I thought this was cute as we were both dressed in the same colors!
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
