While I have discussed Jordan and the culture here with many people before, this is by far a completely different trip from my past experiences. As I mentioned in my last entry, the adjustments that I have faced were rather unexpected. However in the almost 5 weeks that I have been here, I have had some truly incredible experiences and gotten the chance to actually live in and experience a culture that I have appreciated and been interested in for almost 2 years now. I am almost positive that every student who has studied overseas has said similar things. But again, I'd like to point out the fact that, because I have traveled to Jordan before, I believe that I am able to dive that much deeper into the Jordanian culture. In previous travels, I've waded in the shallow waters of the lifestyle in Amman; I've even gotten my hair wet in the rich history of the society. Now however, in this fall semester, I have the chance to take a plunge into the deep waters of Jordan and its people.
Having said all of this, I am afraid that I am going to have to disappoint everyone once again: the details of the last 5 weeks are going to have to wait just a bit longer. One of the many simple joys that I have found while living here in Jordan has been my disconnection with most modern forms of technological infrastructure. This doesn't mean that I cannot use the internet or check my email, clearly as I am publishing this post. This does mean though that my dependence upon these tools, especially my cellphone, has evaporated along with all other moisture in this desert. I send probably a total of 15 text messages a week, which those of you who know me back home, realize that this is a remarkable feat. The point of all of this is that the internet connection is not always the most reliable piece of Jordanian society...come to think of it, the only reliable aspect I can think of would be Jordanian hospitality. Sorry taxi drivers, you did not win this one, believe it or not. Anyhow, the pictures that I wanted to upload with this entry are currently not working. And I did not want to begin to describe my time here without pictures. So please, I just want to ask you exercise a bit more patience. I promise to submit a new, full-bodied entry (with PICTURES) the next time I post (most likely this Saturday/Sunday).
I want to thank everyone for even encouraging me to write and keep this blog. I hope that it hasn't been too much of a disappointment. I mean, even on days like today, you get a small glimpse of life here, illustrated by the lack of internet dependability. At least that's what I am going to tell myself. But as it is getting late here, I need to go work on my Arabic homework...my wonderful professor, Dr. Muna, informed my class this week that now that we have learned the alphabet and covered some basic aspects of grammer, my class has moved from an Arabic Level 1 to Level 2 class! I don't know whether to be excited or scared out of my mind. Either way, that probably is a sign that I need to start actually focusing on my homework.
Oh, and one last note of interest...Sean (my roommate) and I have now official booked hotel rooms in Dubai! Thirty-two dollars a night, in downtown Dubai? Who would have thought such existed?
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