New Eyes

Today I met up with a great group of girls, old friends and new, for some fun at the Friday Sook. Some of my new friends had just arrived into Jordan, so seeing this new place through their eyes was so fascinating. It really wasn’t anything they said but just watching their reactions and change of demeanor as we navigated our ways through the racks of clothing and shoes made me think back to my first encounter at the same sook. With loud men yelling prices in every direction, women jostling for position near the “good stuff”, and piles and piles of vegetables that looked like they were just picked from the orchards; all you could do was absorb everything in bits and pieces. For 8 women, it was like herding cats through a maze. Each taking turns as mama cat scanning the crowds to make sure no one was left alone. A few purchases made, we were off to our next adventure and small slice of home, The Bake House. Once we arrived, we ordered and began discussing things to know or be aware of as a woman in Amman. Simple things you would never think about or faux pas that can get you in trouble like looking people in the eye or saying hello to random people is a no no. Others like using the buddy system, watching out for “accidental touching” situations that really do occur, talking to taxi drivers and questions to always to say no to, never accepting anything free even from anyone even if it is someone you may see every day, only expecting it to really be bacon or ham if it indicates it as a pork product at the bottom of the menu (otherwise it is an alternative that may or may not be desired) and the like. As each lady heard and absorbed the new information, I could see myself when I first arrived almost 10 months ago mentally making checklists of do and do nots. Funny for some reason, it seems I had more do nots. But I guess better to be prepared. Of course, each person has their good and bad moments in any new city but I wish these ladies the best knowing deep down I could see some might have a harder time than others. I hope I am wrong. The best part is I saw adventuresome spirits ready to take on a new culture, new language, and smile while doing so. This made my soul smile.

Running Out

Last night was the second night we ran out of water. It is still strange to think you can turn on the tap and have literally nothing come out…not even a trickle. I guess I took it for granted always having access to water ready to go in the states. Long hot soothing bathes, daydreaming showers (it seems I always think better in the shower), washing your car, your mom literally hosing you down after getting dirty doing who knows what, or running in and out of the sprinklers in the summer time, these are my water memories growing up. But in a region so water deprived, we do not have those small luxuries. Each apartment or house has one canister of water per household located on top of your building or sometimes in the basement filled once a week manually by the water man. It seems our new apartment has a much smaller canister than we are used to or maybe we are taking too long of showers? Keep in mind our new apartment does not have a washer in our unit, so I don’t know how we can be using that much water each week. Mind boggling I tell you. But this is the second time in 7 weeks we have been without water. As a result, we called the super who turned on the well pump so we would soon be refilled. The well being very rare in these parts, so we are very blessed to have that option. Otherwise, we would just wait it out until we were refilled by the city. But I have to say, at the end of the day it gets a little unnerving to know you may not be able to brush your teeth or flush your toilet. I look forward to the day I don’t have to worry about these minor details and enjoy my long hot bath in peace. Until then, we will be more mindful.

When walking down in the Balad I came upon a home water canister and wanted to take a picture next to it so you can really see the how large it is.  This is one of the larger ones for a family of four. 

As you can see there are all different sizes, shapes, and container materials used for water in these parts.  I think ours is a small version of the plastic type or maybe the small square metal ones. 

Mixed feelings

Our grand adventure is rapidly coming to an end. Rob took his final exam at Qasid and we attended his closing ceremony yesterday. But I think the purchase of our return trip tickets solidified the fact that we will be returning back to reality. As I write this blog, I find it hard to put into the words the mix of feelings I have about leaving Jordan and returning back to the states. I am thrilled we will be able to see our family and friends. The simple luxuries are almost within reach. But I will be leaving lazy days and a stress free environment to return back to the grinding working world. We have learned so much about ourselves individually and as a couple, pushing ourselves to see exactly what we could survive with or without. Note to self: AC and clean living facilities are non-negotiable.


So I plan to savor long naps, focusing on meals and laundry, and basically relaxing for the next 9 weeks while, of course, mentally making lists of things to do once we return. Fresh sushi, eating my weight worth of chips & salsa, girls nights out, family BBQs, football marathons, fresh salads, and the like are high on the list. As you can tell, I have already started the list but I think it has been ongoing since we arrived back in September.

I guess all good things have to come to an end.

Hmmm...I think this is...

Who knew pineapple juice was green?!?  Not me, that is for sure. 

All these years I thought it was yellow...ish.

Well, I was tricked again.  A green tinted bottle can fool you every time. 

Rob figured that one out for me.  He is such the smartie. 

Now keep in mind, if you drink the juice here, be ready for the real deal...no sugar added and tastes like it came right from the fruit.  Since I grew up on extra sugar added fruit juices, it is hard to switch to the real thing.  It will be interesting to switch back when we are home...or will I??? 

Souk Al Balad

We had heard fabulous stories of Souk Al Balad, the newest souk for farmer’s market items. So today was the day to explore. Directions were a little sketchy as we were told behind this hotel and two streets down…so there was some random walking about but we finally found it. Randomly we ran into a good friend with her bounty of fresh produce. It is a small world in Amman I must say.

The market was rather small, maybe 10 stalls but seemed to be full of fun and delish goodies from baked goods, amazing flowers, sweet strawberries, and from what I am told, the best asparagus that can be found in Amman.

We both jumped at the opportunity to have fresh lemonade and mint iced drinks in the shade. I have to say a mint mustache is the way to go when cooling down in the hot Amman sun. It turned out to be a great day for exploration.

Have a cool day!

The crane arrives

One step closer...

The mythical crane we have been promised for a little over a month has finally arrived today. As we left the apartment building at 10:30am we were overjoyed to see the said crane in action. Our A/C unit just may be installed and completed by the end of the day. We smile at each other with knowing looks..."bookra inshallah" we both say without even speaking it, this meaning tomorrow God willing. After 9 months we have heard this so many times it is now ingrained in our psyche and our expectations of something that SHOULD take a day will most likely turn into a two or three day event.

I am now typing this blog at 9:32pm the A/C unit is not completed but the outdoor unit has been installed onto the outside of the 3rd floor. We were told by the landlord it WILL be done tonight...I think he is even more frustrated by the situation than us. Of course, we just smile and look at each other with knowing looks. Sometimes it isn't worth fighting the system.

At 9:36pm we were handed the A/C remotes and told to go for it. we are SO excited.
Cool evenings here we come!

Summer begins

The heat is upon us now with temperatures rising to the high 90s and soon to the low 100s. Being a Floridian, I know heat. But this is a different type of heat. It is more oven like than tropical. Standing in the shade, you can easily feel at least a 5 degree drop and with a gentle breeze it can feel even cooler. The sand factor is different though. It seems our weather forecast online is usually "widespread dust". This in other words means there is sand, dust, and whatever else that could be blowing in the wind blows constantly creating a fog-like appearance. Things get really dark and gloomy but not rain-like gloom, more like strange khaki colored fog. It is a little unsettling at times. But what can you do. With the AC still not installed, we are thankful for fans, shorts, and storm shutters that can be pulled to block out the harsh sun. At first I didn't understand the purpose for these metal shutters but now I am thankful. I guess after being here for 9 months, the usefulness becomes apparent.

Dead Sea celebrations

As my birthday present, Rob surprised me with a short get-a-way weekend to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea being known for its high salinity levels, allows nothing to flourish within it's depths. Nothing...hence the name the Dead Sea.

An upclose of the salt accumulation on the rocks.

The neat thing about it is that because of the salt levels, when you enter the water, you literally cannot swim, and you can only float. Well bobbing can be done also if you don't want to float on your back. Another neat aspect is the mud. Somehow the mud on the bottom of the Dead Sea has a very high level of beneficial minerals that can be used as a body mud mask. So, of course, tourists like me love to go, lather up with this "special" mud and exfoliate it off for soft smooth skin.

Beware...do not shave the day before or day of your swim and keep the mud and water out of your mouth and eyes. Let's just say if you do not heed the warnings, there will be a lot of screaming and not so nice words shared with fellow floaters. Also, keep in mind, it is not a good idea to try to wash out your eyes with the closest water source but to high tail it out of the sea and to the fresh water shower nearby. Thankfully we had no issues being thoroughly warned beforehand by friends who had run into these situations firsthand. I kept repeating to myself the mantra of do not wipe your eyes and no splashing as I stepped into the water. Being of sensitive skin, I did however feel the tingling of unknown small cuts all over my body. Thankfully I had no deep gashes and did not shave the day before but I did feel the salt trying to "heal" things on my body. It takes the old adage salt is good for wounds to a whole new level here...

I have to say I didn't really know what to expect when it came to the water. Seriously, I am from Florida and lived near the ocean my entire life. How different can it be? Don't get me wrong, the difference between the Atlantic coast and the Gulf are immense but water is water right? Wrong! The sea itself is situated at the lowest point on Earth. Which is mind blowing if you think about it. But the body of water was surrounded by huge mountains seemingly jutting out of nowhere. So there was no real beach area. It looked like they had to manually chisel it out of the mountain, which as a result created a really rocky beach.

Thank goodness for the provided jelly shoes because the stony beach was rather hard to walk on. As you walked into the water, it seemed there was a salty film on the top, kind of like a rainbow sheen from oil. Once in at mid shin level I just sat down in the water and leaned back. Of course, in any other water you would then sink a little and be forced to start swimming in some way whether it be using your arms, legs, or a combination of both. Not here... At soon as I sat down, I floated. Like as if I was sitting on an inflatable raft. My legs literally popped up in front of me. The most comfortable position of course was just to lean back and just float it out. I tried to use some swimming techniques to "test it out" but it just didn't work. The salt level made me so buoyant, I could not swim. I could however bob straight up and down. Which was great! We had Rob even read his newspaper and there was no issues of keeping it totally dry.

Overall, I have to say it was my best birthday celebration ever. I mean, how many people can say they turned "insert number of your choice here" at the Dead Sea? Not only was it really cool but such a relaxing weekend filled with unique and special moments. Thank you my dear husband for making this so special. I am forever grateful.

Happy floating!

Birthday festities begin...

I talked the hubster into starting the birthday festivities a day early...a little pre-party you could call it.  So we went to Jebel Amman to my favorite restaurant Rajeens.  I have to say it was the best beginning to a wonderful birthday weekend. 

The Goat Cheese and Apple salad with a shot glass of cucumber soup.  Both to die for!

Mouth shut, mind open

I have had a hard time not blogging about the things going on in this region. If you know me, you know I always have an opinion. Sometimes right on, sometimes out there...but always there in the background. From clothing to politics, I have watched, asked many a question, listened to responses both audible and non-verbal, and has ultimately kept my opinions to myself. It has been hard but I think needed. I am sure once I come back, I will have so much to say it will be oozing from me but until then I will keep my mouth shut and mind open. Not everything that is different is bad or wrong...sometimes just different. The hard part is when things are plainly wrong but I have no way to change those things but to wait and hope that they will mend on their own.

Until then...I blog about life, love, traveling, and the expat life. Know that I see and hear things happening here and have thoughts and feelings, this just isn't the forum to express them.