Blogs from Amman, North, Jordan, Middle East - page 24

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope that you all had a great holiday and spent time with those you care about. Because I was unable to go home, I ate dinner at the house of a Lt. Col. in the Air force and it was amazing. I met him at the U.S. Embassy and asked him if he could help me talk to some people who work in the State Department and yesterday I got a call inviting me to Thanksgiving at his house. I had a great time with loads of food and the company was great. I was also able to talk with someone who works in the foreign service so it was a very fulfilling evening, even if my Taboo team lost. It was nice to celebrate here, and it brought back some good ... read more

There is no mistaking the fact that Jordan is a Kingdom steeped in history and culture. From the moment you arrive, you get a sense of its rich heritage, all around are remnants of ancient civilizations long since past, yet they still remain, stamped into the very fabric of this amazing Kingdom and etched into the soul of the people who live here. Amman, the capital city of Jordan is a sprawling city spread over 19 hills. The only modern city combined with the ancient civilization. Mom and I surely had a relaxing and a memorable holiday. Arabic in Jordan would really be an advantage to make the communication simpler and people ripping you off every where. We arrived early morning and checked in Firas Palace hotel which was far from the city. But we had ... read more

Jordanien, ein Land zwischen Orient und Okzident. Ein Land, das vielseitiger kaum sein kann. Mit seinem toten und roten Meer, seinen Wuesten, seinen vielen kulturiellen Staetten - davon Petra, einem der "New Seven Wonders of the World" - , seinem Spagatt zwischen Moderne und Tradition, seinem wunderbaren Koenig und der wunderschoenen Koenigin Noora. Der Flug nach Amman ging relativ schnell vorbei, rund 4 Stunden. Ich bin im Moment laengere Zeiten gewohnt :) In Jordanien ist man ohne Mietwagen aufgeschmissen. Das Anmieten am Flughafen war kein Problem. 25Dinar pro Tag (ca. 25 Euro) fuer einen Mitsubishi Galant ist fair. Die Fahrt nach Amman dauert ca. 40 Minuten. Ich bin spaet abends angekommen, habe schnell noch was gegessen und bin dann zu meinem Onkel nach Salt ca. 20 km westlich von Amman, sehr Nahe an der israelischen Grenze. ... read more

Today I saw the worlds largest flying flag on an unsupported flagpole - the size of two football pitches (apparently?!), one of the worlds oldest known statues - the al Ghazal plaster work figures and some very odd looking coffins; all in around or from the citadel in Amman. So today has been a veritable list of superlatives. Whatever next?... read more

We arrived in Amman around 4 am. It did not take us long to get our visas and our baggage. we were greated my AHmad's two sisters, his brother and one of his sister's husband. After a 30 minute drive from the Airport we arrived at his sister Khoula's house. There we met her 6 kids, who my husband had not seen the oldest two since they were young and the other four he had never seen. We had tea and ate something. Mohammed, his brother found an apartment for 20 dinar, $25 american. It is a nice two bedroom, with a kitchen and a living room. Tomorrow my husband and his brother are going to the Israel embassy to find out about a visa for my husband to go to Palestine. In shalla there will ... read more