Adventures in Jordan

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Sun, 06 May 2012 04:53:39 -0500

Turkish Baths

Sun, 06 May 2012 04:51:08 -0500

I don’t know how many people have had the opportunity to go to a Turkish bath, or anything like it, but take my word for it, GO.

I went to one yesterday, as a treat for the end of the semester, and as a way to try and destress a little before my finals. For 25JD I had one of the best “spa treatments” I’ve ever had. First thing we did when we got there was got in our bathing suits and took a quick rinse. Immediately following that we were greeted with a cool face towel and a fruity slushy to take into a steam room. Let me tell you what, it was steamy. There were two levels, and at first I couldn’t make it up the two stairs to the higher level. I was eventually coaxed up into the upper part, and if I didn’t have the cool towel and the drink, I don’t think I would have lasted very long. It was so hard to breathe! Gradually, I adjusted and really enjoyed the hot room, sweating profusely. After that, we showered off again, and got in the hot tub. We relaxed there for a little bit as the women were preparing the areas for our exfoliation and massages. They called us over, and we layed down on these stone tables, and they began to scrub. Occasionally, the ladies would show us all the dead skin they were getting off, and I have never seen so much in my life! It was pretty gross. After the major scrubbing, they washed us with soap and rinsed us and sent us to our massages. This was a full body massage, stomach, buns, head, the whole thing. It was the best massage I have ever gotten, and I want one again! I didn’t really care for the stomach massage, it felt really weird and slightly uncomfortable. After the best massage I have ever known, we went into the sauna and relaxed even further. When the heat got to us, we stepped out, rinsed one final time and were given the biggest towels I have ever seen, and sent on our way. The whole thing was spectacular, and extremely relaxing. I think the atmosphere of the place was the best thing, it was dark, and kind of Moroccan inspired, and really beautiful. The only downside was an unfortunate smell of mold or mildew.

If I can find anything like this in the states, I know it’s going to be really expensive. I’m so glad I took that opportunity and treated myself!

Vagabond

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:29:39 -0500

Do you know when people go to prison, or when people are in a coma, and when they get out or wake up, their life is still the same, but the rest of the world has moved on? Or maybe when people go to space and they have been gone for so many years, but to them it’s only been days. I don’t know exactly how it works, but all I can say is that I feel slightly the same. I left my life in Oklahoma for one semester in Jordan, and while I’ve been away the whole world has changed, has moved on and grown up, but here I am still feeling mostly the same. I won’t be able to relate to these people when I get back. I won’t be able to laugh at their stories. I won’t be able to understand what has happened to them for the past four months. There is no doubt in my mind that I have changed as well, too much to measure, but it’s a different feeling when I know that the people back home won’t have the same concerns of knowing me, like I want to still know them. There is a chunk of life that I have sacrificed in order for me to be here, and I am okay with that. I would like to know what it would have been like though. Where would I be if I hadn’t come here? Is it worth worrying over? No, of course not but I still can’t help but think about it. Does everyone feel like this after they come home from an extended trip? When I get a job that takes me across the world, will this happen every time, or will I get used to having my own life? Now, I’m not sad about any of this, and I know I’m sounding a bit melancholy, and I don’t really mean to come across that way but all these things came into my head. I didn’t talk to the people I wanted to back home, as much as I wanted to. I know I was busy, and I know they were busy, I know the 8 hour time difference plays a big part too, but I wish I could have stayed in touch with them on a regular basis. It makes me wonder if it was because we all have our own lives to live, or if we really aren’t that important to each other. How do you know who is really important, and who is just a convenience to have in your life?

13 days

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:45:12 -0500

It’s interesting to notice the same amount of excitement over going home as I had for arriving here. I love Jordan, I really do but I also know it’s time for me to get back to Oklahoma. With all the things I have experienced and learned here, there really are no words for me to describe how I’m feeling. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be coming back to the Middle East, but for now I’m focused on graduating college (in December!!!) and making some money to fund the next trip, as well as trying to find a real job. Maybe.

My overall experience here in Jordan with the program has been good. There are of course things I hate. For example, today we found out results of our latest OPI. The first one I took at the beginning of the semester, and scored where I should have. I took the second one this week and I got the score today. I scored lower than I did in the beginning. Now, my first reaction was to be okay with that, but the almost immediately I started to break down, and ended up crying in the middle of class. What I don’t understand is how that happened… especially since everyone else scored higher. Of course, this is subjective and I shouldn’t worry about it, I know I have improved way more than I could have back home, one OPI doesn’t matter, etc. ect. BUT I CAN’T HELP IT. My spirit was broken a little today, and it may also be because I only have 13 days left and I’m feeling restless, but who really knows. The other thing I didn’t like about this program is that they were a little… I don’t quite know… overbearing? Not so much in the fact that we couldn’t do anything on our own, but the fact that everything was with CIEE. There were no classes with the Jordanian students, every class was with other kids from the same program, and some classes weren’t even on the campus. Also, a lot of the information about what to bring here and what not to bring here was totally wrong, or just useless. The perceptions I acquired before coming here are totally false too, but that one may be on me. Regardless of all this, I did enjoy my time here within this program.

I am just going to be honest… I really miss American culture right now. Being able to walk around with a smile on my face without that being abnormal is something I long for. I miss driving. I miss being friendly with other people. I miss being a little stupid. I miss FFF, Friends Family Food. I miss wearing the clothes I want.. like things above the knees, and above the elbow, without getting obvious stares.

I’m going to miss Jordan and Lebanon with all my heart, but I’ll come back. Right now, I miss my home a little bit more.

Well, with exactly one month left until I finish my semester here, I am ready to come home. I think...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:02:57 -0500

Well, with exactly one month left until I finish my semester here, I am ready to come home. I think I have experienced a lot, more than I would have thought, good and bad. I have seen so many sights, been to Lebanon, eaten so many different dishes, just about everything.

While I have heard of girls having bad experiences with the guys here, I really haven’t had anything awful happen to me, other than the regular cat calling. But today was a different story. As I was waiting for my host brother to pick me up after school, I notice an older man sitting in the car in front of me. I don’t think anything of it because he’s probably waiting for someone. He revs his engine a few times, and I still don’t think anything of it, but I do keep an eye on him. He revs his engine one more time, and we make eye contact. He then proceeds to make kissing sounds at me, and blows me a kiss. I quickly look away, as I am disgusted and embarrassed. I am still just sitting on the bench, listening to my ipod, and I can tell he is saying things to me, and motioning for me to come over. I get fed up, so I get up and walk in the other direction to catch a cab. As I am walking, thinking I won’t have to deal with him anymore, I hear a car coming up behind me. It pulls up next to me, and it’s the same guy. He continues to say things at me, and drive along side me. I keep my face forward, jaw locked and hands in fists and continue walking, and he still is following me. I ignore everything he is doing, and am getting more and more flustered and embarrassed, and I can feel the tears in my eyes. I keep my composure, and make it to the tunnel, to cross the street and catch a cab. I was so embarrassed, and angry. Everyone could see what was going on, but no one does anything, or everyone pretends not to notice. It was not a good day. I know this may not seem like that big of a deal, but it was just really humiliating for me. There was no reason for him to act like that, I was dressed modestly, nothing tight, low cut or crazy at all. Okay, so my sleeves were two inches above my elbows, and my pants were rolled to lower calf. But seriously, why?! It’s really unfortunate, and unfair that I am just supposed to accept that, and do nothing about it. This is the one thing I do not like about Jordanian culture. The way the men act towards women, western women, is awful.

Umm Qais and Jerash trip.

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:50:00 -0500

Umm Qais and Jerash trip.

Jacob’s trip to Amman.

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:09:10 -0500

Jacob’s trip to Amman.

Lebanon for spring break!

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:07:29 -0500

Lebanon for spring break!

Lebanon was amazing. I went with a really good group of kids,...

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:59:57 -0500

Lebanon was amazing. I went with a really good group of kids, and I’m glad I got to know them better. I got the chance to meet some really cool people too. My time there was everything I could have asked for. While I didn’t get to do what everyone usually thinks of when the visit Lebanon, I enjoyed everything I did do. The whole trip was something I never would have been to imagine, as it was just perfect. Every single thing I did, I will remember forever. It’s at the point that I love Lebanon so much, I don’t see myself waiting a long time to go back. As soon as I am able, I am getting on a flight back. Now I’m leaving little pieces of my heart in so many different places, and I’ll feel at home in all of them.

Meow Meow

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:26:08 -0500

A lot has happened since I last updated, but it was a really stressful and busy time!

First things first, my brother made it here safely, three hours late. It was really awesome having him here! We went to Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. He saw the ruins here in Amman, as well as all around the city. It was probably the perfect amount of time for him to stay here, but also the worst as far as timing goes because of midterms and papers. Good news is that I got everything done, and turned in on time. I felt confident about the tests I took, so that’s all I can ask for. All the videos and pictures will be up later. It was nice having someone here from my family, but it did make me a little homesick.

This weekend I am going to Lebanon for spring break. I cannot tell you how excited I am. I have always wanted to go there, but never thought it would be possible. It’s kind of surreal, but I know I will love it. I will be getting my tattoo as well!!! AHHH I just want Friday to be here already. This break could not come at a better time.

As far as things go with my host family, everything is still really great. But through this experience, I have realized that I hate being compared to someone else. Everyone is different, and everyone does things in a different way. I have my own way, and sometimes its hard for others to appreciate that. It’s also good to learn how others do things. A good thing that I think I have learned would be to appreciate another culture, and how the religion fits into the daily lives of the people. There are of course struggles between religion and culture, as well as people, but without this trip I don’t think I would have been able to know or see what my host family has shown me.

Its a weird, but good experience to live with a family here. Literally it’s like going back to high school. Mom is always asking where I am going, with whom, what time will I be back, what did I eat today and am I hungry, telling me everything she thinks and how this is better than that… what to do, what not to do, curfew (!). Oh boy, I’m ready for my own apartment again.

ANYWAY.. I hope all is well back in the states!

My brother is coming here in 5 days!!!!!!! super stoked for him. NOT looking forward to the two...

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:44:14 -0500

My brother is coming here in 5 days!!!!!!! super stoked for him. NOT looking forward to the two midterms and two papers I will have to take, and turn in while he is here. What can you do though?

This was the snow day in Amman, Jordan. It hasn’t snowed...

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 15:25:00 -0600

This was the snow day in Amman, Jordan. It hasn’t snowed like this in a few years, so naturally everyone was super stoked to be playing in the snow. On every hill were people sledding, or building snow men. I have never seen so many snowmen in my life, honestly. Of course, there were a lot of people who had no idea how to drive in that weather, so there was a lot of congestion and stress, but I never saw anything too bad. It was really an exciting time to be in the snow this weekend, especially so far from home!

Nothing new, nothing special

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:48:35 -0600

This is just an update, because I haven’t posted in a while. Lately, things here have been so good. I love everything, and everyone. The classes are going good, Arabic is improving, and I’m meeting new people. I think that’s one thing I’ve been taking for granted. I never really realized until tonight how good it feels to have friends here. At first, I didn’t really want to make a lot of friends, because honestly, what’s the point? But, now I know that the people I do make relationships with are really special, and are worth getting to know. As far as life with my host family goes, I LOVE THEM. The whole family holds a place in my heart, and the always will. I am so grateful for them, and I think the are the best family I could ever stay with. Of course, I get annoyed and frustrated, but they treat me like their own sister/daughter. What more could I ask for? What usually happens is my host mom just talks to me in Arabic all the time, with a few words in english, and the guys don’t think I understand her, but I do! Every single time she talks to me, I know exactly what she’s saying. This usually blows the boys mind, and I don’t know why! I can understand so much in Arabic, but its so difficult for me to get the words out sometimes, I just don’t have the right amount of vocabulary to respond like I want.

Tonight I went out with some friends, and it really isn’t my scene, but I had a really good time. I like being out of the house, in the city, doing my own thing…until midnight, that is. Even just sitting, talking to people in my program is fun. The smoke is getting to me these days, but still everything is great. One thing that really frustrates me is that I still am not able to really get around Amman alone yet. The city is not that hard to navigate, but for some reason, I can’t get it down yet. I can get to my house from anywhere really, and to school, and a few other places, but when I need to go somewhere new, I freak a little bit. This will get better though, I know.

Everything in my life at this moment, is exactly how I want it to be. I love Jordan.

emisformaud: This was my overnight trip to Petra and Wadi Rum....

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:54:51 -0600

emisformaud:

This was my overnight trip to Petra and Wadi Rum. It’s definitely shaky and not professional at all, but I hope you like it!

There were a lot of cats, and they were sweet. :)

After the 4 miles, and a shower.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:41:08 -0600

After the 4 miles, and a shower.

Just a little update.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:39:42 -0600

This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions… but what’s new. What do you do when a family’s conflicts come up, and you are put somewhat in the middle? This is my current dilemma. Not that it’s too serious at all. There is definitely a struggle between the generations of understanding differences. The kids my age and a little older wanna go out, they wanna be free and live life, while their parents want them to get jobs, and make money. They are treated like young children and worried after, trying to live life as they please, but causing stress to their parents. Of course there are deeper rifts than this, but this is the obvious struggle, in my family.

How do you become strong willed? I thought I was doing a pretty good job of being strong, and brave, and independent, but it has been brought to my attention that this seems like an act. That I am trying too hard to show I am strong, but not actually being so. I know I am not understanding what the person meant, and I also know I am thinking way too hard about this. I am emotional and I always have been, but I think I’ve come a long way since my middle school days. There are norms and rules over here that I don’t want to break, there are expectations, and things you never every do or say. So, how much time does it take to let people see you are comfortable, and acting like your true self? Is it even possible in a foreign area? Does this all come with age, or am I supposed to do something now? See, I was under the impression that I was being really brave, and somewhat independent, significantly more than at home in Oklahoma. I know I’ve been acting reserved, but I’m in another country, with a whole new family of 7! Am I just supposed to not be courteous, and not feel things out before I starting acting like a fool?

What a thought, what a day, what a week!

Classes are going very well. Language skill are improving everyday, and conversations with my host mom are becoming more detailed. I even directed a taxi home today, in Arabic. :)

I ran 4 miles today… there must be something in the water.. of this I am certain.

This was the view from my first day of classes. This was the...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:45:26 -0600

This was the view from my first day of classes. This was the first day I had falafel here in Jordan. It was kind of cold this day, but we ate outside anyway. I am really enjoying my time here, and I don’t know how many times I will say that. I keep worrying that this is a dream and soon I will have to wake up, and go back home to Oklahoma, but it’s not! I have four months here! I remember friends back home telling me that the first few weeks will be frustrating when it comes to speaking, and today was the most frustrating day of my life here. All I wanted to do was talk in complete sentences in Arabic, but I wasn’t able to. I know I need to practice more, and use the skills I have, and soon I will be able to talk the way I want to, but for now I am frustrated, thank you.

Tomorrow is my 21st birthday! If I were back home, I would be getting the tattoo I have been wanting, but here I will probably just hangout with my host family, and go to class of course. I love my host family. :)

I burnt my forehead curling my hair last night, I felt like I was 12. Now, I have a mark on my head, but luckily I can cover it with my bangs. I wish I had some of the makeup I left at home.

As it turns out, I really did fry my straightener. :( I’m starting to drink energy drinks more often than ever before now, but not by much.

So it goes.

This is the best warm drink/feel good food in the world....

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:23:51 -0600

This is the best warm drink/feel good food in the world. It’s milk, with coconut, and other great wonders, including cinnamon. I had it for the first time tonight, after hearing about for the past week. I’ve also had mensaf, which is lamb in a yogurt sauce. Most of the food had a strong taste, nothing is mild, and that can get some getting used to. I like most everything, but it’s just not like anything I’ve ever had. I’ve also come to really enjoy hookah, or hubbly bubbly, as they call it here.

Tomorrow, I meet my peer tutor at around 9 in the morning. We will have a scavenger hunt, but I hope it doesn’t last all day.

I NEED A LARGE PURSE. Or just a purse in general, cause using my backpack all the time is lame. The malls here are so awesome, which is probably going to hurt my wallet.. but I’m really trying not to spend a lot on clothes. The main reason being I DON’T NEED ANYTHING, but I want everything. You’re welcome mom and dad.

I miss not having a curfew. I like the music here, and I want to go dancing, but I dunno if that will happen any time soon.

This is my life.

More classes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:56:02 -0600

I went to my other classes today, and I guess they sound good. They really don’t interest me right now, but I’m sure that will change in the future. I’m actually a little stressed because we have to write a 12 page paper in one, and a 6 page paper in the other. Usually, this really wouldn’t be a problem, but when it’s about something I know nothing about, and have no desire to research, it’s gonna be a little challenging.

I ran 3.2 miles today. :)))

I’m having a blast right now, even though I’m only going to class. I can’t wait until our first trip next weekend, to Petra and Wadi Rum. This weekend is my birthday!!! I pretty much have all my weekends set…. I hope this won’t be a problem for studying for tests, or papers or anything. I may have to cancel some community service, and that makes me feel like a scrub, buuuuuut grades are more important. I guess I won’t know until I get there.

Meowmeow :)

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Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:49:54 -0600