My husband and I decided to spend Christmas in Italy! Yes, THE Italy! It was the first time celebrating the holidays in my fatherland so I was super excited. For Christmas Eve I attended vigil mass at the Basilica of San Camillo de Lellis in Rome and on Christmas Day we went to Vatican City (along with tens … More One Last Dance
For the last six years, my husband and I fly to Jordan at least once annually. It’s where I celebrate my birthday. It holds a special place in our hearts because it is also where we travelled to the day after we became engaged. Friends often ask, “Why Jordan? Everyone smokes, people are angry, there’s … More Jordan in 20
Since the first year I moved to Dubai (2008) I’ve been hosting Thanksgiving gatherings. Though the location and guests fluctuate over time, a few things stay exactly the same. My husband, sister and I invite a large group of friends and family to laugh, catch up and break bread together. Some are American, many are … More Turkey in the Park
My husband is a very kind man. That wasn’t a set up for a joke. He really is very thoughtful, most of the time at least. He knew I was having a stressful week so surprised me with a gift voucher for a Moroccan bath. It would be my first time and I was looking forward to a relaxing … More The Moroccan Bath Misadventure
How do I feel about the election results? Awful. My heart aches. I’m scared and still feeling down in the (Trump) dumps. The shock is starting to wear off. My sense of humor is slowly coming back. Acceptance? That will take more time. I understand wanting change. I felt the same way after 8 years of George W. Bush. … More From Professor to Student: The Election Aftermath
Over the last few months, everywhere I go, all that people want to talk about is the upcoming election. Even people I don’t know (who overhear my accent) have approached me in the grocery store and at cafes. Even my taxi driver wanted to talk about it and did, for the entire ride from Sharjah … More Ask a New Yorker
In line with the Ghostbusters ll release I was asked to write an article about women in comedy. So I did. It was rejected for being, well, too smart. Rather than doing a rewrite, I thought I’d post it (as is) on my own blog. Sometimes it’s good to analyze the facts. Rise of the Funny … More Too School for Cool
I’ve read tons of articles over the years discussing the benefits of daily meditation. Have I done more than think I should start meditating regularly? Yes. Kind of. Not really. Okay fine, other than a few random online videos, no! I saw a listing for a meditation class and finally gave it a go. Since … More Shhhh! I’m Trying to Meditate
Within the span of a month Muslim women were forced to remove their burkinis in France and a woman in abaya was set on fire by a tourist in New York City. Meanwhile in Spain, a Muslim woman was kicked in the stomach so hard she had a miscarriage despite begging her attacker for mercy. … More Behind the Scenes: Muslim Women Uncovered
My husband’s mother tongue is Arabic though his English is excellent. When I first met him I thought he had studied, or lived, in the USA because he has a strong American accent when speaking English. To my surprise, neither were the case! His accent came from growing up watching American sitcoms and movies. Come … More Lost in Translation: What’s on the radio? No, who’s on the radio!
A New Yorker in Dubai 