From Australia to Jordan, from Jordan to Europe

                                                                                        Jordan
Reflecting on my so far, 8 months away from home I wanted to pick somewhere that really struck a nerve and made think 'wow', but everywhere has been different and everywhere has had an impact on me in some particular way so I cant pick one and say its 'BEST'. However, Jordan did make me go 'BOOM'. I thought that I would write a few snippets of my experiences and show you all some photos of my adventures in the Middle East... so please read on.

On the first weekend I went to Aquaba. A resort where my godmother's friend was having an engagement part. This is what I saw. Spectacular!

JORDAN-- amazing, is the word that comes to mind as soon as someone says it. The biggest culture shock Ive experienced was definitely Jordan. I think more because of the veil wearing, the desert and politics that made me remove all expectations and just become still and listen so I could take in everything and anything. I wanted and still want to learn so much more about the Jordanian culture. Jordan is filled with abundant history, culture and religion. The language was so interesting and the people at the school as I think Im probably going to repeat myself but such lovely people. The country and people, I will remember forever. The difference is enormous and I experienced the biggest culture shock I have ever had. Ive travelled to parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and America but this was my first time to the Middle East. Aged 20 I flew there to help my godmother, Tessa with a Round Square Conference at the King's School in Mudaba, just outside the Capital of Amman, on the 23rd November 2010. I was in clothing that was far to warm for Jordan, I sweltered within 10 minutes of being outside. The weather was supposed to be cooler but the month that I lived there made me realise how strange the weather really was. On the first day that I arrived at the school I was greeted by a driver that took me to school, I met Tessa and I also was introduced to other teachers and students. I suffered greatly from insane jetlag, but tried to stay strong and push through it. The King's School is a school developed in 2000 by King Abdullah of Jordan. A replica of the school he went to in America. Most of the teachers are from there and the principal is also American. The principal is a nice man and has three small children.I babysat them a couple of nights a week. They were sweet children. I even learnt some arabic, for example Zahra means Rose. I love that name now.

From the memories of Jordan... these photos are of the school, the places I went including Petra ( the most beautifulest place on earth, a seven wonder of the world!!) the Dead Sea, Jerash, I even travelled up north and helped Habitat Humanity build a house and I went to the resort Aquaba. I travelled mainly on the weekends as during the week I helped mainly at the school and also participated in School activities. It was so interesting because many of these children were from Oil MAGNETS families, Princes of Kuwait and event the Prince of Jordan, Hussein attended the school. I did in fact meet members of the Royal Family, all of course devout muslims because they do in fact run direct linage with Mohammad himself.  Prince Hussein- I met him once and helped him with an English book, in the library. I am not sure if I was much help but he was a quiet, very appreciated and humble, 17 year old, who I must admit has a stressful life ahead of him, as he is crown Prince now.

In this photo I have just swum in the Dead Sea, about a 30 minute drive from the School. It was a sensational day but the water really does sting after a while, but it felt so moisturised afterwards, it was unreal!

Me at Ancient Roman city of Jerash, in Jordan below. 

The King's School was more an estate than a School. It had fields and land that seemed endless. This was taken in the late afternoon, it is the Clock tower. I loved walking passed this Clock because it made a nice chime every hour. I remember waking up to the men saying their prayers to Allah. There were seven mosques surrounding the school. Their sounds became soothing sounds to me and as Tessa can probably vouch for, I would stay in bed longer listening to them all chant. It sounded so nice.

These photos below are taken from my four day trip to Petra, with the school.

Beyond amazing. I felt as though I uncovered culture, within culture, within culture. It was scary!

Yes you are correct, Petra featured in the movie- Indiana Jones!

Here is a picture of two of the sacred camels that are used as wedding offerings and for festivals. 

 

This is me, just taking a walk through this 7 Wonder of the World!

This was taken from Amman, Jordan(capital)

 This picture above is to show the severe disparity between the rich and the very very well off, to the not and the traditional, tribal Bedouin families. I was fascinated by them all, such kind, helpful people who wander the land with all their lives in tow including their twenty camels!

The last picture I am going to put up is of Tessa and I standing at Mount Nebo. Mount Nebo is today the Mount Nebo Church and where many tourists come but was the place where Moses walked from Egypt to bring the jewish people out of the trials and tribulations that they had faced and into salvation. Mount Nebo is where he died. He had walked for 40 years. At the look out at Mount Nebo you can see Israel, the Red Sea and occupied Palestine.

Overall, an experience of a lifetime and one I will never forget. I hope to one day be able to go back there because I never got to Wadi Rum and would have loved to. I also need to visit the lovely people that I left behind, you know who you, if youre reading this, and you must come and visit me in Australia!!

For now I must get some shut eye,

Tisbah 'alal- khair

Good Night