First, I'll say that we are back in Oman! We had a very smooth trip here and were so blessed by two awesome traveling kiddos. We were worried about Emalyn since she is now 4 1/2 months and much more aware and awake, but she did great. Aberly was stellar as usual. Even the stewardesses were gushing about our wonderful travelers. The harder part has actually been the jetlag. The first few nights were rough, especially for Emalyn. We had some screaming nights, and nights that were like days. Naps with a few hours between. BUT we are on the upswing and almost back to normal.
So bowling.
Looking for a fun thing to do with our friends, Jeff and Amanda, Amanda suggested bowling since I had mentioned how much Aberly liked it. And since it's currently 90 degrees with 75% humidity, we didn't want to be outside.
As soon as we arrived, I knew we were the most serious bowlers there. And my average is around 110, so that should be an indicator.
My first clue was just hearing what was going on. You know when you go to a bowling alley and you hear that awful thud when someone accidentally drops a ball on the lane too hard? Well, that was pretty much what was happening on every lane, each time. I literally watched a kid heft his ball over his head and throw it down. Multiple times. I may not be a pro, but I respect the alley and it made me cringe. Cringe so much that said something to the desk attendant. He wasn't fazed and nonchalantly said it wasn't his job to do anything. His job was the desk. It wasn't until I said I would go say something that he made the floor attendant go talk to them.
Everyone's form was terrible; people got up for their turn and didn't take a second to prepare any type of stance. I don't think they even used the same ball each time (by the way, those balls had so many dings and nicks I can't believe they actually rolled smoothly).
After getting our lane and paying, we were asked if we WANTED bowling shoes. We didn't have to get them. Really? Apparently it's optional. But being a serious bowler, of course I wanted them. And I didn't cringe too much because since they are optional, they were barely used and in pretty nice shape. We were the oddities. Most people around us were in their normal shoes, sandals, and yes, there was a lady in sparkly heels. No joke. They flashed from under her abaya when she turned after a very awkward bowl. I guess when you have no approach, it doesn't matter what your shoes do.
Bowling etiquette was not followed. People edged into our lane. There was no courtesy waiting when the person next to you bowled. People walked part way on to the lane. It was a free for all.
I kept thinking that the poor people at Brunswick would be dying a little inside if they saw how their products were being used and treated. I mean, I was dying a little inside!
I realized near the end of our time that we were being watched. I mean, since we were the most serious bowlers there, our over 100 scores probably stood out. And the fact that Colin and I have an approach and small leg swing when we release the ball probably made us look like semi-pros.
And although Aberly was using a ramp, she was poised behind it and pushed smoothly and seriously. Actually, they were probably laughing at us being so serious.
One thing that did make me feel some comfort was that no matter what alley you are in, where ever it is in the world, it will look just like home.
So bowling.
Looking for a fun thing to do with our friends, Jeff and Amanda, Amanda suggested bowling since I had mentioned how much Aberly liked it. And since it's currently 90 degrees with 75% humidity, we didn't want to be outside.
My first clue was just hearing what was going on. You know when you go to a bowling alley and you hear that awful thud when someone accidentally drops a ball on the lane too hard? Well, that was pretty much what was happening on every lane, each time. I literally watched a kid heft his ball over his head and throw it down. Multiple times. I may not be a pro, but I respect the alley and it made me cringe. Cringe so much that said something to the desk attendant. He wasn't fazed and nonchalantly said it wasn't his job to do anything. His job was the desk. It wasn't until I said I would go say something that he made the floor attendant go talk to them.
Everyone's form was terrible; people got up for their turn and didn't take a second to prepare any type of stance. I don't think they even used the same ball each time (by the way, those balls had so many dings and nicks I can't believe they actually rolled smoothly).
After getting our lane and paying, we were asked if we WANTED bowling shoes. We didn't have to get them. Really? Apparently it's optional. But being a serious bowler, of course I wanted them. And I didn't cringe too much because since they are optional, they were barely used and in pretty nice shape. We were the oddities. Most people around us were in their normal shoes, sandals, and yes, there was a lady in sparkly heels. No joke. They flashed from under her abaya when she turned after a very awkward bowl. I guess when you have no approach, it doesn't matter what your shoes do.
Bowling etiquette was not followed. People edged into our lane. There was no courtesy waiting when the person next to you bowled. People walked part way on to the lane. It was a free for all.
I kept thinking that the poor people at Brunswick would be dying a little inside if they saw how their products were being used and treated. I mean, I was dying a little inside!
One thing that did make me feel some comfort was that no matter what alley you are in, where ever it is in the world, it will look just like home.
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