Christmas 2009 Trip

My trip to Israel and Jordan was fantastic! Though I am glad to be back. The end.

Just kidding.

It’s amazing how much you miss the first world when you live in the third world but don’t even realize it until you are immersed in the first world once again. The Dubai airport was my first taste of Western society since leaving Canada in August. I was mesmerized when we first arrived in the airport...so many shops and actual fast food! After a long overnight lay-over in Dubai, we were off to Amman, Jordan where I met David’s twin brother for the first time. First stop: McDonald’s. Then off to peruse one of the many malls. It was incredibly strange to see so many options before my eyes. My exclamations of awe and wonder were probably quite loud and odd to others...it was as if I hadn’t ever been to a shopping centre in my entire life! But really, it has only been 5 months :)

We explored Amman for about a week - downtown shopping, enjoying delicious shawerma, sightseeing at the ancient amphitheatre - with some of David’s good friends (he used to live in Jordan while a teenager) and brother. The Arab culture is fascinating. The call to prayer occurs several times throughout each day via loudspeaker from the mosques. Most women wear hijabs but often pair them with skinny jeans and fancy shoes. I was definitely an object of fascination and desire for many, though I was careful to avoid showing too much skin at all. A few American females who are currently studying in Jordan told me that their wearing a hijab doesn’t discourage comments or stares...white women will be met with looks and comments regardless so I didn’t wear a head covering except when I was in a holy or sacred place as a sign of respect for the culture.

From Amman, we traveled down to Petra and Aqaba and saw some amazing sights! Petra is an ancient hand-carved city (apparently mentioned in the Bible, but perhaps under another name) that is beautiful to see. After a fun camel ride, we hiked up a series of hills and mountains, passing by the Treasury (setting for one of the Indiana Jones films), then up to the Monastery, and finally to the Most High Place. Incredible place that all should see! Check out my pictures.

Israel and more about Jordan...to be continued! (I have a Science test to write up tonight) :)