


Sorry, it's taken me a while to get to this blog, but we just got Internet in the house, so now it's a little easier. My first few weeks in Jordan have been a whirlwind. The other EMDAPers and I had several days to relax before starting our orientation so immediately went out to explore the old part of the City touring the ancient Citadel and Roman theater. I was able to
see the Citadel on my last






My co-workers are great and I'm really excited about the work I'll be doing with the architect and engineers business council and its members, there is a conference coming up on green building and sustainable cities at the Dead Sea and I am excited about this issue in particular. The apartment that we ended up with is great (see pictures below), in a very convenient location (near to Starbucks, Safeway, Food City and two malls..not sure if this is a positive or negative). Everyone is really helpful, there are many nice and delicious eating places and good places to hang out in the evening to smoke argelia or get coffee. Other highlights or interesting points on living in Amman:
-There is a Syrian soap opera that only airs after Iftar during Ramadan and every business pl

town shows it, everyone stops what they are doing and crowds around to watch it.

-Everyone has reduced hours for Ramadan, most people are fasting from sun up to sun down, the sun down meal is called iftar, not good to being driving at this time as everyone is tired, grumpy and rushing to get home..also many businesses and most restaurants are closed during the day during Ramadan, because no one is eating. I am also trying fast while I am at work (from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m., it was alright at first but now I feel like I'm going to pass out, I'm

- Our imported shelf from China, the all important, "three put shelf, platform of thing," see right.
-I'm getting accustomed to hearing the call to prayer 5 times per day (sun up, noon, 4 p.m. sun down and around 8 p.m.)
-A truck with music like an ice cream truck delivers gas for homes, you run out and stop them
-I'm going to Wadi Rum this weekend (for second time) too sleep in the beautiful pink desert and ride a camel!
-For the end of Ramadan, Eiid, we get a five day Holiday and I will be heading to Syria, one of my favorite places, esp. Damascus.

-I have a wonderful roommate and a amazing fellow group of EMDAPers.
-Having coffee and argela and watching Syrian soap opera at our favorite outdoor restaurant in Amman (right).
-My roommate and I treating ourselves to lunch and cupcakes at Crumbs (one of the few restaurants open lunch right now in Amman (below).

I'll write more soon! L, Dena
3 comments:
Thanks for sharing, Dena! All of your travels are so interesting. :)
Fun to read, Dena! We'll check out your blog from time to time to see what you're up to.
Lori & Mike
Dena,
How exciting! I hope I can come and see you! Keep us posted.
Love
Ann&Jayden
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