it that I come because I am women and they will get shy. But last time this happened, I got mad at my husband and my husband sat with me and the women so would not be alone.

Well, although its hard to "just sit there" as you say...you make them feel comfortable by trying to help around the kitchen, cleaning etc. You can use hand gestures and simple words at times to get things thru to one another. Its all about learning and especially since you're visiting in their country ... they enjoy it when you try to learn instead of going against the grain. Joining the men is not always looked upon nicely and it does make the men feel very uncomfortable. At times, though you don't mean it, the women may think your being snotty if you don't try to participate with them. Good luck!

P.S.---Dont' get mad at ur hubby for living his culture in his own country...try to embrace it and appreciate it.

EXCELLENT point! This is how my MIL and I first learned to communicate with each other. I jumped right in to help with cooking and cleaning. She really appreciated that alot because my BIL's wife never lifts a finger to do anything and even makes my BIL hire maids for her. I have learned some great recipes from her and being involved has gone along way with my husband's family. I'm sure that some of the family members can be tough...but it's been my experience that when you win over the MIL...the rest usually follow.

[palilover 1]

yes I defintely picked up on some words:) And even my mother in law liked learning english from me as well:) She would tell me and my husband that I should stay there for another 2 months so I can teach her english, LOL She is always telling my husband he needs to teach me arabic so she can talk to me.

For what I'm doing about that, because it is hard for me to learn from him over the phone is I'm teaching myself. I will ask my husbadn once in a while a word or two as I do listen to arabic music frequently and I'll pick up on some things here and there. I also have Rosetta Stone software. So I can improve my vocabulary. but what I lack os in the verb department. And certainly I cannot conjugate. Actually when I was there, I learned my first verb from my husband..."to go" so I can say some things. And I'd go around telling his family my new sentennce;) Becaue what I do is I build my vocabulary and teach myself sentences based on the words I know. And if I need a verb or an extra word to be creative, I ask my husband and he helps me. So it's coming slowly....I dont get to use it because I'm stuck inthe west:)))))) but only I use it with my husband.

I actually called my father in law on a matter I wont discuss here a few days ago. And even he does not speak too much english and me no arabic. but I was speaking arabic to him on the phone and he understood me. I felt really honored that I was teaching myself well enough to speak to him over the phone in arabic because normally no one can understand anything I say:)))))

Anmd yes I try to help them in the kitchen.. The first time I was there, the women were cleaning and I felt bad for them because the kitchen looked like it had been bombed by orange peels. So I was thnking what can I do so I went and got trash and I found an old towel and no sooner had I put the towel down on the table, I had 3 or 4 women grabbing the towel from me and one of the brothers is standing there and he (when he speaks english it is funny cuz he yells, lol) he said "NO!" He scared me when he did that so I stood to him like attention. And he pointed to the chair and said "SIT!" So I hurried up and obediently grabbed the chair:)

I just cant win!!!

[palilover 1]

yeah I've heard of that cook book. It is on my "to buy" list when he gets back:)

Although I do like the women, I just dont feel comfortable with them. My husband is going to try to find someone who speaks English to translate for me. I cannot imagine me being in a kitchen when they dont speak english and me no arabic. From my experience of being with them, that can only lead to bad things:) Because I will say something in english and ask tehm if that is what they meatn. And they will say yes! So my husband said he will ask his friends if any of their wives speak English. Aside from that, I just dont like sitting there alone not being able to know what is going on when he goes with the men to play cards or something and he leaves me with the women who aer talking amongst themselves and me sitting there alone. My husband is the only one I can talk to so I want to be with him. But he says when men from the village come, he said they wont like it that I come because I am women and they will get shy. But last time this happened, I got mad at my husband and my husband sat with me and the women so would not be alone.

Well, although its hard to "just sit there" as you say...you make them feel comfortable by trying to help around the kitchen, cleaning etc. You can use hand gestures and simple words at times to get things thru to one another. Its all about learning and especially since you're visiting in their country ... they enjoy it when you try to learn instead of going against the grain. Joining the men is not always looked upon nicely and it does make the men feel very uncomfortable. At times, though you don't mean it, the women may think your being snotty if you don't try to participate with them. Good luck!

P.S.---Dont' get mad at ur hubby for living his culture in his own country...try to embrace it and appreciate it.

EXCELLENT point! This is how my MIL and I first learned to communicate with each other. I jumped right in to help with cooking and cleaning. She really appreciated that alot because my BIL's wife never lifts a finger to do anything and even makes my BIL hire maids for her. I have learned some great recipes from her and being involved has gone along way with my husband's family. I'm sure that some of the family members can be tough...but it's been my experience that when you win over the MIL...the rest usually follow.

MIL been won over from the first minute I steppd foot in Palestine. Since the first day, she telling me she loved me. She cried when I left the first time. This second time was not so great because of his interview. But she still asks about me all the time (my husband says that). It's the otehr women I am unsure about. they seem to only talk about money and how much things cost. My one sister in law was bragging about being from a rich family and how much money people make, how much this and that cost, and I swear she wanted to know how much every piece of clothing costed no my body. My husband bought me a simple ring when he went to Nablus and she even watned to know how much that costed. I refused to tell her so she started blabbing to all the women in arabic how much they think it costed.

I don't feel comfortable with people like that in my country. Why do I want to be with people like that in Palestine?