Posts Tagged ‘Amman’
Letter from Jordan
February 3rd, 2011
My son, David, is doing study-abroad this year in Amman, Jordan. Needless to say, we have been anxious about his situation. He finally delivered one of his e-mail epistles this morning.
Hey guys,
The situation in Egypt may have some of you a little concerned about the condition in Jordan. Let me take the time to allay some of those fears. Egypt’s transition has led to a number of violent demonstrations in the streets of Egypt’s major cities, and has placed Egypt’s president in the same spot that the former ruler of Tunisia found himself in not too long ago. There have also been very recent confrontations between pro-Mubarak and anti-Mubarak forces, resulting in a fair number of protesters being wounded and a few killed. As the world sits in suspense, news stories about concurrent waves of politically charged protests occurring throughout the region are making their way to the front pages of major newspapers around the world. Since the majority of you get the news in some form or another, I will assume you’re aware of the change in cabinet and prime minister here in Jordan, as well as the recent protests. I’ve been told these developments have made the front page in the States. Take comfort: The King has done this before – eight or so times, to be exact. The protests are normal, and not even the largest Jordan has seen in the past 10 years.
Jordan also has a strong intelligence and security network, employing more than 20% of the population. Good for tourists, not so much for residents. This means that many of the protests that take place in Jordan are known of by the intelligence and security arms of the government before they occur, and are mostly (90%) peaceful and organized when they do occur. There are definitely going to be some changes in Jordan, and without a doubt some of them will develop into headlines. Just keep in mind that the news the rest of the world finds “breaking,” is not always so alarming to those residing in Jordan.
Now that that’s cleared, it’s time to talk of other things, like “shoes and ship and sealing wax, and cabbages and kings.” I’ve recently picked up a translated and abridged version of Dr. Zhivago from a great bookstore in downtown Amman (loved the movie, had to get the book). The bookstore is literally filled from wall to wall, floor to ceiling. They have popular Western books translated into English, as well as a whole array of Arabic literature. If there is a particular book you’d like in Arabic, for a collection or something, let me know. I’ve already given an Arabic version of Twilight to a friend of mine in San Diego. I love to go downtown, but often need a good reason to do so… give me one.
I hope everything is going well for all of you. On a side note, if there is a specific topic you’d like me to write about, related or unrelated to my time in Jordan, let me know. I tend to have trouble finding things that I think would interest you guys, so suggestions are highly encouraged. As always, take care.
Cheers,
David
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Tags: Amman, study abroad | 
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Letter from Jordan 2: A Morning in Amman
September 7th, 2010
Below is another letter from my son, studying in Amman, Jordan, this year.
Hey, everybody,
I hope things are going well back home, both on the West Coast and East Coast. The program is just starting to get going. Today we had a placement test that lasted about 4 hours and tomorrow we will meet, and move in, with our host families. The other day we went to the Agloun Nature Preserve for part of our orientation and then subsequently explored the castle at Agloun. I think I’m just starting to find a sustainable sleep pattern as well, sleeping at 9:00pm and waking at 6:30.
Two mornings ago I rose early and explored some more of the areas surrounding our hotel, or close enough to it. I have attached a slide show titled “A Morning in Amman.” I eventually found myself in a very, very affluent neighborhood and, after trekking up one of its many hills, was able to take some nice panoramic shots of the city in the morning.
About Jordanians… I don’t have a lot to share. Most are nice, but some still look at me intently whenever I walk by them. I think that as long as I look Korean this will continue to be the case.
So far, only a few of you have responded to these emails. I like hearing from friends from back home, so don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. It helps ease the feeling of being on a deserted island… with 5 million Jordanians.
Cheers,
David
Letter from School – In Jordan
August 29th, 2010
This stret scene from Amman needs no translation.
This is the first email out of many that I hope to send. I arrived in Jordan two days ago and have so far been overwhelmed by all that I’ve seen/experienced. I don’t want to mislead you into thinking I’ve done a lot, since I haven’t. But just being in such a different locale is an experience in itself for one who has never been outside the United States.
My trip started out less than ideal when I used the ladies restroom by accident at the airport customs department, and being consequently directed out of the restroom by the maintenance crew, who no doubt were laughing at me in Arabic (I blame the jet lag and not my inability to understand the universal signs for male and female). From there things went a little more downhill. I spoke Arabic with my cab driver, whose cab was a modified truck with no visible taxi decals (not my best decision). My driver failed to understand what I said most of the time, and I failed to understand what he said in return. This I’ve read, from CIEE (the study abroad organization), is perfectly normal, since local Jordanians speak a fairly different version of Arabic than that spoken by business and government officials (what I’ve been learning). But, even though it is to be expected, it does put things in perspective. I have a long, long, long journey ahead of me that will most likely push me over the edge of my comfort zone, my greatest challenge.
My arrival coincides with Ramadan. This means that most businesses are closed during the day, or open for limited hours. I have been roaming around my neighborhood and have managed to find some places to buy food and water (pretty inexpensive for a huge bottle). I had Texas Chicken last night… yes, Texas Chicken.
Walking around Amman is different, to say the least. One moment I’ll be walking in a fairly nice area and then find myself in a section whose buildings could use a lot of renovation. I hope the attached slideshow will clarify what I mean. As I walk around Amman, I still find myself feeling like I’m walking in the US. I think it’s because I can still hardly believe that I am in Jordan and so far away from home. I still have to remind myself that I am in an environment like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
I still get nervous speaking Arabic with the locals, but it should pass with time as I learn more vocabulary and get used to hearing and speaking the language on a consistent basis (at least I hope it does).
I hope things are well with all of you back home.
Cheers,
David
