Old lady KayKa!

Happy Birthday.....yesterday......!

I love you baby.

I send you kisses from a Kamel.

Attempted acts of tourism.

shababaat....chit chatting.

Blast Jordan and its festivals of culture!

Last night, the shabab and I attempted to see the ancient ruins of Amman's Citadel but our hopes were dashed as we were informed that the tourist attraction was closed due to the Jordan Music Festival. The integrity of the ruins were covered by advertisements and stadium seating. Although we were not able to see the fullness of the old site, we were able to enjoy the city scape from our serene location. I have found that I am better able to experience the vastness of Amman when I view it from its various lofty jabals(mountains). After not being permitted into the Citadel, the shabab and I took off walking through some windy streets until we found stairways built into the mountain that led to the city center.

We were able to make refuge of the night by enjoying some kunafa, cocktails, and a friendly game of shudda(really some random card game james was trying hard to teach me). What really topped it off was watching Fantastic Mr. Fox....a sketch copy too from Hamoudeh DVD. The pop corn, movie, and chilling in fancy expat part of town made me feel very American.

Although I like having some American time in Amman, I cherish the time I am able to spend on the streets talking to the people. My host papa, Abdullah, always tells me that I have to talk with the common people. That is only way I can aqcauint myself with the real Jordan.

IT has been too long old friend......

On a whim, I walked into the closest market to get some change for a taxi and what did I find? I found the most glorious dark thirst quencher to ever float across my taste buds. I found my dearest of all American beverages.........Dr. Pepper. I had heard rumors that this elusive elixir was sold at the US embassy but to find it on the common streets was a grand treat. It only cost me 1.50 for a small can.......so worth it. I love this country.

quick update before my computer dies.....again

I have been a negligent blogger.

My computer charger decided that it just cannot power my computer without me holding it in place the whole time.

I have not had the time to sit and charge my computer here for more than ten minutes.

Many things have happened since my last post. My internship is coming to an end and I am starting to long for the comforts of home but at the same time I am already missing the people I have met and love here.

The realization that I will have to leave my work and the girls that I have gotten to know and love over the past 6 weeks is overwhelming. I want them to be healthy, happy, and continue their education. The huge problem with "sustainable development" is knowing how to keep the development process sustained. I am afraid their will be no one to teach anything after I leave. I have a few more weeks and I am working on a proposal to bring in English learning materials and update the computer lab with more than just one functioning computer. But if I have learned anything this summer, it has been that you cannot depend on any type of bureaucratic help. It is all about the trying though. All I can say is Insha Allah..............................that phrase has gained a greater meaning for me since being here. People really mean "if God wills it." They don't really try to make things work themselves...it is all up to Allah.

On a happier note I got to see the beautiful Nancy Agram(the cutest Arab singer in the world) and Queen Noor last night at the International Children's Congress concert. Nancy sang and Queen Noor just sat there looking classy. My favorite part of the evening was being able to see the arts of the Middle East. There were performances by modern dancers, a group of singers, and a very colorful display of fluttering flags from all over the world. I especially enjoyed the bursting claps that followed the announcement of the presence of Palestinian representatives at the conference. Some people really love their Palestine here.

Artsy Amman

Now that my time in Jordan is beginning to wind down, I have become more motivated to seek out the hidden treasures of my home city of Amman. Amman is known as "The White City" because of the layers and layers of chalky-colored buildings. But as I walk the bespeckled streets and look out onto the staggered neighborhoods, I cannot help but see all the color and life of the city. Amman is composed of several unique neighborhoods which offer a little something different. Today, I visited one of my favorite areas in the the city, Duwwar Baris in Jabal al-Weibdeh. Like most of Amman, al-Weibdeh is a neighborhood full of contrast. One can see the grittiness of an old fruit stand and then turn the corner and see the grandeur of a lofty villa home. It is this diversity that always keeps me guessing and allows me to experience the joy of Amman's hidden treasures. Dar al-Anda is the gem of al-Weibdeh. It is situated in an unlikely place and possesses one the the most scenic overlooks of the city. The Dar al-Anda gallery welcomes its visitors with a burning burgundy border and then leads them down a potted plant path which then crosses the line where old city transforms into new city. We found the gallery in a somewhat discouraging order. Workmen and employees were in the midst of preparing the venue for its new Australian exhibition. I was able to catch a peak of some pieces from the old show. The artwork of the Arab world has an interesting perspective. I saw a mix between political and religious and even a little humor. There were also wire sheep, totem pole wall hangings, and cryptic messages within the surrounding landscape......oh my.

Weekend Stomppings

Mount Nebo: Didn't get to see the promised land but I did get to see some ancient mosaics.

The best seats in the house.

The Orthodox church of John the Baptist.

The Jordan River: I could see Israel. Almost thought to swim across but the water had too many tad poles in it.

The Dead Sea ( baher ilmayyit): The saltiest body of water in the world! The water burned the eyes and the mud smoothed the skin.

Rooz Kreespee Trait?

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Yesterday, I had somewhat of a culinary disaster at my work. Thursdays are designated as our free/baking day and I was trying to introduce the women I work with to a classic dessert, brownies. The plan was flawless on paper. I had the recipe all written out. I converted all the American measurements to miligrams and grams but a surprise hit me when I entered the communal kitchen. I discovered that the women have no measuring utensils, stirring instruments, or proper pans. The girls were up for the challenge though. In the spirit of Tim Gunn, they made it work.

The ingredients blended well and the girls were excited. I thought the brownies would be fully cooked in about 20 minutes but they started burning after ten.

The brownies were ruined.

I experienced true charity as the girls lined up and filled their plates with the brownie-like product.

I just kept saying:

Assifa(sorry)

Mish Zaaki( not delicious)

But they all swallowed with smiles and assured me of my success with kisses.

I am now determined to practice all my recipes before showing the girls. Today Joud and I made Rice Krispie Treats together. I am Americanizing this family one day at a time. They really love it and I enjoy sharing my family favorites with my favorite Jordanian family.

My best part about being here in Jordan is living with a host family. Having the opportunity to share experiences, jokes, and hardships with my Jordanian family has kept me grounded during my time here. I learn the most about my Jordanian family when we eat or when Fida is showing me how to cook various secret family dishes. So, today was just another learning and growing time.