Chapter 2 Amanda stood on the balcony and listened for a while Something about the mysterious sound was peaceful and soothing She returned to her bed fell back to sleep right away and dreamt she was riding a camel in the desert traveling toward the white mosque with the fascinating sound She rode for a long time but the mosque never seemed to get any closer The next morning at breakfast her aunt asked Did you sleep well dear Yes thank you said Amanda I hope the first call to prayer didn't wake you said her uncle A strange sound woke me at 4 30 said Amanda So that's what it was The local citizens are devout Muslims and they are called to prayer five times a day starting around four thirty in the morning explained her uncle I think that is so cool But why do they have to be reminded to pray asked the always inquisitive Amanda That is part of their religion part of their culture said her aunt Well it is a good idea I guess Amanda thought about what she could do to join in and be part of the
culture while she was there Every time I hear the call to prayer while'm here I could wish something good for someone That's very sweet of you dear said Aunt Ella as she placed a bowl of cereal and dried dates in front of Amanda There are a lot of people who could benefit from your good wishes 99 Amanda poured milk over her cereal her mind already making up a list of wishes she could make for other people On the drive from the airport she had seen an old woman squatting near the door of a small village store her hand raised to beg for coins She would be the first person Amanda would make a wish for Her friend's little brother was quite sick she would make a wish for him too Would you like to explore the town a little today asked her aunt who was spooning a runny yogurt over her cereal After she finished with the yogurt she added a large handful of dates We could check out some of the shops that sell local artifacts Sure I want to buy a post card for my best friend Donna She will freak out when I tell her about this place Oh and one for Mom and Dad too Are there any kids my age around here The words flew out of her mouth Amanda was getting more and more excited with each passing minute Would there be enough hours in the day to do everything she wanted to do and see everything she wanted to see Yes there is an English girl named Leah Ander son She lives on the ninth floor on the opposite side
of the building Her mother and I teach at the same school She has been waiting for your visit I think she’s lonely said Aunt Ella Should we ask her to come along We could finish the day with a stop at the beach club That would be awesome I'll have a shower and get ready right away Amanda tried not to wolf down her breakfast but she wanted to get going A half day of her vacation was already gone kk k Leah turned out to be Amanda's exact opposite in looks She was tall and thin with long blonde hair She had eyes the colour of the Persian Gulf fair skin and rosy cheeks She was what Amanda always wished she looked like Instead she was short for her age with straight short brown hair cut in a bob She wasn't really plump but she wished she could lose her baby fat as her mom called it Amanda had hazel eyes and tanned easily She also wore glasses which she hated Hello you must be Amanda I m Leah How very lovely to meet you said the blonde girl her accent crisp and British Amanda thought she sounded like Hermione in the Harry Potter movies and liked her immediately Hi there it's great to meet you too I'm glad you can come shopping with us Do you have your stuff for the beach Yes said Leah as she held up a backpack Thank
