Thursday, October 26, 2012, 8:00pm
Met my first conversation partner this evening at Atomic Coffee. Amr Fallata is a student from Saudi Arabia. I must admit, with his soft spoken voice, that wasn't the best venue for conversation. But we managed. The beginning of our meeting was like an awkward blind date, making typical small talk and attempting to be polite. We talked a bit about school and getting settled in Tallahassee. It wasn't until the end of our conversation that we found common ground in our interest in music. Amr enjoys writing music and lyrics for others to play, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about this at our next meeting. I asked if he was aware of all of the different world music ensembles offered at FSU, and he wasn't. Since I myself am not all that familiar with what FSU has to offer, maybe we can schedule a meeting around one of these ensembles and discuss our similarities and differences in opinions on music.
Amr also mentioned a favorite restaurant of his that offers Arabic food. He seemed a little homesick, and I told him when I'm homesick I gravitate toward "comfort food" as well. He laughed at me for being homesick in my own country. I tried to explain the cultural differences between regions like Florida to Alaska, though maybe not as significant as the ones he's facing, are still present.
I'm excited to meet again. Next time food will be involved. :)
Nickie, you are awesome!
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