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Published: August 5th 2007
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So I am home. I can't believe three weeks went by so fast. The experience was amazing in all aspects and I'm so incredibly happy I was able to have the oppertunity to see a part of the Middle East with people I love. I saw things I'd never seen, I learned things I'd never dreamed of, and I laughed like I've never laughed before. It is for these reason I want to thank all my sponsors very very much. You have all contributed to a part of my life I will never forget.
Some post trip notes:
- A quick thought on the Arab mentality... I found in Jordan an attitude that is very difficult to describe in words. If you've ever worked with Arabs maybe you can understand. They all have every best intention and more to get great things started and solve problems. They do not lack the ambition to succeed nor the ability; there are many very talented people over there. However, for all they have all the resources they need, they still seem to fall flat. I don't know if it's just an extreme case of bad luck or perhaps some sort
of negative energy but either way it seemed that things never happened as planned. We were told at the very beginning to be flexible because "Things are never set in Jordan... changes will happen, be ready." Perhaps it is all a result of the long existing conflicts that burden the area... I don't know. But I do know it helped me understand why peace in the area is such a complicated issue. It is not only about inspiring positive feelings but also about putting strength into the actions so they will actually happen. Maybe more communication and organization as well.
-As a Woman in Jordan: (and not just female but blonde as well) ... I did feel uncomfortable a lot of the time. However, it was not so much a matter of safty as just always feeling the stares. They do see many women with no head scarves but not often enough that it goes completely unnoticed. I highly reccommend always dressing appropriatly. Do not even bring tank tops and short shorts. They are disrespectful if nothing else. And I garentee you'll feel more comforatble if you are covered more. Long shorts are fine and short sleeves are alright too for most areas especially if you stick to the touristy spots. You will see women wearing everything at these places but they stick out like a sore thumb. If you are alone without men it is especially important to be careful about the attention you draw. Again; it is not that it is unsafe... it is highly unlikely you will be hurt in any way... but you might be more liable to have unfriendly (disturbing though harmless) touches in crowds. I was told by my Jordanian friend that if you do get groped or touched unappropriatly by a man you have every right to turn around and slap him. Be firm and confident and you'll be left alone more.
-The local women: most of the women in Jordan at least wear the hijab (head scarf). In western cultures this is often seen as a form of opprssion. And perhaps it is... but mostly just as much as any fashion statement is. In a more developed Middle Eastern country like Jordan, most of the women decide themselves whether they want to cover their heads or not. And still most choose to. I think it is partially a sign of their culture. Christians often choose to wear a cross around their neck proclaiming their beliefs... is this oppression? I met many incredible women who wear a hijab. They are confident, smart, and feel equal to any man. The fact that they cover their head does not, they feel, mark them any lower than any man.
However, that said, I did detect a distinctly condecending feel from men toward women. For example, while building the house in the desert, the arab men we were working with had a hard time lettin us women do anything. They kept trying to take away my tools saying... "I just don't want you to hurt yourself!" I finally had to tell them firmly, "I am fine! I will not hurt myself, and it I do it's my fault... I want to help, I'm not a delicate flower!" The didn't bug me so much after that.
I also had a very enlightening experience with the women who lived in the house we helped build. For the majority of the time we were working, they all (there were about six women) sat in the shade watching and occassionally making tea for us but no more. Except once. I was cleaning out a window frame to replace the broken glass in a back room. A couple men came, showed me what to do, then left. As soon as they were gone, the women all rushed over to me, grabbed my tools and hurridly began to do the work themselves. I realized suddenly as I stood back and watched them clean out the debris efficiently, that they wanted to help but didn't feel allowed. Interesting.
In conclusion, I had a great time. Plain and simple. I recommend a trip to Jordan for anyone wishing to see the Middle East and experience the culture there. Please feel free to send me a message through this site if you have any questions.
A giant and heartfelt thank you to every one who donated for me and that comes from all those amazing people we helped as well. If you have any questions whatsoever or want to see more pictures please feel free to contact me! I leave back to Wales for school in a week... until then it's as much relaxation I can find. If you want updates from school check my blog www.maliaatac.blogspot.com .
Much Love from your World Traveler,
Malia
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Tim
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