Day 15: Back To School

Salaam! Today seemed all too familiar to me...sitting in a lecture room, highlighter in hand, and slowly finding myself fighting to stay awake during lecture. The material wasn't painful physiology or pharmacology lectures, but rather an introduction to Afghanistan culture, politics, geography, history, and the Dari language. Also, we learned how 9/11 and our reaction (militarily) to that tragic day affected our relations with Afghanistan. One of the most interesting things learned was how to appropriately greet Afghans...here are some pearls.

1. you do NOT initiate a greeting with the opposite gender

2. when meeting for the first time you shake hands then put your hand on your heart. It is not uncommon for an Afghan to continue to hold your hand while talking to you.

3. when greeting an acquaintance you would touch cheek to cheek one time.

4. when greeting an acquaintance that you have not seen for a while you touch cheek to cheek 3 times...you definitely have to be comfortable with your masculinity for this!

Well, it's time to hit the books some more... I have some reading assignments and a homework project due on Wednesday!