Happy Halloween!

Last night Sohail and I went to a great Halloween party at his cousin's place with lots of dancing - black lights, dj, and fog maker included. There was a costume contest (that I lost by a landslide but if anyone can guess my costume you'll impress me infinitely!).

Today was probably the best day of the semester. We had croissants for breakfast at the market and then walked around the city for hours in the best weather fall has to offer. It was very relaxing and much needed as exams are rapidly approaching.

Ali G! This was my favorite costume.

Sohail's parents, sister Sarah and cousin Daniel. The cake is for Sarah's birthday.

Our hosts Sohail's cousins - a tattooed man and a clown.

My handsome boyfriend - South Carolina style!

Congressional Gold Medal

the Dali Lama's speech

Today I took advantage of the nice weather and the fact that I have a lull in my work load to go see the Dali Lama be granted the Congressional Gold Medal (the highest award available for civilians in the US). It's hard to see from my pictures but the place was packed with people. I got there just as the Dali Lama was getting his award from President Bush and then watched him speak (about human rights, China, and Tibet mostly). There there were lots of dance and song performances by people who are apparently very famous among Tibetan communities in Tibet, India and Pakistan as people went wild when they performed. Then the Dali Lama came out and spoke to the populous (ie - me and a million other people). Needless to say, it was a great change from my routine.

dupont market

One of my little pleasures in life is going to the farmers' market that's right by my house on Sunday mornings. I usually go alone, check out all the great food, do some good people watching (for ex. I found out today that DC WIC has special checks for farmers markets!), and get my fruits and vegetables for the week. I always end up bringing home something I've never eaten before (or at least in a long time). Today it's orange tomatoes. There's just on thing I haven not been able to do yet.... get the the market before the croissants sell out! That's my goal for next weekend.


Here are some photos (not taken by me):

The Market

Eggplant! Last weekend I made Kashk-e-Bademjoon (like baba ganoush)

I love these flowers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

Me, Lauren, and Florence (some my two friends better as FloLo from my 1st year study group).

Nicole, Chris (I think), Florence, and Jason
Nicole, Flo, Jason and I were all in the same 1st year class and Jason went to Clemson (but we forgive him).

Wow! So many birthdays in October (7 in the next two weeks!) but today was the kick off with Shirin, Anahita and Lauren. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the three of you! These are some pictures of Lauren's party at Karma, a bar very near the law school that's mostly frequented by World Bankers and law students. Lauren had such a beautiful spread of middle eastern food and drinks and lots of great people. It was a blast and very refreshing to socialize a bit in the middle of the week.

Sarah and Tim in DC

Sarah and me at Lucky Bar

Tim

Sarah after dinner on Saturday night

This weekend was fantastic because I got to see not one but two good friends who happened to be in DC. Tim (a friend I met in Argentina) came from Mexico for a wedding and Sarah was here from USC for a public interest job fair that I also attended. It was really nice catching up with both of them even if the job fair wasn't as fruitful as Sarah and I had hoped and even if we're now behind on our work. Thanks to both of you for coming!