Aaron-CI

Last friday I went to the Jama'a on Old Bainbridge Rd. I was picked up by my partner and friend Abdullah. I really didn't want to use this as my cultural immersion, because I wanted to do something that would make me uncomfortable and was different. I haven't been to a Friday prayer yet, but have been meaning to. I had planned to go to mosque here in Sarasota by myself, but unfortunatly it  closed. I felt like I was cheating going with Abdullah and I had no access to a camera in tallahassee and my phone does not have one( at least an acceptable camera). We arrived for friday prayer at about 1:30. The prayer started at 1:45. The first thing I noticed was I didn't see many(if any) women. I didn't bring this up to Abdullah, because I didn't want to sound stupid. Upon entering we took our shoes off  and went inside.  I was wearing a blue button down long sleeve shirt and khaki pants. I felt like I stood out with my extreme whiteness and long hair, and because most were wearing white. When the prayer started I became very excited. In my Arabic class the previous  semester my professor chanted a few verses from the Qu'ran and I though it was beautiful. I can really listen to Arabic all day! Although this mans voice was not as good, I still really enjoyed it! I was listening for words I could make out, but it was difficult to understand. After it was over I was introduced to some of Abdullah's friends. I met a man who was also studying Arabic and planned to go to eith egypt or possibly Saudi Arabia to study Sharia. He was a Tallahassee native, which surprised me. When he was talking to Abdullah his Arabic sounded like a native to me, although I'm not the best judge of accents. On the drive home I told Abdullah I would take him to temple with me when I get the chance and he seemed excited. Over all I wish I could have gone somewhere a little different or at least by myself, although I thought it was so nice of Abdullah to invite me.