A month or more back Irini was playing with our camera and dropped it. Oops. Laurence rushed as quickly as he could and picked it up, moving it from side to side and turning it on and off. Apart from a small dent/scratch in the upper corner there seemed to be no problem. Then, a couple days later, it decided to go to sleep. It was promptly taken to the Cannon shop where they informed us that they could fix it, but it would take a few weeks. It has not come back yet and so, as little Amalia (and Irini) grows we have few photo opportunities actually captured.
But despite the lack of photo documentation, Amalia is impressing the world. Today she was picked up by a family of a Saudi man and his two wives (or was it a wife and friend, or sister?) and passed from one to the other. They are expecting their first child in the end of this month and seemed very excited. The contrast between the black-clad full-body-covered women and little Amalia in her pink shirt (and Irini who was soon picked up as well) could not be starker, and yet there was a common thrill in all of us. The two women cooed and ahhhed their way through the discussion and Natalia talked with all of them. It was a true bridging of cultural gaps and Amalia was at the forefront. By the end of the meal, we gave them our goodbyes and congratulations, they asked if they could have Amalia (presumably in jest) to which Natalia politely responded, "you'll have your own soon" accenting it with a broad smile, and we went off. How amazing that a little girl who cannot yet speak (though communication is loud and clear) can bring people together like that? If it were not for her we would have sat there in our respective tables, side by side, and chatted amongst ourselves, perhaps sharing stereotypical thoughts of the people 'next door' or attempting to decipher the intricacies of the other culture's value systems and behaviors. This approach was a whole lot more direct, interactive and completely positive. Way to go Amalia!!
But despite the lack of photo documentation, Amalia is impressing the world. Today she was picked up by a family of a Saudi man and his two wives (or was it a wife and friend, or sister?) and passed from one to the other. They are expecting their first child in the end of this month and seemed very excited. The contrast between the black-clad full-body-covered women and little Amalia in her pink shirt (and Irini who was soon picked up as well) could not be starker, and yet there was a common thrill in all of us. The two women cooed and ahhhed their way through the discussion and Natalia talked with all of them. It was a true bridging of cultural gaps and Amalia was at the forefront. By the end of the meal, we gave them our goodbyes and congratulations, they asked if they could have Amalia (presumably in jest) to which Natalia politely responded, "you'll have your own soon" accenting it with a broad smile, and we went off. How amazing that a little girl who cannot yet speak (though communication is loud and clear) can bring people together like that? If it were not for her we would have sat there in our respective tables, side by side, and chatted amongst ourselves, perhaps sharing stereotypical thoughts of the people 'next door' or attempting to decipher the intricacies of the other culture's value systems and behaviors. This approach was a whole lot more direct, interactive and completely positive. Way to go Amalia!!
The pictures above were shot not at that interchange, but last night as our friend Rebecca (and her husband Scott) were visiting. Amalia smiled broadly most of the night. She is delightful and lovable. Her parents, her family, even the people at the next table, are delighted and in love.
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