Keith, in response to your questions, RSCN seemed to be working most with habitat destruction (through goat grazing, mining, etc.) and water issues ... also, not sure about whether everyone eats as much as us, although it seems to be the standard portions in restaurants.
And the mall was great! Lots of similar stores to the U.S.
Just FYI, when we are in Aljun and Azraq, which is the upcoming 4 days after we leave Amman, we might not have internet access, so no worries if there aren't any updates for awhile.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Day 2 in Amman
Hello again loyal readers
This is Leah and Jackie, we're writing from our room in the Red Rose Hotel. This morning we had breakfast at 9 at Lima's, a cafe connected to the hotel. It was almost like we were back in the US, they had waffles, omelets, pancakes, french toast, etc., and the radio station was playing Green Day and other songs we knew. Then we explored the blocks around our hotel, saw some nice backyard gardens and a mosque, also a playground that we stopped in for awhile. Don't worry, between Eric and Spud, we will have photo and video documentation of almost everywhere we've been if you all are curious. We're finding it hard to blend in (except Sean with his specially requested Jordanian haircut and contacts - yay Sean) with all the cameras and our similar outfits! Afterwards we headed to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's "Wild Jordan" nature center. We heard a talk by one of the employees about some of the environmental problems in Jordan and what the RSCN is doing to help, mostly they are working in the ecotourism sector. We had lunch in their cafe, of course tons of food again, and the view was spectacular. They are way high up overlooking Amman. You could see the city for miles. We got to hear one of the calls to prayer being broadcasted over the city as well. Next we went to the "Mecca Mall" and walked around for an hour, Sean got the Jordanian phone he was looking for ... we enjoyed hearing him converse with sales people and our police bodyguard (Yes parents, you don't have to worry, we have our own personal "Tourist Policeman" who accompanies us.) We were surprised by the number of American stores and clothing, also we noticed the differences in people's dress - some women had full Islamic garb on, some had just a head scarf, and some were dressed like us. Our tour guide, Raed, explained that it's a free country and people can follow traditional dress as much or little as they choose. We're finding it easy to get around because there is so much English spoken and written everywhere, especially in the mall. Finally we headed back to our hotel, and are eating dinner at 7. The weather was probably high-80s and very sunny. Apparently they've had a very cold spring here, which is unusual.
Mosque near our hotel
Lunch at Wild Jordan
Our view during lunch!
This is Leah and Jackie, we're writing from our room in the Red Rose Hotel. This morning we had breakfast at 9 at Lima's, a cafe connected to the hotel. It was almost like we were back in the US, they had waffles, omelets, pancakes, french toast, etc., and the radio station was playing Green Day and other songs we knew. Then we explored the blocks around our hotel, saw some nice backyard gardens and a mosque, also a playground that we stopped in for awhile. Don't worry, between Eric and Spud, we will have photo and video documentation of almost everywhere we've been if you all are curious. We're finding it hard to blend in (except Sean with his specially requested Jordanian haircut and contacts - yay Sean) with all the cameras and our similar outfits! Afterwards we headed to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's "Wild Jordan" nature center. We heard a talk by one of the employees about some of the environmental problems in Jordan and what the RSCN is doing to help, mostly they are working in the ecotourism sector. We had lunch in their cafe, of course tons of food again, and the view was spectacular. They are way high up overlooking Amman. You could see the city for miles. We got to hear one of the calls to prayer being broadcasted over the city as well. Next we went to the "Mecca Mall" and walked around for an hour, Sean got the Jordanian phone he was looking for ... we enjoyed hearing him converse with sales people and our police bodyguard (Yes parents, you don't have to worry, we have our own personal "Tourist Policeman" who accompanies us.) We were surprised by the number of American stores and clothing, also we noticed the differences in people's dress - some women had full Islamic garb on, some had just a head scarf, and some were dressed like us. Our tour guide, Raed, explained that it's a free country and people can follow traditional dress as much or little as they choose. We're finding it easy to get around because there is so much English spoken and written everywhere, especially in the mall. Finally we headed back to our hotel, and are eating dinner at 7. The weather was probably high-80s and very sunny. Apparently they've had a very cold spring here, which is unusual.
Mosque near our hotel
Lunch at Wild Jordan
Our view during lunch!
Monday, May 12, 2008
We made it!
Well the Penn State crew made it safely into Amman, Jordan this afternoon; without loosing any luggage or students. After the flight over the Atlantic, we arrived into Jordan around 5:00pm local time (which would have been 10:00am back in Penn State). Although a tad long, the plane had some great food, except for the questionable eggs. When we arrived at the airport, we were greeted by our tour guide from Petra Moon, Raed. After collecting our bags, we were off to Amman, a half hour trip from the airport. After arriving at the Red Rose Hotel, we unpacked our bags and quickly hit the road in search of money and food. Thanks to the help from Sean Lobar, the group's designated Arabic expert, we were able to find an excellent local restaurant. Although most of us were looking for a simple dish for dinner, the restaurant's owner decided that instead we should be treated to an array (and by array I mean an entire table covered in two layers of food) of Jordanian food. We had bright pink, garlic-soaked cauliflower, olive leaves, hummus, peppers, pita bread, kabobs [meat and vegetable], fruit juices, and many other dishes that I'm not sure how to describe. Everything was really good. The restaurant also had a belly dancer for entertainment. Then we all came back to the hotel, and as it is 11:15 here, have decided to head to bed.
-Spud
-Spud
One of the views driving into Amman
Sean attempting (and surprisingly succeeding) at finding a place to eat
Sean attempting (and surprisingly succeeding) at finding a place to eat
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Let the adventure begin!
From May 11th - May 28th, the Penn State SOILS 497 class will be traveling to Jordan to study the culture and soils of the near east. Throughout the trip, we will be updating this blog so as to keep everyone informed about how the adventure is going. Make sure to check back frequently for stories and tales from the trip. When possible, we will try to upload pictures as well. Below is the itinerary for the trip and some contact information. Feel free to check out the websites as well to get an idea of where we'll be headed!
S/M, May 11-12, Day 1-2
US toJordan
Jordan Tour Group Contact:
Petra
P O Box 129Wadi Musa-Petra, Jordan
Tel +962-3-215-6665
TOAMMAN
US
Depart JFKNew York
ArriveAmman
S/M, May 11-12, Day 1-2
US to
M, May 12, Day 2
Met at airport by Petra Moon Agency representative
Dinner/Overnight Amman
T, May 13, Day 3
Morning free. Lunch and meeting at Wild Jordan (Chris Johnson, director) – discuss conservation projects and
Dinner/Overnight Amman
W, May 14, Day 4
Morning meetings with General Secretary of
Afternoon tour of
Evening dinner as guests of Minister of Agriculture
Overnight Amman
R, May 15, Day 5
Jeep drive to Um al Jimal (“Black jem of the desert”); Jawa (5000 yr old ruins of city abandoned after only about 50 yrs inhabitance. Possibly site of first man-made dam); Burqu (Ghadir Burqu lake situated in harsh desert environment)
Dinner and Overnight Azraq Lodge
F, May 16, Day 6
Morning to Azraq Wetlands (Restored oasis in the
On to Omayyad “Desert Castles” (Qasr Amra, Kharanah; http://petramoon.com/desertcastles.html)
to Ajlun Wilderness Lodge for dinner
Overnight Ajlun Wilderness Lodge
Sa, May 17, Day 7
Full day hiking trail in/around Ajlun (Evergreen
Dinner and Overnight Ajlun
Su, May 18, Day 8
Abila (
Um Qais (the Biblical Gadara; http://www.nebo.com.jo/jordan/um.htm),
Overnight Ajlun
M, May 19, Day 9
Qalaat Errabadh (
Jerash (
On to Madaba for dinner
Overnight Madaba
T, May 20, Day 10
Full day exploring Madaba area (http://petramoon.com/madabanebo.htm)
Visit sustainable family farm as guest of Dr. Nimer Haddadin (from
Dinner at Haret Jdoudna
Overnight Madaba
W, May 21, Day 11
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Baptismal site; http://petramoon.com/bethany.html)
Dead Sea (lowest point on earth; http://www.extremescience.com/DeadSea.htm),
Lot’s Sanctuary
Arrive Dana Nature Reserve for dinner
Overnight Dana
R, May 22, Day 12
Full day exploring Dana and terraced organic gardens with special RSCN guide (Mediterranean forest, steppe and true desert, spectacular views; http://www.rscn.org.jo/AdventuresVisit.asp)
On to Petra for dinner
Overnight Petra
F, May 23, Day 13
Full day in
Evening cooking course and dinner at Petra Kitchen
Overnight Petra
Sa, May 24, Day 14
Second visit to
Overnight Petra
Su, May 25, Day 15
Baidha (Little Petra; http://nabataea.net/beidha.html),
Um Al Alda waste water farming project
To Disi in Wadi Rum – Masri farms (http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=74679)
Drive into Wadi Rum desert (
Overnight camping in the heart of Wadi Rum desert
M, May 26, Day 16
Short camel safari, then by jeep through Wadi Rum to Aqaba for dinner
Overnight Aqaba
T, May 27, Day 17
Free day in Aqaba (http://petramoon.com/aqaba.htm),
late afternoon transfer to
Overnight Amman
W, May 28, Day 18
Transfer to airport by Petra Moon Agency Representative
Jordan Tour Group Contact:
P O Box 129Wadi Musa-Petra, Jordan
Tel +962-3-215-6665
Accommodation Contact:
May 12-15
May 15-16 Azraq RSCN Lodge, Azraq Oasis; tel/fax +962-5-383-5017
May 16-19 Ajlun Wilderness Lodge; tel/fax +962-2-647-5673
May 19-21 Madaba Inn; tel +962-5-325-9003 fax 325-9008
May 21-22 Dhana Rummana Camp; tel +962-3-227-4097 fax 227-4099
May 22-25 Petra Palace Hotel; tel +962-3-215-6723 fax 215-6724
May 25-26 camping in Wadi Rum (contact
May 26-27 Jordan Suites Hotel, Aqaba; tel +962-3-203-0890 fax 203-0893
May 27-28
TO
Depart JFK
Arrive
RETURN TO US
Depart
Arrive JFK 4:00 PM May 28, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)