I realize I have not updated you all on my bowling skills. At the KEMPENSKI, where
I am on now, with their superhigh speed FREE connection, they have a bowling alley
billards and a bar. Unfortunetly, it is only open till 12:30. We have vowed to
close them down everynight. I am getting really good. Last night, I actually got
a strike which brought my score to 57.. an alltime high! Tomorrow we actually have
class and we are suppossed to be on the bus at 8:30. This so gets in the way of
my morning swims. I'm thinking its time for a mutiny. We are meeting at Jordan
you and we will be discussing the Iraqi refugee situation. Guess I will have
to get serious. I'm missing you all!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Dead Sea
Today we went to the dead sea. Wow! The suzi you all know and love is back.
We spent the day at the Marriott. I did get into the dead sea itself but hey
they had a small pool filled with dead sea water inside the spa. Yeah, yes I did
ditch the group and spend almost the entire day having a spa day. They had
a beautiful indoor pool, which I had to myself. Yes, I had a hydrobath filled with
dead sea water. There were colored lights and the girl came in and messaged my head..
then it was on to the facial. The facial was called a rejuvinating facil. It lasted
one hour. I feel asleep and I know this because my snoring woke me up! I finished
up with a spa manicure and pedicure. I feel so much better!
We spent the day at the Marriott. I did get into the dead sea itself but hey
they had a small pool filled with dead sea water inside the spa. Yeah, yes I did
ditch the group and spend almost the entire day having a spa day. They had
a beautiful indoor pool, which I had to myself. Yes, I had a hydrobath filled with
dead sea water. There were colored lights and the girl came in and messaged my head..
then it was on to the facial. The facial was called a rejuvinating facil. It lasted
one hour. I feel asleep and I know this because my snoring woke me up! I finished
up with a spa manicure and pedicure. I feel so much better!
Friday, June 29, 2007
New Photos
Women dining out at Le Mirabelle, a nice resturant near our hotel, salads,
sandwiches and dessert for days.
Wedding
I cannot find the blog I wrote this am. We went to a wedding last night. It was
very much in the style of a J. Orthodox wedding, with the men and women being seperate. The women had on beautiful long dress and some of the men were dressed
in robes and kuffia.. lots of music singing and sweets. No booze!
We spent the day,thursday, in political discussions. Besides the war in Iraq
which is considered a really evil thing, Palestine is a big issue. The Law of
return being a key sticking point in any kind of peace agreement. J's are allowed
to return/live in Israel with relative ease. Not so for Palestinians. I am listening
to these arguments and seeing how the mere presense of Israel is a constant irriation
here. I'm not sure that two states will ever work and that our current course of
negotiations is even on the right track. At the school we visited, yesterday, there
was a poster on the wall, MAPS of the world. The flag for Israel was BLANK. I think
that says it all.
very much in the style of a J. Orthodox wedding, with the men and women being seperate. The women had on beautiful long dress and some of the men were dressed
in robes and kuffia.. lots of music singing and sweets. No booze!
We spent the day,thursday, in political discussions. Besides the war in Iraq
which is considered a really evil thing, Palestine is a big issue. The Law of
return being a key sticking point in any kind of peace agreement. J's are allowed
to return/live in Israel with relative ease. Not so for Palestinians. I am listening
to these arguments and seeing how the mere presense of Israel is a constant irriation
here. I'm not sure that two states will ever work and that our current course of
negotiations is even on the right track. At the school we visited, yesterday, there
was a poster on the wall, MAPS of the world. The flag for Israel was BLANK. I think
that says it all.
Friday
I tried to post this am but stuff got lost! I am now at the 5 Star Kempenski
hotel in the business center. Forget an internet cafe this place rocks.. its a huge
hidden hotel with a bowling alley, billards and a bar. Its our new "hang out".. I don't know why or how they let us in but they do! They even call me madam!!
Today was our first free day.. I went for a morning swim then we (MIMI, Marylin
Kathy and I) went to the Turkish Bath! Oh was that wonderful. We had showers,
steam, jacuzzi, scrub down and massage. It cost about 20 JD (Jordan Dollars) or
30 dollars us.. yes the JD is worth that much more than a dollar..After that
we went to a local crafts market where I bought a cute embroidered dress (yes I have
a million of these) and a bracelet for Sarah. I hooked up with a jeweler who
makes the neclaces with your name in Arabic or hello, English.. silver is about
13 JD and gold about 95 JD..
The Turkish bath was staffed with filipinas, who gave the messages and scrubs.
Filipinas work alot in the AEU as maids and service employees. All the ones I talked
to have families and children back in the PI!
We had lunch at a schwarma place and I picked up corn on the cob, fava beans
and chick peas at the market place. Tonight we plan to go bowling, here at our
new hang, the Kepanski!!Oh and did I mention we went to the duty free shop to buy
booze.. After paying almost 37 JD for 3 drinks (a corona was $7JD) we decided to
stock our own mini bars. Yes it is a muslim country and drinking and smoking anything
more than tobacco is not a happening.. we suspect that the drinks are watered down.
I am going to try and load fotos and find what I wrote this am!
Suzi
hotel in the business center. Forget an internet cafe this place rocks.. its a huge
hidden hotel with a bowling alley, billards and a bar. Its our new "hang out".. I don't know why or how they let us in but they do! They even call me madam!!
Today was our first free day.. I went for a morning swim then we (MIMI, Marylin
Kathy and I) went to the Turkish Bath! Oh was that wonderful. We had showers,
steam, jacuzzi, scrub down and massage. It cost about 20 JD (Jordan Dollars) or
30 dollars us.. yes the JD is worth that much more than a dollar..After that
we went to a local crafts market where I bought a cute embroidered dress (yes I have
a million of these) and a bracelet for Sarah. I hooked up with a jeweler who
makes the neclaces with your name in Arabic or hello, English.. silver is about
13 JD and gold about 95 JD..
The Turkish bath was staffed with filipinas, who gave the messages and scrubs.
Filipinas work alot in the AEU as maids and service employees. All the ones I talked
to have families and children back in the PI!
We had lunch at a schwarma place and I picked up corn on the cob, fava beans
and chick peas at the market place. Tonight we plan to go bowling, here at our
new hang, the Kepanski!!Oh and did I mention we went to the duty free shop to buy
booze.. After paying almost 37 JD for 3 drinks (a corona was $7JD) we decided to
stock our own mini bars. Yes it is a muslim country and drinking and smoking anything
more than tobacco is not a happening.. we suspect that the drinks are watered down.
I am going to try and load fotos and find what I wrote this am!
Suzi
Thursday, June 28, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF \JORDAN
We are at the university today, sorry \i can't seem to figure out how to make\a \capital letter. we had a meeting with the head of the literature dept to discuss the\state of education. in jordan students learn english from the first grade. at the\end of 9th grade they decide if they are going on a math/science track or a\humanities track. that decides which way they will go when they reach the university level. seems everyone is concered with the state of education today.\this\afternoon we will be meeting with teachers from public and private schools. we are also invite to a wedding tonight. it is very warm today but we\are\not having a heat wave like europe nor or we having any monsoon rains. sat\
we are going to the dead sea. tomorrow is a free day, yeah as \i have \not gone shopping yet for anything. \prices are high here. \oh and this is so a \muslim country.. there are only a few places that serve alcohol and there are no street drugs to be found anywhere, which is also kind of nice as there are no drunks or\addicts hanging out on street corners or begging. \\\\\\\\\\\\
mimi just found my hiding place and is now in the library with me. this is the first\high speed decent connection \i have found. \interesting discussions and people\we are meeting.\
after the visits to the refugee camps \i felt that \i really needed to change my life and be more realistic and maybe work for the \un.. as soon as we hit town and\
\i came upon the first jewerly store \i realized what \i was really missing was\
something gold and turqouise, whew, for a minute there \i thought i'd changed..\
loving the hotel laundry service \i have no idea what it costs, i've heard 2.5 jd\\
per item which i think is about $3.00 but oh well, i'm not about to wash stuff out\
in a sink, good grief..i still have not run out of adorable outfits and i have talked\with one of our guides and they are going to give my old long skirts and t's
to \iraqi refugee's when \i leave..
well, maybe \i'll go back for the last 10 minutes of class.. mmm \no\
suzi
we are going to the dead sea. tomorrow is a free day, yeah as \i have \not gone shopping yet for anything. \prices are high here. \oh and this is so a \muslim country.. there are only a few places that serve alcohol and there are no street drugs to be found anywhere, which is also kind of nice as there are no drunks or\addicts hanging out on street corners or begging. \\\\\\\\\\\\
mimi just found my hiding place and is now in the library with me. this is the first\high speed decent connection \i have found. \interesting discussions and people\we are meeting.\
after the visits to the refugee camps \i felt that \i really needed to change my life and be more realistic and maybe work for the \un.. as soon as we hit town and\
\i came upon the first jewerly store \i realized what \i was really missing was\
something gold and turqouise, whew, for a minute there \i thought i'd changed..\
loving the hotel laundry service \i have no idea what it costs, i've heard 2.5 jd\\
per item which i think is about $3.00 but oh well, i'm not about to wash stuff out\
in a sink, good grief..i still have not run out of adorable outfits and i have talked\with one of our guides and they are going to give my old long skirts and t's
to \iraqi refugee's when \i leave..
well, maybe \i'll go back for the last 10 minutes of class.. mmm \no\
suzi
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wadi Seer/Baaqa
Today we went to Wadi Seer, a Palestine Refugee Camp. This camp was is run by the
UNRAW ..United Nations Relief and Work Center. They have a wonderful school and
vocational center. Refugee status is given to those people from Palestine that
have been displaced and their children (4th generation) The UN provides relief,
social programs, health care and EDUCATION. This is paid for from the UN funds and
donor nations, except the educational part is funded by donations. UN schools meet
the standards of the host country. In this case Jordan. There are over 700,000
refugees, from Palestine. Refugee status is inherited. The 700,000 came in 1950,
after Israeli statehood. Another 190,000 from the 1967 War and 16,000 from Goland Heights. Unraw runs 170 schools in Jordan for 130,000 students. That is 6x PUSD!
They have a 6 day week and run school in two shifts, from 6:30-12:30 and 12:30-4:30.
They have excellent Voc ed training!!!
After the schools we went to Baqaa Medical Center and Baqaa refugee camp. That
was really mind boggling. We meet a patient that told us there are NO emergency
services or secondary services, ie PHYSICAL Therapy, rehab etc.. very sad and
I now see why Celebs are invited. If I had a few million laying around I would
donate it too.
Jordan is more than generous to allow all these displaced people to live in
their country. It places a very big burden on a country with limited resources.
I have to say that Jordan is very peaceful and that the people are always friendly
and polite to us. Jordan has BILINGUAL education and all the children learn
English starting in the first grade!
Oh, and the price of gas has gone up 80% since the fall of Iraq because Jordan
used to get gas at a very good price from Iraq.. it is now about $2.20 per gallon!!!
Tomorrow, we are going back to the University for a political discussion and to
meet teachers from public and private schools in Jordan. I am having a pretty
good time and making friends. Miss you all!
xoxo
suzi
UNRAW ..United Nations Relief and Work Center. They have a wonderful school and
vocational center. Refugee status is given to those people from Palestine that
have been displaced and their children (4th generation) The UN provides relief,
social programs, health care and EDUCATION. This is paid for from the UN funds and
donor nations, except the educational part is funded by donations. UN schools meet
the standards of the host country. In this case Jordan. There are over 700,000
refugees, from Palestine. Refugee status is inherited. The 700,000 came in 1950,
after Israeli statehood. Another 190,000 from the 1967 War and 16,000 from Goland Heights. Unraw runs 170 schools in Jordan for 130,000 students. That is 6x PUSD!
They have a 6 day week and run school in two shifts, from 6:30-12:30 and 12:30-4:30.
They have excellent Voc ed training!!!
After the schools we went to Baqaa Medical Center and Baqaa refugee camp. That
was really mind boggling. We meet a patient that told us there are NO emergency
services or secondary services, ie PHYSICAL Therapy, rehab etc.. very sad and
I now see why Celebs are invited. If I had a few million laying around I would
donate it too.
Jordan is more than generous to allow all these displaced people to live in
their country. It places a very big burden on a country with limited resources.
I have to say that Jordan is very peaceful and that the people are always friendly
and polite to us. Jordan has BILINGUAL education and all the children learn
English starting in the first grade!
Oh, and the price of gas has gone up 80% since the fall of Iraq because Jordan
used to get gas at a very good price from Iraq.. it is now about $2.20 per gallon!!!
Tomorrow, we are going back to the University for a political discussion and to
meet teachers from public and private schools in Jordan. I am having a pretty
good time and making friends. Miss you all!
xoxo
suzi
Waiting for the Kings
This is Marylin and I inside a "tent" that was set up along the street. We were
waiting for the two kings, Abdullah and the Saudi King! There were police, bands
helicopters etc.. it was great fun..the high point of a very busy day. Flags and
people lining the streets. It was very festive and peaceful. There seems to be very
little crime in Jordan.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Jordan University
Okay, I got one image loaded. I have 3 more to go, but guess what, the computers
are freezing. Today we went to Jordan University. We meet with Dr. Mahjoob Zweri,
a specialist in Middle East Politics, located in the Center for Strategic Studies
at the University. (www.jcss.org)We discussed many topics, including Iran. Jordan
and the other Arab nations are worried about Iran but NOT because of their
NUCLEAR stuff, because they are Shia...the NUCLEAR threat is hardly a worry here..
(funny how that seems to be the BIG deal for Bush and his crew)....
Thhings are going more smoothly today and roll is being taken! We had lunch
at the student union where all the tables have cloths and they use real silverware.
Lunch was hummus, pita, babagonash, chicken with rice and some kind of heavenly
pistascho dessert.. (no I didn't eat the chicken or the rice)..it was 3 dinars each
or about $4.00...by the way the DOLLAR is NOT strong.. for $100 dollars I got 64
euros and for $100 I got $70 dinar..
We are going to dinner later and we are going to try and go out for beer and
hooka, I'm doubtful as its such a man's world I don't think we'll be allowed..
suzi
are freezing. Today we went to Jordan University. We meet with Dr. Mahjoob Zweri,
a specialist in Middle East Politics, located in the Center for Strategic Studies
at the University. (www.jcss.org)We discussed many topics, including Iran. Jordan
and the other Arab nations are worried about Iran but NOT because of their
NUCLEAR stuff, because they are Shia...the NUCLEAR threat is hardly a worry here..
(funny how that seems to be the BIG deal for Bush and his crew)....
Thhings are going more smoothly today and roll is being taken! We had lunch
at the student union where all the tables have cloths and they use real silverware.
Lunch was hummus, pita, babagonash, chicken with rice and some kind of heavenly
pistascho dessert.. (no I didn't eat the chicken or the rice)..it was 3 dinars each
or about $4.00...by the way the DOLLAR is NOT strong.. for $100 dollars I got 64
euros and for $100 I got $70 dinar..
We are going to dinner later and we are going to try and go out for beer and
hooka, I'm doubtful as its such a man's world I don't think we'll be allowed..
suzi
Monday, June 25, 2007
Left Behind/Royal Film Academy
Its late. Yes I had a meltdown. Yes I let Mr. Tour leader know I was upset! Fortunelty, I was able to meet up with the group, as it turned out I was only a few
blocks away from the resturant. The bottom line is, at night a Taxi will not
pick up a single woman. Yes, its a mans world here in Jordan. A woman can kinda
walk around the neighborhood alone, in the day, but at NIGHT no way!
Now, here's why I was left behind. We went to the Royal Film Academy. One of the
films, Our Kuffiya, absolutely ungluded me. I am here to see/investigate the problems
in the middle east, including the Palestinian issue and the impact of the war. I did
not realize, on my second day, I would confront these issues head on. The film is
maybe 15 minutes long but it was so powerful, I had to leave the room to get myself
together. The film director is trying to get me a copy of the film.( My goal is to
get it to Sarah and hopefully Zack and maybe enter it in the Tribeca Film Festival?)
Sorry, I now have to write everything here as AOL is FUBAR!!!
Anyway, I was having a deep conversation with the director of the center and
another film maker, a Palestinian. The group left and I didn't see them go. I figured
my buddy, or the TOUR leaders would count off and find me when I was looking for them. But when stuff goes wrong, stuff goes wrong. So anyway, I did rejoin my group,
give tour leaders the WHAT WHAT for not following their own procedure and I have
somewhat calmed down,, okay NOT.. anyway its late and i'm going to read
everyone's comments and try and answer as this cafe closes in 20 min.
blocks away from the resturant. The bottom line is, at night a Taxi will not
pick up a single woman. Yes, its a mans world here in Jordan. A woman can kinda
walk around the neighborhood alone, in the day, but at NIGHT no way!
Now, here's why I was left behind. We went to the Royal Film Academy. One of the
films, Our Kuffiya, absolutely ungluded me. I am here to see/investigate the problems
in the middle east, including the Palestinian issue and the impact of the war. I did
not realize, on my second day, I would confront these issues head on. The film is
maybe 15 minutes long but it was so powerful, I had to leave the room to get myself
together. The film director is trying to get me a copy of the film.( My goal is to
get it to Sarah and hopefully Zack and maybe enter it in the Tribeca Film Festival?)
Sorry, I now have to write everything here as AOL is FUBAR!!!
Anyway, I was having a deep conversation with the director of the center and
another film maker, a Palestinian. The group left and I didn't see them go. I figured
my buddy, or the TOUR leaders would count off and find me when I was looking for them. But when stuff goes wrong, stuff goes wrong. So anyway, I did rejoin my group,
give tour leaders the WHAT WHAT for not following their own procedure and I have
somewhat calmed down,, okay NOT.. anyway its late and i'm going to read
everyone's comments and try and answer as this cafe closes in 20 min.
Jordan Day 2/Citadel/Dead Sea Scrolls
Today we had our first Arabic lesson. Yes, I did very well. I know the teacher's
name is Mohameded. That's about it!
I also got in a morning swim. Yes, I have to wear the rash guard and shorts but
its a small price to pay, the pool is about 40 feel in length with a tile finish.
Yummy. Breakfast is very nice, in the hotel. There are olives, yogurt, cereals
honey, eggs, meat, halavah and turkish coffee.
After Arabic we went on a city tour. Jordan is very beautiful. Most of the
buildings are white limestone. We drove by the palace and we toured the Citadel which
is an ancient Roman Ruin. We also visited an old roman ampitheater and musuem. Can
I tell you how hot it is here? A billion degrees would not even cover it.
We had lunch in resturant downtown. Very "homemade" food, rice, chicken, veggies
and cake for desert. Most of the women are covered to some degree. Only the tourists
have on capri's or short things. There are NOT alot of tourists here. I am wearing
skirts and long sleeves and my head is covered. I am the only one in the group
doing this but it just seems to be the respectful thing to do. There are very
few Jordainian women with uncovered heads.
Tonight we are going to a film festival at the Jordan Culture Center. We'll see
how that goes. Not too much partying going on. Beer, wine etc are not around much.
Only at night. If you want to call me my cell is up and running.. Just dial my
number and it should ring I'm connected with JoMOBCom!!!
name is Mohameded. That's about it!
I also got in a morning swim. Yes, I have to wear the rash guard and shorts but
its a small price to pay, the pool is about 40 feel in length with a tile finish.
Yummy. Breakfast is very nice, in the hotel. There are olives, yogurt, cereals
honey, eggs, meat, halavah and turkish coffee.
After Arabic we went on a city tour. Jordan is very beautiful. Most of the
buildings are white limestone. We drove by the palace and we toured the Citadel which
is an ancient Roman Ruin. We also visited an old roman ampitheater and musuem. Can
I tell you how hot it is here? A billion degrees would not even cover it.
We had lunch in resturant downtown. Very "homemade" food, rice, chicken, veggies
and cake for desert. Most of the women are covered to some degree. Only the tourists
have on capri's or short things. There are NOT alot of tourists here. I am wearing
skirts and long sleeves and my head is covered. I am the only one in the group
doing this but it just seems to be the respectful thing to do. There are very
few Jordainian women with uncovered heads.
Tonight we are going to a film festival at the Jordan Culture Center. We'll see
how that goes. Not too much partying going on. Beer, wine etc are not around much.
Only at night. If you want to call me my cell is up and running.. Just dial my
number and it should ring I'm connected with JoMOBCom!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
JORDAN BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am now in Jordan. We arrived last night around 2am. We left the airport around
4am! Much drama for sure. One group member, Marylin was so sick that she was sent
to the hospital. I finally got to bed around 5:30 am. I awoke too late to make breakfast. Its 4:00 and I haven't eaten yet. Our group meeting was at noon but I slept till 12:15 and then went to the pool.Oh was that ever and adventure.
Firstly, its at least 105 here. The pool was filled with boys and young men. The
lifeguard told me I needed a tshirt so I went and got the "rash guard and shorts" and
swam with the boys, gave swimming lessons etc. In other words, I had fun! Swam and
took a shower with a trickel of water. Then I went to a "group" meeting. That went
pretty well and Garay seems to be in charge. We are going to dinner as a group tonight. Its 4pm now and I still haven't eaten anything except a bite of the emergency choclate Goldee gave me!If the "group stuff" doesn't/ isn't better I will
move my act out and just have fun in Jordan! Good grief.
Joran is a beautiful country. The people are so warm and wonderful. Most of the women
have their heads covered and so do I. The girl, who works the front desk is not covered but the other women are. The women in my group do not have their heads covered either, just me, but that is my choice. Also, there is not a whole lot
of electricity here so blow drying and flat ironing my hair are sort of out of
the question anyway. At the airport I saw women in black, some with veils and almost
100% covered. I will proably not get any shopping time until tomorrow.
My room is small, with a double bed and guess what, I have the only balcony, which
is perfect for hair drying. About 5 min outside and its bone dry. I do have A/c and
a TV but I haven't had time to watch. I wonder if I can get All my Children!! Love to
all, I am going to try and post pictures!
4am! Much drama for sure. One group member, Marylin was so sick that she was sent
to the hospital. I finally got to bed around 5:30 am. I awoke too late to make breakfast. Its 4:00 and I haven't eaten yet. Our group meeting was at noon but I slept till 12:15 and then went to the pool.Oh was that ever and adventure.
Firstly, its at least 105 here. The pool was filled with boys and young men. The
lifeguard told me I needed a tshirt so I went and got the "rash guard and shorts" and
swam with the boys, gave swimming lessons etc. In other words, I had fun! Swam and
took a shower with a trickel of water. Then I went to a "group" meeting. That went
pretty well and Garay seems to be in charge. We are going to dinner as a group tonight. Its 4pm now and I still haven't eaten anything except a bite of the emergency choclate Goldee gave me!If the "group stuff" doesn't/ isn't better I will
move my act out and just have fun in Jordan! Good grief.
Joran is a beautiful country. The people are so warm and wonderful. Most of the women
have their heads covered and so do I. The girl, who works the front desk is not covered but the other women are. The women in my group do not have their heads covered either, just me, but that is my choice. Also, there is not a whole lot
of electricity here so blow drying and flat ironing my hair are sort of out of
the question anyway. At the airport I saw women in black, some with veils and almost
100% covered. I will proably not get any shopping time until tomorrow.
My room is small, with a double bed and guess what, I have the only balcony, which
is perfect for hair drying. About 5 min outside and its bone dry. I do have A/c and
a TV but I haven't had time to watch. I wonder if I can get All my Children!! Love to
all, I am going to try and post pictures!
Germany
This is my second attempt to post today. The first got lost in cyberspace. I am
still tired and very grouchy from the two day trip.
Yesterday we arrived in Germany, at 6am. We had left Santa Barbara at 3am on Friday. We had a bathroom break, got our boarding passes and finally left the airport,with our guides at 9am. Those of you that know me know I was plenty "nuggie"
after three hours of messing around. We were in Frankfort, a beautiful, clean city.
We first went to St. Barthlome's church. Construction was started around 860 and the
church was finished in 1994. From there we went to breakfast, at a cafe and had
a beautiful euro breakfast of fruit, sliced meats and cheeses and fresh baked bread.
A welcome change from airline, airport food!.Then we had a couple hours of free time
to shop. Yes I found a beautiful mall with an H&M and wonderful shops! Yes the
American Express card is ACCEPTED everywhere.
Later, we meet up as a group and toured a small mosque in the Turkish community.
We learned some basics of Islam and meet one of the Iman's. He told us that his
mosque does NOT condone violence in the name of Islam and that they practice peace.
It was really very moving and beautiful.
Now for the drama part. Two people did not follow our group rules, one, a guy just
went off and did his thing, another, a woman told us she was going to stay in the
airport. She did NOT make our flight and we have not seen her since. Her luggage
was checked through so you know this delayed our departure, while they removed
her luggage. Also, the planes departing for the middle east our segregated and boarded away from the main terminal! There is plenty of extra security. We were
told that "jenelle" is in Germany and safe, that she is doing what she wants/ Way
too weird and I don't believe word one of it.. All for now.
Suzi
still tired and very grouchy from the two day trip.
Yesterday we arrived in Germany, at 6am. We had left Santa Barbara at 3am on Friday. We had a bathroom break, got our boarding passes and finally left the airport,with our guides at 9am. Those of you that know me know I was plenty "nuggie"
after three hours of messing around. We were in Frankfort, a beautiful, clean city.
We first went to St. Barthlome's church. Construction was started around 860 and the
church was finished in 1994. From there we went to breakfast, at a cafe and had
a beautiful euro breakfast of fruit, sliced meats and cheeses and fresh baked bread.
A welcome change from airline, airport food!.Then we had a couple hours of free time
to shop. Yes I found a beautiful mall with an H&M and wonderful shops! Yes the
American Express card is ACCEPTED everywhere.
Later, we meet up as a group and toured a small mosque in the Turkish community.
We learned some basics of Islam and meet one of the Iman's. He told us that his
mosque does NOT condone violence in the name of Islam and that they practice peace.
It was really very moving and beautiful.
Now for the drama part. Two people did not follow our group rules, one, a guy just
went off and did his thing, another, a woman told us she was going to stay in the
airport. She did NOT make our flight and we have not seen her since. Her luggage
was checked through so you know this delayed our departure, while they removed
her luggage. Also, the planes departing for the middle east our segregated and boarded away from the main terminal! There is plenty of extra security. We were
told that "jenelle" is in Germany and safe, that she is doing what she wants/ Way
too weird and I don't believe word one of it.. All for now.
Suzi
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The adventure begins in Santa Barbara
Yesterday's travel was a trip back in time. I flew to Santa Barbara on United
Airlines. I haven't been on planes this small in a long time. When I changed planes
at LAX they didn't even post flight times on the boards. When the plane arrives, that
is when you leave. We left about 35 minutes late but oh well, the flight to Santa
Barbara was 23 minutes. The plane held 30 passengers and we walked onto the tarmac
and up the plane's stairs to board.
I am now in Santa Barbara and have meet a lot of the people on the trip. It seems
like a good group and we are going to have alot of fun. I will try and post fotos
later. Time for class, as usual, I'm late!
Airlines. I haven't been on planes this small in a long time. When I changed planes
at LAX they didn't even post flight times on the boards. When the plane arrives, that
is when you leave. We left about 35 minutes late but oh well, the flight to Santa
Barbara was 23 minutes. The plane held 30 passengers and we walked onto the tarmac
and up the plane's stairs to board.
I am now in Santa Barbara and have meet a lot of the people on the trip. It seems
like a good group and we are going to have alot of fun. I will try and post fotos
later. Time for class, as usual, I'm late!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Last Day
I'm leaving tomorrow. I've said good-bye to old friends. I've left on a positive note with all family members and friends.
I had a mani/pedi but couldn't quite bite the bullet on "no nail polish." I went with a nuetral color, as mom says "Lizard color
please!" Okay, and yes some lizard sparkle on my toes. I will take off the polish in Germany, before we enter Jordan! Dinner
tonight with Jake and Becky.
I had a mani/pedi but couldn't quite bite the bullet on "no nail polish." I went with a nuetral color, as mom says "Lizard color
please!" Okay, and yes some lizard sparkle on my toes. I will take off the polish in Germany, before we enter Jordan! Dinner
tonight with Jake and Becky.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Map of Jordan
The first stop on my tour is Amman, Jordan. Check out this cool map and you can see how Jordan is interconnected geographically to conflicts areas in the Middle East. Leaving Wednesday and I just can't wait! It's exciting to learn new things....
Friday, June 15, 2007
Friday
My daughter, Sarah, posted my first entry. Now I am going to post mine. I'm excited to go. Tying up lose ends and moving things out of my father's house. I will swim in the pool, for the last time, tomorrow. I'm almost packed and I so hope
I've got all the right things. I really, really need a nap!
Suzi
Suzi's Voyage: The Beginning
I am heading for the Middle East. I will be in a Teacher Training Seminar in Jordan. I will be therefor one month, studying Arabic and Arabic literature. We will also be visiting with refugees of the Warin Iraq, red cross workers and tutoring women and girls. The trip was originally a Fulbright tripbut the gov didn't fund it this year. The program is through the UCSB center for Middle Easternstudies. ( gmenicucci@isber.ucsb.edu.) I believe there are 21 teachers, from California going on this trip. I was selected to go! I am thrilled! I will be able to tell my students and fellow teachers firsthand,what is actually going on over there. We will even be attending an educational seminar sponsoredby Queen Noor.
My friends are worried about me for many reasons. I plan to wear long covered clothes, covermy hair and wear little if any jewelry! Also, I think I have to take off my nail polish for a month.I guess I will be undercover! These things are all the opposite of how I usually dress! It will bea challenge to not be my conspicuous American self! Let me know if you'd like more info , I will bekeeping a photo journal and an email one!!
Suzanne Fritsch
Teacher
PUSD
Walnut Creek
My friends are worried about me for many reasons. I plan to wear long covered clothes, covermy hair and wear little if any jewelry! Also, I think I have to take off my nail polish for a month.I guess I will be undercover! These things are all the opposite of how I usually dress! It will bea challenge to not be my conspicuous American self! Let me know if you'd like more info , I will bekeeping a photo journal and an email one!!
Suzanne Fritsch
Teacher
PUSD
Walnut Creek
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