Money AND telephone communications

The bank seem to have finally realised that it is me that wants to take money out of my account and why wouldn't they when they can charge me £3 each time! I have also bought a phone as the Jawwal sim card won't work in my phone (thanks orange). So good news all round.

My conversation class on English last night had the theme of politics and negotiations so I naturally delivered my now famous Little Red Riding Hood activity. It went surprisngly well and allowed the participants to really practice their spoken English. I will be forever indebted to whoever wrote that activity! We progressed onto talking about the political situation in Palestine and their was a clear slpit between those who felt that the situation could be resolved peacefully and those that fel force was needed. It was apparent that everyone, myself included, believed that the media has a lot to answer for in the misrepresenation of this conflict. As one of my students remarked it is not in everyone's interests to have peace. The hardest part of being here is when people say that all the want is to live in peace, look after the families and live good lives (the same as all people everywhere). The hard part is not having an explanantion of why it can't be like that when it obviously should be. Or when people say they have to get a permit to go swimming. Swimming! A permit which can be refused for a reason that you will never know- most likely there is no reason.

Though the concert last night might make this place look like any other city the difference is this one is surrounded. There is no way out other than through the checkpoints. It is in effect a giant prison. You are allowed out if the soldier at the checkpoint feels like letting you through or conversely you are stuck if he/she feels like excercising a bit of power. For me of course this isn;t the case. My British passport being like a 'get out of jail free card' that allows me to waltz through unimpeeded. I love being in Nablus and can appreciate the difficulties that the people face but I can never conprehend fully what it is like to be Palestinian, know one can.

Anyway... off to teach my girls group in New Askhar camp who will most certainly put a smile on my face. I will try to take some pictures when I am there of the camp and the centre I teach in.