Dana P.- CP #2

Nov 9. I met with my CP for the second time today on campus. I noticed she (my CP) lets me make all the decisions on where we go or what we do. This is humorous because I am just as clueless about what to do in Tallahassee as she. We walked to Pitaria while I explained what type of food they had. She didn't understand a "gyro" thus I explained and this conversation led into the topic of food. However, I did learn that gyro meat is a blend of meats not pure lamb as I once thought. For some reason, I believed ( ignorantly) that the Middle East was primarily vegetarian. In fact, it is completely the opposite. She said they eat a lot of meat especially lamb. I stated how I thought they ate very healthy in her country. From her point of view it is very fattening and has a lot of carbs, due to the fact, they eat beans, rice, heavy sauces and breads with every meal. Our conversations flow very easily there are rarely any pauses due to her English. It isn't very challenging since her English is so good,yet at the same time I feel like we got to know eachother quicker and connect. It is nice to talk about our cultures without dealing with the language barrier! Anyway, I discovered again we (women in general) aren't that much different, she talked about how she gained weight and needs to exercise for a fair amount of our time, though keep in mind this girl is very slender. I assume woman's desire of beauty & perfection transcends all cultures. I brought the book I mentioned in our first meeting titled, The Princess. I was curious to find out the accuracy of this biography I had read about a Saudi princess named, Sultana. I wasn't sure it was a good idea on our second meeting to show her this book. So I brought the book and kept it in my bag until I sensed it would be comfortable. She read the inside cover and remarked about a statement made by the Princess Sultana, " I live in a golden cage." She said this was ridiculous because a Saudi princess is allowed to do whatever she wants whenever. I went on to explain how the princess felt she was never free to be herself even though she had the freedom that money could give. Once I had explained this to her she started to agree with many of the things the princess said in the book . I felt even though my CP wasn't happy with things that went on in her country she wouldn't let anybody else know how she felt . It is similar to you making fun of your brother, but heaven forbid anyone else make fun of him! She tells me her country is wonderful, and she loves her culture if only the clergy would go away. She states the gov't isn't the problem , its the clergy who is so strict and if they were gone it would be wonderful.