Data Bases • Custom Term Papers • Free Term Papers • Free Research Papers • Free Essays • Free Book Reports • Plagiarism? Links • Top 100 Term Paper Sites • Top 25 Essay Sites • Top 50 Essay Sites • Search 97,000 Papers @ DirectEssays.com • Search 101,000 Papers @ ExampleEssays.com • Search 90,000 Papers @ MegaEssays.com Free Essays • Term Paper Sites • Chuck III's Free Essays • Free College Essays • TermPaperSites.com • My Term Papers • Get Free Essays • Essay World • Planet Papers	Search Lots of Essays Back to Subjects - Acceptance Essays World Today World Today The world today, more than ever, is a steadly shrinking planet, as new technology allows us to cross boundaries and attempt feats that were once only dreams of science fiction novelists. Yet, even as progress roots out old ways of life, and new technology makes obsolete time honored traditions, we never lose sight of the rich cultures to which our earth is home. Even today, the world is still a colorful and vibrant place, filled with a myriad of exotic cultures, each with its own unique and enthralling history and traditions. It is this increasing charm and fascination with the ancient that invariably draws the curiosity of outsiders. This fact has even permeated itself throughout my life. No matter where I go and wherever I end up, there is always some measure of curiosity concerning the other hemisphere of the world. Before and especially following any significant trip, I repeatedly face the same line of inquiry, “What is the Middle East like?”. To this question I have often respond with a casual and simple answer, “It’s okay”. Upon my return from the Middle East this past summer however, I began to feel this response horribly insufficient, and I decided to contemplate a more meaningful answer. I quickly came across amental block as I started thinking to myself, how could I ever possibly convey the sights, the sounds and the feelings of this region, so vibrant and culturally rich, to anyone who has not had the fortune to see it for themselves? Despite these difficulties, I began to draft my thoughts. In an attempt to bring in perspective the rich and inspiring heritage of the region, I progressively began to picture my most recent vacation to Arabia, and letting my memories take charge, I began describing to the best of my ability the highlights of my Dawn crept up sluggishly the day I arrived in Saudi Arabia after my twenty-eight hour flight. After fighting, unsuccessfuly, for a few hours of some much needed sleep, I was just about to drift into doze off when the nearby mu’athin announced the dawn prayer, calling all faithful Muslims to their morning religious duty. Trying to turn over and sleep after an exhausting trip, I found my efforts compromised by the piercing bright desert sun that now edged over the horizon. Rousing myself from bed, I readied myself for the coming day, planing and imagining what each successive day would bring. Reintroducing myself to familiar sights, I noticed the same young boys from so many years ago playing soccer in the street. In fact, young boys playing that favorite sport in all the streets and parks. Their odd make-shift playing fields reminded me of when I used to play in those very same sites. There was also the neighborhood mosque I used to attend while living there, where everyone in the community would come to gather and socialize. However, as I passed through the marble arches and ebony doors, the same building seemed more impressive, more majestic... it was like I was lost in time. Absolutly nothing had changed about the mosque. The same high arches and wall engravings bearing passages of the Quran still shone as brightly as I remembered, and everyone I passed still greeted me with “salaam”, an Arabic word meaning “peace”. There were also old sights to behold which I had never been introduced to. The old abandoned quarter in the city of Hofuf, with its old mud brick houses and dirt roads, was the scene of a historical battle between the Saudis of Arabia and the Turks from the Ottoman Empire, a battle won by my great grandfather who overcame the Turkish fort and reconquered it in the name of the house of Saud. Today, the fort stands in between the old and modern sections of the city, and the road running across the bastion bears the name of my great grandfather. Silently it looks over the city, almost hovering, connecting the past and present, as it still guards its ancient post. Many sights, both new and old, delighted and attracted me, and motivated me to continue learning of my heritage and of this antiquated land. In addition to new sights there was an abundance of other experiences to enchant the senses. The smells as one sifted through the open spice market drugged one to ecstasy, while the rank stench that emanated from the livestock market was equally odoriferous. The lavish feasts that poured from the kitchens of the Middle East were as fulfilling to devour as they were to smell, and there is nothing like a whole roast lamb with spices and the proper condiments to make one roll over in content euphoria. The same foods and smells I experienced while living there were just as plentiful on my recent vacation as they have always been, and just as delightful to enjoy with friends and family as always. This is the portrait I now like to give when people ask me that same inquisitive query. I have always been a part of America and Arabia, and these two diverse cultures have always been a part of me. My unique experiences have gifted me with a holistic perspective in life, with a desire to learn all that I can from different people and different cultures. Aside from that, it also prepares me for the inevitable question I am asked every time I arrive in the Middle East and am greeted by friends and family, “So... how is Bibliography: Word Count: 920
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