Monday, 20 March 2017

Blogging from A-Z April Challenge : Theme Reveal!








This year, the A-Z Challenge is changing things – doing away with the sign-up list.   I like that! - the team keep innovating and improving the Challenge. My own take is that it’s better to initiate the change yourself, rather than have change thrust upon you. Much better crisis control! 


With that idea, I'm changing for my A-Z too - last  year-end I chalked up 20 years of living in the MENA region, though it didn’t feel like that. One minute we were newcomers and the next it was two decades, how did that happen?! Terrible at tracking time!


Anyways, this feels like an excellent moment to step away from poetry, which is what my A-Z’s have been about so far.  This time, something new and different. Yup, you heard that right.  Nope, no rhyming, no limericks.  Not even a cheep of free verse. Poetry, you're officially on notice for this A-Z!
So...I'm going to dig into my memories and experiences, come up with some regular paras and punctuation (always keeping a strict eye on the exclamation marks, of course!) And share with you the things I have seen and learnt as an outsider in my time here.


To sum up...my theme for the Challenge is.... 



 ~ Arabiana ~




All through April I'll be putting out a smorgasbord of Arab culture  - art, architecture, design, films, history, music and whatever else  fits the letter of the day! This will be a way to mark this personal milestone, and also thank my Arab friends and the Arablands.
Let me take you to places of formidable beauty and millennia-old histories! Of exquisite craftsmanship and amazing art and mind-boggling architecture, foot-tapping music and mesmerising dance and theatre.  Of philosophy and folklore and traditions and customs  at once captivating and complex, heartfelt and hospitable. Come with me on a Arabian adventure!


Posted for the A-Z Challenge 2017 Theme Reveal

Created by  Arlee Bird @ Tossing it Out



     and 

Co-hosted by

Alex J. Cavanaugh @ Alex J. Cavanaugh

Jeremy Hawkins @ Hollywood Nuts

Heather M. Gardner @ The Waiting is the Hardest Part
Zalka Csenge Virág @ The Multicolored Diary

John Holton @The Sound of One Hand Typing

J Lenni Dorner @ Blog of J. Lenni Dorner





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83 comments:

  1. Elephant's Child20 March 2017 at 02:38

    I am so looking forward to your take on the A-Z. Learning, and wonder. What's not to love?

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 02:52

      In twenty years I haven't got over the wonder, and the learning :) correction, make that my whole life...Thank you so much for the support, EC!

      Delete
  2. JazzFeathers20 March 2017 at 02:56

    Wow! Love the theme. Can't wait to read it :-)

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 03:12

      Thank you. I'm looking forward to the themes of the other A-Z participants too.

      Please leave your link here if you're participating? Tracking people down from Google profiles can be a little bit challenging... :)

      Delete
  3. Arlee Bird20 March 2017 at 03:39

    This is how we learn new things with A to Z. I like your adaptation to the change in the Challenge and your own changing up the approach that you'll be taking.

    Good theme! All the best for the upcoming A to Z April Challenge.

    My theme reveal will be appearing in several hours--midnight California time.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 04:38

      I have always loved the learning that happens during the A-Z, it is one of the key reasons that I come back to it.

      Change shakes things up, stops them from becoming boring...therefore good in small doses, like the scrapping of the list. I look forward to where this will take us all, I do feel it will work out well.

      Thank you for the wishes and for being here. I will be reading in the afternoon (my time) once the last timezoners have posted.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous20 March 2017 at 05:41

    Looking forward

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  5. Weekends in Maine20 March 2017 at 07:09

    Looking forward to your posts and the opportunity to learn about another culture. Good luck with the challenge. Weekends In Maine

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  6. Saraallie20 March 2017 at 09:15

    Will be looking forward to your posts :D
    ~ Saraallie
    www.saraallie.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 09:19

      Arabs have an especially rich culture, lots of interesting stuff :-)

      Delete
  7. Debbie D. 20 March 2017 at 10:03

    Travel and culture are among my biggest interests (That was my theme in 2014.) Looking forward to your entries. Good luck with the challenge!

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    1. Debbie D. 20 March 2017 at 10:04

      This is my blog page: Debbie @ The Doglady's Den

      Delete
    2. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 14:31

      Thank you! For the link and the wishes...Travel and culture are my favs too right alongside poetry and fiction...

      Delete
  8. Michelle Wallace20 March 2017 at 12:07

    Hello Nila!
    How are you?
    Although I'll miss your fantastic poetry, an Arabiana smorgasbord sounds like a wonderful theme!
    I'm looking forward to learning more....
    See you around on the A to Z circuit next month.
    Writer In Transit

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 14:35

      Hi Michelle!

      I'm good and busy :) Great to see you here! and I assure you, you won't miss the poetry coz traversing the unknown is as good as a sonnet/limerick any day :-)

      Looking forward to reading you in April. See you soon!

      Delete
  9. PJ20 March 2017 at 12:52

    Really looking forward to this as I spent one year living in the middle east a very long time ago - I'm sure it will provoke lots of memories. Enjoy April.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 14:36

      I do hope they will reactivate the happy ones! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  10. Hilary Melton-Butcher20 March 2017 at 13:07

    Hi Nila - I must got back and read your 2016 ones ... and then this year - these will be brilliant - such a great idea - yes definitely looking forward to yours ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 14:40

      My 2016 ones were lighthearted limericks - I had great fun with that :) The Arabs are a rich people, so much to share! I'll enjoy 2017 too, for sure.
      See you on the A-Z track!

      Delete
  11. Alex J. Cavanaugh20 March 2017 at 17:47

    That will be cool! We'll all learn so much visiting you. Excellent theme.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 18:00

      The research always teaches me a thing or two, even about places or things I feel I know well :)

      Delete
  12. Ishieta20 March 2017 at 18:13

    I have ZERO insight, knowledge about the this region. I am looking forward to your posts sharing this new world :) Good Luck with your AtoZ :)
    Ishieta @Isheeria's

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 21:41

      This region is actually the oldest world :) but many don't know that...see you in April...

      Delete
  13. shalz7520 March 2017 at 18:59

    Your theme flashbacked me to the Sex And the city-2 movie where they travel to AbuDhabi and have their arabic adventure. ;-)
    Looking forward to this theme and learning abt a new culture esp architecture and art!
    Cheers

    shalzmojo

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 21:44

      Abu Dhabi is all brand new...a little different from the places I have in mind :) UAE is very much the modern face of Arabia...see you next month!

      Delete
  14. A Tarkabarka Hölgy20 March 2017 at 19:59

    This sounds lovely! I will miss the poems, but I am also happy you are doing this. No doubt it will be fascinating!

    The Multicolored Diary: WTF - Weird Things in Folktales

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 21:56

      Change seeds change :) I was ready with another poetry related theme, but then you folks went list free and this is what happened to me...btw, neat acronym you got for your theme :-)

      Delete
  15. Tamara Narayan20 March 2017 at 20:01

    Sounds fun. Count me in!

    2017 A to Z Blog Challenge Theme Reveal

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  16. Joanne20 March 2017 at 20:20

    Sounds like an excellent journey. I look forward to your rich descriptions and insights.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yolanda Renée20 March 2017 at 20:32

    Can't wait! Love your idea, and I look forward to your amazing journey!
    But I will miss the poetry! :)
    Change can be a good thing!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 22:00

      The poetry will be back in May...and agree that change is mostly a good thing...see you in April!

      Delete
  18. Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher20 March 2017 at 20:52

    This will be excellent. I know so little abut Arab neighbors--you will be my mentor.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose20 March 2017 at 22:13

      Oh no, mentor sounds altogether too serious for me :-) but I'll try my best :)

      Delete
  19. Deborah Weber20 March 2017 at 22:00

    Oh wonderful - I'm looking forward to your posts!

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  20. Natasha20 March 2017 at 22:00

    Nilanjana, I'm glad I stumbled upon your blog. I'm already mesmerised by your pen and can't wait to read all things Arab. Adding your page to my reading list. See you in April.

    Cheers and Good luck!

    natashamusing

    http://natashamusing.com/2017/03/atozchallenge-2017-theme-reveal-travel-epiphanies/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Parul20 March 2017 at 22:40

    Wow! That is like something new and interesting to look forward to. I will be hear to read more, Nilanjana.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 00:55

      Loads of interesting layers to the ME...see you in April!

      Delete
  22. The Silver Fox20 March 2017 at 22:49

    Wow, I am really looking forward to your posts next month! I doubt I'll be participating in the challenge myself, though.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 00:51

      Very glad to see you're back :) being a bit of an OCD re grammar myself...but sorry to hear you're not participating, your posts were so informative and fun last year.

      Delete
    2. The Silver Fox21 March 2017 at 04:06

      Thank you. I greatly appreciate the compliment, coming from you. I'm planning a post telling why I won't be participating, actually. ;-)

      Delete
    3. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 09:30

      Okay, it will have to pack in 26 letters of edutainment :)

      Delete
  23. Sushmita Malakar20 March 2017 at 23:11

    Because it's that time of the year again! #AtoZChallenge

    http://www.sushmitamalakar.com/2017/03/a-to-z-challenge-theme-reveal.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. Stacy Uncorked20 March 2017 at 23:27

    What a great theme! I look forward to learning so much! :)

    A to Z Challenge: The Great Theme Reveal!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 00:57

      A lot of learning happens at the A-Z :) have a great challenge next month!

      Delete
  25. Nick Wilford21 March 2017 at 01:59

    That sounds fascinating. Look forward to finding out more!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 09:31

      All the very best for April...see you next month!

      Delete
  26. Denise Covey 21 March 2017 at 07:07

    Hey, Nila! Look at those comments. Now you know the secret! I love the sound of your theme and will pop by as much as possible. Enjoy the prep. :-)

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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 09:35

      Hi Denise! Actually, I am as clueless as ever haha... must prep for WEP too!! see you soon...

      Delete
  27. Alana21 March 2017 at 15:54

    Thank you for visiting my blog - visiting from A to Z. I am not sure my first comment went through, so trying again. An Arab adventure - more travel - why not? I'll be back.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 18:28

      Yeah, travel is always good, can't really have too much of it.

      Delete
  28. Cathy Kennedy21 March 2017 at 16:13

    Nila, I've read it's best to write about things you know and sounds like you're on something here with your life in Arabiana. I'm looking forward to knowing more about your home for the past two decades because this is a place I will never visit (I hate to travel by plane or boat because I'm a scardey Cathy). Thanks for visiting and I'll see you next month for all the A2Z fun! ;)

    For anyone interested, check out my theme reveal "Art Sketching Through the Alphabet" on Curious as a Cathy!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 18:33

      I'm not a fan of air travel anymore what with the security hoops we have to jump through now...wondering if ocean liners make you do similar? never been on one yet :) see you next month!

      Delete
  29. Aj @ Read All The Things!21 March 2017 at 20:22

    Your theme sounds amazing. Good luck with it!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  30. Kala Ravi21 March 2017 at 20:56

    Hey Nila! Love your theme! Looking forward to the magic of Arabian times! All the best for the challenge!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 21:54

      Hi Kala! Great to see you here! The Arabian theme was prodded into being by the listfree announcement Arabia lets you in on her secret magic only if you are willing to work hard, dig deep and wait patiently ... :) thanks mucho for the wishes! see you around...

      Delete
  31. Stephanie Bird21 March 2017 at 21:37

    While I will miss your verses madly, I am happy to learn more about Arab culture! Looking forward to this eagerly!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose21 March 2017 at 21:55

      Lots to say, lots to write :) thanks for being here!

      Delete
  32. Keith's Ramblings22 March 2017 at 06:14

    I thoroughly enjoyed your poems last year, and as a keen traveller I'm sure I won't be disappointed this time round!

    A-Z Challenge - My theme for 2017!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose22 March 2017 at 09:49

      There is so much in the Arablands for the keen traveller...and the A-Z is a great way to travel :)

      Delete
  33. Mary B22 March 2017 at 09:34

    This sounds like an excellent way to learn about the Arabian culture. Looking forward to your posts!

    ~Mary
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Nilanjana Bose22 March 2017 at 09:52

      I love the learning that happens at the A-Z, both in the researching and the reading.

      Delete
  34. Anonymous22 March 2017 at 18:32

    Sounds interesting! A-to-Z-er Jetgirl visiting via Forty, c'est Fantastique

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    1. Nilanjana Bose22 March 2017 at 23:22

      I'm hoping it will be...thanks for stopping by..

      Delete
  35. Abbie23 March 2017 at 08:14

    Hey there Nilanjana,
    Thanks for visiting me. I did poetry in A to Z for 2 years and then changed my mind because I started participating in the National Poetry Month and I didn't wish to do the same thing for both (feels like cheating! two bird with one arrow). I'm looking forward to the Arabian adventure.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose23 March 2017 at 09:21

      Can totally relate to that two bird one stone thingy right now. Never done poetry month though. Thanks for visiting, and the link.

      Delete
  36. Abbie23 March 2017 at 08:15

    P.S. My link is http://abbiesadventurediaries.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  37. Mail Adventures23 March 2017 at 14:27

    Ahlan wa sahlan! I live in Morocco, and I guess your theme will be interesting to me.

    My theme is going to be quite different: postcards I have got, as my blog is about all postal things.

    Eva - Mail Adventures

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    1. Nilanjana Bose23 March 2017 at 14:59

      Ahlan beeki! Postcards would make a neat theme. Though my impression's that it's all email and texts nowadays, delighted to be corrected!

      Delete
  38. John Holton24 March 2017 at 00:43

    Interesting theme! A good chance to learn about the Arab world. Look forward to your posts...

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    1. Nilanjana Bose24 March 2017 at 10:41

      The Arab world is indeed amazing, particularly rich history...thank you for stopping by

      Delete
  39. Susan26 March 2017 at 22:29

    Sounds interesting! This is likely the only way I'll ever get there! :)

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    1. Nilanjana Bose27 March 2017 at 00:56

      Yup, armchair travel is my first option too to get to places otherwise inaccessible :)

      Delete
  40. Narayana Rao K.V.S.S.31 March 2017 at 23:08

    Welcome to the 2017 challenge.
    Your blog included 2017 April A to Z Blogging Challenge - Themes and Blogs
    A to Z: 2017 Blogging Challenge - Top Management Challenge Areas
    Prof. K.V.S.S. Narayana Rao

    ReplyDelete
  41. DMS11 May 2017 at 05:40

    What an interesting theme! So glad Hilary spotlighted you on her blog. I look forward to learning and checking out more of your posts. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete

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