Welcome back everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed your week off school and went travelling to all sorts of fine and exotic destinations. Stayed home and worked? Well at least you made money, whereas I just ended up spending a lot of it. I blame Florida’s outlet malls and their tempting prices.

International Events

Kalahari was a big SPLASH!

Our international trip was met with great success! Everyone went wild at the water parks and good fun was had by all. It was a nice change to snow and cold, that’s for sure. A few of our daring boys tried out body-boarding while trying to keep their bathing suits (some had little success with that one), while others tried out surfing! We all conquered all of the water slides, with my favorites being the water roller coaster and the 4 person giant slide with a funnel. The next day we went to Great Wolf Lodge’s waterpark, which was not as extensive but just as much fun. Thanks to all who went and thanks to Lori for helping organize much of the trip.

Waiting for the giant bucket to drench us at Great Wolf Lodge

Diego up on the board for about 3 seconds.

Tennis Time

Walsh took up most of the AirTran plane on our way down to Kissimmee, Florida. Both men and women’s teams went down for a week to play some tennis, soak up some rays and enjoy our time off before our season really gets underway. Although the sun was not as present as we would have liked (and temperatures were far from tropical), it was the best trip yet! The women won their Webber International and Rochester matches and all girls had a chance to play. Even I got back into it, though I am very rusty after being off with an injury. Our next match is away at Ashland U on Friday March 19th at 12pm outdoors, 3pm indoors. The men play Sunday March 14th at the University of Findlay at 9:45am.

Ski Club Seconds

Other students chose to head North-East instead of South and went to Jay Peak, Vermont for a 5-day intense ski trip with a ski club from Cleveland. President Alex and 3 other Walshers enjoyed amazing conditions and spared me no details, which made me rather jealous. Wish I had pictures!

In Other Walsh News . . .

Adios snow!

The temperatures are creeping up and the snow is making a slow and steady exit. I don’t think there will be more on the way, but hey, we can still hope for a freak blizzard and a snow day!

Convenience Store mark-ups

Yes, Flex-dollars are not real money but does that mean we students must get scammed out of our credits so quickly? Since when does a box of Nilla-wafers cost more than $5.00??? I would like some justice here. You know we are strapped on cash so please make more student-friendly pricing

Travel Tips and Tangents

Although I did not have a camera to bring on this trip, the sights were basically the same. So this week, let’s travel down south to Florida for some sunshine and colorful buildings. Kissimmee, Florida is on the outskirts of Orlando and from what I can tell, a big resort and condo hot-spot. There are some pretty cheesy stores and attractions and wacky themed motels as well as it’s share of classy hotels, resorts, golf-courses and tennis facilities. Too bad there is no beach, but there is lots to do if one has a lot of disposable income. Now for some pictures!

Ignoring the clouds, the complex was quite pretty.

Where we spend every moment we aren't sleeping, eating or playing tennis.

I decided to start international friendships with the local wildlife. Note: this bird was pretty darn big!

We took a pass at Disney this year, but last year we had so much fun!!

Enjoy your weeks back before Easter break!

]]> http://www.lifeatwalsh.com/oh-hey-there-spring-break/feed/ http://www.lifeatwalsh.com/february-has-come-and-gone-wasnt-it-just-january/ http://www.lifeatwalsh.com/february-has-come-and-gone-wasnt-it-just-january/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:52:28 +0000 Kim http://www.lifeatwalsh.com/?p=927 The end of February is just a week away and I cannot believe it. This past month has gone by so fast. Things have been going well though. There has just been a lot going on.

The month started off with having a few first tests in some classes. I had one in Stats and Physics. I am happy to say that I got a 108% on my Stats exam and a 92% on my physics test. YAY!!! Things settled down test wise until this past week. I had a Honors World Lit midterm last Thursday which I got a 92.5% on! Then today I had an Addictions Exam. We’ll see how I do on that one. I think it went well though.

February was split with Presidents Day Weekend the 13th through the 16th. I went home with Brian to spend sometime with his family. It was nice to get away from Walsh. We then celebrated Valentine’s Day on Monday when we got back to Walsh. We went to Wasabi for dinner and got dressed up to make it more of a special occasion. It was really nice.

This month has also been filled with lots of games. My roommate and I have become obsessed with this game called Blokus. Our friend Ben introduced us to the game a couple weeks ago and we have been playing almost everyday since. We have been including our friends in our tragic downward spiral towards addiction. Lots of times our friends will come over and specifically ask to play. The game is quite simple but tests your brain and strategy skills like crazy. The point is get as many of your pieces onto the board as possible. The problem is that you can only attach your pieces together by the corner. Its like Tetris but not exactly. Your sides cannot overlap at any point. With other people putting their pieces on the same board as you and taking turns, the board quickly becomes cramped and you must block other people from filling in spaces that you may need to put some of your pieces. It can get pretty intense let me tell you. You can often times hear someone yelling “WOW! You just Blokused me!” It is a lot of fun. We have also been playing a lot of card games. Nikki taught me Euchere sometime in the past few weeks so that has become a past time when there are enough people to play.

Besides tests and games, this month has been filled with other various activities. We’ve been working out for golf season every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We have also been watching the Olympics A LOT!!! We loved the snowboard cross, alpine skiing, and figure skating. In reality though, whatever happens to be on is what takes our attention away from homework. It is such an exciting time. GO TEAM USA!!!!

This month is ending with the start of Spring Break. I am headed back to Jersey tomorrow to go snowboarding and skiing with family and friends in Killington, Vermont. I haven’t been boarding all season so I am really looking forward to it. Then on Tuesday, my dad and I are headed down to Sunset Beach, North Carolina near Myrtle Beach to spend 4 days golfing. I have barely been able to swing a club because of the timing of class and where we can hit. I can’t wait to hopefully get some decent weather and golf! Also, it is spring break, so it’ll be nice to have some time off of school and homework!

That is about it for now. I believe that is all that has been going on this month. There is a bunch coming up within the weeks following spring break too, so I will do my best to keep you updated! Have a great day and start wishing for warm weather!!!!!

Kim

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a week since the Freshmen Discover Retreat was in full swing. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Freshmen Discover retreat, it is a time for freshmen to get away from the stress of schoolwork and meet other freshmen that they would most likely have never had the opportunity to meet if it was not for this weekend. Discover is known for exactly that…to discover ones self more effectively, enrich ones self, and overall allows for freshmen to fully transition to college life and others around them by encouraging them to come out of their shell and become aware of all that Walsh has to offer them to fully adjust.

The excitement all began last Thursday. After months of planning and preparation, and as one of the core team leaders for this Discover retreat, I was anxious to pack-up and head out to the camp that we had been going to on a yearly basis since my freshmen year for this retreat. All the plans had been finalized, and Jordan Miller, our core team leader had every last detail finalized. Suddenly, the unexpected (or perhaps not so unexpected, as it was inconvenient, for us Ohioans) A SNOWSTORM! Yes, Thursday afternoon and evening brought warning after warning of severe weather conditions targeting the campground area as well as North Canton and surrounding cities. Basically, where we were going to be headed was the eye of the storm. Great right? The university made the responsible decision to cancel the reservation at the camp, and was not sure if the retreat would be able to be rescheduled. Thursday afternoon and evening brought hours of rescheduling, and tons of phone calls to see what options were still open to us. Jordan and our student activities director, Michael Koluch, worked effectively and efficiently to quickly come up with a back-up site that we could hold the retreat. It was decided that the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, located only about 10 minutes from Walsh would have to be the back-up location.

We anxiously await the freshmen to arrive in the lobby!

As soon as availability was confirmed at the hotel all the leaders were called to an immediate meeting Thursday evening around 7pm for updates. Jordan braced us as the news he was about to break to all of us about this drastic change was truly a surprise, as the weather did not seem to be any bit close to severe. He assured us that the camp director had even called to warn them that the roads would be impassable near the town of Camp Aldersgate, Carrolton, Ohio. As much as we didn’t want to think that it would get as bad as forecasted, we knew that the students safety was our first priority and did not want to risk anything happening, or getting stranded because of extreme conditions. Jordan reassured us all that everything was under control. As a Discover retreatant, and past leader, it was hard for me to think that any place could do the retreat justice better than Camp Aldersgate—but we all took our leaders advice and faced this situation with an open mind.

As you can see the hotel was more than accommodating for us, we actually had additional rooms as businesses who were booked to stay actually backed out because of the weather.

That evening we headed to Courtyard Marriott to see what we were working with as far as a room for activities and how the room situation would be set-up. We had to analyze what we were working with. In this case each room was fitted with many luxuries that we felt may need to be removed in order for the retreatant to be able to truly bond with one another and not stay in their rooms the entire time watching TV or listening to music. After getting a quick tour of the hotel we were all really impressed with how accommodating the hotel staff was willing to be, especially for the last-minute request and the fact that we would have a ton of young adults running around the entire premise all weekend. I cannot tell you how appreciative we all were of the hotel staff the entire weekend.

Anyways, we headed back that evening and finished packing for the trip with optimistic minds and excitement for what the weekend would finally hold. Friday afternoon came quickly, and while the flurries began outside, it didn’t look half bad. I remember saying “what if the forecast was wrong and we did all this for nothing?” It seemed as if God wanted us to know that we made the right decision. By the time we had arrived at the hotel and was busy setting up everything we barely had a chance to glance outside. Sure enough, just before the students arrived the snowstorm hit!

After welcoming them in and allowing them to get situated we settled right in and the weekend truly went off as if nothing had changed. Proving that you can change the location, but you will never lose the sole purpose of the retreat. In this case, I can assure you that the individuals that chose to go on this retreat are truly thankful for their experience. Its obvious this retreat is a turning point for freshmen, as I can still remember back to my Discover experience, and vividly remember the individuals I met that I could never imagine going through these past four years without.

Along with are student leaders, we had several residence life members come along, as well as several faculty and staff members to assist with activities and fully enrich the weekend simply with their presence.

After seeing the amazing results that came from hard work and determination of every member involved, I can honestly say that while Camp Aldersgate was is a beautiful retreat location, this past weekend has proven that no matter how far—whether it be an 1 ½ drive or just 10 minutes away, lake front view, or i-77 view, indoor pool vs. outdoor puddles—if the faith is strong and attitude positive, all things are possible if we simply set our minds to it. When it seemed as if we were going to have to call everything off, with all of our hard work wasting away. Suddenly, its when we hit rock bottom that we become resourceful and find alternatives that are available. Forgive me if this comes off a bit cliché, but I believe the Walsh Discover team leaders and supporting faculty/staff members lived up to the old adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”

Perhaps Meaghan Manning, a fellow leader on the retreat with me, sums up this past weekend the best by her Facebook status post: “this weekend was proof that it’s not where you are but who you’re with that really matters. ♥ DISCOVER 2010! ”

Found this while searching for some pics from this past weekend. Turns out I even found an old album from my Freshman year Discover experience!

Courtney and I: Who would have thought two retreats later we would be such good friends and Church-going buddies?! :)

Hope you all have a great presidents day weekend break. I know for myself I’ll be heading back home Sunday to get a passport for the upcoming choir concert that we will be performing in this May 2010. It will be nice to spend some time with my family, catch up on some rest, probably for the first time since Christmas break when I can actually just unwind for a couple of days. I suggest you all relax as much as you can over this break.

Discover Leaders Damir, Meaghan, Marc, Julie, and Miranda unwind after a busy day!

Take care, until next time, best of luck in all your courses of study!

Chris Burr

Canton Maddog Rugby Team

Our Rugby players here at Walsh joined up with the Canton Maddogs, a local men’s Rugby team that has been around since 1976.  Joining up with them has brought together a great mix of experience and youth which has made us a very formidable team.  Together we have already begun practice for this upcoming spring season.  Right now we practice Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. in the gym here at Walsh and beginning in mid February we will be practicing one day a week at the Canton Hall of Fame indoor facility.  As you can see meeting twice a week for practice, which is fun and flexible isn’t much of a commitment.  If you are interested in playing leave a comment here on the blog and I’ll get back to you, or stop by the gym during one of our Wednesday practices and we’ll be happy to fill you in. 

Some of the Walsh  guys and girls enjoying the Rugby Banquet

***On another not if you like to play cards and various Casino type games such as  Texas Hold-Em, Blackjack, or Wheel Poker; then come to the Canton Rugby sponsored MONTE CARLO NIGHT AND TEXAS HOLD-EM TOURNAMENT  being held Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ Canton Police Hall- 430 Walnut Ave N.E. starting at 5:00 P.M. There is a $3 entry free.  Many of your friends from Walsh will be there, so come out and support Canton Rugby, and most importantly join us for a unforgettable night of good times.***

Well everyone I survived it, and I am here to tell you about my phenomenal experience throughout the Walsh University Career Boot Camp sponsored by Career Services @ Walsh. Now for those of you who are not familiar with our WU career services, you may be thinking, “Career Boot Camp?? How intense!!” Well you’re not wrong about that…however, this is not a camp that you will be asked to “drop and give you 20, and I highly doubt you’ll break a sweat, however, there’s always enough activities planned that are aimed at getting students “in-shape” with their future!

I’ll admit, when I first received the email I thought, why call it a boot camp, or even make a special week out of this? These are things I can do anytime of the year. Well, true, however, the more I participated and actually gave this “boot camp” a try the more I realized the importance of combining so many career building exercises into one week. It’s comparable to a total body workout—in the way that you can brush up on everything you need to get in-order in a timely fashion. Cause as we all know, time is money, and it won’t be long before we are all out looking for a job, in a market that has seen far better days!

“Resume Week” was the opening event for Career Boot Camp Week, where students could get their resumes reviewed directly on the spot in various locations on campus. I took advantage of this as I was going between my Natural Science class and English, and was in and out, on my way with a newly revised resume that I was sure would give me the “in” at my next job interview. Whether I was running between classes in the Barrette Business center, or across campus to work out in the PE building, I didn’t have to look far to see the next Resume Review Station! Various workers from Career Services devoted their entire day to sitting down with students and revising their resumes, answering questions about their futures, and giving advice towards their next job interview. The turnout was fantastic and I could not get over how effective these “on the spot” review sessions would be!

The next event at Boot Camp was “Professor for the Day”. This was a 2-day event that allowed Alum or community members to speak in various classes about their career path and give insight on where they are today, and how they got there (words of wisdom indeed)! For my “Professor for the Day” I had Ricky Martin, a recent graduate, I believe 2007(?) from Walsh and colleague of mine, who now works at Bridgestone, who gave our Computer Programming class a truly beneficial speech on how he got his foot in the door at Bridgestone’s technology department. He went on to share how his academic and work experience from his days at Walsh, truly has allowed him to have a stable career in these times of uncertainty. I was even able to have lunch with several of the professors (alum) that came to speak, as I was invited to the luncheon that was held for them as I am an Alumni Ambassador for Walsh. This was a great afternoon of socializing with some great leaders of our community, faculty, staff, and alum. I was really glad that I was able to be part of this and it made me realize just how reputable Walsh is with our local Akron/Canton community. The networking opportunities are endless!

Another exciting event that is a special event at Walsh was the “Dress and Dine for Success” Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of which fork to use when you’re out on a hot date? Perhaps you like to keep it simple and just dine out at McDonalds or BK so it doesn’t get complicated. Well don’t let these minor details, like which utensil to use keep you from dining in the finest restaurant in town. Maybe you’re wondering if you should wear a tie if you’re at your next business luncheon? All of your questions are answered at the Dress for Success Dinner! After attending last year’s event I felt that I had been failing at dinner for years, luckily I corrected my mistakes in time before our Business and Communications luncheon. Not only do you have the chance to brush up on your dining skills, but you get a delicious meal at the same time. You’ll leave with a feeling of confidence, as you know you’ll stand out at the next dinner party or Business luncheon when you show off your exquisite manners.

Last, but certainly, not least, Career Boot Camp offered Mock Interviews Week! January 25-29. During the week employers from various businesses were on campus ready to give mock interviews, grilling student with the questions “they never saw coming,” and offering helpful tips and tricks to have a successful interview. I was a participant in this year’s Mock Interviews, and I can honestly say I feel that it was truly beneficial. I didn’t mess around; I took the suggestions seriously, and showed up wearing my best suit and tie, carrying a notebook, pen, and several copies of my resume. I was told to treat this interview as I would an actual interview. I went in not knowing what to expect, and left with a feeling of complete control and confidence like no other. In fact, I was fortunate enough to have an individual who works for Mercy Medical Centers HR department as my interviewer. What better way to practice an interview than with someone with similar career choices. I actually felt like this mock interview could have potentially allowed me to leave my impression on the employer. Who knows what my mock interview could lead to down the road when a job offer pops up?

Overall, I cannot express how much gratitude I have to our Career Services Department at Walsh. I feel that I know all of the staff on a first name basis, as they have been there for me every step of the way since my freshmen year. I never hesitate to just pop in their office if I have a question, and they seem to constantly be concerned about our future success and happiness which really gives me peace of mind. In fact, during my mock interview, as well as several interviews throughout the community of North Canton, I have found that all the employers have nothing but great things to say about Walsh Career Services, and the students they interview from there. I know my interviewer complimented on how she felt she barely had to recommend anything for our resumes, as she felt confident that a good majority of the students at Walsh have taken full advantage of the many leadership and development activities on campus.

Even though this was not technically the same type of camp as one might think, such as the more conventional “summer camp, or even band camp” type of experience… it was still an experience that left a great impact on the individual after they participated in the events. Just as we may feel completely transformed after a powerful camp or retreat experiences, Career Boot Camp can have the same impact for some and can really jump start your career search!

I hope that you were able to take advantage of this great opportunity, and I encourage you if you were not able to make it, to stop in any time in Career Services, located in the David Center, to make an appointment, talk with a professional, and get your life on the right track for great success! All the resources are right at your fingertips and even more intriguing—it’s FREE!!

Check out their page at: http://www.walsh.edu/career.htm

Until next time, have a great, safe, and productive week!

Take care,

Chris Burr

As I move along briskly into my final semester here at Walsh I am proudly working another internship with the IS department on campus. This is the same internship that I have had for the past year now and really have enjoyed, as well as, gained a great deal of knowledge from. I was anxious to get back to work after winter break as I hadn’t worked for almost a month, in fact, the first time I didn’t work over Christmas break in a couple years. Normally I would work back at the winery (Laurello Vineyards) back near my hometown, but this winter break was cut a bit shorter than usual as I was part of chamber choir and we performed locally around the North Canton community before heading back for break. Once back, I was busy getting together with family and friends and it seemed that work would not be feasible. On top of that my family encouraged me to stay home and relax, as I really hadn’t had a summer break (working here at school and taking classes from May-August 2009) then going right into classes for the fall semester. Looking back at break I’m glad I decided to just take it easy, spend the time with the people who mean the most to me—my family and friends! But nonetheless I was chomping at the bit to get back to work come spring 2010.

Now back at Walsh I can honestly say I’m excited to be back at work. Perhaps you don’t believe me? but I really enjoy working on campus. It’s worked out so well over the past couple of years. I means the reasons to work on campus are endless. It’s so convenient (I mean in all honesty, if you live on the Walsh campus there’s a 99.9% chance you won’t have to walk longer than 5 minutes to get to your job)! Also, the people you work with, as well as the customers (students, faculty, and staff) that you assist allow you to further network and stay involved and up-to-date on everything that’s going on at Walsh. The IS department is great about scheduling your work schedule around your school schedule, so there’s never any conflicts that keep you from your academics. In fact, we are encouraged to bring in our homework for a slow day so we can work on our assignments at the Help Desk. A personal reason I enjoy working on campus is that I feel that I am giving back to the Walsh community, as they are giving so much to be in return. Faculty and staff do so much for their students, that I feel that I can somehow return this favor whenever a technical problem arises. The feeling of accomplishment when you can solve someone’s stubborn computer questions, or recover files that they thought were toast, is a feeling that keeps me passionate about my job. When it comes to my savings, I feel that I am able to truly save the money I make from working in IS, and several other jobs on campus. I mean sure I take a little out for spending money and for essential things for school or the room, but the rest I can put in the bank and actually save, instead of throwing it all into my gas tank every week to drive to a job. I guess at this point in my life, this is the perfect job situation for me, and I am truly thankful for this opportunity.

When I describe my job to family and friends, I think they think I am having too much fun to be actually working, but in all honesty we do work hard. I mean sure there are a lot of fun times. I don’t think there’s been a time I’ve worked in IS that I haven’t had fun—no matter how busy. In fact these first couple of weeks beginning the spring 2010 semester has been pretty hectic from new student email set-ups to new computer set-up and registrations on our student network for those who brought back new computers after break. But at the same time the hours fly and before we know, it’s time to go. I feel that as an intern I’m exposed to a great deal of “real-life” experiences that I can take with me into my future career. Things such as the ability to sit-in on important conferences, the ability to perform all help desk tasks, handle all phone calls, and ability to physically go out of the office and fix the PC or technical problem on the spot. No making coffee and running copies for us interns (I mean sure Katie Brown and I have attempted coffee on several occasions—however this was not one of our strong suits—as we made the coffee extremely weak, I mean it was a tough feat with a coffee maker designed with more features than a Swiss Army knife—we now stick to pure IS work!).

I feel that everyone I work with would say the same—that our job rocks! I mean sure you have paper runs in the middle of a blizzard while its -40 out, or have to change every toner cartridge on your paper run because someone went to every lab and printed out a 200 slide PowerPoint, only to get impatient and leave before it began to print(multiple times). But the way we all get along so well and joke around makes up for any downside. In fact the people (full-time staff) we work with are truly all great individuals!! They all have great attitudes, are understanding, and have a great sense of humor. From my supervisor Brian kidding with me that he will make me wear a sign that says “do not talk to Chris Burr, he is on IS’s clock!” (hence, I talk to everyone I see on campus and sometimes forget that I am still working and need to return to the office—I’m improving on this though, right Carey? ha-ha–to the hilarious things that just randomly come up in conversation between us co-workers throughout our times at the help desk…too many to even mention. Overall, we work as a team to solve most of the problems we face on a daily basis, if one person isn’t sure, there’s a good chance someone else knows, and can teach that person so that they will have the knowledge. Perhaps this job is a perfect example of a “win-win situation,” as we are constantly helping others, while gaining important skills and the knowledge we need to take us the places we want to go in our near future.

My wish for all of you is that if you’re in the market for a job/internship (if you’re a junior or senior, you should be looking) that you will be able to have the opportunities that I have been given. I am truly grateful, and hope and pray that your future is filled with many opportunities like this!

Until next time,
Have a great day!

Chris Burr

The first week back, WU had a lot planned as far as events. Classes began the 11th and things were planned for just about every night that week. On Tuesday, the university theater was showing Couples Retreat. I had been planning to go and see it, but it was a full house and I ended up being in a meeting longer than expected. I had already seen it at the dollar theater though, and really liked it. I recommend it for those of you looking for a good laugh.

On Wednesday night, Walsh had invited Wayne Hoffman to come and perform. Hoffman is a illusionist/magician. His tricks and show were really neat. He did a bunch of mind reading tricks with people from the audience. It was getting really freaky. The trick he left with still has people talking. He had been drinking a can of pepsi throughout the show. He even crushed it when he was finished. He then told us that anything was possible if you believed it and had an imagination, like when we were little kids. Throughout his little speech, he started spinning his finger around an upside down pepsi can, telling us that each time his finger went around caused us to go back a minute in time. He continued to spin his finger around it and to our amazement the can uncrushed itself, resealed itself, and then ended by refilling itself. He opened the can again at the very end and poured out the pepsi. We were all stunned. My friend Alyssa was given the can and there was pepsi in it! It was crazy!!!!

Thursday night included ice skating and Center Ice Sports Complex. A group of went and enjoyed our time talking and ice skating.

The week went really well and was a lot of fun, but along with the good times comes a lot of work. Classes are officially in full swing and I even have an exam next week!!! I’ve been studying a lot to keep on top of my grades, and its hard work. But so far this semester has been going really well. I’m on top of all my classes and even getting ahead on work that is due. It is a good feeling to not have to cram work in the night or morning before class. I hope it keeps up this way! I am going to do my best.

Well that is all I have for you for now. Look for another blog soon!

Kim

It was Wednesday when I bought my flight ticket from Rome to Amsterdam and sent a copy of the itinerary to my brother. I flew to Amsterdam the same day and arrived at schiphol airport around 3:40 PM. The flight was exactly on time. Since I did not have any language, I walked straight towards the exit sign. I was very excited to see my brother after 13 years.

I walked outside and ready to scream the moment I see him, but saw no sign of him. I kept looking around for a few minutes and still no sign of him. I did see a guy with dark hair and dark complexion walking with a lady and looking at me. I told myself, this cannot be him. The same guy kept walking around for a while.

Finally, after waiting at the arrival for around 24 minutes, I decided to ask someone for a phone and call him to see where he was. Well, I saw the same guy walking towards me. As he got closer to me, I said “SalamAlikom.” He smiled and I realized that it was him, Sharaf, my brother who has been away from home for almost 13 years.

He was there on time, but I guess we did not recognize each other. It was like a movie. All we missed at that time was a video camera. We hugged each other and… As well, I got introduced to his wife, who is a Dutch citizen. She was a very beautiful blond girl with blue eyes, completely different than what I expected: a dark hair dark complexion girl.

I had the best time being with him and his wife in Amsterdam. I wish I could stay longer so I could get to know him more; however, I am very optimistic that we will meet again soon. Time went by very fast. Overall, it was the greatest time of my entire trip.

Sharaf and I