Dieting over here is almost impossible...

So, I am trying to eat really healthy these days since I feel nauseous most of the time (we are currently trying to decide whether or not I should get my gall bladder removed, if you're wondering). It seems to work when I can get some good fruits and veggies in, and stay away from oily, fatty, greasy foods. Those make me the most nauseous! However, we visited two North African homes this week, and it is pretty much impossible to eat healthy during these visits, because they are so hospitable that they want you (and almost force you!) too eat until you are overly stuffed. Needless to say, one day after a visit, I wasn't feeling so hot - but part of my thinks it was worth it, because the food was so good!


This family had a newborn - she was so cute! I really enjoyed holding her.


Karl pouring tea - its all about trying to get as much height as possible!


This family was so nice - they gave me a new pair of shoes and the robe I am wearing. They must know I'm a hokie, with the maroon and all.


We have been buying a lot of fruit lately - this is the first time I've seen a conjoined grape! Two months ago we bought a dozen eggs - all of the yolks (except for maybe 1 or 2 eggs) were twins.


We visited a neighboring city on Saturday. The weather was nice, and we enjoyed looking around. This was on the roof of a SUPER old mosque and Islamic school.


This is a fountain in the middle of the old mosque. People used to use it to do the ritual washing before prayer time.

More city pictures:

And we're back!

Karl coaching basketball... He has stayed busy with it lately because we are doing two leagues in different parts of the city now. Its been fun to watch the kids make improvement.


This little boy wanted to play, but he needs to wait about 5 more years.


Keep your head up! These kids have hardly touched a basketball before, so its fun for the coaches to get to teach them the BASICS. Last week there was a scrimmage, and if fouls were being counted, every kid would have been out of the game after about 5 minutes!


Dribble dribble dribble! Its tough laying down!


We were near the big mosque the other day. You've seen this before, but it was covered in clouds. It was weird to look up at it and not see anything at all!


Karl and I went ice skating this weekend! It was a bit pricey (who ice skates in North Africa anyway?!?), but a friend gave us a buy one get one free coupon! We had fun skating. Karl especially enjoyed it - he's pretty good!


These kids were so cute! They were dancing to "technophonic" music which is really popular here. All of the kids love to try and do their own version of the robot. I tried to post video of it up, but it wouldn't work! Just imagine them dancing.


We walked through an old market place (called a medina) this weekend. I liked the way this entry way looked.

Refreshing...

We spent the last two weeks in Spain trying to figure out my stomach issues/ possible gall bladder problem. However, the time wasn't all in hospitals and doctor's offices. We did get to enjoy it some and have returned home refreshed!



The view was amazing from our bedroom window!


We had some time to spend on the beach! The water was FREEZING, but super clear and really fun to swim in.


Beautiful sunsets


We visited a botanical garden. It was just nice to sit and enjoy all of the green!

More pics:






And its nice to be back home... hope the cow doesn't fall onto the highway!


How much hay can you get on your truck?!