Photos from the Dead Sea!

You really do float! But swimming proves complicated...

The cat I played with a bit. I know she is a stray and not clean...

It cost a few JD to get covered in mud. I did not do it.

A view of the Dead Sea from our orientation center.
After rain, water comes down into the sea from the mountains.


Through some internet savy skills, I installed wireless for our apartment. Although it does not work perfectly, it is pretty good. I will be more accessible now by email and what not. I would love to have some Skype chats. My name is ebrasington on Skype, please add me.

I will probably update this about once to twice a week. You can expect something riI have a lot more updates, but I'm sure you are all chomping at the bit for photos...so here they are!

Ahlan, from the lowest point on earth

Alright, I will admit it...I am not writing on my laptop whilst floating gracefully in the Dead Sea. But, I'm sure with enough peaceful water and a nice stand, it could be done. It was too cold for me (around 50 degrees, which is just not warm enough for water floating) to get in. I know that may appear terrible, but I hopefully can get back there. Plus, it was a beautiful sight to see everyone just floating along at the surface. I just washed my hands in the water and they smelled like salt. They are also very soft. I do not think the 40 minute bus ride back to Amman was very pleasant for the swimmers. Everyone in the hotel came back to shower immediately. Those covered in mud also did not seem the relish the experience very much.

I look forward to a warmer day to come back. No one else was on the beach though, since it is the winter season. During orientation we had a lot of great panoramic views of the sea. I enjoyed being there when it was not the peak tourist season and not overwhelmingly crowded. While everyone was water bobbing, I enjoyed some time with a few stray cats. One followed me around and sat on my lap for awhile. She was very sweet.

My poor ears did pop though on the way there, since we decided down to dead sea level and then back up. I hope many of you can go someday.

Besides the dead sea, there is not much to report. Except that, be careful Americans, you will get charged if you ask for water. It is not free. In fact, you may get charged if you don't ask for water and you get it. We all did at a restaurant when we had coffee and water.

Cold report: it is mostly gone, I'm feeling much better. I'm amazed my body could recover. My voice is mostly gone, but that is a sign I will feel better.

Here is one PSA before I publish this post: After the next few days, I will not have a lot of internet access. Therefore, these posts may be few and far between. I will not have internet in my apartment, and although I will try to post once a week or so, they will not always be very detailed. I really want to get some pictures up, but it would just take too long. Once I get more familiar with the scene, I will get photos streaming.

Salaam,
Liz

p.s.
Fun facts: The Dunkin' Donuts here is called The Donut Factory. It has the same coloring and products as Dunkin' Donuts, so I think it is the same line. However, the coffee was much better than American Dunkin' Donuts.

M3r7ba, ya isdiqa-ee

Ahlan wa Sahlan,

I have arrived in Jordan, safe and sound, without any trouble. Right now I can hear traffic and desert winds outside my window. It is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit right now. For the next few days I will be in a hotel doing orientation. Since I have arrived early, tomorrow I will maybe do some exploring. I do not suffer jet lag too terribly and my cold seems to be on the mend.

During the flight, there were two meals-nothing too spectacular, just standard food. I did not watch the film. They also projected where the plane was in relation to the Ka'aba, towards which Muslims pray.

Landing itself was an amazing feet. In fact, the airplane occupants clapped. As we descended through the clouds, I saw magnificent coast lines and small homes.The vast expanse of mountains and deserts lay before my eyes, promising many adventures. Once we landed, I took a taxi...which proceeded to take me to the wrong hotel. Then I took another taxi, the driver of which told me he would take me anywhere I needed to go and insisted on calling me Jessica. Even when I told him my name was Elizabeth, he just nodded and said, "Yes, Jessica. So nice to meet you." He gave me his card and said he hoped to see me soon.

On the way to BOTH the hotels, I saw many mosques, as well as a McDonalds, a Pizza Hut, and other fast food chains. But I also zoomed by some interesting shops and universities. It is hard to make everything out in the dark (it was already dark by 5:00 pm). I have met a few of the students and am rooming with one right now. I do not plan on going out tonight, I am far too tired.

Salam,

Liz

Schedule and Address

So, a history of Jordan may be a bit ambition. I still have to finish the book I'm reading. So, maybe I'll offer bits and pieces of the years.

As I promised some of you, here is my schedule for my time in Jordan and mailing address. Please note that regular mail and UPS mail are separate addresses

Schedule:

Arrival Date-January 24th, 2010
Intensive Orientation- January 26th-28th
Arabic classes start-January 31st
Final Registration-February 2-3rd
Area Studies start-February 7th
Easter Vacation-March 28th-April 5th
Last Day of Classes-May 13th
Arabic Post Test and Re-Entry Training-May 16th
Final Exams-May 17th-20th
Program Ends-May 21, 2010
Flight home-May 22nd

Reg. Mail-
Student name
C/O CIEE
P.O. Box. 13434
Amman, 11942, Jordan

Courier (FedEx, UPS, ect)-
Student Name
C/O
#1 Rifa' Al-Ansari St.
Kahlifeh Plaza #302

I will be getting a cell phone as well, please email me if you want that number. Also, if you have Skype let me know.

-Liz

All set to go abroad!

Ahlan,

Here is my blog to keep you all updated on my escapades in Jordan. I hope you enjoy it. I leave on January 23rd and will be recording my travel adventures here. It will be the most efficient way to keep in touch.

Obviously, I do not have much to write today, since I'm still in the not-so-exotic Marshfield, WI (well, perhaps exotic for some.) Here are some pictures of the area, I hope you enjoy them. In a few days I'll provide a history, my packing efforts, and hopefully give you all an idea of what I'll be doing there.

Best,
Liz