Docster CP #1

Last week I met with one of my conversation partners, Hamad. We were able to communicate effectively through texting to set up the meeting, and when I found out our original meeting place (Atomic Coffee) was closed, there were no problems in changing our plans. Hamad took me to one of his favorite restaurants, Pitaria. Hamad's first language is Arabic (he is from Kuwait), and he told me he enjoys going to Pitaria because the owner also speaks Arabic. I was surprised to find out Hamad was in level 2, as his speaking skills were much more advanced than I would have guessed for that level. We talked about what classes he likes, how Tallahassee compares to his home country, and his hopes to study mechanical engineering after he finishes studying English. He was very kind, and he insisted on buying me some tea and a meal, although since I had just eaten before meeting with him, I did not eat much. I felt a little bad about this, as he told me, "When you are with me, you eat!" So next time, I told him I would be sure to come hungry. He could not understand why Americans do not like soccer, and jokingly complained that all anyone cares about here is American football. He plays soccer with the other CIES students, and said that he always looks forward to this. I am interested to read about Kuwait (which I admittedly know nothing about), and discuss more intricate differences in culture with Hamad at our next meeting.