GLOBAL PASSAGE

So far the trip has been amazing. I learned so much about the language and culture of Jordanian citizens. The most beneficial thing that has occurred in this trip is the Arabic class. The teachers are amazing and they make me more confident about learning Arabic. The activities that we do in class increase my learning and speaking abilities. Dr. Ayman and Rashad are always encouraging me to speak Arabic on a daily basis. Especially when I accidentally talk in English Mr. Rashad reminds to speak in Arabic. I can’t wait to get back to the states to show off my Arabic speaking ability.

My day started off with a cup of coffee and a falafel sandwich on a slightly chilly morning.  Everyone headed to his/her Arabic class ready to learn. Today, My fellow classmates and I learned Arabic pronouns, months, seasons, and a few other things. After class, the boys left to the boys MSS school and us girls headed to a computer classroom packed with MSS girls. We did an activity about time and how to use it wisely. My group and I sang a song about time as other groups acted, presented, and rapped. I made new friends and had fun. After that, we chilled at our condo for about 2 hours than we headed to a fabulous restaurant. Their hummus is probably one of the best hummus I’ve ever tasted. Last, but not least, we headed to one of the best Ice cream shops in Amman, Rawan Cake. Overall, today was great and joyful.

Today we woke up on our 14th day! It has been difficult to post pictures and updates due to the high use of internet in the apartment. Students have had a fun filled few days at school and around Jordan. On day 12, students met the Minister of Youth and he gave them a speech about the role of youth in Jordan and how they plan engage youth throughout the country. The article in Arabic can be found here:  http://www.addustour.com/ViewTopic.aspx?ac=\Sports\2012\04\Sports_issue1636_day10_id405671.htm#.T4O6xMyI-4s

In the evening we went to the hot sprigs in Maha’ean. The students enjoyed the hot spring, pool, and sauna facilities. There were separate areas for the girls and boys.

Day 13: Yesterday students went to the Jordan Science and Technology University. They learned about the University and career opportunities in the field of architecture, engineering, and technology. After there visit to the University, students went on a day trip to Um Qais. You can find more information about Um Qais here: http://www.atlastours.net/jordan/umm_qais.html

Malak

Munir

Nazmeih

Hasan

Shakiera

Tahera

Noura

Ali

Zaynab

Ladies at the Race Track

Ladies Ready to Race!

Ready to take off!

Ready to Go Kart!

Today we got up at 6:30 to get ready for an educational day at school.  As I walked out of that door, I knew, that today was going to be a great day. We walked into the girls MSS school and went to our Arabic classes. I’m in the beginner’s class, and it was pretty easy. We learned about fruits and Arab countries (pretty easy cause I’m Arab). We had a break and ate a delicious meal for breakfast: falafel sandwiches and Manaeesh. Later on, we participated in a gym class, where we played track and field. We ran around hurdles, played shot and put, and did long jumps. We went to an English class in English, and most of the MSS girls knew English too, which was very impressive! We went downstairs and wrote our journals, and after that we went back to our apartments. We stayed there for an hour, and after that, we went go-kart racing and horse back riding. Sadly, I lost, but I lost with pride! After go-kart racing, I rode a pony cause it was just my size. We went back home and ate a delicious meal made by Noura’s relatives, which was really good.

Ice Cream in Abdoun

Group Picture outside Atlas Classical Limousine

GEE Guys with Noura's Grandfather and Uncle

Ms. Cynthia and Noura's Grandmother

Ladies Next to the Limo!

Noura with her Family

Limo Arrival

Zaynab with her Hair Blowing out the Limo!

Nezmieh in the Limo

Girls in the Limo

Zack ready to eat at Turkish Land

Museum Display (Memorial)

King Husseins Clothing

Martyr Memorial Museum (Group Picture)

This morning everyone slept in, accept for Dr. Ayman and Dr. Harp! Dr. Harp traveled to Lebanon this morning, and Dr. Ayman dropped him at the airport. We will miss Dr. Harp when he is gone; he will return within a week.

Its been a long 3 days in Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum. We spent the morning cleaning up the apartments, doing laundry, and preparing Arabic/English reflection journals.

Around noon we headed out to the Martyr Memorial Museum. Students learned about the soldiers who died during the Jordan/Israeli war. They toured the memorial and were able to see Jordan’s history in a brief tour. They learned about past Kings and were able to see the weapons, army suits, and tanks used during the war. They also saw and learned about the military flag of Jordan.

After the memorial we headed to Turkish Land for lunch. Students enjoyed there choice of food from the menu.We headed back to the apartment for some downtime before the students big surprise.

At 5:00, Noura’s uncle picked the group up in two full size limousines. The two limos took us for a grand tour of Amman, stopping in the West Balad of Amman for  shawarma at Reem. After the lunch inside the limo, we headed to Abdoun for ice cream. Students stepped out of the limo in style, and enjoyed ice cream on one of the nicest streets in Amman.

Currently, students are quietly working on Arabic homework and preparing for tomorrows lessons. While this week was a lot of fun, students are looking forward to getting back into the classroom and continuing learning Arabic in a formal setting. We will continue to keep you posted on this amazing journey!