It was time for setting up the training for the first day. Once L got to the office and Mohammad had loaded everything up, we went to the hotel where the training was scheduled.
Accommodating Staff Setting Up for Training
The staff there were incredibly accommodating:
- moving heavy tables,
- helping put things on the walls,
- checking the LCD projector and laptop hook up,
- bringing in extra flip chart easels and paper, and
- taping down wires
Maha was there with her little girls, Miriam and Sarah- I think 5 and 3. They helped put items on the tables and put up the kites. I had to split up what I’d packed to make sure that we would have enough for both classes. I’m glad that I always pack more than I need. Even so, there will not be everything for everyone in the class by any means.
Agenda Map Issues
The training site is in a kind of ballroom. This meant that there really wasn’t a long wall on which to put my agenda map. We put it up on a far wall. Unfortunately, no one was going to be able to see it when seated at their table.
The ultimate solution was to get three double dividers made of wood. We taped the agenda map on four places where the room dividers created a V. It’s far from perfect but much better than the alternative.
Then I had to write the learning objectives for all five days on flip charts. The participants will be putting stickers next to the objectives of greatest significance to them. This took some time. Miriam and Sarah had a ball with the extra Koosh balls and other items in one of the suitcases. They made lines and then designs. At one point, Miriam took out the balloons I use on the 4th day so she could count them as she put them back in. Miriam was very helpful. Sarah not so much. But they are absolutely adorable and were incredibly patient.
Rainbow Street for Sharma
It was 7:30 p.m.by the time we were done setting up for training. L took me to Rainbow Street to eat sharma. This is chopped chicken or meat (probably lamb or goat) mixed with spices and placed in a rolled flat bread. I ate everything because I was very hungry. However, it definitely was not my favorite dish. I really missed having a salad, which I’ll have to eat tomorrow for dinner.
The Culture Isn’t Kind to Divorced Women
We had a long chat. She is 28, is divorced and has an 11 year old. As a divorced woman, she is not looked on with favor. She has no option to date. Her choices are to either get married or continue to live with her parents. We shared our experiences as single parents.
L is a beautiful tiny woman. It’s a shame that her culture constrains her options so much. She is also a very dedicated office manager. I asked her about taking a vacation.L said that she was responsible for logistics, so she was needed in the office. But it’s clear that she does socialize and have fun- including at the office, where she enjoys everyone.
Arabic Music
L played Arabic music for me in the car. This was a huge 4 x 4 that she expertly maneuvered through very narrow streets.
The music was very catchy and upbeat. I’m going to upload it into my computer tomorrow so I can play it during the training. She said that if I did that, they would get up and dance. I’m not sure if she was joking or not, so I guess we’ll see what happens.
Well, it’s been a very long and enervating day. Therefore, I’m going to take a shower and go to bed! Wish me luck tomorrow!
If you would like to discuss my international travels for work, please book a call at https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
