March 12. Blog for Jordan Day.
I am blogging for Jordan today!
I am blogging for Jordan today!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Movie Debut
About a month ago, the Fulbrighters were informed that there would be a film crew coming to Amman to working on making a movie titled "Fulbright Revisited." As far as I know, a wealthy former Fulbrighter left money to make a film documenting how the Fulbright experience changes a person's life. Two commissions were selected to appear in the film. Obviously, the commission here in Jordan was one of the two. I believe the second commission was in Jamaica, but don't hold me to it. So, for about the past week, a crew has been doing interviews and taking footage of Fulbrighters doing various Fulbrighter-ly things in Jordan.
The crew spent a morning at Qasid which is where I made my movie debut. Don't get excited. I was shot having a conversation (that would be talked over) in front of a sign for Qasid. Later, the crew came into our classroom and did some filming there. I don't suspect that much will come of the literary conversation in Arabic that they taped. But, fingers crossed!
While the video might not be out for a while, here are a few snap shots of what the film crew might have picked up:
The crew spent a morning at Qasid which is where I made my movie debut. Don't get excited. I was shot having a conversation (that would be talked over) in front of a sign for Qasid. Later, the crew came into our classroom and did some filming there. I don't suspect that much will come of the literary conversation in Arabic that they taped. But, fingers crossed!
While the video might not be out for a while, here are a few snap shots of what the film crew might have picked up:
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| Rivka, Caryl, Tom (hidden), Ustath Fahdi |
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| Dr. Mohammad is giving us a lesson. |
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| Ilyas's brain hurts. |
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| Craig, Ryan and Leah |
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| Rivka, Carol, Tom (hidden) and Ustath Fahdi |
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| Jamil. Aviators. Arabic. |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Petra by Night
Thursday after class, Ryan (from my Qasid class) rented a car to drive to southern Jordan. The plan was for Ryan, Leah, Shadea and myself to drive to Wadi Musa (Eng: Valley of Moses) to meet Betsy and her visiting friend in time for the Petra by Night tour. After picking up the rental car, we endeavored to make our way out of Amman. However, the task is not as easy as it sounds. The system of circles, underpasses and overpasses are difficult to learn as a daily taxi passenger rather than a regular driver. Instead of 15 minutes, we used all of about 50 minutes to find our way out of the city. Aside from this, however, the drive down was uneventful. Thankfully. The roads outside of Amman are notoriously dangerous.
Wadi Musa, the town associated with Petra, is very different from Amman. First, the city is much smaller. Second, the place is saturated with tourists and the accompanying hostels, restaurants and gift shops catering to the visitors. Unfortunately, the population of Wadi Musa has yet to be accustomed to the presence of foreigners. The taxi drivers have no qualms about cheating visitors. Young men unabashedly call out to passing young women (such as those in my group). Finally, the weather is notably warmer in Wadi Musa- just a few hours drive south of Amman.
We pulled into Wadi Musi in plenty of time to check into our hostel (Petra Gate Hotel). Betsy and her college friend were waiting for us. We quickly put our things in our room and made our way to the entrance of Petra where there were some restaurants. We ate a quick dinner (in my case, lentil soup and hummus) and headed for Petra's main entrance. The Petra by Night tour leads participants down the long, winding, votive-lit siq in silence. The walk takes about 30 minutes and the silence is enforced. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the walk is the impressive view of the stars. I have never been able to see the stars as clearly as that night.
The walk concluded in front of the Treasury. The Treasury is Petra's most ornate and most recognized facade. Most associate it, rightfully, with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. For the tour, a couple hundred of luminaries had been placed in front of the Treasury. Rows of rugs had been placed on the ground for us to sit on. As we sat, we listened to a Bedouin flutist and a Bedouin guitarist (although he wasn't playing a guitar and I can't remember what the name of the instrument was). We enjoyed the program, which lasted about 20 or 30 minutes before we walked back up the siq.
By the time we got back to our hostel after the walk, we were all tired. So, we crashed. I slept like a log. I think it is because there weren't any birds to bother me. In the morning, we ate a quick breakfast at the hostel and headed back to Petra. After walking together for a couple of hours, the group split. Betsy took her visitor on a hike up Jebel Haroon (Mt. Aaron). Shadea and I wandered around a little more before heading back in order to make our way to Amman.
At the hostel, we asked about the local buses that run from Wadi Musa to Amman. The woman at the hostel reception desk directed us to the bus station. Unfortunately, however, the bus station was vacant. I had completely forgotten to factor in Friday prayer. Buses certainly wouldn't be running until after noon. We had a couple of hours to wait. So, I called the hostel owner. As it turned out, he knew a cab driver that wanted to drive to Amman to visit his daughter who went to university there. He agreed to drive us for a reduced rate.
I was certainly glad to get out of Amman. Petra was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of Jordan. I need more such reminders. Akrum suggested visiting the north- Um Quaiss, specifically. So, this weekend, we'll be renting a mini-bus to take us up north to enjoy a picnic and the greenery. I am looking forward to taking in the contrast between southern sand and northern foliage.
Jordanian Definition: Picnic: A meal prepared and taken by the side of the road (Airport road is a popular selection) on any patch of grass able to be found.
Wadi Musa, the town associated with Petra, is very different from Amman. First, the city is much smaller. Second, the place is saturated with tourists and the accompanying hostels, restaurants and gift shops catering to the visitors. Unfortunately, the population of Wadi Musa has yet to be accustomed to the presence of foreigners. The taxi drivers have no qualms about cheating visitors. Young men unabashedly call out to passing young women (such as those in my group). Finally, the weather is notably warmer in Wadi Musa- just a few hours drive south of Amman.
We pulled into Wadi Musi in plenty of time to check into our hostel (Petra Gate Hotel). Betsy and her college friend were waiting for us. We quickly put our things in our room and made our way to the entrance of Petra where there were some restaurants. We ate a quick dinner (in my case, lentil soup and hummus) and headed for Petra's main entrance. The Petra by Night tour leads participants down the long, winding, votive-lit siq in silence. The walk takes about 30 minutes and the silence is enforced. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the walk is the impressive view of the stars. I have never been able to see the stars as clearly as that night.
The walk concluded in front of the Treasury. The Treasury is Petra's most ornate and most recognized facade. Most associate it, rightfully, with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. For the tour, a couple hundred of luminaries had been placed in front of the Treasury. Rows of rugs had been placed on the ground for us to sit on. As we sat, we listened to a Bedouin flutist and a Bedouin guitarist (although he wasn't playing a guitar and I can't remember what the name of the instrument was). We enjoyed the program, which lasted about 20 or 30 minutes before we walked back up the siq.
By the time we got back to our hostel after the walk, we were all tired. So, we crashed. I slept like a log. I think it is because there weren't any birds to bother me. In the morning, we ate a quick breakfast at the hostel and headed back to Petra. After walking together for a couple of hours, the group split. Betsy took her visitor on a hike up Jebel Haroon (Mt. Aaron). Shadea and I wandered around a little more before heading back in order to make our way to Amman.
At the hostel, we asked about the local buses that run from Wadi Musa to Amman. The woman at the hostel reception desk directed us to the bus station. Unfortunately, however, the bus station was vacant. I had completely forgotten to factor in Friday prayer. Buses certainly wouldn't be running until after noon. We had a couple of hours to wait. So, I called the hostel owner. As it turned out, he knew a cab driver that wanted to drive to Amman to visit his daughter who went to university there. He agreed to drive us for a reduced rate.
I was certainly glad to get out of Amman. Petra was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of Jordan. I need more such reminders. Akrum suggested visiting the north- Um Quaiss, specifically. So, this weekend, we'll be renting a mini-bus to take us up north to enjoy a picnic and the greenery. I am looking forward to taking in the contrast between southern sand and northern foliage.
Jordanian Definition: Picnic: A meal prepared and taken by the side of the road (Airport road is a popular selection) on any patch of grass able to be found.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Two Stars for Peace
A couple of weeks ago, Betsy was contacted by a pair of Germans who had read her blog and were interested in soliciting her opinion on a peace plan for the Israel- Palestine conflict. The plan is outlined in the book "Two Stars for Peace: The Case for Using U.S. Statehood to Achieve Lasting Peace in the Middle East." The book is written by Martine Rothblatt, a lawyer and founder/ CEO of United Therapeutics. Essentially, the book proposes that Israel and Palestine should become the 51st and 52nd states of the United States (as the title would indicate). The pair of Germans had planned a trip to the Middle East and Betsy agreed to meet with them. So, this morning, Betsy, Kristin (Betsy's roommate from college), Akrum, Peter, Adam (a friend of Peter's) and I all went to meet the pair at a local cafe. The conversation that ensued surrounded the obstacles, difficulties, and prerequisites for such a plan to work or to even be considered. I wouldn't know where to begin in trying to rehash all of the complications of such a plan. The book is worth a skim mainly for entertainment purposes. Needless to say, I was entertained for a few hours this morning as we debated this hypothetical scenario.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Turmoil and Triumph of Change
After 18 days of protests in Tahrir Square (Cairo), the protester's prayers were answered: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned and handed power over to the Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces. Here in Jordan, thousands gathered outside of the Egyptian embassy to celebrate the success of their Arab brothers in Egypt. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. Betsy, however, was able to take part and remarked on the general excitement of everyone at the "party."
In my media Arabic class, we have discussed the situation in Egypt extensively. The Jordanian perspective seems to be support and excitement for the Egyptian people. At the same time, however, there is little desire for the same kind of revolution in Jordan. The important difference being that dissatisfied Jordanians are not calling for a change in the system of government or its leader (King Abdullah II) but rather for the government to do more re unemployment and the rising cost of food and fuel. I am continually amused by American news stations reporting on Jordan. I don't think I can emphasize enough how calm Amman is. The "protests" could be more accurately described as public gatherings.
What I cannot deny, however, is that change is contagious. Citizens of Bahrain, Algeria and Libya have begun to protest with the hope of similar results. On a less serious note, I have to give credit to Libya's Muammar Gaddafi for announcing he may join in the protests... against himself. Crazy or genius? I think genius.
In other interesting news, one of Jordan's strongest tribes, the Bani Sakhr tribe, staged a sit-in on the main road leading from Amman to the airport. The tribe has accused the government of withholding lands rightfully belonging to the tribe. This is an interesting depiction of the strength of tribes in Jordan.
In more personally related updates, Valentine's Day was a couple of days ago. Arabs seem to like Valentine's Day. All of the area flower shops had huge stuffed animals in the windows. The florist closet to the apartment had lit up red hearts on the sidewalks surrounding the shop. In the cab home from class on VDay, I passed "Savana Flowers." The florist had lined/ piled up stuffed Valentine's bears outside of the shop. At 4th circle, young men were selling individual flowers at the intersection so that people could buy them while waiting at the traffic light. Celine Dion and Enrique were the soundtrack of the day.
Qasid classes are going well. I had midterms a couple of weeks ago. I did well, thankfully. I am really starting to notice improvement especially when I work one-on-one with my tutor. My tutor and I discuss everything from current news items to baking to grammar. I am leaning towards substituting tutoring for my Qasid classes after the end of this term. I am finding it hard to believe that I have less than a month left of classes at Qasid.
Expect updates more frequently than they have been coming this past month :)
In my media Arabic class, we have discussed the situation in Egypt extensively. The Jordanian perspective seems to be support and excitement for the Egyptian people. At the same time, however, there is little desire for the same kind of revolution in Jordan. The important difference being that dissatisfied Jordanians are not calling for a change in the system of government or its leader (King Abdullah II) but rather for the government to do more re unemployment and the rising cost of food and fuel. I am continually amused by American news stations reporting on Jordan. I don't think I can emphasize enough how calm Amman is. The "protests" could be more accurately described as public gatherings.
What I cannot deny, however, is that change is contagious. Citizens of Bahrain, Algeria and Libya have begun to protest with the hope of similar results. On a less serious note, I have to give credit to Libya's Muammar Gaddafi for announcing he may join in the protests... against himself. Crazy or genius? I think genius.
In other interesting news, one of Jordan's strongest tribes, the Bani Sakhr tribe, staged a sit-in on the main road leading from Amman to the airport. The tribe has accused the government of withholding lands rightfully belonging to the tribe. This is an interesting depiction of the strength of tribes in Jordan.
In more personally related updates, Valentine's Day was a couple of days ago. Arabs seem to like Valentine's Day. All of the area flower shops had huge stuffed animals in the windows. The florist closet to the apartment had lit up red hearts on the sidewalks surrounding the shop. In the cab home from class on VDay, I passed "Savana Flowers." The florist had lined/ piled up stuffed Valentine's bears outside of the shop. At 4th circle, young men were selling individual flowers at the intersection so that people could buy them while waiting at the traffic light. Celine Dion and Enrique were the soundtrack of the day.
Qasid classes are going well. I had midterms a couple of weeks ago. I did well, thankfully. I am really starting to notice improvement especially when I work one-on-one with my tutor. My tutor and I discuss everything from current news items to baking to grammar. I am leaning towards substituting tutoring for my Qasid classes after the end of this term. I am finding it hard to believe that I have less than a month left of classes at Qasid.
Expect updates more frequently than they have been coming this past month :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Level Four. Week 2.
This is my second week of Level 4 at Qasid. This term, there are 10 people in my class (this is quite a jump from my 4, sometimes 5, person class last semester). Ten people give the class a much different dynamic. There is a noticeable range of ability even within ten people. Some are better at vocabulary, some at speaking, some at reading and some at making the class fun. The range of skill means that I have an ability to learn from my peers in addition to learning from the instructors.
Level 4 is divided up in to two parts. For the first portion, Fahdi teaches literature. So far, we have read a couple of short stories in addition to writing a short story of our own (that had to use symbolism!). My story was pretty ridiculous. It was about a tree. I think I can leave it at that. The second section of class is media taught by Dr. Mohammad. For the first week we discussed women's issues and women's rights. This week we are covering the environment and next week is Jordanian history and civilization.
Supplemental courses haven't started yet so I don't have as much work to do as I did during the middle and end of last term. My free time is a little difficult to deal with. I am thinking more and more about trying to find a way to take piano lessons here. The more I think about it, the more I think it would be a good idea. I feel an acute need for a creative outlet.
In other news, riots broke out in the southern city of Ma'an last week. The riots began after two men were killed as a result of rivalry between Bedouin tribes. Protesters were upset about the failure of Jordanian authorities to arrest the those behind the killings. Ma'an is a stronghold of local tribes and is traditionally defiant of the central government. To read more about the riots: http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=33187
In other news, riots broke out in the southern city of Ma'an last week. The riots began after two men were killed as a result of rivalry between Bedouin tribes. Protesters were upset about the failure of Jordanian authorities to arrest the those behind the killings. Ma'an is a stronghold of local tribes and is traditionally defiant of the central government. To read more about the riots: http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=33187
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| Betsy showcasing a POMELO |
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| Apples to Apples goes gangster? In Jordan? |
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| Arabic Scrabble success! |
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Back to Amman
Please pardon the delayed post. I have just returned to Jordan from my 2 week trip to my home in Ohio. I spent my two weeks hanging out with my family, visiting friends and generally trying to relax. Here are a few things about the United States that I forgot how much I enjoyed (in no particular order):
- Hot showers (hot water in general) on demand
- Driving
- The regulated and quiet flow of traffic
- Sleeping without the squawking of the birds in the Bird Garden
- SNOW.
- Grocery stores with every possible food item you could want
- Wal-mart
- Patterson's Cafe in Oxford
- American coffee
- The toaster in my house
- NPR
- My family (obviously)
- The clothes dryer in my house
- My friends (obviously)
- Real loaves of bread!
- Lines that people wait in
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at home. I wish it could have been longer but I took what I could get and I am glad that I did. Now that I'm back, I will begin classes again this week. Level 4 here I come! I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of Arabic. Two weeks off couldn't have been good for my language skills... I guess we'll see!
Oh and now that I have an awesome camera (thank you, Jonah) you can expect a few more pictures.
- Hot showers (hot water in general) on demand
- Driving
- The regulated and quiet flow of traffic
- Sleeping without the squawking of the birds in the Bird Garden
- SNOW.
- Grocery stores with every possible food item you could want
- Wal-mart
- Patterson's Cafe in Oxford
- American coffee
- The toaster in my house
- NPR
- My family (obviously)
- The clothes dryer in my house
- My friends (obviously)
- Real loaves of bread!
- Lines that people wait in
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at home. I wish it could have been longer but I took what I could get and I am glad that I did. Now that I'm back, I will begin classes again this week. Level 4 here I come! I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of Arabic. Two weeks off couldn't have been good for my language skills... I guess we'll see!
Oh and now that I have an awesome camera (thank you, Jonah) you can expect a few more pictures.
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