I know its kind of late now to write about Halloween because it was last weekend. However, Ive had the most fun during Halloween. It was one of the best weekends of this year. Due to the fact that we do not have Halloween in my country Afghanistan, it was a very strange and twisted experience for me to dress up in weird costumes. I have never seen so many characters in one room before!! On Friday night, I was invited to a friend’s house who hosted a Halloween party. Everyone was supposed to wear a costume. After alot of brain storming, I finally decided to dress up as a mummy. When I first entered the house, nobody knew who I was because my eyes were the only features visible. To be honest with you, I looked like a person who just came out of a terrible accident. Overall, it was a very fun night and everybody was happy with my costume. Actually, my costume was rated the best costume that night. By looking at the picture below, you would understand what I am talking about.

The Real Mummy

On Saturday night, I was invited to another Halloween party off campus. Two of my friends and I dressed up as camouflage soldiers. We painted our faces with green, brown, and black colors and then went to the party. It was UNBELIEVABLY crowded with different creative and weird characters such as, Jesus, Hot Dog, Baby, etc. In the beginning, people over there did not recognize me because the paint on my face. However, everyone was amazed to see me in such a costume. I really looked like a true soldier who just came out of battle. Finally, we left the party around midnight and went back to Walsh.

Mohamad - Me - Shehab

Thank you

“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” A. J. Muste

International dinner is the biggest event of Walsh University’s international club. It is an annual event that usually takes place in September or October. This year, we had the biggest and the best dinner ever. It took place in Barrett Business Center on Sunday night. Over 200 hundred people, including students, professors, and family members attended and enjoyed the magnificent food from around the world, as well as the entertainment that was prepared and performed by the club members.

The food for dinner was mostly cooked by the international students; however, we had some dishes that were prepared by other club members, staff, and professors. All the entertainment was planned, prepared, and performed by the members of the club.

After a short introduction, we had a world prayer in eight different languages including English. Right after the prayer, people started heading to the “international buffet.” I cooked “Afghanistan Chicken Kebab.” I marinated the chicken one night before with yogurt, vinegar, saffron water, and many more ingredients. Almost everyone was extremely happy with our buffet. We tagged the dishes with the name of the dish as well as the country of origin. I remember, while I was going around the tables and talking to people, a few asked me about the recipe of my food. Overall, everyone liked the food and enjoyed the dinner.

A few minutes before the dinner

After eating all this delicious food, it was time for some fun.

We started our entertainment part with a song from Nigeria. Our International students as well as our American students showed an exceptional amount of interest in the entertainment section. We had songs, presentations, and dances from different parts of the world. Finally, I would like to say that it was the best international dinner ever. I have received many calls and emails from friends, teachers, and students telling me how good and fun the dinner was. I hope we can have a better dinner with more food and more entertainment next year.

“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” A. J. Muste

On Monday morning, around 8:00 AM we left for Niagara Falls in two big vans. We arrived there at 2:00 PM. After leaving our stuff at the hotel, we headed to the panoramic falls. Luckily, our hotel was a few minutes away from the falls. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. After taking group pictures, we went down to ride the Maid of the Mist. Everyone was wearing ponchos…. “Blue Garbage Bags.” The Mist was refreshing. I felt the power of nature, and I would say that it was a very wet and wild experience.

Next, we went to the Cave of the Winds.J The weather was getting cooler. This time, they gave us Yellow Trash Bags with spongy sandals. I kept the sandals as souvenirs. We walked up and down the stairs until we got really close to the falls. The closets place to the falls was called “The Hurricane Deck.” There is no way that you go up there and come back dry. My jeans were soaked. Thankfully the Trash Bag “Poncho” saved me.

We all headed back to the hotel to change and get ready for dinner. The funny part was that we went to this restaurant and ordered food. After half an hour, the waitress came back to our table and said, “We are sorry, we ran out of chicken.” What? Are you kidding me? I was super hungry, but I had no other option. So, we had to wait almost another hour until they went to the store, bought chicken, and cooked for us. But guess what? … We all got free drinks. So, I think it was not too bad. I believe that was one of the unforgettable moments of the trip.

After dinner, my friend and I decided to walk around the city. While walking, we reached the Canadian border. I can’t believe I was a few steps away from the border. I was almost in Canada. J The weather was very nice, so we decided to go back to the falls. At night, the falls were really beautiful because they had all these beam lights around them. We took pictures and went back to the hotel.

The Panoramic Falls

Next morning, after eating breakfast, we said BYE L to the falls and headed back to Walsh. On the way, we stopped by an outlet mall. It was my first time going to an outlet mall. Most of the students bought stuff for themselves or their families. After a long drive, we arrived at Walsh around 6 PM. Overall, it was one of the most memorable trips ever. I never forget the falls, and I hope I go there another time.

Finally, it is about time!!! We should have had “Life at Walsh University Blog” a long time ago.

It is unbelievable how the semester is going by so fast. We have already had our midterms. Last two weeks were very tough because of all the stress and late night studying for the midterms. Fortunately, I did a pretty good job in my tests.

Now is the time to have some outdoor fun before the winter season starts. Today is the last day before fall break. While every one is excited to go home, visit friends, or just have fun for a few days, we have planned a trip to Niagara Falls with the international club. Over twenty internationals and American students have signed up to go.

I am very excited to see Niagara Falls for the first time. I hope the weather will be nice just like it was for the past few days. In fact, I have heard many good things about Niagara Falls; therefore, I make sure to have my camera with me to take pictures and send them to my family and friends back home. I will share my experience of Niagara Falls adventure with you next week when I get back.

Since this is my first blog, I don’t want to take up your time by writing too much. Be on the look out for some exciting stuff next week.

Horraaaaaayyy … ROAD TRIP TO NIAGARA FALLS…