Where is the Ark?

The past four days have been filled with drizzling rain, downpour rain, and even frozen rain at times. I feel like I am in the middle of hurricane season back in Florida at times. Come to think of it, there was even some thunder and lightning too!


I think we have come to the conclusion after 6 months, that when it says on the weather channel it is going to rain, it doesn’t lie, not even if it is a small percentage like 20%. When in the desert, a 20% chance will happen. The funny thing is, since we are in the Middle East, the drainage system does not seem to be meant for large downpours. So you must be mindful of staircases that literally become waterfalls. On our way home to our old place (mind you at the bottom of a hill), we had to wade through water hiking up our jeans and removing shoe wear. It was one of those times you just cross your fingers there isn’t anything lurking in the bottom of the dirty water and wash really well once home. One good thing about all the rainy weather is it cleans up the roads quite nice and you feel like you walked out into a fresh clean new world afterwards.

Goodbye dust.  Hello clean air!

Away

Being away...is so very hard. Even though we are over here in Jordan half a world away, having the time of our lives, experiencing the culture, and traveling to new and exotic places; life is still going on back home. Weddings, deaths, memorials, new jobs, moving to new cities, birthdays, anniversaries, and births of beautiful babies; these events that make up our lives are still happening and are so important to me.

I hope everyone back home knows I would love to be at each and every one of their life events, to celebrate or shed tears, give hugs of support or just be there in silence without having to say a word. I know all of you understand, but I just wanted to put it out there just in case.

Today I am celebrating the life of a dear friend. It would have been her birthday today, but her life and her children's lives were so tragically taken away from this world this past year. I made a grilled cheese yesterday and today in honor of them. She was always trying to make "the perfect grilled cheese". Mine were definitely not perfect, but real with a little crispiness around the edges. I think much like her. Francie Billotti-Wood, you are in my thoughts always.

Travel planning - Egypt

While doing research for our upcoming Egypt trip, I came across this in the Middle East travel guide, entitled
"Playing Chicken in Cairo."

"It may sound silly, but the greatest challenge most travelers face when travelling through Egypt is crossing the street in Cairo. Roads are frantically busy and road rules are something that the average Cairene has heard of, but only in jokes. Our advice is to position yourself so that one or more locals form a buffer between you and oncoming traffic, and then cross when they cross - they usually don't mind being used as human shields. Basically, it's a game of chicken. Never, ever hesitate one you've stepped off the footpath; cross as if you own the road. But do it fast." - Lonely Planet

We both got a chuckle out of this little blurb as we encountered it here in Jordan too. You just have to keep telling yourself to "Be brave" and "Just go for it".

Today our taxi driver decided he needed to cross two lanes of traffic and took out a plastic, median pole in the process. He didn't even hesitate or seem perturbed. Rob and I just laughed afterwards, I mean, what can you do? Just go with it.

A new food - lentils

So before I left the states, a co-worker mentioned there would be tons of lentils available here in the Middle East. Green...Red...Brown... To be honest, I have never had lentils, at least not in the traditional sense. If I think back, I may have had some in a salmon salad but otherwise, no "real" lentil experience.

Rob, of course, wanted to try the said lentils as they were a good source of carbs, fiber, and also good filler. For those out there, my husband is a big eater, so new fillers (usually it is brown rice) for meals are always welcome. I, of course, was a little hesitant. I mean, I had never made lentils or even seen them made. *NOTE - There is no directions on the bags here, I guess they just assume you know how to cook them.

After some internet research, which I was pretty surprised at the amount of step by step guidelines out there, I went for it. The directions on my online guidelines said to be sure to sort the lentils before putting them in the pot. I guess the machines at the factory sort them out but very small stones or rice or seeds or whatever can go through undetected. Who knew?!? Well I guess you find out when you crunch down on one of those little babies, but anyway. Check out one I found the other day. Yikes! That could take out a tooth if found unexpectantly.

Moral of the story, always do your research and follow directions.

P.S. Lentils are pretty good if you are going for something mild in taste and more of a filler side dish. 

February update

Can't believe we have been here almost 6 months.  I could give you the number of months, days, hours, and minutes...just kidding...I haven't gotten that ridiculous in keeping count.  Yet... But all in all, things are still going well. 

Rob's winter term will be over in just a few weeks.  Time sure flies when you are studying hard!  He has even hired a tutor to meet with him three times a week to work on listening and speaking skills.  It is amazing how his language skills have progressed as each month passes.  Since he will be finishing Level 5 out of 5 with Qasid, he will be moving on to private tutoring next term there at the school.  This will be awesome as they will be able to focus on exactly what he needs and hopefully get him to the professional level proficiency he will need in the business world. 

I am doing well and still enjoying Jordan. For those of you who have taken bets on how long it would take me to want to go back to work, not that I haven't really really really enjoyed not working, the 5 3/4 months bet will have won. I have found something temporary and part-time right now working with spreadsheets and the internet. Vague, I know but once I get trained and up to speed I can fill you in more. As you can tell, I'm excited and can't wait to start. Watching TV and hanging around the house isn't too fulfilling these days. I'll let you know how I feel after a few weeks though. Training for the 1/2 marathon is going well. An injury here and there has delayed things, but I plan to get back in the saddle with some outdoor training. Keep April 9th on your calendar as that is the big day for the Dead Sea Marathon.

As for adventures outside of Amman, we plan to visit the Dead Sea and Egypt.  I guess I better hit the travel books to get everything in order. 

Happy travels everyone!

Do you have change for that?

I will preface this with this blog is more of a rambling.  So keep that in mind...

Both of us have noticed people hoard thier change, whether it be one dinar bills or coin change.  I haven't decided exactly why this pheonomon is happening but it is pretty interesting to watch. 

Case in point #1 - The bus driver

Today we took the bus home from school as usual.  Like any ole day, the bus drive home on the "big bus" (this bus being the city bus that resembles any city bus driving around the states) is always 25 kirsh.  No problem.  We give him our 50 kirsh piece and move along.  But of course there is a problem.  For some reason there has been inflation on the "big bus" and now it is 35 or 40 kirsh.  We couldn't quite figure out the exact amount he was saying, so we gave him another 50 kirsh piece and he gave us change back.  If you added what he gave back and divided by two, it didn't make sense.  Anyway, I digress.  This is when things got interesting.  The bus driver didn't seem to want to give anyone change.  At least three people got on the bus with a one dinar bill and he refused to give them change forcing them to then get off the bus.  I just looked at Rob every time it happened.  Mind you, about 6 people got on before these guys and with all the change he had in his hand or at least access to, he had enough to give change.  The question is why didn't he???  Who knows. 

Case in Point #2 - Any storekeeper

My friend needed change so she could take a taxi to school.  So she thought of the bright idea to go buy something.  Anything.  Thinking the shopkeeper would be more than happy to break her five dinar bill into smaller ones and change.  Of course as soon as she slapped down the candybar and water (coming to the grand total of less than one dinar) and her five dinar bill, he asked her if she had change...  Hillarious I know.  She said she needed change, which was why she was there! 

I guess it comes down to the fact that most taxi drives and small things to buy are cheap (i.e. less than two dinar).  But of course, the ATM machine spits out 50s and 20s like it is going out of style.  I wonder if you can go to the bank and ask for change like in the states.  Or even better, get a roll of 25 kirsh or 50 kirsh pieces.  We just might have to look into that. 

For some reason, I feel like I am back in college again hoarding my quarters for laundry day.

Stoneware?

We got a good giggle out of this. 

Wallah?

I learned the word/phrase "Wallah" yesterday as we were walking home. I was trying to show my vast vocabulary of Arabic words and was done within only 2 minutes. I say I have at least 20 in the good ole noggin. A small sampling includes thank you (shoe-cron), your welcome (af-won), good morning/hello (Salom ooh-lake-um), good-bye (mah-sa-lamma), etc. But I am adding a few here and there every day. So on my way back, I learned Wallah. It is more of an expression of surprise, kind of like "really?" and then you respond with "Wallah..." meaning "yes, really".

As we were driving to school today, I actually heard Rob use it. Kind of a neat conversation actually. The conversation started off with the normal weather and traffic annoyances chatter. But then led to where are you from, oh you are an "Amerikee". That is Arabic for American. The taxi driver went on to say he visited his family in America for a month. Of course we asked where. Florida he said....Tallahassee to be specific. WALLAH?!? asked Rob. Wallah was the taxi driver’s response. Who would have thought we would find a taxi driver who not only had been to Florida but our town of Tallahassee. We were thrilled.

The world gets smaller everyday and my vocabulary grows larger.

Happy Valentine's Day

I can't believe it is February already and being half over at that.  Our plans for the big day include pizza and wine.  Cravings of home I guess.  I don't think we will find both (pizza & wine) together at the same place, but that is okay.  We will make due.  It just prolongs the festivities. 

I wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day. May your day be spent with the ones you hold dear!

Cheers!

Beautiful flowers from the man of my dreams.  One for every year we have been together.  7 to be exact!

 

Pizza and wine.  Yes, that is pepperoni!  We were so excited to find they have it.  It is very rare here.

Anniversary

Happy 5 month Anniversary! 

I can't believe we have been here in Jordan for 5 months already.  Sometimes it feels like we have been here for years and at other times, just a few months.  I have to say it has been an exciting adventurous 5 months so far.  I look forward to the next 7 months ahead. 

Top 5 things I plan to do next:
(of course in no particular order)

1. Camp in the desert
2. Visit the pyramids and see the Nile
3. Go to the hammam (this is a Turkish bath)
4. Take a taxi by myself (not too sure if this will happen but I will see)
5. Ride a camel

Onward!

Wild Celebrations

The Embassey email read as follows:

"On Saturday, February 6th, the Jordanian Ministry of Education intends to release the interim results of the high-school exam (the Tawjihi). Families throughout Amman often celebrate when the results are announced, and for some the celebration is exuberant. Groups of young adults may drive around in cars blowing horns, and some individuals may shoot into the air. The direct threat is minimal, but traffic can be congested. Please do not be surprised if you hear shooting."

We both snickered when we read this warning coming from the Embassey via email. Who knew people could get this excited about good grades.

Happy Testing!

Creative Meal Prep

For those who have or are living abroad, you will know ethnic food (other than the native food available in the country you are currently living) is VERY expensive.  So our weekly Mexican taco night has not been on the monthly rotation as much as in the states.  For one, taco shells (soft or hard) are really really expensive.  Let's just say, it isn't worth the $7-9 a pack.  And of course the side of refried beans are just as expensive at $2 a can.  This week, however I had a craving that lead to some creativity. 

Step one - Look for an alternative...  Jordan has pita bread.  CHECK

Step two - Make the alternative work...  I am thinking soft taco in the making.  CHECK

Step three - Proceed with usual stuffing of soft taco.  CHECK

Step four - ENJOY!!! 

I have to say it was pretty darn good.  Messy, yes.  But sure enough, very delish.  Now for those of you who are asking where is the sour cream...come on people, I can't do magic.

White Winter

We have heard rumors it *may* snow for the past two weeks but with the temperatures nowhere near freezing; it was only a happy, passing thought. Yesterday, as we were walking out of school, we saw a posted announcement on the bulletin board from the school stating the school may be closed tomorrow (Thursday) due to bad weather and possible snow. From what it said, there was a large cold air mass over Cyprus that was heading our way. I thought it was pretty neat it was over Cyprus as I am only used to cold air systems from Canada or tropical systems from the Gulf or Atlantic. So of course, as soon as we got home, we started stalking the weather channels online. The two we checked did not confirm each other with snow but both said it was going to be near freezing with rain. So we crossed our fingers and hoped for the best.


Around 9am on Thursday, our wishes were granted. The first flurries started falling. I was so excited I jumped for joy. Can you tell I am a Floridian or what?!? For the next few hours, it went back and forth between cold rain and flurries. Nothing too heavy yet to really collect on the ground, but I am holding out…we still have time. Since school was still in session today, it wasn’t an official “snow day” but that is okay.

Now if only I can find enough to have a small snowman or do a snow angel.

Veggie Trivia

Just around the corner from our place, we have both a mosque and veggie stand.  You will see all the normal varieties of vegetables and fruits ranging from potatoes, onions, and cucumbers. 

But then there are some veggies I just don't recognize.  Maybe you will? 

Exhibit A - purple carrots?

Exhibit B - pink squigglies

Comment please if you know what types of vegetables/fruits these might be. Rob has suggested we could buy one and bring it to school to ask. I am however hopeful my knowledgeable readership just might know.

White taxis

When walking down the street, you see all sorts of taxi cars…white, gray, and yellow. I am sure you are quite familiar with the yellow, as they are the same in the States. You jump in, tell them where you want to go, and off you are. The gray are very clean, a little more expensive, and can be called to come directly to your location. We used the gray to move across town. This of course, was much easier than dragging everything to the street corner and flagging down a yellow taxi. Now, the white are called service taxis (pronounced sir-Vee-s). They have predetermined rate of 25 kirsh (35 cents) and drive specific routes throughout the city. At the beginning of each route, they line up in order to take the next group of passengers. Always remember to take the last one in the line, not the first. One catch is that they will only leave once the entire car is full, all 5 seats. I always feel bad when Rob has to sit in the middle in the back.

This is the lineup to take us from the Balad back up the hill to Jebel Al-Webdah. Thankfully there is a service, as the walk is totally uphill and rather long. At least it feels LONG since it is uphill all the way.