Amman, Jordan
August 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Hint of Russian
I had a chance to attend a traditional dance performance by a group of Russians that converted to Islam in the 19th Century, the Karachays. The Karachays originated from North Caucasus which is South Western Russia. The people speak a Turkic language called Karachay-Balkar and can be found in Russia, Syria, Turkey and Kazakhstan. At the performance, people held green flags and the women traditionally wear white hijabs (head scarves). It was interesting to watch these people file in alongside the Arab majority because they had lighter complexions and it was clear that they were not from the same ethnicity as us.
Jerash, Jordan
July 2009
Bare Walls
Prior to gaining independence in 1946, Trans-Jordan was under British control. These walls are some of the remains of a British outpost in Safawe, previously named "G5".
Safawe, Jordan
June 2009
Mafraq's Ruins
During our journey to Safawe, we stopped in Mafraq and waited for Omar, the mudeer of the Badia Research Center to come and pick up Adan, Jesus and me from the bus station. Before embarking on the long drive to Safawe, Omar and his friend gave us a tour of the ancient ruins of Mafraq. There, we crossed paths with archeologists from Germany.
Mafraq, Jordan
June 2009
Window Watchers
It is commonplace to find small children playing in the windows and watching the busy world pass by. My cousin told me that when she was small, she would spend hours in the window playing while Teta worked in the kitchen. Two children in a neighboring building took plastic bags, tied strings around the handles and watched them float in the breeze. Even before they are allowed to venture out into the world below, they are already fascinated with kites and constructs similar to them.
Amman, Jordan
June 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
The Wonder
Petra is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. It is the pride and joy of the Jordanian people because of it's breath-taking views. While we were there, Tyler, Shirley and I climbed the Mount of Sacrifice.
Petra, Jordan
July 2009
The Western Night Sky
As we made our way out of Wadi Rum and drove toward Aqaba, Tyler, Shirley and I watched the sun hide behind the hills of Palestine.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
July 2009
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship
A shopkeeper standing in the doorway of his humble business. In Jordan, it seems like everyone starts a small business.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
The Arch of the Desert
In Safawe there are ancient ruins with no placards because few people are willing to take the rough and uncomfortable journey to see them. It is a pity that the general public misses some of the most beautiful views. I guess it's a price they must pay for not seeking out the unknown.
Safawe, Jordan
June 2009
Sorting Foul Beans
While sitting halfway in a van, this man is picking the foul beans off of the stocks and throwing them in a bag near the market place. Beans and legumes make up a large part of the Jordanian diet.
Amman, Jordan
May 2009
Safawe Dirt Devils
Just three hours from the Iraqi border is Safawi, previously known as zone 5. This is where the Badia Research Center is located. Along this rugged terrain, I met a Bedouin family and was given a small glimpse of the labor intensive lives that they live.
Safawe, Jordan
June, 2009
My Inspiration
At home, Teta and I dressed up for pictures during one of my visits. She wore a new red dress that her sister had given her and I rifled through her wardrobes looking for a dress that fit.
Amman, Jordan
June 2009
Orjan Soap
While driving from Ajloun to Irbid, we stopped in Orjan to visit a small soap factory that was started as a EU Aid project. We were given a tour of the factory which was the size of a small house. Eight women work on purifying the fresh olive oil, tending the herb garden which grows all of the spice for the soaps and creating the soaps. They were beautiful soaps of many shapes, scents and sizes. We sat with the supervisor of the facility and had tea with her as she told us about the factory and the town.
Orjan, Jordan
June 2009
Life at the Red Sea Dock
As the only port in Jordan, Aqaba is where all of Jordan's ship imports and exports are sent. Aqaba recently became an economic free zone in order to stimulate foreign investment and promote further business.
Aqaba, Jordan
July 2009
Resilience
The smiles of these three little girls and boy reveals an ounce of the resilience that the new generation of Palestinians have. Although they will have many obstacles ahead of them, they will face them with bright eyes and a dream for change.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
One Reason to Care
No older than 3 or 4, this adorable little girl followed us down the street with the large gang of children. Even at such a young age, she is able to interact on the street with the neighborhood children.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Northern Irbid Market Place
The crowded and busy streets of the "souq" are filled with colors, noises and scents that penetrate the senses. Souq life exposes the richness of the culture and the importance of relationships within the Arab culture.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Naimon
After getting a haircut, a person will say "naimon," which means "may you make it to heaven." Naimon is the name of a holy spring in Mecca that miraculously appeared for Haggar and Ishmael while they were wondering in the desert. This spring is considered the water of paradise.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Khobz Arabi
It is common to see young boys and women carrying large sacks of fresh bread from the bakery. Sometimes, little boys will sling the heavy load over a shoulder. Arabic bread is a stable food that is eaten at least once a day.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Waterballoon
As we made our way to the main road to flag down a taxi, we passed a house with young children playing on the open front porch. This little boy had filled his balloon with water and was drinking it while his sisters played behind him.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Shabab
Youth are called "shabab" and can often be found in groups sitting, chatting and smoking together.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Concentrating Hard
This little boy was standing on a shop platform concentrating on sucking the sugary candy out of a sandwich bag.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Penetrating Stares
After her mother ushered us into the house, we sat beside her grandmother who told us of her suffering and heartache. The pictures on the wall were of family members that had passed on and the cold cement floor reminded me that some lives are never easy.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
If Walls Could Speak
While walking through a town on the outskirts of Irbid it was apparent that the walls have a unique story to tell. Even in my own town, Al-Ashrafia, the walls have scars, layers of chipping paint and graffiti. These walls give an outsider a small glimpse of the history of these streets and the lives of the people behind them.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
Hiding a Grin Never Seemed so Difficult
Shortly after beginning to take pictures in Irbid, this bashful little boy kept peering around a corner like his little sister. As we were leaving the house, we found him sitting in front of his house with a sucker trying to hide his grin. He was shy, but it was obvious that he was overjoyed that we were taking pictures of him.
Irbid, Jordan
July 2009
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