The taxi driver is clearly upset at the way that I shut the door.
"Be gentle with it!" he argues, the sour puss on his face seemingly stuck. I feel bad, but realize that this guy is fasting and doesn't mean to be a jerk. We drive on, nearing my drop-off.
"Min wain inta?"
"Min Amrika."
That's it. I've done it. I put it out there. I'm from America, and if he doesn't like that, well, I could have gotten uncomfortable at his disapproval. Then… the unimaginable happens.
"You have face like Arab!" he exclaims, the broadest grin spreading across his face.
"Shukran!"
So, that's what's up. Really want to get an internship with JO Magazine, because they want a reporter. 8-)
Short post, I'mma spice things up in a few days, make this blog more interactive.
--Ibrahim
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
out of range
It is very interesting when you live with a neo-con. No further questions about that, please. It's just interesting. Especially when that said neo-con is frightened of saying anything to offend anyone. He's not voting, though, so that's okay. Speaking of voting, I just ordered my absentee ballot yesterday, so I am bein a good Amerikan from abroadness.
It turns out that we cannot get internet in the apartment--at all. Two companies require a year contract as well as intense involvement from our landlord, and one does not cover our single block! It looks like I will have to be skyping in code to discuss issues such as Judaism or Israel. No privacy at that café, it's a shame. I might try to figure out how much the internet connected through my mobile costs, but it sounds slow and I might need to buy a new phone--at which point it would not be worth it to me. Today we went to every potential ISP in Amman, and none of them gave us a thumbs up.
However, on a good note, I accompanied Andrew on an adventure to find a needle and thread for his awesome grunge shirt that he wanted to fix up, and we ended up getting sent from store to store until we found what we needed. Who knew we had a shoemaker, a tailor, and a button/thread/needle store so close to our apartment? The woman in the last store was this old lady, very sweet, and spoke English really well with an adorable accent. I need to find a grandma here in Amman because I miss my grandmas too much! I call them at least once a week, but like I said, calling anyone from my Skype is like talking in a crowded café, in fact, it is talking in a crowded café.
Listening to the soundtrack from A Clockwork Orange, very nice! I should be doing some work, as I already have some. I will be meeting with the language coordinator tomorrow to discuss moving up to level 2 of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). If they are just working from we-know-the-alphabet-so-we-are-going-to-start-learning-real-Arabic, then I fit. If they are starting with more, then I don't. Just easy as pie!
So I was invited to go to Syria for Eid, which is after Ramadan. I don't think I'm going to go because I don't think that there is enough time to really feel it. I'd want to spend about 5 days in Syria, at least, just to not feel too rushed. Oh, by the way, for those of you who don't know my style of travel, I don't go with map or guidebook. I go and ask people where something I've heard of is located, wander, and get advice from other travelers. Plus, I don't want to see everything. Just enough. If I see everything, I've failed. It means I've rushed, squeezed, and did not really soak it in. Sure, if I've been there for a long period of time, I should see everything. But one or two days in a city, that's gotta have some downtime in it or it's not time well spent. Downtime on a bench in a park, sitting in a busy place and watching people pass and do their daily routine, not in a closed room.
I feel this post is long enough. Finalizing schedule/internship for the rest of the week, getting into my classes, and perhaps preparing my stuff for next semester so that I don't forget to do it later. Until next time,
--Ibrahim
It turns out that we cannot get internet in the apartment--at all. Two companies require a year contract as well as intense involvement from our landlord, and one does not cover our single block! It looks like I will have to be skyping in code to discuss issues such as Judaism or Israel. No privacy at that café, it's a shame. I might try to figure out how much the internet connected through my mobile costs, but it sounds slow and I might need to buy a new phone--at which point it would not be worth it to me. Today we went to every potential ISP in Amman, and none of them gave us a thumbs up.
However, on a good note, I accompanied Andrew on an adventure to find a needle and thread for his awesome grunge shirt that he wanted to fix up, and we ended up getting sent from store to store until we found what we needed. Who knew we had a shoemaker, a tailor, and a button/thread/needle store so close to our apartment? The woman in the last store was this old lady, very sweet, and spoke English really well with an adorable accent. I need to find a grandma here in Amman because I miss my grandmas too much! I call them at least once a week, but like I said, calling anyone from my Skype is like talking in a crowded café, in fact, it is talking in a crowded café.
Listening to the soundtrack from A Clockwork Orange, very nice! I should be doing some work, as I already have some. I will be meeting with the language coordinator tomorrow to discuss moving up to level 2 of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). If they are just working from we-know-the-alphabet-so-we-are-going-to-start-learning-real-Arabic, then I fit. If they are starting with more, then I don't. Just easy as pie!
So I was invited to go to Syria for Eid, which is after Ramadan. I don't think I'm going to go because I don't think that there is enough time to really feel it. I'd want to spend about 5 days in Syria, at least, just to not feel too rushed. Oh, by the way, for those of you who don't know my style of travel, I don't go with map or guidebook. I go and ask people where something I've heard of is located, wander, and get advice from other travelers. Plus, I don't want to see everything. Just enough. If I see everything, I've failed. It means I've rushed, squeezed, and did not really soak it in. Sure, if I've been there for a long period of time, I should see everything. But one or two days in a city, that's gotta have some downtime in it or it's not time well spent. Downtime on a bench in a park, sitting in a busy place and watching people pass and do their daily routine, not in a closed room.
I feel this post is long enough. Finalizing schedule/internship for the rest of the week, getting into my classes, and perhaps preparing my stuff for next semester so that I don't forget to do it later. Until next time,
--Ibrahim
Sunday, September 7, 2008
qara'a
Did you know how many words in Arabic are almost identical to words with the same meeting in Hebrew? I heard it once or twice, but it's so true. In fact, my professor thinks that I might be lying about being a beginner because I know the alif baa and remember most of the words like ra's and arnab.
Class list:
Colloquial Arabic ('Amiyya)
Modern Standard Arabic (FusHa)
Introduction to Islam
The Environment and Politics of Water
...Potential Internship
The water class could become an audit once my internship works out. Sometimes I kinda think that if the internship didn't work for me, cause of scheduling or whatever, despite the amount of work I've put into finding all of these organizations and the program has in getting me interviews, it would be easier to have a lighter schedule. Plus, I would have more time to do everything I want! Go to the gym, do all the language/culture clubs, explore parts of the city, etc.
Internship options:
International Solutions Group
not sure what they'd have me do, but their work sounds great
The King Hussein Foundation
potential to assist English/science teachers and do other work at a high school for gifted kids, mostly from poor areas of the city
One of many journalism options
So the options sound great, which is why I'm very excited if any of them work out. But either way, I like all the classes as well. Day 2 tomorrow, should be nice because Mon/Wed I get out early (for now, until I fill those hours with internshipness), so we're looking for ISPs to see if we can get internet in the apartment as well as finding gyms near the university to see about memberships.
Araka qariban!
--Ibrahim
Class list:
Colloquial Arabic ('Amiyya)
Modern Standard Arabic (FusHa)
Introduction to Islam
The Environment and Politics of Water
...Potential Internship
The water class could become an audit once my internship works out. Sometimes I kinda think that if the internship didn't work for me, cause of scheduling or whatever, despite the amount of work I've put into finding all of these organizations and the program has in getting me interviews, it would be easier to have a lighter schedule. Plus, I would have more time to do everything I want! Go to the gym, do all the language/culture clubs, explore parts of the city, etc.
Internship options:
International Solutions Group
not sure what they'd have me do, but their work sounds great
The King Hussein Foundation
potential to assist English/science teachers and do other work at a high school for gifted kids, mostly from poor areas of the city
One of many journalism options
So the options sound great, which is why I'm very excited if any of them work out. But either way, I like all the classes as well. Day 2 tomorrow, should be nice because Mon/Wed I get out early (for now, until I fill those hours with internshipness), so we're looking for ISPs to see if we can get internet in the apartment as well as finding gyms near the university to see about memberships.
Araka qariban!
--Ibrahim
Friday, September 5, 2008
Jerashin it
We went to Jerash today! It's an ancient Roman city about 50 km north of Amman, and the weather today was scorchingly hot.
From right to left, cause that's how we do it in the Middle East, we got Jackie, Shane, Tania, Andrew, and myself. It was a really nice day, despite the beating sun and the confusing transportation--Jerash = the place where everyone wants your money and thinks that they can get it. Sometimes they can, yikes.
Things have been nice, still awaiting classes and receiving private lessons from Rasha, so my 'amiyya is progressing exponentially by the day. I have to join a gym this week because although I work out a little in the apartment, I need a structure in which I allot time to really working out. Otherwise, I get exhausted and cannot focus for a chunk of the day. So it's between staying active and napping a bit, and I choose the former.
Ramadan. I can't say enough about how hard it is to not feel guilty eating in the day, and it's so stressful trying to sneak water because you feel like people can see you in your apartment or you cannot find a quiet and hidden area to sip it quickly. If you look here, you will see the rest of the photos from today and how much water we managed to sneak throughout our first adventure outside of the capital city.
An interesting dilemna:
Last night my friend, who is part Arab, suggested that I just tell people I'm Arab when they tell me that I look Arab and then ask to find out my name is Ibrahim. I don't necessarily feel like I look Arab, but everyone just assumes, especially when they hear my name. I told her I am not comfortable saying that because of a few reasons. First of all, I am not Arab, and even if the Jews did come from this region and particular race of people, many people would not accept that we are of Arab descent. Semitic, but that does not have the same cultural weight as Arab. And second, I'd feel guilty saying that I'm Arab. Because then it's the whole are you Muslim question, and if not then I'm Christian, and I just feel icky because I'm neither. It is an identity thing, and I cannot lie about what I am, but I cannot simply say it. So I say that I am American, and nobody is particularly satisfied with this answer because I'm just too ... Arab for them to accept this. Whatado? Is it offensive to just say, yeah my family is Arab but I grew up in the US? I feel like it would be, despite them not knowing that it isn't true.
Either way, I'm getting to the point where a few of my Arab friends might find it interesting to know that I am Jewish. It's a discussion that will arise shortly, and I'm interested to see how it pans out.
Thanks for following me, guys, and do stay in touch. I know it's difficult that my Internet connection is so spotty, but I will have more access to email shortly when I start classes and am at the University nearly every day. Updates soon to come about my potential internship positions!
--Ibrahim
From right to left, cause that's how we do it in the Middle East, we got Jackie, Shane, Tania, Andrew, and myself. It was a really nice day, despite the beating sun and the confusing transportation--Jerash = the place where everyone wants your money and thinks that they can get it. Sometimes they can, yikes.
Things have been nice, still awaiting classes and receiving private lessons from Rasha, so my 'amiyya is progressing exponentially by the day. I have to join a gym this week because although I work out a little in the apartment, I need a structure in which I allot time to really working out. Otherwise, I get exhausted and cannot focus for a chunk of the day. So it's between staying active and napping a bit, and I choose the former.
Ramadan. I can't say enough about how hard it is to not feel guilty eating in the day, and it's so stressful trying to sneak water because you feel like people can see you in your apartment or you cannot find a quiet and hidden area to sip it quickly. If you look here, you will see the rest of the photos from today and how much water we managed to sneak throughout our first adventure outside of the capital city.
An interesting dilemna:
Last night my friend, who is part Arab, suggested that I just tell people I'm Arab when they tell me that I look Arab and then ask to find out my name is Ibrahim. I don't necessarily feel like I look Arab, but everyone just assumes, especially when they hear my name. I told her I am not comfortable saying that because of a few reasons. First of all, I am not Arab, and even if the Jews did come from this region and particular race of people, many people would not accept that we are of Arab descent. Semitic, but that does not have the same cultural weight as Arab. And second, I'd feel guilty saying that I'm Arab. Because then it's the whole are you Muslim question, and if not then I'm Christian, and I just feel icky because I'm neither. It is an identity thing, and I cannot lie about what I am, but I cannot simply say it. So I say that I am American, and nobody is particularly satisfied with this answer because I'm just too ... Arab for them to accept this. Whatado? Is it offensive to just say, yeah my family is Arab but I grew up in the US? I feel like it would be, despite them not knowing that it isn't true.
Either way, I'm getting to the point where a few of my Arab friends might find it interesting to know that I am Jewish. It's a discussion that will arise shortly, and I'm interested to see how it pans out.
Thanks for following me, guys, and do stay in touch. I know it's difficult that my Internet connection is so spotty, but I will have more access to email shortly when I start classes and am at the University nearly every day. Updates soon to come about my potential internship positions!
--Ibrahim
Thursday, September 4, 2008
quick little update
Hello, interwebs! I am here to report that things are great. Classes start on Sunday, and I'm excited for that to happen. Don't worry, everything's been on a high for the past few days, just getting ready for classes to begin on Sunday. Kathy's back in town, and I'm glad she's here to stay. Going to Jerash tomorrow, so expect photographs in a few days. Ma as-salame!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
nice quotes
The Resident Director did some cultural orientation the other day--BS. She singled me out, and asked, "How do you feel that people can identify you as an American on the spot and view you only as that?" I responded by saying, "Well they should, I mean.. born and raised, Philadelphia!" Jackie was next to me and goes, "Ha ha, I won't dance for you!"
This morning in the taxi, our driver was nuts. Insane. Mejnoon. He was driving like a maniac (which means gay in Jordan, but I mean he was driving like a Masshole). We almost got hit, and a few of us cringed, but he goes, "I am not scared! I was commander in PLO!" Oh, Jordan.
Tonight, a girl mentioned that she might move out of her homestay. When I asked her why, she responded with, "I had a misunderstanding with my host family, and they think I have AIDS." Oh, Jordan...
That's all for now, but I'm sure there are some good ones to come.
--Barhoom
This morning in the taxi, our driver was nuts. Insane. Mejnoon. He was driving like a maniac (which means gay in Jordan, but I mean he was driving like a Masshole). We almost got hit, and a few of us cringed, but he goes, "I am not scared! I was commander in PLO!" Oh, Jordan.
Tonight, a girl mentioned that she might move out of her homestay. When I asked her why, she responded with, "I had a misunderstanding with my host family, and they think I have AIDS." Oh, Jordan...
That's all for now, but I'm sure there are some good ones to come.
--Barhoom
'am bamshi
I have become somewhat of a housewife, of late. I cook a lot, eat a lot, clean efficiently… Apartment life just agrees with me :-D
I'm really enjoying the place, very nice and has everything I need. So far haven't screwed up too big with any of the water stuff or gas--I think. Other than those things, nothing else is too difficult to adjust to. On water: there is none. So I'm trying not to use much. Shorter showers (good thing I cut my hair), conserving during brushing teeth/washing hands, conserving while washing dishes, and doing the most efficient laundry cycle, even if it does mean all my socks are pretty much shot. Shh.. I listen to Israeli music in the apartment and on my headphones. It's comforting to me.
I get a bit sad knowing I'm so close to places that make me happy and comfortable but because I'm not allowed to go through the program, it's a world away. It's okay, though. I love it in Amman, and the discomfort is essential in my growth as a person and as someone who is focusing on the Middle East in my studies and in a potential career. I need the Arabic exposure both in language and in culture, as well as the Islamic exposure.
It's new, and it's surely different. Dynamics in girl/guy friendships are far different, but sometimes misleadingly similar. Or, you are supposed to get married. And don't even think I'm about to get married. And between my grandmas, it's definitely not going to be to a girl who isn't Jewish. Another thing is the whole Ramadan experience. No eating in public places during the day... which is just about everywhere if you don't want to be offensive, let alone break the law.
I'm at a point where I'm missing a bunch of people, but I have a good group around me. We do dinners at each others' apartments (okay, once, but we plan to do it every week at least), and we spend time together, hanging out, talking about the program and its ridiculous policies and the orientation that drags on and on. Well, I'm off to the café to go Skype some folks, check the news, and listen to music. Take care, everyone, and stay in touch.
--Ibrahim (aka Barhoom)
PS My microphone seems to be broken... I will fix that asap, but I seem to have no ammo on this issue right now. Wish me luck!
I'm really enjoying the place, very nice and has everything I need. So far haven't screwed up too big with any of the water stuff or gas--I think. Other than those things, nothing else is too difficult to adjust to. On water: there is none. So I'm trying not to use much. Shorter showers (good thing I cut my hair), conserving during brushing teeth/washing hands, conserving while washing dishes, and doing the most efficient laundry cycle, even if it does mean all my socks are pretty much shot. Shh.. I listen to Israeli music in the apartment and on my headphones. It's comforting to me.
I get a bit sad knowing I'm so close to places that make me happy and comfortable but because I'm not allowed to go through the program, it's a world away. It's okay, though. I love it in Amman, and the discomfort is essential in my growth as a person and as someone who is focusing on the Middle East in my studies and in a potential career. I need the Arabic exposure both in language and in culture, as well as the Islamic exposure.
It's new, and it's surely different. Dynamics in girl/guy friendships are far different, but sometimes misleadingly similar. Or, you are supposed to get married. And don't even think I'm about to get married. And between my grandmas, it's definitely not going to be to a girl who isn't Jewish. Another thing is the whole Ramadan experience. No eating in public places during the day... which is just about everywhere if you don't want to be offensive, let alone break the law.
I'm at a point where I'm missing a bunch of people, but I have a good group around me. We do dinners at each others' apartments (okay, once, but we plan to do it every week at least), and we spend time together, hanging out, talking about the program and its ridiculous policies and the orientation that drags on and on. Well, I'm off to the café to go Skype some folks, check the news, and listen to music. Take care, everyone, and stay in touch.
--Ibrahim (aka Barhoom)
PS My microphone seems to be broken... I will fix that asap, but I seem to have no ammo on this issue right now. Wish me luck!
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