2010: Reflections from across the Middle East

HOUSE OF CURIOSITY begins “January was a tough month.”

That was the month she joined the labor force in Jordan… “I turned from a free bird into one out of millions who earn their living by delivering their work through the 9 to 5 job.”

To begin with she suffered ‘severe depression’, but soon things started to improve.

The job introduced the writer to unusual places, and she began to learn some unusual things – from the creativity and intelligence of young people, to a visit to Jabal Natheef, a “home of abuse; drug abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse… and it is the home of family values and innocent love, of brilliant young people, of so much untapped potential.”

As the year continued things improved quickly - house of curiosity found love and lots of new friends.

This blogger paints 2010 in epic and metaphysical terms:

“The view is awesome as I carry 2010 precariously close to the precipice. You've been my year, I softly whisper, staring at eternity whirling in her sleepy eyes. I kiss her softly and lay her to rest. Then I tiptoe forward to the very edge, raise my arms high above my head and, like a cocked bow releasing its feathered arrow, I jump off the cliff, soul first. I dive toward the blue sea. At long last I'm free.”

Not everyone is happy with the new year… 'REFLECTIONUPON' highlights the comments of a blogger called Maverick, based in the UK, who resents the social pressure ‘to have fun’, among ther things…

“Last year I was told my 2009 would have been great instead was crap...where should I go to get a refund?? Let’s drink more and more tonight is the night when you're not only allowed but encouraged to get drunk, even the Archbishop of Canterbury is saying so.

This annual weirdness is supplemented by the fact that it comes so soon after our crazy Christmas. In every other culture from the Iron Age onwards, festivals involved the community going outwards and celebrating communally, but we do the opposite and turn everything towards isolation, we shut absolutely everything and sit indoors getting stuffed of food and brainless TV”

For OH SERIOUSLY 2010 is all about the people – the new friends she met through social media or by blogging, and the individuals who made the year memorable… even her brothers!

“This is definitely the coolest thing the Kuwait times has ever done” blogs TWOFORTYEIGHTAM. The New Year’s issue of the paper included a free copy of the first ever issue, dating back to September 24th 1961. Although it was only four pages, twofortyeight still picks out some gems….

My world and mores’ thoughts turn to success, so she lists 21 ‘suggestions for success’ – the big one being, ‘marry the right person’!

The Chocoholic lists her 10 new year’s resolutions, including ‘potty training lulu’…

Finally, JAZARAH sticks to what’s really important about new year… fireworks in Dubai!