"and I can't fight this feeling anymore" thursday 4 pm

REO Speedwagon. melt my heart. enough said.

we hop into our van at the Amman airport and our lovely driver named "Iyatt" has his REO CD in and he knows every blasted word. I think I'm going to like it here. The car behind us had all 4 windows down and was jamming out to "Ridin' Solo". I appreciate the fact that the classics from the U.S. have reached Jordan. I remember hearing Alanis Morissette play in a diner while in Peru and our waitress spoke little english but knew the words to "Ironic." She definitely got a good tip from our table. The weirdness things seem to transcend between cultures and thats what gives me hope. If we can all jam out to REO, Alannis, and pop/rap, can't we work on tolerance? We were all created with the same fabric.

WE ARRIVED SAFELY TO OUR HOTEL AT ABOUT 3:30 pm.

Everyone is Jordan has been extremely hospitable so far, very welcoming. I almost wish I could guarantee them the same courtesy when they visit the States, but sadly that isn't always the case. There are so many misconceptions about the middle east and I'm so fortunate and (really) excited that I have this chance.

As we pulled up the Four Seasons, a gentlemen approached the car with this weird contraption and pointed it at us and then the entire van. Being the shy person I am, I asked "what the heck is he doing?: and our driver gleams "checking for bombs!". I love the honesty. Better yet, when we get into the hotel we get to go through metal detectors and our bags are searched, this occurs every time you enter a hotel in Jordan (circa 2005 when the hotel bombings happened in Jordan). Its interesting because the hotel staff actually enjoy the security it provides, will the US ever get to this point?!?!?

Friends and family will attest to the fact that I often complain of our (often suffocating) western ways.  I have learned to detest technology, or really anything that gives a voice to ignorance or enables bullying. There are so many beautiful things that come from technology and I savor every chance I see Facebook or (God-forbid) Twitter do something worthwhile. I do however LOVE technology every single time I see it foster a connection. Thats happened 3 times today already.

The wonderful gentleman who greeted us in Amman helped us with our luggage, we each have 2 giant suitcases. He picked up mine as said "did you pack your boyfriend in here?!" and ofcourse I laughed and replied "I wish" and he said "well thats what facebook is for, right?!" hahaha. He is indeed on facebook but I'll definitely wait and let him add me as a friend first. I jest, I jest.

We had what I call a linner (i'll let you figure that one out) and it was the first time I'd seen real food in almost 24 hours. After we stuffed our faces (did I mention the legal age for consumption is 18 here?) we went to a shop where we met a local craftsmen who makes jewelry and other Beoudian (Arab nomadic tribe who lives in the Jordan area) crafts. He was super nice, he is on facebook and told me to tag him in the picture I took of us. My theme for my humanities class at Wofford was on travel and how it affects people. I often find myself criticizing the western world and its harsh influence on other places. But sometimes I think I blame the US's influence on things that are human nature. Facebook is fun, its addicting, people crave human interaction (albeit even if its in cyber space.) So I'm happy facebook has reached Jordan. Every person I have seen has a cell phone. Thats cool too, I'm more used to that because   I visited one of the poorest areas in Peru and everyone had a cell phone. In fact, most of my friends from the homeless shelter have cell phones. Its a great invention and I think power we are given and its our job to keep it in check. say it with me, "moderation".

Here are a few pictures from today!

yours truly, mainly for my dad (MISS AND LOVE YOU!)

the city via the van going 60 km/hr

metal detector at entrance to four seasons, perfect illustration of why tolerance is needed.

MOM!

this is when the security guard told me I could not take any pictures of the security, he was very nice and he told me he hoped the states did not resort to this. we shall see.

this is Sam, the craftsmen, he made much of the jewelry that is in this shop and he is Jordanian, born and raised, hopes to travel to Syrria and Egypt one day, and has a lovely accent. LADIES, HE IS AVAILABLE.

as-Slām=peace

ARABIC WORD OF THE DAY, courtesy the man at the front desk's abundant patience with me.