Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	WE'VE GOT IT!!!	It is so wonderful to see CSC moving!!! Congratulations!!!! Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2006-02-09 14:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Cosponsor question	From what I have read, it has to be a US citizen. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2006-02-10 19:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	am i dreaming??	Congrats to all who received NOA2 on August 12, 2011. Hanilyn and I were among the masses that were approved this date. Another important milestone completed in our journey.	Dwight - Hanilyn	Male	Philippines	2011-08-13 11:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	pre-nup?	Personally, I think that a pre-nup is a pre-planned failure of a marriage. Since I don't believe in divorce, I can't see doing the pre-nup. I do have a lot to loose, but if I felt that there was even a chance, I would rather not go through with the marriage in the first place. If you are looking for a business relationship, then form a partnership and become legal partners. If you are marrying someone because you love them and trust them, then love and trust them. However, this is only my opinion. Not sure if you were asking for opinions or just legal advice. It seems you are looking for both.	Dwight - Hanilyn	Male	Philippines	2011-09-12 22:30:00
Middle East and North Africa	Haiti and Mena members	Special Representative Hedi Annabi, one of the UN officials killed in the quake, is from Tunisia. Meriem Top 2 U.N. officials in Haiti died in quake A member of the Fairfax Country Urban Search & Rescue Team and her K-9 partner search the U.N. building Thursday. Special Representative Hedi Annabi, deputy Luiz Carlos da Costa among dead Acting U.N. Police Commissioner in Haiti Doug Coates also died Headquarters of the U.N. mission in Haiti collapsed during the quake (CNN) -- The top two civilian officials at the U.N. mission in Haiti were killed in Tuesday's earthquake, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon confirmed Saturday. Special Representative Hedi Annabi and his deputy, Luiz Carlos da Costa, have died, Ban said in a written statement. Acting U.N. Police Commissioner in Haiti Doug Coates also died, he said. The headquarters of the U.N. mission in Haiti, a peacekeeping and police force established after the 2004 ouster of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, collapsed during the quake. Annabi and da Costa had been believed to be trapped under the rubble. "In every sense of the word, they gave their lives for peace," Ban Link Edited by Meriem_DZ, 16 January 2010 - 10:31 PM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-01-16 22:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Just wondering....	Hachemi and I have been married for a very happy 3 years and 4 months. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-12-31 22:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	Visa denied in Algeria	I am so sorry that you are having to go through all of this. I know you are heartbroken. Just keep your chin up and fight for your husband! I hope and pray you can get this turned around soon. Take care, Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-12-16 21:25:00
Middle East and North Africa	Algerian victory	QUOTE (Nawal @ Nov 21 2009, 02:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Meriem_DZ @ Nov 20 2009, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (oldahmed @ Nov 21 2009, 12:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Since the thread is about the Algerian victory, a French channel video about the victory and celebrations:	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-11-21 02:06:00
Middle East and North Africa	Algerian victory	QUOTE (oldahmed @ Nov 21 2009, 12:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Since the thread is about the Algerian victory, a French channel video about the victory and celebrations:	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-11-21 00:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Algerian victory	I thought this CNN video was interesting.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-11-20 21:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	Algerian victory	1-2-3 Viva L'Algerie!!!! Congrats Henia! Inshaallah, the baby will be here soon. Take care, Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-11-19 00:31:00
Middle East and North Africa	Egypt crush Algeria 4-0	and you know who are those? sure you know then coz they are your sisters and mothers and daughter! so please stop talking about relugion! http://www.youtube.c...feature=related http://www.youtube.c...feature=related I will ask that you do not talk bad about the Egyptian people. Not all have the attitude of this one original poster. He has been asked to stop talking bad about the Algerian people and he has complied. Do not try to start anything with him now. Please someone close this thread! I think the op had requested it at some point. Thanks, Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-02-04 22:19:00
Middle East and North Africa	Egypt crush Algeria 4-0	No you sound like Algerian people LOL . I guess Hummous and Fuul is so much better than drink and drugs LOL . About AP i agree with you .sometimes the consulates know what they doing . BUT always they allowed young men to be with very old women without any problems !!! I just couldnt stay away. The curiosity got the best of me. My dear sweet husband will be 37 yrs old next week. Happy Birthday Honey! You act like I married a twenty year old. I dont understand why you have this attitude. It certainly is not the same with the Egyptian friends we have. It could be your age or your upbringing. I just cant figure out why futball is more important to you than people feelings. You opinion of me does not have any effect on me. You are insignificant to me and my life and happiness with my sweet husband. All I know is he loves and adores me and is happy with me and the life we have made together in the US. That is all that matters. I am not mad at you Hot Guy. I actually feel sorry for you. I never wish anyone a delay on their visa. I could never do that. I am to empathetic to peoples feelings to say that. That is why I would never put down your country, because there is so many sweet ladies on here with husbands and fiance's from Egypt. I would be so afraid I would cause hard feelings. You on the other hand, did not think about all of us that have fiance's and husbands from Algeria. You just ran Algeria in the ground without even considering us. That is the difference between someone immature like you and a mature level headed person like me. You don't care who you hurt with your actions or your words. Meriem Edited by Meriem_DZ, 31 January 2010 - 03:41 PM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-01-31 15:40:00
Middle East and North Africa	Egypt crush Algeria 4-0	Calling someone Grandma in a non respectful way and insulting the Algerian people as a whole over a lame #### football game qualifies you as a twit. I am so sorry GO GHANA72Om_RKPU8s&feature=related You dont see any people from Ghana pummeling other teams buses with rocks and bloodying them and they dont spend hours upon hours bashing their opponents.. You may win the game but you have lost the respect of the entire Magreb from Morocco to Algeria with your anti magrebian statements and bashing of North Africa. Egypt has lost 4 countries to sell their wares in and most of the magreb wants nothing to do with them anymore. Way to win a game Hot Guy.. Egypt needs friend in North Africa and from the looks of things, they have lost a hell of alot more than they won since November including the respect of a country who used to adore them Algeria used to host the largest film festival outside of Egypt in the arab world. It was the Oran film festival . Think about all the things Egypt lost because the media whipped illiterates into a frenzy// Every year Algeria spents thousands to bring the biggest stars from Egypt to Algeria...What a crying shame that a stupid football game ruined everything I have him ignored. Who is he trying to insult by calling them Grandma? I for one am proud to be Grandma. Let me show you some pictures of my grandkids. This is a picture taken just a few weeks after Hachemi got to the US. His interview went so well that he was not asked one question of him. They just told him he was approved and had visa in hand 2 weeks after the interview. This is a photo 3 1/2 yrs later. We have been very happy together. He is a wonderful husband, that cares for everyone, even the Egyptian people. He has several Egyptian friends at the Masjid. He would never say anything bad to anyone. Especially not about a stupid futball game. And he would never try to insult someone elses wife. My husband adores my Grandchildren and they do him. He even tells people that their his grandkids. So if you think it is insulting to call me grandma, it's NOT. Edited by Meriem_DZ, 31 January 2010 - 12:27 PM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-01-31 12:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	Egypt crush Algeria 4-0	Good for him Mrs Meriem ''DS'' and BTW my screen name is Hot Guy i guess you was talking to your husband so you said Hot Boy . Lets hope that your Algerian husband will not attack you with a knife as they used to do to people . I respect my fiancee so much more than your Algerian boy can respect you . Reported Ignored I'm out of here! Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-01-30 19:05:00
Middle East and North Africa	Egypt crush Algeria 4-0	We are friends with well educated, mature, affluent Egyptians here in the US and in Egypt. We have discussed the problems Egypt and Algerians had during these matches. They agreed with us that the Egyptian media whipped the younger people that didnt know any better into a frenzy causing all this chaos. I dont care about the game or the results. What I care about is you on this board causing trouble in the Mena thread for the Algerian and Egyptian SO's. There are people here with Algerian husbands and fiances and people here with Egyptian husbands and fiances. We are here to help each other with immigration problems and friendship. Not football rivalry. You think your "Hot Person" I would appreciate it if you would take this rivalry "we are better than you #######" to a message board that deals primarily with football matches, not on a board specifically meant for visa journeys. Thank you, Meriem I've had my say, I'm done, lock away Charles! Edited by Meriem_DZ, 30 January 2010 - 04:27 PM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-01-30 16:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Egypt crush Algeria 4-0	While this is just BS, if this attitude is what the Arab world represents, who would want to be part of it? Hot Guy, you really do need to understand what dignity, in both victory and defeat, means. And for whom and to whom you speak. You also have to understand that all of this ####### your media has fed you and you repeat with such certainty is seen as ridiculous to the rest of the world. That said, a congrats to Egypt on a game well played and good luck tomorrow. Thank you, well said jpaula. Oh by the way, "Hot Boy", my Algerian husband can speak Arabic, plus several other languages. You know what? way before you started your Algeria/Egypt soccer #######, No other Mena husbands and fiance's come on VJ talking ####### about any other SO's country. We are all here for help and friendship no matter the country. For you to come on here with the Egypt is better than Algeria ####### is just causing a lot of bad feelings. I wish you would stop. A little bit of heckling for fun is ok, but you are taking it way over the top. I would be so mad and embarrased if my husband did and said what you are saying to hurt feelings here on VJ. Peace Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-01-30 13:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Vote for me MENA!	Done!	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-03-18 21:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	New Magrehbi	Congratulations on the birth of your son. I am so sorry he is ill and my heart goes out to you. I know that you are so worried right now. You, your family, and baby Ayman are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he continues to improve and can be removed from the ventilator soon. As soon as he is and you are able to hold him, I look forward to seeing a picture of your new baby boy. Meriem(F)	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-04-04 10:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	Visa In Hand!!	Congratulations!!! Meriem Edited by Meriem_DZ, 11 May 2010 - 09:33 AM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-11 09:31:00
Middle East and North Africa	have to complain	Personally, I think the OP is in the wrong for sticking her nose in other people's business. Nobody likes a busybody. I dont think she is trying to be a busybody, or stick her nose in anything. She seems to me to be a caring and empathetic person that is trying to help educate the teacher, (even thought it fell on deaf ears) the importance and the reasoning for the Dad requiring the child to wear hijab. The man wants his child to wear hijab, period. The child needs to wear hijab. The teacher should not have to enforce the dad's wishes nor should she encourage the child not to wear it. The child knows the consequences of not wearing it. I am sure the OP was also thinking about the child. I would worry that the child would be punished if caught not wearing the hijab. I know I would have been concerned just like the op. It's a good thing we have caring people in the world like the OP. Meriem Edited by Meriem_DZ, 04 May 2010 - 09:38 AM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-04 09:35:00
Middle East and North Africa	Sunday	Hey everyone. I am so proud of my hubby. He graduated from Community College with a degree in Computer Networking. This is second degree. The other one was Computer Science from Algeria. He worked so hard. He is a member of PTK and graduated with Special Honors. I added a picture in the gallery of us at graduation. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-16 14:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	Moroccan Cuisine- documentary	Nice Documentary I found on youtube about Moroccan Cuisine. Enjoy! Meriem [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx7uY8NbHLY"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=cx7uY8NbHLY[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6puBD7LZ_4k&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.c...feature=related[/url]	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-10 14:10:00
Middle East and North Africa	Arab American wins Miss USA 2010	Agreed. The question I have is, is this a role model/publicity that most Arabs would be proud of or want? Especially considering the newest developments ie pole dancing. What I understand about the pole dancing pictures is that it was a class to learn how to pole dance. It was held in a closed strip club during the daytime. They said that there were ladies taking the class that were lawyers, doctors, and even a judge. There are a few pictures of her pole dancing but she is fully clothed. More so than the sexy pictures that the Miss USA released of the contestants. Meriem(F)	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-18 19:43:00
Middle East and North Africa	Arab American wins Miss USA 2010	Arab-American from Michigan crowned 2010 Miss USA By OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writer Oskar Garcia, Associated Press Writer 23 mins ago LAS VEGAS – A 24-year-old Arab American from Michigan beat out 50 other women to take the 2010 Miss USA title Sunday night, despite nearly stumbling in her evening gown. Rima Fakih of Dearborn, Mich., won the pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip after strutting confidently in an orange and gold bikini, wearing a strapless white gown that resembled a wedding dress and saying health insurance should cover birth control pills. When asked how she felt about winning the crown, she said, "Ask me after I've had a pizza." Fakih, a Lebanese immigrant, told pageant organizers her family celebrates both Muslim and Christian faiths. She moved to the United States as a baby and was raised in New York, where she attended a Catholic school. Her family moved to Michigan in 2003. Pageant officials said historical pageant records were not detailed enough to show whether Fakih was the first Arab American, Muslim or immigrant to win the Miss USA title. The pageant started in 1952 as a local bathing suit competition in Long Beach, Calif. Fakih told reporters she sold her car after graduating college in Michigan to help pay for her run in the Miss Michigan USA pageant. She said she believed she had the title on Sunday after glancing at pageant owner Donald Trump as she awaited the results with the first runner-up, Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard. "That's the same look that he gives them when he says, 'You're hired,'" on Trump's reality show "The Apprentice," she said. "She's a great girl," said Trump, who owns the pageant with NBC in a joint venture. In a moment that was replayed during the broadcast, Fakih nearly fell while finishing her walk in her gown because of the length of its train. But she made it without a spill and went on to win. "I did it here, I better not do it at Miss Universe," she said. "Modeling does help, after all." Fakih replaces Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton and won a spot representing the United States this summer in the 2010 Miss Universe pageant. She also gets a one-year lease in a New York apartment with living expenses, an undisclosed salary, and various health, professional and beauty services. During the interview portion, Fakih was asked whether she thought birth control should be paid for by health insurance, and she said she believed it should because it's costly. "I believe that birth control is just like every other medication even though it's a controlled substance," Fakih said. Woolard handled the night's toughest question, about Arizona's new immigration law. Woolard said she supports the law, which requires police enforcing another law to verify a person's immigration status if there's "reasonable suspicion" that the person is in the country illegally. She said she's against illegal immigration but is also against racial profiling. "I'm a huge believer in states' rights. I think that's what's so wonderful about America," Woolard said. "So I think it's perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law." "The Office" actor Oscar Nunez was booed as he asked the question and asked the audience to wait until he finished the question before they reacted. The panel of judges came up with the questions themselves. Miss Virginia USA Samantha Evelyn Casey was the second runner-up, Miss Colorado USA Jessica Hartman was third runner-up, and Miss Maine USA Katherine Ashley Whittier was the fourth runner-up. Most of the field of contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were eliminated just after the pageant began and the entire group danced onstage to "TiK ToK" by Ke$ha. A panel of eight judges, including NBA star Carmelo Anthony, Treasure Island casino-hotel owner Phil Ruffin and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, were judging the girls throughout the night. After 15 contestants strutted in swimsuits, five were eliminated. Another five were eliminated after the evening gown competition. Miss Nebraska USA Belinda Renee Wright won the Miss Congeniality award, roughly one week after her father was killed in a farm accident. Miss Alabama USA Audrey Moore won Miss Photogenic after an online fan vote. The pageant aired live to East Coast viewers on NBC. The competition, which is not affiliated with the Miss America pageant, was hosted by celebrity chef Curtis Stone and NBC correspondent Natalie Morales. link to story Link to photos	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-16 22:25:00
Middle East and North Africa	Hello from the USA!	Congratulations!!! So glad you made it to the USA safe and sound. I hope you two have a wonderful life together. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-18 11:50:00
Middle East and North Africa	Algeria- you can't choose your baby's name?	I hear ya on that one. The worst I've heard lately is Clamidia (pronounced exactly like chlamydia) Whyyyyyyyy????????? OMG, I know that women had no clue what chlamydia was. LOL. When I worked in the ER, you would'nt believe the names we saw. One I remember sounded out "Padge-a-ma" but it was spelled Pajama. One had named her baby "Shithed" pronounced shith-ed. Meriem(F)	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-21 22:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	If you had known then what you know now??	QUOTE (Hanging in there @ Sep 18 2009, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Angel7422 @ Sep 16 2009, 11:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If i knew then what i know now I would not have married my now husband I would not have either. I did not thoroughly think through the immense responsibility of bringing someone here. I did not think through what life would be like if they did not work and contribute and I did not know enough about his homelife and family dynamics ( alot of abuse both verbal and physical were very commonplace in his family) and the fact that the men in his family tantrum and terrorise and the women cow tow to it, even condone it. Absolutely without any shadow of a doubt that it was the worst mistake of my entire life and it nearly destroyed me. I do not recommend marrying someone from there that you meet on the internet and bringing them here unless you have an extremely stable source of income that can support both of you and frankly , this will offend, I dont recommend anyone with children in the home marrying someone from mena and bringing them here. If the kids are grown, as you like, but very few of the marriages I have seen have ended up long term (and I am looking back over the last 9 years of knowing cross cultural marriages) and I dont think anyone with kids should put them in a marriage that most likely wont last. If you dont have kids, its no big deal because you can have your own or just have none. But dragging little kids through someones boat adventures or quest for citizenship and then their leaving traumatises the kids in my opinion is a bad move. It may not be other peoples opinions but I think these marriages are alot harder than we ever could have imagined. I am not saying there are not intense moments of joy and happiness but they are not easy undertakings and not cheap either and whether you like it or not, you end up spending alot of money either way because it takes longer and phone and bla bla are more expensive than lets say , Europe and then if you get left, you are 10000 in debt for someone else to use you as a stepping stone.. No I would not do it again nor would or could I recommend anyone bringing someone that they met on the internet over here unless they were financially pretty ok and had no kids involved.. My husband and I have become friends with many Mena/USC couples from all over the States. There are 3 Mena couples that live right here in our area. Not one of the Mena husbands that we know are anything like your husband. You just picked a bad apple out of the bunch. Please dont lump my husband and the husbands of my friends into your little generalization about mena (especially Algerian) men, just because yours ruined your life. My husband has worked since he got his GC and goes to school full time with a 4.0gpa. He still finds time to make me feel special and loved and on payday he comes in and gives me 3/4 of his paycheck to help pay our bills. He keeps just enough money for gas to get to work and school, and a little spending money for himself. He does not have to send money home, because his family doesnt need it. Everything is fine in our little world, so quit trying to rain on everyones parade. Just pick yourself up, move on, and dont feel like you have to make it your life's goal to "warn" everyone of the impending demise of their marriages. Peace! Meriem Edited by Meriem_DZ, 22 September 2009 - 04:55 PM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-09-22 16:53:00
Middle East and North Africa	If you had known then what you know now??	QUOTE (Virtual wife @ Feb 12 2009, 09:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Meriem_setif @ Feb 12 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Virtual wife @ Feb 11 2009, 08:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I almost hate to post this, but my husband's been here since May 2008, he hasn't had any serious problems adjusting, nor been really homesick. He's done almost everything on his own - from getting his Social Security Card and state ID to finding a job and punctually navigating on public transportation, improving his English - with minimal assistance. He thinks we work too hard and take friendships too much for granted, wishes he had Moroccan buds to hang out at the coffee shop with, even puts up with my evil and cruel older sister with dignity and grace; he just moves from day to day with few complaints. He's got housework, laundry, and grocery shopping down pat, doesn't drive and doesn't care much about that, has his own bank accounts and manages money well. My friends and family all love him, and he loves them. Other than being cranky without enough sleep and a cup of coffee in the morning, his sweet, thoughtful, easy-going, laid-back, accomodating, go with the flow attitude has made him a breeze to live with. But, we don't have the language, cultural and religious gulfs to close, and that probably has a lot to do with our happiness and lack of drama. We're a great match! I'm truly blessed. Sorry VW, I feel the same way you do. Your husband and mine seem to have a lot of the same qualities. Hachemi was very pro active with improving his English before he came. His English was much improved when he got here, and I think that helped a lot, except for understanding our southern slang. He comes home often asking what slang that he heard means. Then starts using the words sometimes for fun. He continued to study the English language even after he got here, on his own. He bought books, downloaded English programs. He made an effort to talk with people. He is not shy at all. He says talking to people helps him learn even if he makes mistakes. He was never homesick, although he misses his mother. We have only sent money to his family once, because we wanted them to get Internet. His family is ok financially and he has brothers that are doctors and help out the family a lot. One of the brothers bought a computer for the family. So last weekend Hachemi was online with the family for the first time for 2 hours. Our biggest arguments was when I was trying to teach him to drive. He scared me so bad sometimes I thought I was going to die, lol. Now he is an great driver and has his own truck. Sometimes he is a little quick tempered, but gets over it very fast and is the first one to hug and kiss and say"I'm sorry". He is super affectionate and I am told many times a day that I am loved. He is very mature for his age (35). He was hired the first interview he had for a full time position. He stopped working to go to school full time. He has a 4.0 GPA after 3 semesters. He got his 2nd job, all on his own. It is just a part time job, but works well around his classes. He is a hard worker and very trustworthy. He has never missed a day of work and when he gets his little paycheck he gives me 3/4ths of it to pay bills for the house. I tell him to keep it and he says no, to put it in the bank. I am terrible with money and he the one that saves. I am getting better with his help. I too feel very blessed and I would definitely do it again. To think I almost did not answer his first email from the language exchange site. What a wonderful man I would have let slip through my fingers. It scares me to even think about it. lol Meriem I'm happy for you, too! It's a lot like heaven, isn't it, hon? It sure is, Sister!!! Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-02-12 21:46:00
Middle East and North Africa	If you had known then what you know now??	QUOTE (Pattu Rani @ Feb 12 2009, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Meriem_setif @ Feb 12 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Virtual wife @ Feb 11 2009, 08:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I almost hate to post this, but my husband's been here since May 2008, he hasn't had any serious problems adjusting, nor been really homesick. He's done almost everything on his own - from getting his Social Security Card and state ID to finding a job and punctually navigating on public transportation, improving his English - with minimal assistance. He thinks we work too hard and take friendships too much for granted, wishes he had Moroccan buds to hang out at the coffee shop with, even puts up with my evil and cruel older sister with dignity and grace; he just moves from day to day with few complaints. He's got housework, laundry, and grocery shopping down pat, doesn't drive and doesn't care much about that, has his own bank accounts and manages money well. My friends and family all love him, and he loves them. Other than being cranky without enough sleep and a cup of coffee in the morning, his sweet, thoughtful, easy-going, laid-back, accomodating, go with the flow attitude has made him a breeze to live with. But, we don't have the language, cultural and religious gulfs to close, and that probably has a lot to do with our happiness and lack of drama. We're a great match! I'm truly blessed. Sorry VW, I feel the same way you do. Your husband and mine seem to have a lot of the same qualities. Hachemi was very pro active with improving his English before he came. His English was much improved when he got here, and I think that helped a lot, except for understanding our southern slang. He comes home often asking what slang that he heard means. Then starts using the words sometimes for fun. He continued to study the English language even after he got here, on his own. He bought books, downloaded English programs. He made an effort to talk with people. He is not shy at all. He says talking to people helps him learn even if he makes mistakes. He was never homesick, although he misses his mother. We have only sent money to his family once, because we wanted them to get Internet. His family is ok financially and he has brothers that are doctors and help out the family a lot. One of the brothers bought a computer for the family. So last weekend Hachemi was online with the family for the first time for 2 hours. Our biggest arguments was when I was trying to teach him to drive. He scared me so bad sometimes I thought I was going to die, lol. Now he is an great driver and has his own truck. Sometimes he is a little quick tempered, but gets over it very fast and is the first one to hug and kiss and say"I'm sorry". He is super affectionate and I am told many times a day that I am loved. He is very mature for his age (35). He was hired the first interview he had for a full time position. He stopped working to go to school full time. He has a 4.0 GPA after 3 semesters. He got his 2nd job, all on his own. It is just a part time job, but works well around his classes. He is a hard worker and very trustworthy. He has never missed a day of work and when he gets his little paycheck he gives me 3/4ths of it to pay bills for the house. I tell him to keep it and he says no, to put it in the bank. I am terrible with money and he the one that saves. I am getting better with his help. I too feel very blessed and I would definitely do it again. To think I almost did not answer his first email from the language exchange site. What a wonderful man I would have let slip through my fingers. It scares me to even think about it. lol Meriem Is the site Phrasebase.com?? I like it but their Nepali board is kinda dead - too few participants. I'm not real sure Pattu Rani I know it was free, and they actually had a class and the students could ask questions, and pratice saying things where everyone could hear. If you wanted to say something you clicked on a little hand, like you were holding up your hand and the instructer would acknoledge you. I will ask him when he gets home. He is in class right now. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-02-12 15:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	If you had known then what you know now??	QUOTE (Virtual wife @ Feb 11 2009, 08:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I almost hate to post this, but my husband's been here since May 2008, he hasn't had any serious problems adjusting, nor been really homesick. He's done almost everything on his own - from getting his Social Security Card and state ID to finding a job and punctually navigating on public transportation, improving his English - with minimal assistance. He thinks we work too hard and take friendships too much for granted, wishes he had Moroccan buds to hang out at the coffee shop with, even puts up with my evil and cruel older sister with dignity and grace; he just moves from day to day with few complaints. He's got housework, laundry, and grocery shopping down pat, doesn't drive and doesn't care much about that, has his own bank accounts and manages money well. My friends and family all love him, and he loves them. Other than being cranky without enough sleep and a cup of coffee in the morning, his sweet, thoughtful, easy-going, laid-back, accomodating, go with the flow attitude has made him a breeze to live with. But, we don't have the language, cultural and religious gulfs to close, and that probably has a lot to do with our happiness and lack of drama. We're a great match! I'm truly blessed. Sorry VW, I feel the same way you do. Your husband and mine seem to have a lot of the same qualities. Hachemi was very pro active with improving his English before he came. His English was much improved when he got here, and I think that helped a lot, except for understanding our southern slang. He comes home often asking what slang that he heard means. Then starts using the words sometimes for fun. He continued to study the English language even after he got here, on his own. He bought books, downloaded English programs. He made an effort to talk with people. He is not shy at all. He says talking to people helps him learn even if he makes mistakes. He was never homesick, although he misses his mother. We have only sent money to his family once, because we wanted them to get Internet. His family is ok financially and he has brothers that are doctors and help out the family a lot. One of the brothers bought a computer for the family. So last weekend Hachemi was online with the family for the first time for 2 hours. Our biggest arguments was when I was trying to teach him to drive. He scared me so bad sometimes I thought I was going to die, lol. Now he is an great driver and has his own truck. Sometimes he is a little quick tempered, but gets over it very fast and is the first one to hug and kiss and say"I'm sorry". He is super affectionate and I am told many times a day that I am loved. He is very mature for his age (35). He was hired the first interview he had for a full time position. He stopped working to go to school full time. He has a 4.0 GPA after 3 semesters. He got his 2nd job, all on his own. It is just a part time job, but works well around his classes. He is a hard worker and very trustworthy. He has never missed a day of work and when he gets his little paycheck he gives me 3/4ths of it to pay bills for the house. I tell him to keep it and he says no, to put it in the bank. I am terrible with money and he the one that saves. I am getting better with his help. I too feel very blessed and I would definitely do it again. To think I almost did not answer his first email from the language exchange site. What a wonderful man I would have let slip through my fingers. It scares me to even think about it. lol Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2009-02-12 13:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Favorite dish from SO's country	I love couscous. Here is a picture of my couscous. I cant cook it like my Mother in law does, but hubby claims its good. Here is another one of my favorite Algerian dishes. It's called Burek and I like to eat it with Chorba. Meriem Edited by Meriem_DZ, 18 May 2010 - 08:07 PM.	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-05-18 20:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	Moroccan Cuisine	Yeah this is definitely a classic. I learned how to make this one several years ago and it's definitely a keeper. I like it with manzanilla olives though, and a great variation is to add mushrooms too! check out cookingwithalia.com she is awesome and I just made her chebakia last weekend and it was just like my sister in laws I love cooking with Alia youtube videos. CookingwithAlia Here is another youtube channel with Moroccan recipe videos. sousoukitchen Meriem(F)	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-08-25 22:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	cheap flights to egypt	He is awesome thank you so much!!! He got some what of a quote for 1200 which is at least a hundred if not more less then what I was getting from the websites!!!! I hope you have a safe trip and inshaallah you will have a wonderful time there!!! Your are very welcome. I hope you have a great time in Egypt too! Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-09-13 13:41:00
Middle East and North Africa	cheap flights to egypt	Hi, My husband and I are going to Algeria to visit his family during the month of November. I searched tickets everywhere online and then called my travel agent and he beat them all. I paid 1129 for each ticket. I am not sure about the cost of tickets to Egypt since it is a hot tourist destination but it wouldnt hurt to call him. I have used him 3 times and have been very happy. He is from Algeria, so I am sure he's up on the best ways to get to North Africa. His name is Fawzi and he works for South Shore Travel. It's in California, but I am in Mississippi and he sends the tickets in the mail to me. If you would like to call the number is 510 865 5555. He will give you a quote, then you have 2 or 3 days to book the ticket at that price he quoted. Good luck! Meriem(F)	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-09-13 10:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	When they go back	Hachemi has been here 4 years. We just celebrated our 4th anniversary this past Sunday. We will be going to Algeria for the month of November, Inshaallah. He has been going to college the last 3 yrs so could not go until after he graduated, which was this past May. I asked him if he wanted to go by himself, and he said he would'nt go without me. I glad he feels that way, cause I am excited about going. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-09-14 22:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	You know your husband is ____ when...	That was cute, Rahma. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2006-07-15 22:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	Buh Bye USCIS	Congratulations Jackie and Ibrahim!!! Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2010-09-17 23:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	MENA nicknames	Hachemi uses "Honey, baby, Sweetie (pronounced Sweaty) Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2007-04-17 09:58:00
Middle East and North Africa	Bidets	Oh and then there is the "hole in the floor". I got to meet one of those in the Ramses train station. Mohammed laughed himself to tears. I shrugged and said it's no different then when you're out in the woods and have to go. Get over it. Pfft Ok...first ya tell me I have to squirt water on me, which I know will make me just go again.....now they don't have toilets? I'm not wicked old here but if I had to squat every time I think my knees would take a beating!! Here is a photo of a turkish toilet. Although Hachemi's home had a normal toilet, I had the opportunity to use a "hole in the floor toilet" 2 or 3 times while i was in Algeria. Not a fun experience. Meriem	Meriem_DZ	Female	Algeria	2006-08-16 12:13:00