Qasid and Ajloun

We started our orientation at Qasid on Sunday. Qasid is an Arabic language institute here in Amman where I will be studying for the next 3 months. From everything I have heard it is supposed to be intense and life-consuming. Honestly, I can't wait. At Qasid, the Fulbrighters took a placement exam. The exam lasted about 2 hours and covered Arabic vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading comprehension and listening. As all placement tests go, it was only meant to be completed if you are fluent. I did the exam to the best of my ability. I should find out what level I am placed in sometime in the next couple days.

Through Qasid, we were able to go on a trip to Ajloun. Ajloun is a town in northwest Jordan. The main reason to venture to this town is to visit the castle there: Qal'at al-Rabad. The trip from Amman to Ajloun takes about an hour and half. Qasid chartered a bus for us to get to the castle. The Ajloun area of Jordan is beautiful. There is much more greenery than in most of the rest of the country. From the valley below, the castle is easily visible perched on the highest hill. The castle was first built in 1184 and was rebuilt multiple times because of conquest or earthquake.

Upon arriving at the castle it was clear why the location had been picked for its construction. Syria, Israel, the West Bank and surrounding Jordan was easily visible from its vantage point. We took a tour of the castle that lasted about an hour and a half. The best part was simply being able to stand at the very top and enjoy the view and the nice breeze.

After exploring the castle, we got back on the bus and headed to Jerash for lunch. Lunch was excellent. We were first served a course of bread-dipping dishes. Essentially, there were 6 or 7 different dips and sauces meant to be eaten with bread. All were delicious. For the main course, we were served a dish that was a beef stew served in a round cake pan and covered with dough. It was so good! We ate a leisurely lunch of about 2 hours. Then we boarded the bus again to get back to Amman. The traffic was such that it took us an extra half hour or so to get into Amman.

All in all, a good day. I enjoyed the greenery and the fact that I felt I could eat lunch (the past few days my stomach has been- adjusting, shall we say).

Lunch in Jerash

Main Course at Lunch

View from Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Dry Moat

The Castle

View of Ajloun Castle