I met up with Zooz today on a bench in Union Grounds. I really enjoyed our talk today, I think I am finally completely comfortable with him. I’m fairly shy so I have had feelings of uncertainty about it all, but I think we’ve actually connected. We’ve gotten to know each other and now have go-to conversation topics that we both enjoy.
One of these topics is soccer since we are both currently playing intramural. The final tournament begins today, so we’re both excited and nervous. We also always catch up on school work. Zooz told me about how after the Intensive English Program he hopes to stay for an undergraduate degree. His cousin, whom he currently lives with, attends Texas Wesleyan University and Zooz is strongly considering going there as well. HIs cousin is an accounting major, but Zooz wants to do mechanical engineering. However, he’s not sure if his English is satisfactory enough for that yet.
Right now, Zooz has to write a paper comparing two things. He chose American food and food from his home, Saudi Arabia. I took a guess and asked him if food was spicier back home, but he surprised me and said it was spicier here. He also said that the meals were structured a bit differently. For example, Americans have a lot more variety in their meals, while in Saudi Arabia typically always has rice. Based on his religion, he doesn’t eat beef, so he can’t have some classic American dishes like bacon and hamburgers. I told him he should try black bean veggie burgers; it’s not exactly the same but it’s still pretty good if he wants to try a burger. Although he can’t have beef, he has tried camel. He says it’s kind of tough to chew. They don’t eat any fancy camels though, just small ones that wouldn’t be entered into contests.
Zooz also talked about food at his vacation home. They grow their own pomegranates and grapes. We bonded over our love of pomegranates despite how difficult they are to eat. I told him how jealous I was they could grow those fruits, I would love to have that in my backyard. Another thing they grow is mint, which is neat as well.
Finally, when it was playing in the cafe, Zooz told me that he liked the song Roar by Katy Perry.
One of these topics is soccer since we are both currently playing intramural. The final tournament begins today, so we’re both excited and nervous. We also always catch up on school work. Zooz told me about how after the Intensive English Program he hopes to stay for an undergraduate degree. His cousin, whom he currently lives with, attends Texas Wesleyan University and Zooz is strongly considering going there as well. HIs cousin is an accounting major, but Zooz wants to do mechanical engineering. However, he’s not sure if his English is satisfactory enough for that yet.
Right now, Zooz has to write a paper comparing two things. He chose American food and food from his home, Saudi Arabia. I took a guess and asked him if food was spicier back home, but he surprised me and said it was spicier here. He also said that the meals were structured a bit differently. For example, Americans have a lot more variety in their meals, while in Saudi Arabia typically always has rice. Based on his religion, he doesn’t eat beef, so he can’t have some classic American dishes like bacon and hamburgers. I told him he should try black bean veggie burgers; it’s not exactly the same but it’s still pretty good if he wants to try a burger. Although he can’t have beef, he has tried camel. He says it’s kind of tough to chew. They don’t eat any fancy camels though, just small ones that wouldn’t be entered into contests.
Zooz also talked about food at his vacation home. They grow their own pomegranates and grapes. We bonded over our love of pomegranates despite how difficult they are to eat. I told him how jealous I was they could grow those fruits, I would love to have that in my backyard. Another thing they grow is mint, which is neat as well.
Finally, when it was playing in the cafe, Zooz told me that he liked the song Roar by Katy Perry.
Hi Madison! Zooz seems awesome! There's a lot of random snippets in this blog that are super cool- like the fact that he can casually grow pomegranate trees where he is from. I'm right there will you both on the love for pomegranate thing, no one else understands me so I'm glad I've found some kindred spirits. Also, I had no idea that eating camel was a thing… I don't' know why I didn't think that could happen, I guess I just never thought about it before. I wonder if there's something we eat here that could compare- maybe buffalo or something? Finally, the fact that Zooz likes Roar by Katy Perry actually makes my day. I just have this vision of a Saudi Arabian man jamming out to that song and it makes me really happy- so thanks for that visual!
ReplyDeleteMadi, I am glad that you are connecting with your conversation partner. At first, I struggled to make a connection with mine as well. As our relationship progressed we have discovered more things in common like soccer for you and Zooz. I also think it is cool that you are also noticing cultural differences in your conversation partner. I also find it quite funny that Zooz is a fan of Katy Perry...
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