Friends I appreciate.

Friends, indeed are the family we get to choose. 
I never cherished or thought I'd agree with the statement above, but I do now.

I know I might have spoke a lot about how abroad experience is so different, it indeed is. Being in a culture that is totally different than what you're used to is difficult. There is always that sense of homesick, that sense where you feel you don't belong here and you're not familiar with how things are, or what you're supposed to do.
Nowadays, no one will befriend you unless there is a benefit for them in it, isn't it? So few who would stick by your side and would want nothing from you in return.

To be honest, for someone like me to befriend people is difficult, since I'm that shy type of person who wouldn't talk much, but I could say that I'm changed now, at least that's how I feel, and the credit goes to my friends here, if it wasn't for them I'd be a loner.
Unlike UK and the USA, in Netherlands you don't find that arabic culture anywhere, Arabs don't come here for studies or work, but if they do, they're in big cities like Amsterdam or Den Haag, not in other cities, again since there are culture differences I might not feel so comfortable around other people, if you know what I mean.
My other Omani friends who study in the Netherlands, in different cities face difficulties and complain about having friends here, they say most of the Dutch people prefer being friends with Dutch only -which I find true tbh- since there is the language barrier as I like to believe, but even others give them hard time just because they are Arabs? Yes, such people still exist. 

When I started the course here, I was the one who always sat alone and didn't really like to mingle with others, but that all changed because the people in my class were really friendly, they wouldn't leave you alone! Which was a good thing, although some others did show some kind of irritation or wouldn't still talk to me -we still don't talk much, not even hi- I would careless, as long as I'm surrounded by those who appreciate my company.
The thing is, my appreciation really started when these friends of mine respected the fact that I don't drink alcohol, and I don't eat except halal food, which might sound like a normal deal to anyone except that it is a big deal to me. Everyone here drinks. It's always about drinking. You can't hang out properly with someone unless you're drinking -at least that's my impression- However with these lots it's different. Not once they've made me feel uncomfortable for not drinking alcohol, but also when they invite me there is always non alcoholic drinks as they respect my situation. Also, they do provide either vegetarian food especially for me, or halal meat. That is so considerate, it did touch me. As I have been to places where people made fun of the fact I don't drink alcohol and only have to eat halal which irritated me, there was no consideration to what I believe.
Also, so many times when we go out, my friends take the initiation to ask the restaurant people if the food is halal or if there is any halal meat, if there wasn't they would choose somewhere else to eat, or find me a solution, this touched me so much actually.
Also, whenever I face some kind of problem, they're always there to offer help.

This is for all my friends who know themselves, I appreciate your presence and I love you guys so much, really. Thanks for considering about me and making me feel comfortable.

<3

Message to the Omani youth.

It's been such a long time since my last post, I know I know you're all just missing me.. Here I am !!

During the Christmas holiday, I went back to my beloved country Oman. Had a great time, almost didn't want to come back to the Netherlands. Missed the food, my family, the atmosphere and everything else.

There is however one thing I really disliked, also was kind of a shock which made me want to tweet something but then I thought, hey the length of what I can tweet would not be enough to describe this, it has to be a proper post.

I was out with my family for breakfast, it was lovely to have such a gathering on the beach in such a lovely weather. Next to our table, bunch of young Omani guys and girls decided to sit.
Now, when there are such gatherings, I understand people get loud and that's normal, when I'm out with my friends we tend to be loud. However what bothered me, and my family is that these bunch of youngsters were using the swear words as if it was okay, and so normal to do so.

Is this where we reached today?
Is this the way you were raised, swearing in public and loud, feeling no guilt or shame towards such action?
I study abroad, and here people do use swear words but they have sense of respect when see older people, strangers, or families around. Where is your shame Omani youth? Has it become so normal to use such language when you're out in public and surrounded by families?
It was so sad to experience such thing to be honest.

If you fellers want to use such language between yourselves no one is stopping you, but you need to consider when you're not the only people sitting in a public area, then the story is different.
You should never forget what your parents taught you, if not your parents then what your religion taught you, if not religion then at least have the common sense to acknowledge when is it enough, when you need to stop. If it's okay to use such language at your place then it's your place but when you're out, you should have some manners and remember the world does not revolve around you only.


"Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better."


I'm sorry for generalizing, I know there are those who understand the fact it's inappropriate to use such language when surrounded by others, but a message had to be delivered. It's so annoying and if the message reaches everyone, this habit might stop, even if this means 10%, I'd take the chances to deliver what I think is right, after all
الساكت عن الحق شيطان اخرس


Until next post!
Adios.