False preconceptions?

On Tuesday boss told me to prepare in soul that I will have to give a computer class to four Iraqi people visiting the Uni for 3 months. Three men and a woman. He already talked to them and gave an introductory session the day before and he said they seemed to be quite "cold" especially the men, so he told me to take everything easy during the class. I asked what he meant and he said probably the men would not take me seriously, maybe even ignore me as it is kind of awkward for them to be taught by a woman who in fact could be their daughter.

I have seen people from many nations since I've been working here and I always managed every situation and found the common tone with everyone - those heaps of chocolates and fruit I got from them could prove it as well.

So I said "okay, another challenge". Yesterday I met them and after the introduction we jumped right into the topic. At first they were very calm but after a few minutes the ice started melting and by the end of the class the general mood was very happy and easy. By the end we all were having a great fun while going through the syllabus. Also, they got so enthusiastic, asking all sorts of computer related questions that the class originally planned to last for an hour finished after one and a half. For the time being I was asked to take the lady nuder my wings, as probably she would not initiate building closer cooperation (even if it is about research or work) with my male colleagues. I am happy to do that, hopefully this will give me an opportunity to learn a bit about her culture as well.

So, see how preconceptions work. Almost like castles in the air. Of course I am not 100% naive, and I am prepared for "anything", especially at this American University open for people from the MIddle-East, too. But I believe that a normal everyday communication can be developed between anyone who show respect towards others' cultural values and taboos. We are all human afterall, with more or less the same fears and desires. We have so much in common.

After work I jumped in the Post Office and sent some Easter Cards to my remote family and to a few close but even more remote friends. Then I was off to go out with my friend, Hajni - this time the target place was a Belgian Beer House. She has never been there before, and the fact that my Belgian friends managed to debauch me regarding beer consumption, made it a straight choice to go there :)

She had Chimay, I myself prefer Duvel or Kriek. This time Duvel won, so both of us got quite tipsy after a half an hour chit-chatting about men. After getting somewhat sober again we left, I took the train and got home. Quick hot bath and collapsing into my bed....