This Tip describes my first experiences in Amman, having a traditional Arab breakfast, meeting interesting people, and visiting Pella.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.” Saint Augustine
My First Experiences in Amman
Where do I begin?
Shopping for Clothing
My first experiences in Amman began with a shopping trip. Yesterday, Cassie and later Mona took me to purchase clothing. How many strangers have you helped to shop for underwear? Amazing! I now have a new pair of pants, a shirt, socks and underwear. I feel so classy!
A Traditional Arab Breakfast
Today, we went to Mona and Richard’s home for a traditional Arab breakfast: fruit salad, breads, humus, pita, some type of cheese and fennel. I had fruit salad and a triangular pastry with spinach inside.
My First Experiences in Amman Meeting Interesting People
Mona and Richard
Mona’s husband, Richard, has spent the past three years researching and writing a book on religions. He has a gloriously large fish tank, pristine and filled with fish from the Amazon River that were just beautiful. Richard and Mona have been married for 40 years. He is American, Mona is half Lebanese and half some other Arab nationality. They have been working for different aid assistance programs around the world.
Lisa
Lisa, is their downstairs neighbor. She has twin boy Kai and twin girl Neve. They are three years old and adorable. However, they are not particularly well behaved or responsive to their mother’s instructions. We actually lost the little girl for a while, very scary! Lisa has also devoted her life to service to other countries. They move to a country for a project that may last 6 months to 5 years. Then they uproot and move to another country for another project.
This is a career choice and a lifestyle that I knew absolutely nothing about.
Mona and Richard have a panoramic view that includes Palestine and Israel!!! I took photos from one of their many balconies. They have a very large gracious apartment!
Jasmine
I met Jasmine. She was born in Palestine and has lived in several Arab countries, moving when there was unrest. Jasmine is 33. She later drove Cassie and me to Pella.
Questions About Muslim Women’s Dress
I was able to ask her all sorts of questions about the way Muslim women dress. Some women wear one flowery scarf on their hair. Others wear a black band on their forehead that extends to a tight scarf on their hair. Still other women wear what appears to be an all-in-one that frames their faces. These women are often wearing western dress: tight jeans, very high heels, etc. Some entirely cover themselves in a shapeless black burka (sp?) with a long black scarf. And some wear a veil that covers everything but their eyes.
Jasmine is Muslim. She explained that the most devout can only show their hands and their eyes. She was very unhappy about those women who only wear the scarf. This is because Muslim women are not supposed to show their curves. She herself wears loose clothing and no headscarf. She said that she was thinking about wearing the traditional clothing when she was ready to commit to it, even before marriage. Apparently young girls don this clothing once they have their first menses.
My Expectations
Jasmine says that the only sport she loves is swimming. She would have to give that up. It sounds as if she will. She currently lives with her entire family and everyone supports the household. Her salary with US AID is much more than the others earn.
I asked her where she would like to live. I don’t remember what the pros were for living in the US. However, there were a lot more pros for living in Jordan: near family, with nannies and housekeepers, people to wash the car, etc.
She asked me if there was anything I expected to see in Amman. I told her that I didn’t have any expectations. However, upon reflection, I expected to see lots and lots of mosques- and I’ve only seen a very few! What predominate are boxy apartment buildings that have shaved limestone (plentiful in Jordan) on top of concrete. This is produced in masse by Jordan.
Our Drive to Pella
Everywhere you go, you see pictures of King Hussein (who was dearly loved) and his son, the current king Abdullah!!. During our 1.5-hour drive to Pella, we went below sea level. There are lots and lots of greenhouses. I saw people selling fruits and vegetables in profusion. It must be an incredibly fertile area. The produce trucks are very ornate and colorful with geometric designs. This was consistent, not just a one time occurrence. As we traveled, we saw herds of goats, of sheep, a few burros or horses, and a few cows.
Pella
Pella is a Roman ruin that is very picturesque, particularly in the spring with wildflowers everywhere. We were on a hill overlooking the ruins. We had a very leisurely lunch: first, various salads and dishes in which eggplant was prominently featured. Then chicken- or tilapia (the entire fish, head, tail, fins and all!.) Then oranges. I also had fresh squeezed orange juice. Just wonderful!
By the way, US AID paid to build the restaurant at Pella!
Since I sat in the front on the way there, I sat in the back so Cassie could chat with Jasmine. The sun was very warm and I dozed all the way back to the hotel.
Jasmine and Cassie talked about excursions I should take on the weekends. They suggested I go to Petra and to the Dead Sea. Cassie told me she swam last week and learned that you don’t get the water in your eyes because the salt content is so very high! They mentioned five other places. This is quite an adventure and I’m enjoying it immensely.
The Work Week
The work week starts tomorrow (Sunday). The plan is for me to review curriculum they developed and help with and/or make the necessary revisions.
I’m still waiting for my luggage. However, I don’t start the train the trainer until next Sunday- and I have clean underwear! I’m all right. Hopefully, it will be delivered to my hotel room tonight.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
