As much as I've enjoyed writing this blog, and I have enjoyed it (even if my brain was too small to allow me to figure out the picture-posting feature), it's probably time to shut it down. I could write so much more, because I have really grow attached to the Middle East - and wish that more Americans would visit it - but my time here is drawing to a close. I'm heading off to Florence to present at a conference. I'm staying at some odd little Bed and Breakfast in downtown Florence (although I'm not quite certain where it is). The woman who runs it told me to call her from the airport and she'll bicycle over to let me in (can't even begin to know what that means). So, visit the Middle East - it is not what you think it is. Ma'salaam.