Life here is so different than in America. There's no conception of an 8-5 job, work is an all day affair beginning and ending late due to the constant need for tea and cigarette breaks. It's completely normal for families to pull over on the side of the road and have a picnic. Everyone litters. The call to prayer is broadcasts five times a day and can be heard throughout the city. My classmates and I are constantly inundated with the phrase, "Welcome to Jordan!" on the streets. Fresh meat hangs in storefronts all around the city. The only form of entertainment is hookah, coffee, and good conversation. Girls are really only welcome in cafe's that display "Couple's Welcome" signs. The whole country really just feels like a boy's club, but none of it is done in spite. Sure, Arab men may have their negative attributes and so many of the cultural norms are antithetical to American ideals, but it doesn't negate their legitimacy, just makes them harder for us (as Americans) to understand. Women are respected here, they really are, just in a different way. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part I feel as though women and somewhat revered. Still don't fully understand the complex situation that is women's rights in the Middle East, but my time here has been encouraging. Being a male, however, I don't know if I have a right to feel the way I do.
I've had a really productive day and want to tell you all about it. Ok, first, I've been searching for a piano since I got here but have had zero luck. Everyone looks at me like I've lost my mind when I ask if there is a piano anywhere on campus that I could play! But today I talked to our program director and he got me an appointment with one of the teachers at the music center on campus tomorrow afternoon. He didn't really specify if that included an opportunity to play the piano, but it sounds really interesting and he told me they had a lot of "musical devices" over there, whatever the hell that means. Maybe I'll learn to play the Udd or something!
Also, I've been really bored in the afternoons to say the least. Well, I was thinking and decided to talk to someone about maybe doing some community service while I'm here. Maybe working with kids at a camp teaching english or music. I would even be willing to do some yard work or road side clean up. Don't really care just feel like I should at least try and make a difference while I'm here. So the man I was talking to about my interests in community service called a friend of his at one of the local churches and they asked that I write a letter explaing my interests/qualifications and said they would get in touch with me. Exciting stuff! They mentioned a kid's camp or something and I really hope that works out. I think it would be good for the kids to spend some time with an American and know that I would benefit even more than them. The older I get the more I realize that kids make my heart warm... most of the time, that is.
Also, I've been really bored in the afternoons to say the least. Well, I was thinking and decided to talk to someone about maybe doing some community service while I'm here. Maybe working with kids at a camp teaching english or music. I would even be willing to do some yard work or road side clean up. Don't really care just feel like I should at least try and make a difference while I'm here. So the man I was talking to about my interests in community service called a friend of his at one of the local churches and they asked that I write a letter explaing my interests/qualifications and said they would get in touch with me. Exciting stuff! They mentioned a kid's camp or something and I really hope that works out. I think it would be good for the kids to spend some time with an American and know that I would benefit even more than them. The older I get the more I realize that kids make my heart warm... most of the time, that is.
Oh, let's talk about driving here. First, people use their horns incessantly... so annoying. Everyday there is a wedding caravan, or four (more like 12) in the city and everyone in the group of cars honks as loud and as much as possible. Also, the University has been holding graduation over the past week, another excuse for people to scream and honk with their graduates hanging out of the window or standing up through the sun roof. I feel like it's wrong to be upset with them for this, as I realize graduation is a big deal, but seriously, they could tone down the honking. Oh, and how could I forget the World Cup and its accompanying festivities. Crazy driving, flags out of the window, of course more honking, and crazy teenagers doing very dangerous things in their vehicles. Second, their aren't really lanes here per say. Everyone just makes their own path, using their horns to inform other cars or their plans to pass. Third, Jordanians have no patience for pedestrians. The American sentiment that pedestrians have the right of way is, by all means, NOT true in this country. It's get out of the way or get honked at then hit. And fourth, traffic signals seem a bit optional. I mean, not really, but they definitely aren't as strictly adhered to as in the states.
Food... oh, Arab food. Most of it is delicious, don't get me wrong. I absolutely love a good lamb shwarma sandwich, or some refreshing hummous and ful with fresh vegetables and tea. But, as my friend Katharine and I were discussing the other day, they just don't seem to understand the concept of a full meal, complete with a salad, main course, two sides, and bread. Perhaps we aren't getting the best read on food in Jordan because we have to eat out every meal. Who knows?
On Friday one of our teachers has invited us all to her home for a traditional meal, with the caveat that only Arabic will be spoken. I'm getting used to that caveat. It will be a good time. I can appreciate a home cooked meal in any country.
I'm tired and need sleep. Finally have gotten into a routine and feel settled. Time is flying by, now. I'll be home before I know it.
Miss you all.
-Alex
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