When I talk to friends and family and tell them what I saw in Jordan, people say to me, "Suzi, I'm just one person, what can
I do?" I have no answer to that question. Who am I? I too, am just one person. I wrote to the editor of the Contra Costa
times. I tell everyone that asks, what I saw. How terrible the war is and how it will bring down the USA. I feel like Chicken
Little. I feel like I must prepare to leave the country and take my children with me. Sarah wants me to write a book. I'm writing
the blog until I figure out what to do.
Is time running out for the USA. Will this war really bankrupt us? Is Bush the worst President ever? Am I the one that has
finally, lost her mind. I saw the refugees that are living well, in Jordan. They are the ones that left early and took their money
with them. Can I do that? Where will I go. Israel is out. That will proably be the first place bombed, if Bush and his EVIL
regime to go to Iran. I can't see Iran sitting still and taking it without retaliation!
I am trying to live my life. I'm seeing friends and making plans to travel. Maybe even return to Jordan, see Israel and go
to Dubai.. is this the right thing to do after what I have seen. The Iraqi refugees who left after the war started, who lost
everything, is it right for me to ignore their plight..what am I to do, I'm just one woman. Wendy, who we meet, started her own
NGO. Yes its Christian based but she is doing what she thinks needs to be done.. what can I do?
Tomorrow, I will write Nancy Pelosi and maybe that dumbest of all Senators, Diane, I voted my consience, Fienstein! What a sellout she turned out to be. I still have some hope for Nancy maybe she will remember what she stands for and maybe she
will be the voice of reason and maybe she will help get us out of Iraq and this mess we have made. Time for bed.. too many
thoughts..
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Adjusting
I am back home. Its been almost 5 days. I am reading, on the back page of the paper, how Jordan and Syria are asking
the world for help in resettling the refugees, from the Iraq War. Of course, the US position is, there is a democracy in
Iraq so there are no refugees. I have yet to figure out why we are in Iraq and what are objective is. I'm pretty sure that
few people here realize the gravity of the situation. How can a tiny country like Jordan/or Syria absorb so many refugees.
7,000 are slated to enter the US in September. I still ask the question, Why is George W still allowed to be president?
If he moves on Iran, I'm pretty sure I will leave the USA. I just don't know where I can go and live without bombs dropping.
Sometimes world peace is an elusive thing, and how can one person make a difference? Can we collectively make a difference?
Will someone listen or are we doomed to fall victim to mindless leaders? I truely feel that we are witnessing the decline and
fall of the United States. I saw enough Roman Ruins to know that all empires fail, especially those that pay no attention
to history!
the world for help in resettling the refugees, from the Iraq War. Of course, the US position is, there is a democracy in
Iraq so there are no refugees. I have yet to figure out why we are in Iraq and what are objective is. I'm pretty sure that
few people here realize the gravity of the situation. How can a tiny country like Jordan/or Syria absorb so many refugees.
7,000 are slated to enter the US in September. I still ask the question, Why is George W still allowed to be president?
If he moves on Iran, I'm pretty sure I will leave the USA. I just don't know where I can go and live without bombs dropping.
Sometimes world peace is an elusive thing, and how can one person make a difference? Can we collectively make a difference?
Will someone listen or are we doomed to fall victim to mindless leaders? I truely feel that we are witnessing the decline and
fall of the United States. I saw enough Roman Ruins to know that all empires fail, especially those that pay no attention
to history!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Back in the USSSA
After 26 hours on 4 different airplanes I am back in the USA. I have been trying to readjust to life here. I realize a few
things, right away.
1. I make terrible coffee.
2. I seem to have lost weight, I am a size 8.
3. We live our lives as if people are not suffering and dying because of who WE elected to run our government.
4. I have a ton of mail to go through.
We started our journey home from Amman International at 3:45 am sunday 7/22. I arrived home at 6pm on 7/22.
We started on Lufthansa and I ended on a 20 seat UAL plane.. a clear flight from LAX to OAK.. I could see the whole
central valley, lakes, farmland and cities spreading everywhere.
I talked to Sarah this am and she told me to continue the blog and write my feelings, etc.
I have placed my new rugs in my condo and I'm unpacking. The only packing mishap is the Dead Sea Salt ripped open
and all my things are salted. The Havana Club Rum did make it through. I don't know what to do about what I learned and
saw! Cindy Sheehan is trying to get Bush Impeached but no one is listening to her? Why? Are we all in denial about the
atrocities being committed in Iraq? Shame on us, shame on us! The Mayhem in Iraq is a direct result of our bumbling Invasion.
What was our goal? Why are we there? Why does this only bother me?
I'm off for a manicure and meeting Ali for lunch before I can even hope to work on world peace.
Suzi
things, right away.
1. I make terrible coffee.
2. I seem to have lost weight, I am a size 8.
3. We live our lives as if people are not suffering and dying because of who WE elected to run our government.
4. I have a ton of mail to go through.
We started our journey home from Amman International at 3:45 am sunday 7/22. I arrived home at 6pm on 7/22.
We started on Lufthansa and I ended on a 20 seat UAL plane.. a clear flight from LAX to OAK.. I could see the whole
central valley, lakes, farmland and cities spreading everywhere.
I talked to Sarah this am and she told me to continue the blog and write my feelings, etc.
I have placed my new rugs in my condo and I'm unpacking. The only packing mishap is the Dead Sea Salt ripped open
and all my things are salted. The Havana Club Rum did make it through. I don't know what to do about what I learned and
saw! Cindy Sheehan is trying to get Bush Impeached but no one is listening to her? Why? Are we all in denial about the
atrocities being committed in Iraq? Shame on us, shame on us! The Mayhem in Iraq is a direct result of our bumbling Invasion.
What was our goal? Why are we there? Why does this only bother me?
I'm off for a manicure and meeting Ali for lunch before I can even hope to work on world peace.
Suzi
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Last Day/ Packing/US Policy
Today is my last day in Jordan. Guess what? I have not one but two hotel rooms to
pack up! I just picked up laundry and dropped it at Al Manar. Someone has been in
my room and made a mess. It looks like a hurricane hit. Oh wait, was it me? So what's
a girl to do? Swim. After this I will go to the pool for a few hours and then shower
and pack. The schedule is we are leaving AL Manar at 6:30 to go to a party at Jafar's
house (our guide) then we will go from there to the Airport. Our flight leaves
at 3:45 am tomorrow.. Ugh. So I am getting my rest and some decent food in me now.
All in all I'd say I had a great trip. I have learned so much about Jordan and the
middle east. I am deeply sadded by the actions of our government. We are making
people suffer and killing them for what reason? Please don't feed me the "Saddam
was evil and had weapons of mass destruction etc." That was never the truth.
. It is the actions of our government that cause
the "terrorists" to react and attack us. From what I have seen there isn't a nation
in the middle east that has the desire, let alone the manpower to wage war againest
the USA. So what is the USA doing? Being the biggest bully on the block. If you don't
agree with me from a political standpoint then look at the financial picture. We
are spending BILLIONS to kill and mame people, bomb their homes and cause major
MAYHEM then we are spending billions more to clean up the mess we made. This
makes no sense to me.
If there is a hell I will meet George W. Bush and his henchmen there. May G-d grant
us all peace and the power to maintain it.
pack up! I just picked up laundry and dropped it at Al Manar. Someone has been in
my room and made a mess. It looks like a hurricane hit. Oh wait, was it me? So what's
a girl to do? Swim. After this I will go to the pool for a few hours and then shower
and pack. The schedule is we are leaving AL Manar at 6:30 to go to a party at Jafar's
house (our guide) then we will go from there to the Airport. Our flight leaves
at 3:45 am tomorrow.. Ugh. So I am getting my rest and some decent food in me now.
All in all I'd say I had a great trip. I have learned so much about Jordan and the
middle east. I am deeply sadded by the actions of our government. We are making
people suffer and killing them for what reason? Please don't feed me the "Saddam
was evil and had weapons of mass destruction etc." That was never the truth.
. It is the actions of our government that cause
the "terrorists" to react and attack us. From what I have seen there isn't a nation
in the middle east that has the desire, let alone the manpower to wage war againest
the USA. So what is the USA doing? Being the biggest bully on the block. If you don't
agree with me from a political standpoint then look at the financial picture. We
are spending BILLIONS to kill and mame people, bomb their homes and cause major
MAYHEM then we are spending billions more to clean up the mess we made. This
makes no sense to me.
If there is a hell I will meet George W. Bush and his henchmen there. May G-d grant
us all peace and the power to maintain it.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Last Day/Dubai Shopping Festival
Since we are leaving tomorrow I had to take today to prepare for the grueling
journey. The day started with a swim, in the wonderful, Kempinski pool, which
I had all to myself. Yeah! Today is the Muslim Sabbath, or day of prayer so things
were pretty quiet. Usually everything is closed Friday morning and re-opens in the
afternoon. Followed by BREAKFAST, yes, here at the Kempinski, we had the usual mix
of olives, pickles, hummos, halavah but in addition there were omelettes made to order, bacon, sausage, hash browns, eight kinds of bread and oh yes, fresh fruit!
After breakfast it was time for a mani/pedi with Lana,she does a great job and guess
what, you don't need a "nail drying machine" here it Jordan, you just step outside
and the HEAT dries your polish in about 5 seconds. Another reason to Love Jordan.
I spent the day poolside, with various friends dropping by! Then I had a massage.
I think I might be relaxed enough to leave. While I was poolside I was reading
the Kempinski magazine and guess what happens in Dubai in Decemember??? Yes they
have the WORLD's only and perhaps greatest event, The DUBAI SHopping Festival.. oh
my gawddddddddddddddddddddddddd I so have to go to that! It lasts over 2 weeks and
there are all kinds of events and fashion shows! I can't really think of a better
way to spend those dreary "holidays"...yes, they have a Kempinski in Dubai!!!
I'm glad to report that the Suzi person who wanted to work at an NGO has left
the premises and the other Suzi person has returned.
journey. The day started with a swim, in the wonderful, Kempinski pool, which
I had all to myself. Yeah! Today is the Muslim Sabbath, or day of prayer so things
were pretty quiet. Usually everything is closed Friday morning and re-opens in the
afternoon. Followed by BREAKFAST, yes, here at the Kempinski, we had the usual mix
of olives, pickles, hummos, halavah but in addition there were omelettes made to order, bacon, sausage, hash browns, eight kinds of bread and oh yes, fresh fruit!
After breakfast it was time for a mani/pedi with Lana,she does a great job and guess
what, you don't need a "nail drying machine" here it Jordan, you just step outside
and the HEAT dries your polish in about 5 seconds. Another reason to Love Jordan.
I spent the day poolside, with various friends dropping by! Then I had a massage.
I think I might be relaxed enough to leave. While I was poolside I was reading
the Kempinski magazine and guess what happens in Dubai in Decemember??? Yes they
have the WORLD's only and perhaps greatest event, The DUBAI SHopping Festival.. oh
my gawddddddddddddddddddddddddd I so have to go to that! It lasts over 2 weeks and
there are all kinds of events and fashion shows! I can't really think of a better
way to spend those dreary "holidays"...yes, they have a Kempinski in Dubai!!!
I'm glad to report that the Suzi person who wanted to work at an NGO has left
the premises and the other Suzi person has returned.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Kempinski/ Suzi has returned
So life has changed dramatically for me! I am loving every minute of the Kempinski..
I spent the day by the pool after my 10:15 checkout. Okay there is a reason this
place is 5+ stars, the service is just beyond my limited experience. At the pool they
come around and SPRITZ you with cool water so you won't get too hot!!! AAAAAArgh!
They also served cold melon throughout the day..
I meet a crew from a movie filming here, based on the soldiers in Iraq.. I also
ran into them yesterday at the 4 Seasons and I meet a couple of guys that work for
the King in the court system. And of course, taught a girl (Hella) to swim.. its
all in a poolside day..also meet up with the likes of a kid named Ronnie who is all
of 5 and talks a blue streak in about 5 languages! He is from Wash DC but is visiting
here.. he was floating for hours in a life jacket.. no need to try and teach this
kid as the pool is too deep.. Oh did I describe the pool? Divine.. about 5 feet deep
level gutters and about 82 degrees with no cholrine burn..
After a grueling day at the pool I had a suana and Jacuzzi.. padded back to my
room (In my Kempinski Robe) and had a REAL SHOWER blowed my hair dry and headed out.
I went to the Gold market and picked up Sarah's BD present and a little gold chain
for me! Then I preceded on to CITY MALL... where I have managed to replace my
crumbling bag and my tar covered flip flops.. stuff is NOT cheap here.. they pay
about 35% more than we do for average stuff!
When I arrived back at the Keminski there was a man in the lobby, in full field
regalia, serving coffee and dates! Really, just the pick me up a girl needs when
she's pooped from shopping. Tomorrow is my last full day in Jordan. I'll be having
another grueling day of mani/pedi pool and massage.. I'm off to my room to watch
one of the 23 channels and have room service..
I spent the day by the pool after my 10:15 checkout. Okay there is a reason this
place is 5+ stars, the service is just beyond my limited experience. At the pool they
come around and SPRITZ you with cool water so you won't get too hot!!! AAAAAArgh!
They also served cold melon throughout the day..
I meet a crew from a movie filming here, based on the soldiers in Iraq.. I also
ran into them yesterday at the 4 Seasons and I meet a couple of guys that work for
the King in the court system. And of course, taught a girl (Hella) to swim.. its
all in a poolside day..also meet up with the likes of a kid named Ronnie who is all
of 5 and talks a blue streak in about 5 languages! He is from Wash DC but is visiting
here.. he was floating for hours in a life jacket.. no need to try and teach this
kid as the pool is too deep.. Oh did I describe the pool? Divine.. about 5 feet deep
level gutters and about 82 degrees with no cholrine burn..
After a grueling day at the pool I had a suana and Jacuzzi.. padded back to my
room (In my Kempinski Robe) and had a REAL SHOWER blowed my hair dry and headed out.
I went to the Gold market and picked up Sarah's BD present and a little gold chain
for me! Then I preceded on to CITY MALL... where I have managed to replace my
crumbling bag and my tar covered flip flops.. stuff is NOT cheap here.. they pay
about 35% more than we do for average stuff!
When I arrived back at the Keminski there was a man in the lobby, in full field
regalia, serving coffee and dates! Really, just the pick me up a girl needs when
she's pooped from shopping. Tomorrow is my last full day in Jordan. I'll be having
another grueling day of mani/pedi pool and massage.. I'm off to my room to watch
one of the 23 channels and have room service..
Kempinski
Yes, I am now registered in two hotels. Most of my stuff is still at Al Manar but
the rest is with me at the Kempinski. I am staying here for the last part of my trip.
I mean good grief, a girl needs to get herself together sometime. My room is beyond
belief. I have a huge double bed, a marble bath complete, with a blow dryer. I have
no idea what my hair looks like but I hope to see it today. I will rejoin the group
on Saturday evening for the farewell dinner and of course, my flight home. I hope
to be back in Bagdad by the bay by Sunday evening. Remember we are 10 hours ahead
here.
The hotels have water because they truck it in. This hotel has real flushing toliets and great showers. They also have a spa and you can have massages in your
room or in the spa. I am going to head to the pool in a few minutes for lunch and
swims. In the late afternoon I will go to the gold market to pick up a couple things.
That is all I have on my schedule, the group meeting to "evaluate" the trip was
just not on my schedule.
By the way I did try and get into the 4 Seasons but they where booked. Seems there
is an Arab League meeting this week-end and they are booked. Big hotels here do not
cost what they do in the US..the 4 Seasons would have been about $185, including breakfast. The Kempinski is $149 including breakfast. These are 5+ star hotels, to
say the least Jordan needs tourists.
I am going to try and download some photos.. My buddies Marylin and MiMi left last
night. I am sad with out them, but I'll try and carry on. Marylin has been sick the
whole trip and MiMi's grandmother died so they split! I am about the only one that
didn't get sick..
the rest is with me at the Kempinski. I am staying here for the last part of my trip.
I mean good grief, a girl needs to get herself together sometime. My room is beyond
belief. I have a huge double bed, a marble bath complete, with a blow dryer. I have
no idea what my hair looks like but I hope to see it today. I will rejoin the group
on Saturday evening for the farewell dinner and of course, my flight home. I hope
to be back in Bagdad by the bay by Sunday evening. Remember we are 10 hours ahead
here.
The hotels have water because they truck it in. This hotel has real flushing toliets and great showers. They also have a spa and you can have massages in your
room or in the spa. I am going to head to the pool in a few minutes for lunch and
swims. In the late afternoon I will go to the gold market to pick up a couple things.
That is all I have on my schedule, the group meeting to "evaluate" the trip was
just not on my schedule.
By the way I did try and get into the 4 Seasons but they where booked. Seems there
is an Arab League meeting this week-end and they are booked. Big hotels here do not
cost what they do in the US..the 4 Seasons would have been about $185, including breakfast. The Kempinski is $149 including breakfast. These are 5+ star hotels, to
say the least Jordan needs tourists.
I am going to try and download some photos.. My buddies Marylin and MiMi left last
night. I am sad with out them, but I'll try and carry on. Marylin has been sick the
whole trip and MiMi's grandmother died so they split! I am about the only one that
didn't get sick..
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Wednesday
Well I am up and ready to get on the bus. Of course, I'm not in Arabic so I have
plenty of time to update the blog. Now I see why my students cut class. The day
just flows so much better with one less thing to do. I am more than ready to leave
Amman and come home. I've had a great time but really, if I don't see hummos, pita
and falafel for a few months I'll be okay.
plenty of time to update the blog. Now I see why my students cut class. The day
just flows so much better with one less thing to do. I am more than ready to leave
Amman and come home. I've had a great time but really, if I don't see hummos, pita
and falafel for a few months I'll be okay.
NO MORE BUS PLEASE
Okay, today I could not do the bus. I went instead to the 4 seasons and had
a totally "bughie" day.. first I had lunch.oh how I tried to be good but what could I do with homemade potato chips? Please people are starving!!! I had lunch on the deck, by myself and with the Jordan Times, which is a very excellent paper, then
I had a facial and a very HOT shower and blew dry my hair with a dryer that is part jet engine.. had tea, called my driver Mustafa and headed downtown for more shopping.. oh and I meet a couple contractors (yes they are rebuilding Iraq) so they went with me and we had fun.. I'I'm back at the Kempenski because the 4 seasons requires a room key to log on!!!I cannot download photos at this site.. I am pretty ready to come home already.. so far it looks like everything will fit in my suitcase and I will make it home... .
Alright, the contractors really believe they are making a difference, creating jobs etc. They are totally bummed that as soon as they finish their projects they
are blown up.. oh and yes, they have contracts with the US Gov, yes we are paying for it..
a totally "bughie" day.. first I had lunch.oh how I tried to be good but what could I do with homemade potato chips? Please people are starving!!! I had lunch on the deck, by myself and with the Jordan Times, which is a very excellent paper, then
I had a facial and a very HOT shower and blew dry my hair with a dryer that is part jet engine.. had tea, called my driver Mustafa and headed downtown for more shopping.. oh and I meet a couple contractors (yes they are rebuilding Iraq) so they went with me and we had fun.. I'I'm back at the Kempenski because the 4 seasons requires a room key to log on!!!I cannot download photos at this site.. I am pretty ready to come home already.. so far it looks like everything will fit in my suitcase and I will make it home... .
Alright, the contractors really believe they are making a difference, creating jobs etc. They are totally bummed that as soon as they finish their projects they
are blown up.. oh and yes, they have contracts with the US Gov, yes we are paying for it..
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday
Yesterday we went to Zarga. It is a manufacturing center in Jordan. There is only
one park, plenty of Industry and foreign workers and pollution like crazy. We went
there to visit Jafar's father. Jafar is our guide extrodinare. He is one of 10 children. His mother died 10 years ago so his father has a trophy wife.She remained
in another room, while we ate.
We had hummos, pita, babaganosh, PICKELED EGGPLANT..Valisc should make these.. my feet puffed up in about 10 min...falafel and some kind of lamb dish. We sat around
the table and used the pita for forks, scoops etc. I thought we were going to have
a pretty good day but it got wrecked going to a really boring NGO presentation.
I'm still not sure what they did there. I think they did Aids prevention, battered
women and some kind of counseling. The reason I don't know what they did is beacuse
the director was a total igomanic showing us pictures of her doing this and that and
then we watched a film show doing the same.
I almost forgot we went to the Ministry of Education. Yes, they work Sundays here.
Friday and Sat. are the off days. Jordan is doing a good job of realigning their educational programs. School is mandatory until 10th grade. They are just starting
a KG (kindergarten program) Children are tested in the 4th and 8th grades. Testing
is in SCIENCE (remember its now being taught starting 5th grade in the USA, because
its not on the test) Math, English and Arabic. They take a big exam, after 10th
and they have 3x to pass (tawjihi). If they fail, they do home study and have 3 more
times to pass. Not only is this and exit exam, it is also a placement exam for the
public universities. The minister of education is a Physicist, hence the science
empasis. When I started teaching 18 years ago Science was the focus in the USA, too.
I truly believe our focus on testing, and all the "money" on English and math will
really drag down education in the USA, which by the way we are ranked 5th or 6th
worldwide behing the I word, Norway, Sweden, Japan etc. Not to mention students are
leaving Jordan's schools speaking 2 languages.Oh, and did I mention that the
US is giving Jordan 320 million to build new school and remodel old ones? No, how
much does the FED gov give US schools, that's right campers 00000!!! (for remodeling
etc)
Now, I actually watched CNN last night. They were reporting that the US is going to
pull troops out of Iraq in April and that the Bush administration is now taking a
stand that the solution to the Israel/Palestine situation is two seperate states.
I don't know who is setting US policy but they sure haven't had the same level of
instrution or observation that I am getting here. We have made such a BIG MESS in
Iraq that troops or NO troops it is going to cost of BILLIONS to clean up that mess
and the two state solution is NOT going to happen! The hearts of Arabs are as heated
about the existence of Israel and NOT Palestine as the J's are about having a j
state. Peace in our time won't come while Ms. Rice and Mr. Bush are in power.All for
now and PRAY FOR PEACE.
one park, plenty of Industry and foreign workers and pollution like crazy. We went
there to visit Jafar's father. Jafar is our guide extrodinare. He is one of 10 children. His mother died 10 years ago so his father has a trophy wife.She remained
in another room, while we ate.
We had hummos, pita, babaganosh, PICKELED EGGPLANT..Valisc should make these.. my feet puffed up in about 10 min...falafel and some kind of lamb dish. We sat around
the table and used the pita for forks, scoops etc. I thought we were going to have
a pretty good day but it got wrecked going to a really boring NGO presentation.
I'm still not sure what they did there. I think they did Aids prevention, battered
women and some kind of counseling. The reason I don't know what they did is beacuse
the director was a total igomanic showing us pictures of her doing this and that and
then we watched a film show doing the same.
I almost forgot we went to the Ministry of Education. Yes, they work Sundays here.
Friday and Sat. are the off days. Jordan is doing a good job of realigning their educational programs. School is mandatory until 10th grade. They are just starting
a KG (kindergarten program) Children are tested in the 4th and 8th grades. Testing
is in SCIENCE (remember its now being taught starting 5th grade in the USA, because
its not on the test) Math, English and Arabic. They take a big exam, after 10th
and they have 3x to pass (tawjihi). If they fail, they do home study and have 3 more
times to pass. Not only is this and exit exam, it is also a placement exam for the
public universities. The minister of education is a Physicist, hence the science
empasis. When I started teaching 18 years ago Science was the focus in the USA, too.
I truly believe our focus on testing, and all the "money" on English and math will
really drag down education in the USA, which by the way we are ranked 5th or 6th
worldwide behing the I word, Norway, Sweden, Japan etc. Not to mention students are
leaving Jordan's schools speaking 2 languages.Oh, and did I mention that the
US is giving Jordan 320 million to build new school and remodel old ones? No, how
much does the FED gov give US schools, that's right campers 00000!!! (for remodeling
etc)
Now, I actually watched CNN last night. They were reporting that the US is going to
pull troops out of Iraq in April and that the Bush administration is now taking a
stand that the solution to the Israel/Palestine situation is two seperate states.
I don't know who is setting US policy but they sure haven't had the same level of
instrution or observation that I am getting here. We have made such a BIG MESS in
Iraq that troops or NO troops it is going to cost of BILLIONS to clean up that mess
and the two state solution is NOT going to happen! The hearts of Arabs are as heated
about the existence of Israel and NOT Palestine as the J's are about having a j
state. Peace in our time won't come while Ms. Rice and Mr. Bush are in power.All for
now and PRAY FOR PEACE.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
EAST BANKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Today is Sunday? Yesterday we went to Pella and the EAST BANK...we also went
to Qrim something where we had lunch and I could see the Golan Heights (Syria, Occuppied by Israel, Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.It was beautiful.
We went to the EAST BANK which is in Jordan, we could see the border with Israel
which is the West Bank, which is under the Palestinian Authority. The East Bank
is in the Jordan Valley which is green and beautiful. It is where most of Jordan's
crops are grown. Tomatoes, eggplant, bananas, Nopales (yes the same as Mexico) Sheep,
goats and we actually saw some cows. Very beautiful and alot of the water comes from
the Sea of Galilee which is in Israel, but Israel and Jordan have a peace treaty so
Jordan is allowed some water.
Water is an issue here. We get it in the hotel but most residents of Jordan
get water for just a few hours per day and some even get water delivered to their
homes to supplement what the gov provides. Speaking of water, I wonder how the
drought is going in California. We could proably use some lessons from Jordan
on water conservation.
We had orange juice and lemonade at the home of one of our teachers friends. The
home is in the East Bank, with a farm.. all spread out and gorgeous. We could see
on some of the surrounding walls, shell marks from the 1948 war. Let's just
say Israel's occupation of Palestine is NOT very popular here in Jordan and is truly
as strong a feeling in the hearts of the displaced people here as it is in the hearts
of the J's..
We also went to some Roman Ruins in Pella, we had the choice of hiking around
(it was about 100) or watching the view from the hilltop resturant. Even though
I did have my sun protective gear you all know what I did!!! Off to Zarca today
to meet the father of our guide, Jafar. Also a couple NGO's and the minister of
education?
to Qrim something where we had lunch and I could see the Golan Heights (Syria, Occuppied by Israel, Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.It was beautiful.
We went to the EAST BANK which is in Jordan, we could see the border with Israel
which is the West Bank, which is under the Palestinian Authority. The East Bank
is in the Jordan Valley which is green and beautiful. It is where most of Jordan's
crops are grown. Tomatoes, eggplant, bananas, Nopales (yes the same as Mexico) Sheep,
goats and we actually saw some cows. Very beautiful and alot of the water comes from
the Sea of Galilee which is in Israel, but Israel and Jordan have a peace treaty so
Jordan is allowed some water.
Water is an issue here. We get it in the hotel but most residents of Jordan
get water for just a few hours per day and some even get water delivered to their
homes to supplement what the gov provides. Speaking of water, I wonder how the
drought is going in California. We could proably use some lessons from Jordan
on water conservation.
We had orange juice and lemonade at the home of one of our teachers friends. The
home is in the East Bank, with a farm.. all spread out and gorgeous. We could see
on some of the surrounding walls, shell marks from the 1948 war. Let's just
say Israel's occupation of Palestine is NOT very popular here in Jordan and is truly
as strong a feeling in the hearts of the displaced people here as it is in the hearts
of the J's..
We also went to some Roman Ruins in Pella, we had the choice of hiking around
(it was about 100) or watching the view from the hilltop resturant. Even though
I did have my sun protective gear you all know what I did!!! Off to Zarca today
to meet the father of our guide, Jafar. Also a couple NGO's and the minister of
education?
Friday, July 13, 2007
Today we are off! Yeah! I slept late (8:00) and went for a swim. Now I am at
my home away from home, the Kipenski! Manicure at 11! At 1:00 we have a taxi to take
us to the Thieves market and parts unkown. Last night we went out with Mohammed a
friend we meet at one of the art musuems. By we I mean, Marylin, MiMi and I.
We went to a new spot for Falafel, hummos and pita and we ended up at the blue fig
for drinks, yeah! Today is Friday and it is the Muslim sabbath. Alot of things are
closed in the am as this is the time to go to the mosque. Around 1-2 things start
to re-open but it is pretty much a quiet day. The going out nights are Thursday
and Sunday. Tonight we are coming to the Kipenski for Salsa night. Let's see
what that translates to in Jordan.
my home away from home, the Kipenski! Manicure at 11! At 1:00 we have a taxi to take
us to the Thieves market and parts unkown. Last night we went out with Mohammed a
friend we meet at one of the art musuems. By we I mean, Marylin, MiMi and I.
We went to a new spot for Falafel, hummos and pita and we ended up at the blue fig
for drinks, yeah! Today is Friday and it is the Muslim sabbath. Alot of things are
closed in the am as this is the time to go to the mosque. Around 1-2 things start
to re-open but it is pretty much a quiet day. The going out nights are Thursday
and Sunday. Tonight we are coming to the Kipenski for Salsa night. Let's see
what that translates to in Jordan.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Today we had a very "heavy" afternoon session. We had 2 speakers Kate Washington
and Oroub El Abed. Two very brilliant women doing reasearch on the refugees in Jordan. Oroub also worked for the World Bank. They were very very informative and
we also went over the history of the Palestinian Refugees. It is all so very sad
and so much info to take in. (These women work for the Center for Forced Migration)
We also learned about King Huessien giving the West Bank to the Palestians/PLO
in 1988 and how much confusion that caused. Imagine one day you are a citizen of
Jordan and the next day you're not! This wrecked havoc with many families and business! Imagine, one day if you live in Oakland and your business is in Fremont and
you can no longer go there without documentation! I learned about passports, travel documents and truly stateless people. Temporary protection orders, etc. I think the
people in Gaza have proably gotten the worst deal of all! It is all so mind boggling
and I have just returned from major shopping and need a nap! I have taken notes and
hopefully will write more tomorrow.. love to all..
PEACE NOW
Suzi
and Oroub El Abed. Two very brilliant women doing reasearch on the refugees in Jordan. Oroub also worked for the World Bank. They were very very informative and
we also went over the history of the Palestinian Refugees. It is all so very sad
and so much info to take in. (These women work for the Center for Forced Migration)
We also learned about King Huessien giving the West Bank to the Palestians/PLO
in 1988 and how much confusion that caused. Imagine one day you are a citizen of
Jordan and the next day you're not! This wrecked havoc with many families and business! Imagine, one day if you live in Oakland and your business is in Fremont and
you can no longer go there without documentation! I learned about passports, travel documents and truly stateless people. Temporary protection orders, etc. I think the
people in Gaza have proably gotten the worst deal of all! It is all so mind boggling
and I have just returned from major shopping and need a nap! I have taken notes and
hopefully will write more tomorrow.. love to all..
PEACE NOW
Suzi
Last night we went to the Arab Youth Conference, opening ceremonies. Very beautiful opening\with some guest singers and NOT Queen NOOR. She was represented by her daughter princess Iman. I will try and post the movies/fotos later. The Theme of
the conference is Security and Development. (The dancers were \\\\'modern' and I swear I saw some of our Summer Place dance moves ala ms bennett) There was also\
a parade of nations in costume very beautiful. Security is the topic because so many of the children, in the Arab nations are directly affected by WAR.
Today we are at the U with guest speakers, dealing with the Iraqi Refugees and the
Palestians. I will write more after I assimilate some of this info. Its very heavy.By the way the US is admitting 7000 Iraqi refugees in Sept and will admit\
20,000 per year for the next several years. Time to learn Arabic and get those EL
programs in place because they will be in our classrooms sooner than later.
The impact of the WAR in Iraq is very devastating to the Iraqi's, Jordainians and\
the Syrians. Syria and Jordan are the 2 neighboring countries. I can't imagine that\
there is much of a population left in Iraq as over 1.5 million have left and how\
many hundreds of thousands have been killed. 180 civilians died over this past week-end! And let me remind you that the dollar is NOT strong, this war costs so much more
than what is published... Condi is due over here next week. Trust me when I say she
and her comments are not well liked.
On a lighter note we are going to the shook after lunch for shopping. Closed the
Kempenski again last night. This time in the bar, Los Caballeros where the only mexican food is a quesidilla with goat cheese and olives..
Peace..
Suzi
ps.. Rest in peace Lady Bird..
the conference is Security and Development. (The dancers were \\\\'modern' and I swear I saw some of our Summer Place dance moves ala ms bennett) There was also\
a parade of nations in costume very beautiful. Security is the topic because so many of the children, in the Arab nations are directly affected by WAR.
Today we are at the U with guest speakers, dealing with the Iraqi Refugees and the
Palestians. I will write more after I assimilate some of this info. Its very heavy.By the way the US is admitting 7000 Iraqi refugees in Sept and will admit\
20,000 per year for the next several years. Time to learn Arabic and get those EL
programs in place because they will be in our classrooms sooner than later.
The impact of the WAR in Iraq is very devastating to the Iraqi's, Jordainians and\
the Syrians. Syria and Jordan are the 2 neighboring countries. I can't imagine that\
there is much of a population left in Iraq as over 1.5 million have left and how\
many hundreds of thousands have been killed. 180 civilians died over this past week-end! And let me remind you that the dollar is NOT strong, this war costs so much more
than what is published... Condi is due over here next week. Trust me when I say she
and her comments are not well liked.
On a lighter note we are going to the shook after lunch for shopping. Closed the
Kempenski again last night. This time in the bar, Los Caballeros where the only mexican food is a quesidilla with goat cheese and olives..
Peace..
Suzi
ps.. Rest in peace Lady Bird..
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Today we went to the University and had a couple of very good speakers. Marta Colburn
is the area director for MercyCorp. They work with community based organizations and
in particular, the water project we went to yesterday. They are funded by private
donations and USAID. Guess what, in case you haven't thought about how much the
war in Iraq is costing us, let me spell it out for you. We are paying the cost of
troops and bombs tanks and trucks. Then we are also paying for the damage all this
CONTROLLED CHOAS costs. We are paying to rebuild infa structure, improve gov services
and provide care for those living in Iraq. We are also paying for health care, education and goverment aid to the host countries that these refugees have poured into. Now I'm not a math teacher but it seems to me that if we actually STOPPED the
war we could actually start stauching the flow of $$$ leaving the USA and actually start providing health care and new schools to us!
Next we had a speaker, Tayseer Alsumi, former minister of Planning. He is now
a consultant to the government. He has a PHD in Econ. He explained how Jordan has
lowered its debt ratio for external debt, blah blah. Cut to the chase Jordan
now has a DUTY FREE zone in Acaba (yes I went there) where business gets a huge
tax break and because the stuff is shipped (made, passed through) JOrdan it goes
duty free to the USA...do I understand this? Yes I do.. raw materials from wherever..
enter DUTY FREE in Jordan, assembled in Jordan and then sent on to the USA and other
trade partners.. sweet.. I want to open a T-shirt factory!!! Yeah! Live at the beach
yeah!
We then went to a local artists house.. I will have to get more details later as
I didn't bring my notes..he works in glue and sawdust and makes wonderful things,
some quite political as he is Palestian and quite upset about being booted out
of his home in 1947!
Tonight we are off to an educational conference hosted by Queen Noor. This is
quite a big deal! Becky is in NYC????
is the area director for MercyCorp. They work with community based organizations and
in particular, the water project we went to yesterday. They are funded by private
donations and USAID. Guess what, in case you haven't thought about how much the
war in Iraq is costing us, let me spell it out for you. We are paying the cost of
troops and bombs tanks and trucks. Then we are also paying for the damage all this
CONTROLLED CHOAS costs. We are paying to rebuild infa structure, improve gov services
and provide care for those living in Iraq. We are also paying for health care, education and goverment aid to the host countries that these refugees have poured into. Now I'm not a math teacher but it seems to me that if we actually STOPPED the
war we could actually start stauching the flow of $$$ leaving the USA and actually start providing health care and new schools to us!
Next we had a speaker, Tayseer Alsumi, former minister of Planning. He is now
a consultant to the government. He has a PHD in Econ. He explained how Jordan has
lowered its debt ratio for external debt, blah blah. Cut to the chase Jordan
now has a DUTY FREE zone in Acaba (yes I went there) where business gets a huge
tax break and because the stuff is shipped (made, passed through) JOrdan it goes
duty free to the USA...do I understand this? Yes I do.. raw materials from wherever..
enter DUTY FREE in Jordan, assembled in Jordan and then sent on to the USA and other
trade partners.. sweet.. I want to open a T-shirt factory!!! Yeah! Live at the beach
yeah!
We then went to a local artists house.. I will have to get more details later as
I didn't bring my notes..he works in glue and sawdust and makes wonderful things,
some quite political as he is Palestian and quite upset about being booted out
of his home in 1947!
Tonight we are off to an educational conference hosted by Queen Noor. This is
quite a big deal! Becky is in NYC????
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
We are at the University this am. Students are dropping like flies. We went to the\Bookset cafe for dinner last night. It is a happening place for ex-pats. We even had Corona and chips. I had a veggie plate and the others had actual pasta Hummos\and pita were not served. Today we are going to have political discussions\and\ visit a Palestinian artist. Tonight we will go to Queen Noor's Educational Center, at the Cultural Center. Last night, at the Bookset we sat on the\roof and we could see the hillside lights and the minerets of the mosks. Very beautiful. \ \jordan comes to life about 5pm. then it stays awake till 1 or 2pm. The\usual dinner time is around 9 or 10 pm. \\\\\\\its so very safe here. we feel no fear being out at night, as everyone else is too. \\\\I hope everyone is planning their next trip to Jordan so you can see \Petra. \it is pretty big news here and everyone is so excited. \ I think it will bring many tourists and their YEN and EUros here because let me tell you the dollar is very very weak.. our dollar is\
worth 70 cents on the jd...the group dynamics are kinda fun and \i've made some friends on this trip.. I will try and post fotos today or tomorrow..\
suzi
worth 70 cents on the jd...the group dynamics are kinda fun and \i've made some friends on this trip.. I will try and post fotos today or tomorrow..\
suzi
Today was another busy day. We left the hotel at 9am and went to a NGO, Women's
Organization to Combat Illiteracy. It was wonderful . They work together with the
Ministry of Education. They encourage women to stay in school until 18, they
teach family planning and have regular classes. It seems almost every government and
NGO is working on the family planning issue. The main problem is the refugees are really overworking a rather fragile economy. Jordan is 7th in the world of countries
short of water. Believe me when I tell you its dry here.
Next we were invited to a community open house presented by the police. Today
they had doctors and health care people there. The police encourage people to take
an active participation in their own protection. I have to tell you AGAIN that Jordan
is very peaceful and crimes againest people are few and far between. I went to the
GOLD market yesterday (YES I I DID)Nabil, one of the shopkeepers took me store
to store and "took" pieces for me to look at to his store. While we were gone his
store was open..One of the girls, Lisa, left her entire purse behind at an internet
cafe and it was still there the next day, when she returned. Compare that to my being
robbed the first 10 minutes I was in Madrid.
After that we went to Salt (don't ask, I don't know where it is)to the Institute
of Islamic Arts and Architecture. They are reviving and learning all kinds of crafts,
for Mosks and personal use. We saw them making tiles, carving plaster and wood and
carving invgraving metals. The campus was set on a hillside overlooking Salt. We
went to lunch it Salt where I had, you guessed it, FALAFEL HUMMOS PITA...
I am now at the Kempenski trying to type, download etc. I got my CAMERA back.. it
cost a grip but so worth it. I posted some older shots that I thought were great.
We went to a hip place last night. The blue fig. I actually ate a real SALAD!! Real
pizza and had real tequilla! Yeah. They had a live band. All the kids were dressed
very very hip.. they reminded me of becky. Silly MIMI decided she wanted sushi. The
guy at the front told her not too but she did.. guess what they use for salmon in
their sushi.. that's right.. LOX! We're off to Rainbow street and the expatriot bookstore for dinner.
Organization to Combat Illiteracy. It was wonderful . They work together with the
Ministry of Education. They encourage women to stay in school until 18, they
teach family planning and have regular classes. It seems almost every government and
NGO is working on the family planning issue. The main problem is the refugees are really overworking a rather fragile economy. Jordan is 7th in the world of countries
short of water. Believe me when I tell you its dry here.
Next we were invited to a community open house presented by the police. Today
they had doctors and health care people there. The police encourage people to take
an active participation in their own protection. I have to tell you AGAIN that Jordan
is very peaceful and crimes againest people are few and far between. I went to the
GOLD market yesterday (YES I I DID)Nabil, one of the shopkeepers took me store
to store and "took" pieces for me to look at to his store. While we were gone his
store was open..One of the girls, Lisa, left her entire purse behind at an internet
cafe and it was still there the next day, when she returned. Compare that to my being
robbed the first 10 minutes I was in Madrid.
After that we went to Salt (don't ask, I don't know where it is)to the Institute
of Islamic Arts and Architecture. They are reviving and learning all kinds of crafts,
for Mosks and personal use. We saw them making tiles, carving plaster and wood and
carving invgraving metals. The campus was set on a hillside overlooking Salt. We
went to lunch it Salt where I had, you guessed it, FALAFEL HUMMOS PITA...
I am now at the Kempenski trying to type, download etc. I got my CAMERA back.. it
cost a grip but so worth it. I posted some older shots that I thought were great.
We went to a hip place last night. The blue fig. I actually ate a real SALAD!! Real
pizza and had real tequilla! Yeah. They had a live band. All the kids were dressed
very very hip.. they reminded me of becky. Silly MIMI decided she wanted sushi. The
guy at the front told her not too but she did.. guess what they use for salmon in
their sushi.. that's right.. LOX! We're off to Rainbow street and the expatriot bookstore for dinner.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
I am running late to class! Late night bowling is taking its toll. Today my
tutoring of Iraqi Refugees begins. I will update later. I hope all is well. I know
there are forest fires in the west but that is about all the news I have gotten.
Also, Petra has been named one of the 7 wonders of the world. That is a very big
deal here!
tutoring of Iraqi Refugees begins. I will update later. I hope all is well. I know
there are forest fires in the west but that is about all the news I have gotten.
Also, Petra has been named one of the 7 wonders of the world. That is a very big
deal here!
Today we went to Jerish, Ajene and a farmhouse for dinner! It is 1:30 am
and I am just getting to log on.. no pictures tonight!
Jerish is a city built around ROMAN RUINS.. and Hadrian's gate. Very beautful
and so hot! I did alot of hanging around in the shade and of course, when they
went to the "Gladiator" show I went to the little village shopping. They came
back before I could really buy what I needed but I did manage to pick up some
cute silver and gemstone rings for Sarah and Becky and a some little silver boxes
for Jake and Goldee..
Ajene has a Crusader castle, this one was NOT destroyed by the Ottamans so
it was in beautiful shape. From the top of the castle we could see the Sea of
Galilee, Golan Hieghts and the Syrian border. It seems that Syria and Israel might
be reaching a peace agreement soon. Jordan has a peace agreement with Israel. The
syrian agreement would mean displacing 13,000 people because they want to creat a eco
park or zone etc. What sounds wrong with that.. ??? Nothing unless you are one
of those 13,000 about to be displaced!!!
From the castle we went to a "Farmhouse for dinner".. it was the home of one
of the UCSB proff's parents. To say it is a farmhouse is an understatement. It
was like a boughie farm in Napa, where people have their own wineries. This one
had a deck for days, where we had dinner, olive trees, fruit trees etc. REally magical. We also chatted with their family. They are the "upper class" of Jordan.
The women did NOT cover their heads ( the "mother" did) and the women were educated,
one was an architect, their children attend college in the USA!! They were not
happy that we are going to work with Iraqi refugees tomorrow. We are surley seeing
all sides of life here in Jordan.
When we got back, it was time for BOWLING. I am now bowling in the 80's and 90's
and getting strikes..we close down the Kempenski every night! Too fun. I'm missing
life in the USA.. will try and do pictures tomorrow.
xoxo
Suzi
and I am just getting to log on.. no pictures tonight!
Jerish is a city built around ROMAN RUINS.. and Hadrian's gate. Very beautful
and so hot! I did alot of hanging around in the shade and of course, when they
went to the "Gladiator" show I went to the little village shopping. They came
back before I could really buy what I needed but I did manage to pick up some
cute silver and gemstone rings for Sarah and Becky and a some little silver boxes
for Jake and Goldee..
Ajene has a Crusader castle, this one was NOT destroyed by the Ottamans so
it was in beautiful shape. From the top of the castle we could see the Sea of
Galilee, Golan Hieghts and the Syrian border. It seems that Syria and Israel might
be reaching a peace agreement soon. Jordan has a peace agreement with Israel. The
syrian agreement would mean displacing 13,000 people because they want to creat a eco
park or zone etc. What sounds wrong with that.. ??? Nothing unless you are one
of those 13,000 about to be displaced!!!
From the castle we went to a "Farmhouse for dinner".. it was the home of one
of the UCSB proff's parents. To say it is a farmhouse is an understatement. It
was like a boughie farm in Napa, where people have their own wineries. This one
had a deck for days, where we had dinner, olive trees, fruit trees etc. REally magical. We also chatted with their family. They are the "upper class" of Jordan.
The women did NOT cover their heads ( the "mother" did) and the women were educated,
one was an architect, their children attend college in the USA!! They were not
happy that we are going to work with Iraqi refugees tomorrow. We are surley seeing
all sides of life here in Jordan.
When we got back, it was time for BOWLING. I am now bowling in the 80's and 90's
and getting strikes..we close down the Kempenski every night! Too fun. I'm missing
life in the USA.. will try and do pictures tomorrow.
xoxo
Suzi
Saturday, July 7, 2007
We are back from Petra, Aquaba and Wadi Rum. I am back at my home away from home,
the Kempenski. So far so good. Petra,was amazing. It is temples, tombs, etc. carved
out of sandstone. Amazing, today will be the announcement if Petra will become
one of the new wonders of the world. Jordan would benefit greatly from this
as Jordan, along with other countries in the Middle East is suffering greatly from
a lack of tourists since 9/11.
We left Petra about 11am yesteray. From there we went to Aquaba. It is a beautiful
city and the only seaport in Jordan. The late king Hussein traded 14 additonal miles
of beachfront with the Saudi's for some land in Jordan, which duh, they found
oil on!!! Oh well. We went to the Royal Dive Club/ Coral Beach resort. We had about
2-1/2 hours there, long enough for me to go snorkling in the Red Sea. Four countries
border this sea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel. We could see Elait, with its
Mega Resorts from our beach.
I'm not sure I've ever seen such a beautiful coral reef. There was coral in
purple, pink blue and even yellow. There were alot of fish and squids, reds, blues
oranges etc. The reef is struggling to exist because of pollution and damage from
JET SKIS! However, yesterday it was gorgeous the water temperature was around 84!
From Aquaba we went to Wadi Rum. Yes, I know I thought I was there but I wasn't.
When I was at Dana that was a different Wadi! Wadi Rum is a huge preserve of desert
and rock. It is where the final scenes of Lawerence of Arabia was filmed, and also
where he lived among the Bedouin. We went on a sunset "jeep ride".
Let me explain that a jeep here is not a Jeep Cherokee, with leather seats, ac
and beat. Oh no, it is some kind of a truck with some strange seats in the back. Our
driver claimed to be 15 but we think he was maybe 9 or 10. He had to sit on a pillow
to see over the wheel! Watching the sunset in this desert was amazing. The sun
went down behind the rocks as the Bedouin brought their goats in!
The Bedouin still live in tents and herd sheep and goats. Their tents are amazing,
clean and well layed out. Camels also roam through the Wadi!Amazing, our jeeps are
the only thing breaking the sheer silence. Birds and butterflys abound. We saw
no WATER anywhere. I was told that it is underground. The men wear the traditional
garb with Kuffias. The few women we saw were veiled, but the only women we
saw were in the gift shops.
After our visit (trek) through the desert we stopped at a small resturant and had
dinner of hummos, pita, salads and BEER! Yeah. We arrived back at our home away
from home, the Al Manor at 2am! I slept till 9, swam and have a mani pedi at 12:30.
We have a free day so my plan is to go shopping, well, just to help Jordan's ecomomy!
For some reason, I can't put a title in today!
the Kempenski. So far so good. Petra,was amazing. It is temples, tombs, etc. carved
out of sandstone. Amazing, today will be the announcement if Petra will become
one of the new wonders of the world. Jordan would benefit greatly from this
as Jordan, along with other countries in the Middle East is suffering greatly from
a lack of tourists since 9/11.
We left Petra about 11am yesteray. From there we went to Aquaba. It is a beautiful
city and the only seaport in Jordan. The late king Hussein traded 14 additonal miles
of beachfront with the Saudi's for some land in Jordan, which duh, they found
oil on!!! Oh well. We went to the Royal Dive Club/ Coral Beach resort. We had about
2-1/2 hours there, long enough for me to go snorkling in the Red Sea. Four countries
border this sea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel. We could see Elait, with its
Mega Resorts from our beach.
I'm not sure I've ever seen such a beautiful coral reef. There was coral in
purple, pink blue and even yellow. There were alot of fish and squids, reds, blues
oranges etc. The reef is struggling to exist because of pollution and damage from
JET SKIS! However, yesterday it was gorgeous the water temperature was around 84!
From Aquaba we went to Wadi Rum. Yes, I know I thought I was there but I wasn't.
When I was at Dana that was a different Wadi! Wadi Rum is a huge preserve of desert
and rock. It is where the final scenes of Lawerence of Arabia was filmed, and also
where he lived among the Bedouin. We went on a sunset "jeep ride".
Let me explain that a jeep here is not a Jeep Cherokee, with leather seats, ac
and beat. Oh no, it is some kind of a truck with some strange seats in the back. Our
driver claimed to be 15 but we think he was maybe 9 or 10. He had to sit on a pillow
to see over the wheel! Watching the sunset in this desert was amazing. The sun
went down behind the rocks as the Bedouin brought their goats in!
The Bedouin still live in tents and herd sheep and goats. Their tents are amazing,
clean and well layed out. Camels also roam through the Wadi!Amazing, our jeeps are
the only thing breaking the sheer silence. Birds and butterflys abound. We saw
no WATER anywhere. I was told that it is underground. The men wear the traditional
garb with Kuffias. The few women we saw were veiled, but the only women we
saw were in the gift shops.
After our visit (trek) through the desert we stopped at a small resturant and had
dinner of hummos, pita, salads and BEER! Yeah. We arrived back at our home away
from home, the Al Manor at 2am! I slept till 9, swam and have a mani pedi at 12:30.
We have a free day so my plan is to go shopping, well, just to help Jordan's ecomomy!
For some reason, I can't put a title in today!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Petra
OH MY GAWD... we went to Petra today. It is absolutely devine. It was a city carved
out of rock by I don't know who, the hettites? The Nabians? Who knows.. but anyone
that wanted to attack that place had to be nutz because it is about 1000 degrees there. They did have a very elaborate system to catch water, beautiful carvings and
lots of tombs. We left our hotel at 7:00 am and it took us 3-1/2 hours to walk the
2 miles into the "treasury".. why did it take so long? Because we had two guides, that knew quite a bit about ancient civilizations (Stewart Smith our resident
archeologist) and Jafar our ever faithful guide. ( It took me and MIMI 47 min to walk out!!)
Once inside Petra you can ride camels, shop, drink tea and well, walk some more
in the desert. You are besiged by children as they peddle everything from gum to
jewerly. You are fair game for the Bedouins and other tradespeople.If you can
believe I was too hot to shop then you know it was just too hot. Mimi and I left
the group at 11:30 and made it out of the park in 47 min..from there we went
to the "MovenPic) a swiss hotel and had a little pick me up. Then we made it
to a "pizza" resturant where I swear to you the crust was Matzo! But yummy anyway.
We were poolside by 1PM. I have seen only two people make it back so far but oh well,
I went and had a turkish bath (steam and massage) and now I will head back to the
hotel for a little nap, before I go out with Mimi, Marylin and who knows, maybe Kathy. We leave Petra for Aqaba and other parts tomorrow. Tomorrow night we
will be home at the Al Manar in Amman.
The reason that the Bedouins are allowed free access to peddle there goods is
because the government kicked them out of Petra so they could make it more tourist
friendly. There are tourist police all around and I saw an army hummer with a Machine
gun crusing the streets last night during dinner. Tourists come to Petra from all
over, including Japan, Germany and quite a few from Spain. There were a couple
groups from Israel, they come with their own security. I even saw one guy wearing
a T Shirt with Hebrew writing. We all thought he was quite an idiot for doing this.
The word Israel isn't really said here, its Palestine! Yes, there is a peace
agreement but that can't change what is in a person's heart. Will try and upload a couple pictures but I don't know how that will go.
Suzi
out of rock by I don't know who, the hettites? The Nabians? Who knows.. but anyone
that wanted to attack that place had to be nutz because it is about 1000 degrees there. They did have a very elaborate system to catch water, beautiful carvings and
lots of tombs. We left our hotel at 7:00 am and it took us 3-1/2 hours to walk the
2 miles into the "treasury".. why did it take so long? Because we had two guides, that knew quite a bit about ancient civilizations (Stewart Smith our resident
archeologist) and Jafar our ever faithful guide. ( It took me and MIMI 47 min to walk out!!)
Once inside Petra you can ride camels, shop, drink tea and well, walk some more
in the desert. You are besiged by children as they peddle everything from gum to
jewerly. You are fair game for the Bedouins and other tradespeople.If you can
believe I was too hot to shop then you know it was just too hot. Mimi and I left
the group at 11:30 and made it out of the park in 47 min..from there we went
to the "MovenPic) a swiss hotel and had a little pick me up. Then we made it
to a "pizza" resturant where I swear to you the crust was Matzo! But yummy anyway.
We were poolside by 1PM. I have seen only two people make it back so far but oh well,
I went and had a turkish bath (steam and massage) and now I will head back to the
hotel for a little nap, before I go out with Mimi, Marylin and who knows, maybe Kathy. We leave Petra for Aqaba and other parts tomorrow. Tomorrow night we
will be home at the Al Manar in Amman.
The reason that the Bedouins are allowed free access to peddle there goods is
because the government kicked them out of Petra so they could make it more tourist
friendly. There are tourist police all around and I saw an army hummer with a Machine
gun crusing the streets last night during dinner. Tourists come to Petra from all
over, including Japan, Germany and quite a few from Spain. There were a couple
groups from Israel, they come with their own security. I even saw one guy wearing
a T Shirt with Hebrew writing. We all thought he was quite an idiot for doing this.
The word Israel isn't really said here, its Palestine! Yes, there is a peace
agreement but that can't change what is in a person's heart. Will try and upload a couple pictures but I don't know how that will go.
Suzi
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Dana Reserve/Wadi Rum/Border/PETRA
I am on a trip within a trip now. We spent last night at Wadi Rum.. Dana Nature
preserve. It was an ECO hotel... we slept 4 in a room! Bunk Beds! Yes I did, showers
down the hall, no tv!!! The upside was it was so beautiful. The hotel perches on
the edge of a huge valley, overlooking the Jordan River and on the border with
Israel. We could see the Israeli flag..sunset to die for.
On the way to Wadi Rum we stopped at a Crusader Castle. It was built in the 1l00's
and finally finished off by the turks with modern weapons. The castle was Kayrak.
I cannot even describe the beauty of this poor country.(I just had the memory from
my friends camera put on CD so I am going to try and load some pictures.) There
are sheep and goats grazing everywhere. Bedowin tents, camels in herds. The women
are very covered in the countryside. More so than the cities. Everyone is so nice
and they always try and help you out.
This morning, the very hearty got up and 6 and went for a 3 hour hike. Opps, didn't make that hike, then another group went out at 10, missed that too. I went
with a guide, Abib and he took me to the "workshop" where jewerly and food items
are produced. These items are sold throughout Jordan and sold to support the Wadi.
There were about 7 women in two large rooms making jewerly. They make about 50 JD
$80 us per month plus 20% comminssion on everything sold. (Well, really how could
I NOT buy sarah a neclace and Becky one too, it was practically a charitable donation). They also showed me the room where they make apricot leathers and jam!
There were two girls stirring two big pots of jam and jars all over. It looked like
home! No supervisors, no certificates, no bs, just business! Everything was done
by hand.
We are now in Petra. This is a very ancient site, that I will learn more about
tomorrow after I hike in 2 1/2 miles and back out again. I think there are camels
that take you part way. I have tried to hire a sudan chair but they don't seem to be
available. We leave on this little jaunt around 6:45am. We should be back around
2 or 3 pm. I plan on having a swim and then, oh happy day, there is a Turkish bath
here and I'm so going to that!!
We all went down to the pool, that looks like the one in AbFAb when they went
to Morroco, and had drinks poolside and a wonderful swim. We are shopping tonight
but its pretty touristy. There are many tourists here. Japenese and Greek. I'm not
seeing many Americans here in Jordan. Oh, there was hot water and a working blow
dryer at the hotel, oh happy day!
Today is the Fourth of July, we had a toast to the USA at dinner. I miss you all
and I hope you are all having a great holdiay and enjoying the many freedoms that
democarcy offers. Also, please think about all the people that are opressed in this
world, including those suffering in the middle east because we are occupying their lands. Pray for peace in our time.
Suzi
preserve. It was an ECO hotel... we slept 4 in a room! Bunk Beds! Yes I did, showers
down the hall, no tv!!! The upside was it was so beautiful. The hotel perches on
the edge of a huge valley, overlooking the Jordan River and on the border with
Israel. We could see the Israeli flag..sunset to die for.
On the way to Wadi Rum we stopped at a Crusader Castle. It was built in the 1l00's
and finally finished off by the turks with modern weapons. The castle was Kayrak.
I cannot even describe the beauty of this poor country.(I just had the memory from
my friends camera put on CD so I am going to try and load some pictures.) There
are sheep and goats grazing everywhere. Bedowin tents, camels in herds. The women
are very covered in the countryside. More so than the cities. Everyone is so nice
and they always try and help you out.
This morning, the very hearty got up and 6 and went for a 3 hour hike. Opps, didn't make that hike, then another group went out at 10, missed that too. I went
with a guide, Abib and he took me to the "workshop" where jewerly and food items
are produced. These items are sold throughout Jordan and sold to support the Wadi.
There were about 7 women in two large rooms making jewerly. They make about 50 JD
$80 us per month plus 20% comminssion on everything sold. (Well, really how could
I NOT buy sarah a neclace and Becky one too, it was practically a charitable donation). They also showed me the room where they make apricot leathers and jam!
There were two girls stirring two big pots of jam and jars all over. It looked like
home! No supervisors, no certificates, no bs, just business! Everything was done
by hand.
We are now in Petra. This is a very ancient site, that I will learn more about
tomorrow after I hike in 2 1/2 miles and back out again. I think there are camels
that take you part way. I have tried to hire a sudan chair but they don't seem to be
available. We leave on this little jaunt around 6:45am. We should be back around
2 or 3 pm. I plan on having a swim and then, oh happy day, there is a Turkish bath
here and I'm so going to that!!
We all went down to the pool, that looks like the one in AbFAb when they went
to Morroco, and had drinks poolside and a wonderful swim. We are shopping tonight
but its pretty touristy. There are many tourists here. Japenese and Greek. I'm not
seeing many Americans here in Jordan. Oh, there was hot water and a working blow
dryer at the hotel, oh happy day!
Today is the Fourth of July, we had a toast to the USA at dinner. I miss you all
and I hope you are all having a great holdiay and enjoying the many freedoms that
democarcy offers. Also, please think about all the people that are opressed in this
world, including those suffering in the middle east because we are occupying their lands. Pray for peace in our time.
Suzi
Monday, July 2, 2007
Photos
Okay, my camera is dead and a friend loaned me hers, but the battery is dead
so I guess I will have to download another day.
so I guess I will have to download another day.
Jordan/Iraqi Refugees/Mecca Mall
What a long day today! We went to the University for our Language Lessons.. then
Stuart Smith talked to us about bible archeology because tomorrow we are leaving on
a 4 day trip to Aquaba and Petra and the Dana Reserve. We will actually see some
"'biblical sights"and some ancient cities. There will be a 5 hour hike..but oh, darn
I won't be going with that group. I'll be on the mini tour and shopping. There is
an opportunity in the Dana Reserve to sleep under the stars on a rooftop, but mm
passing on that.
After the University we stopped for lunch. Today I had falfel and hummus for
breakfast, and guess what for lunch? That's right falafel and hummos. I did get
in some mini-shopping and picked up a couple pairs of shoes. From there we went
into East Jordan to meet some Iraqi families and the women that we (I) am going to
tutor. Iraqi's are allowed into Jordan but they cannot work here, legally. They
also cannot attend school here. They are in a difficult state as they are not
recoginized as REFUGEES because there is a "DEMORCRACY"" in Iraqi! The Jordan
gov, as of september, will allow Iraqi's to attend private school.
The Jordainian goverment is a ruling Monarcy. They walk a delicate line with the
US as they depend on the US for a lot of aid. Jordan has almost no resources and
very little water. ( Have I told you about my shower?) On the other hand they don't
have BIG GREEN lawns and toilets flush with cups of water rather than GALLONS!!! NGO's, and several churches are here now and going through the long process of
getting government approval.
We also visited The Queen Zein Al Sharaf school and center. They are doing wonderful things with their KG (kindergarten program) It reminds me of when I taught,
elementary in LA? Richmond.. teacher created materials etc. No talk about standards,
benchmarks etc and NO Houghton Mifflin, scripted etc. They also have a lot of
Montessori type activities.. (the work of children is play). I was very impressed
by the school and the teachers.
We started our day at 8:30 and didn't get back to the hotel unitl 7pm! "Last night
we had gone to the MECCA MALL and I had bought a little dress so I went back to
get it tonight. Unfortunetly, last night, they told me the Mall closed at Midnight
so we didn't get there till 9:40, but the stores close at 10 and the resturants at 12 , 20 min is NOT enough time for me. So
I took a taxi and got there at 7:30 tonight. They closed the Mall with me in it.
Fortunely, I had arranged for the taxi to meet me at 10. I am now in my home away
from home, the Kapinski, where they have brought me a pepsi light and I am going to
try and download some photos love to all. Jordan is a great country and all the people are so wonderful!!! Very safe and sane!
Stuart Smith talked to us about bible archeology because tomorrow we are leaving on
a 4 day trip to Aquaba and Petra and the Dana Reserve. We will actually see some
"'biblical sights"and some ancient cities. There will be a 5 hour hike..but oh, darn
I won't be going with that group. I'll be on the mini tour and shopping. There is
an opportunity in the Dana Reserve to sleep under the stars on a rooftop, but mm
passing on that.
After the University we stopped for lunch. Today I had falfel and hummus for
breakfast, and guess what for lunch? That's right falafel and hummos. I did get
in some mini-shopping and picked up a couple pairs of shoes. From there we went
into East Jordan to meet some Iraqi families and the women that we (I) am going to
tutor. Iraqi's are allowed into Jordan but they cannot work here, legally. They
also cannot attend school here. They are in a difficult state as they are not
recoginized as REFUGEES because there is a "DEMORCRACY"" in Iraqi! The Jordan
gov, as of september, will allow Iraqi's to attend private school.
The Jordainian goverment is a ruling Monarcy. They walk a delicate line with the
US as they depend on the US for a lot of aid. Jordan has almost no resources and
very little water. ( Have I told you about my shower?) On the other hand they don't
have BIG GREEN lawns and toilets flush with cups of water rather than GALLONS!!! NGO's, and several churches are here now and going through the long process of
getting government approval.
We also visited The Queen Zein Al Sharaf school and center. They are doing wonderful things with their KG (kindergarten program) It reminds me of when I taught,
elementary in LA? Richmond.. teacher created materials etc. No talk about standards,
benchmarks etc and NO Houghton Mifflin, scripted etc. They also have a lot of
Montessori type activities.. (the work of children is play). I was very impressed
by the school and the teachers.
We started our day at 8:30 and didn't get back to the hotel unitl 7pm! "Last night
we had gone to the MECCA MALL and I had bought a little dress so I went back to
get it tonight. Unfortunetly, last night, they told me the Mall closed at Midnight
so we didn't get there till 9:40, but the stores close at 10 and the resturants at 12 , 20 min is NOT enough time for me. So
I took a taxi and got there at 7:30 tonight. They closed the Mall with me in it.
Fortunely, I had arranged for the taxi to meet me at 10. I am now in my home away
from home, the Kapinski, where they have brought me a pepsi light and I am going to
try and download some photos love to all. Jordan is a great country and all the people are so wonderful!!! Very safe and sane!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
un..sanctions etc
OKAY I AM BACK AT THE UNIVERSITY WITH NO CAPS OR ALL CAPS..WE HAD DR. ABZAWA FROM\THE
UN TODAY. SHE IS BRILLIANT AND I LEARNED ALOT.\
SHE WORKS WITH THE UN MILLINIUM SUMMIT GOALS.. OF WHICH THERE ARE 8.
THIS IS ALL POLITICS SO IF YOU LOVE BUSH AND WHAT THE DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ PLEASE\
STOP READING NOW\
10,000 IRAQI'S ARE BEING KILLED EVERYMONTH IN IRAQ
THE SANCTIONS THE US PUTS IN PLACE KILL MORE PEOPLE THAN THE BAD GOVERNEMENTS
THE SANCTIONS ARE SUPPOSSED TO PUNISH
THE AMERICAN GOVERNEMENT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE 1.5 MILLION IRAQI REFUGEES AS\SUCH\
BECASUE THERE IS DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ.. THESE 1.5 MILLION ARE IN JORDAN WHICH HAS\
A POPULATION OF 4 MILLION
THERE IS SO MUCH MORE. WILL WRITE MORE LATER AND DROPPED MY CAMERA SO TEMPRARILY OUT\
OF PHOTOS
UN TODAY. SHE IS BRILLIANT AND I LEARNED ALOT.\
SHE WORKS WITH THE UN MILLINIUM SUMMIT GOALS.. OF WHICH THERE ARE 8.
THIS IS ALL POLITICS SO IF YOU LOVE BUSH AND WHAT THE DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ PLEASE\
STOP READING NOW\
10,000 IRAQI'S ARE BEING KILLED EVERYMONTH IN IRAQ
THE SANCTIONS THE US PUTS IN PLACE KILL MORE PEOPLE THAN THE BAD GOVERNEMENTS
THE SANCTIONS ARE SUPPOSSED TO PUNISH
THE AMERICAN GOVERNEMENT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE 1.5 MILLION IRAQI REFUGEES AS\SUCH\
BECASUE THERE IS DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ.. THESE 1.5 MILLION ARE IN JORDAN WHICH HAS\
A POPULATION OF 4 MILLION
THERE IS SO MUCH MORE. WILL WRITE MORE LATER AND DROPPED MY CAMERA SO TEMPRARILY OUT\
OF PHOTOS
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