Batroun Village Country Club and Free Falafel with Arabic Lesson

Yesterday we woke to quite the surprise, it was raining. It hasn't been anything but sunny and beautiful here, so it was actually refreshing. It only rained for a little bit, but everything was a lot greener after. Plus, the streets were a little dirtier, since there really isn't a great drainage system here. But it did not stop us from boarding a bus to go to Batroun Village Country Club with some people from school. This was a beautiful trip up into the mountains where this huge country club was available for us to swim at for 20,000 Lebanese, around 15 bucks. They had all sorts of activities to do, like horse back riding, soccer, billiards, a restaurant and of course an amazing infinity pool that overlooked the sea. We spent all day lounging by the pool and relaxing. It was great to get out of the city and be able to swim again. When we were paying to get in, they told us girls with long hair had to wear a swim cap, so Jesse, Gretchen and I obeyed and purchased them. We looked at it as if we were synchronized swimmers of the past and found it exotic, to put a good spin on it. Turns out, most people didn't wear them, and by most I mean everyone else there. Oh well.

After lounging all day we came back to the city in time to watch the Liverpool game at Ryan's favorite place Moscow Mule, with our favorite bartender Diego. Liverpool lost for the first time, but it was still a fun game.

On our walk home we stopped to talk to the guys who run the falafel shop. They insisted we come in and sit and talk to them There are two guys that work there, and three teenagers that help out. We talked to them, teaching them some English, them teaching us some Arabic. Ryan went to buy a Falafel sandwich and they wouldn't let him pay, once again proving how generous the people here are.

Almost forgot to right about homecoming here! Friday was homecoming and for the big homecoming game it was the girls volleyball team vs the female faculty, followed by the boys team vs the male faculty. It is tough to get games here, especially this early, because so many schools around here are just getting back in session. Ryan and I played and our teams split with the kids. We were not about to let them win for their homecoming! It was a lot of fun, and some fans came out to support. Thanks to Jesse and Annie, we had some great signs too.

Here are pictures from the country club.

Swim caps are so hot right now. 

 Ryan wanted to rock the swim cap.

Ryan reliving his Riffraff days as a lifeguard. 

Pictures from the game. Not sure if this meant we don't score points or don't let points get scored on us....

Mike and Gretchen

Cute little Grace and Annie

Pregame huddle.

 The girls team.