In Jordanian Style

As most of you know, the women's clothing style in Jordan is different from the basic Floridian style. There will be no shorts, spaghetti strap tank tops, and the like. But they do enjoy color and I am looking forward to exploring my options. As I walked around the Tallahassee mall today, my eyes kept finding "Jordanian appropriate" clothing. I guess the true shopper in me can ALWAYS find something that fits into the appropriate box needed at that time. Thank you Mom, you trained me well!

The current summer style in Tallahassee, at least, is the long flowing summer dress with a shoulder cover up sweater. Perfect! Basically I won't be showing any white legs in public (thank goodness as I might make some people go blind with the glare), no low-cut tops, and sticking to modestly tailored clothing. So that leaves jeans, long pants, flowing long dresses or skirts, 3/4 length shirts/sweaters, long sleeves and so forth.

I have done some research online and also took note of the local Arab population's dress here in Tallahassee. The ladies are wearing clothing from local stores just like you and me but just layered. If it is a shorter dress, they wear pants overneath. If it is a flowing dress but spagetti straps at the top, no problem, add a long sleeve shirt underneath. Want to wear your favorate FSU short sleeve shirt...long sleeve layering shirt underneath and you are good to go. I am all about layering!!

Happy Shopping!

Moving to Jordan

We have some exciting news to share! Rob has applied and been accepted into the Qasid Institute for intensive Arabic language studies. The institute is located in Amman, Jordan, where we will be living for 12 months. The class schedule starts in mid September, so the plan is to move over at the end of August to beginning of September to allow time to get our bearings and settle in. For the next four months, we will be moving out of our Tallahassee home, taking care of the logistics of moving overseas and visiting with family and friends before the big day. Please raise your glass in celebration and to toast to our new exciting opportunity ahead.

http://www.qasid.com/

Day Four - at sea

The most relaxing day of all included eating, drinking, lounging by the pool, watching an ice sculpture made in front of our eyes, and a spectacular ice skating show. Today I learned our physique is a response to 80% what we eat and only 20% how we exercise. I guess we will pay of the rich yummy food we have enjoyed on the cruise. The allergic reaction is almost gone, thank goodness. We leave relaxed, rejuvenated, rested and ready for our next big adventure. There is no place like home.

Day Three – Jamaica

Sunscreen is now my true nemesis. Sensitive skin lotion, my foot. After the medical team advised I was in a 2nd stage allergic reaction, Rob and I opted to relax on the boat in the shade. One shot, 2 medications and a cream ointment later, I was good to go. Thank goodness. We ventured out to Jamaica only walking in the shade. I am sure this looked crazy to people dodging the sunshine but hey, you do what you have to do. We came upon a wonderful outdoor shaded bar, Oceans 11, right on the water with lovely music so loud; you mellowed within an instant because you literally couldn’t think. I had the BEST strawberry daiquiri ever! It was probably 50% drink and 50% ambiance that made it perfect but you won’t hear me complain. Afterwards a long nap was called for and we are onto the nightly activities onboard.

What a view!

Ocean 11 - the best drinks ever and perfect view

What beauty!

Day Two - Grand Cayman

As I lounge on Seven Mile beach, I watch the youngsters gather sea coral rocks, the multiple floating snorkelers, and have the perfect view of the aquamarine water. Why can’t Jax beach be this beautiful? I think to myself, this must be heaven. I have no worries and the only decision is between a rum runner and a strawberry daiquiri. Oh, the life! Waiter?!? Tonight our events include dinner, a comedy show and the midnight deck party (aka lots of food at ungodly hours). Our dining room table mates are from Canada and New Zealand, so the accents have been a blast and we are enjoying the lively conversation too.



Onward to Jamaica baby!

Sea Coral

Beautiful flowers at the resort on the Seven Mile Beach

The boat - Day One

Deck 5 the Promenade
















Life is a beach!



Ice Skating

Day One – at sea

Our first full day of the ship included exploration of our gigantic 14 floor ship, sun bathing/people watching (our favorite), relaxation and ice skating. Yes, they have an ice skating rink on our boat. Only did a few laps as the fellow ice skaters were more apt to take you down than twirl. Formal night was beautiful and the filet yummy. Rob’s first night of three entrees. You can have as many as you want, literally. Of course, we took advantage…two filets and a sea bass later, we ventured into the Windjammer for more. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had that kind of metabolism?