What the...ballad.

Ahh, downtown Amman.
I suppose you have all heard of the protests that have been taking place in Egypt. Well it has had an effect on Jordan. Over the past few weeks there have been protest in downtown Amman after Friday prayers. In our family Friday is a special day for us, we always go down to the ballad and walk around, window shop and just enjoy what there is to see and do all around well built Roman ruins. I just love this tradition, but because of the protests we decided it would be better for us not to go :(

Well after talking about it and after reading the Warden message from the embassy we decided that today we would be safe.

Did I mention how much I love this place. There is always something to see and something to buy. Right now there is a lot of construction going on. The are reguniviating and revitalizing the downtown by widening sidewalks, putting in a fountain, and trees and even adding public bathrooms. They are trying to make it easier and more appealing for tourists and locals. I can't wait until it is done.

I don't think that anyone gets a clear picture of what there is to see in the ballad so I took some pictures today.

Yusuf offically became a Jordanian today. It was a little chilly and we forgot his hat so I said let's get him his first kuffiayah. You can see how happy he is now. The salesman wrapped it propperely, and Yusuf walked with his head held a litter higher, seeing that he looked like the Jordanian men.

This is a random coffee guy. He walked by all of the stores with two huge crafts filled with coffee, tea and a bag of plastic cups. Not only is there is a coffee guy but there is a guy who walkes around with plates of meat and rice, and another guy with falafel sandwiches.

Fresh dinner.... There is an area in the ballad where you can still go and pick out your dinner, while it is still alive. This picture has PETA written all over it!

Khaled admiring a garlic press at one of the many vendors who set up tables with anything and everything on them to sell. No, we did not buy it.

Cinnamon and spices. Although very tempting we only walked out with roasted pumpkin seeds and candy coated anis seeds.

Bread....the rise in flour prices is driving people to protest.

SWEETS!

Yusuf enjoying fried dough covered in sugar syrup.

And finally when we got home Lulu wanted to become a Jordanian too!



What the....bee hive?!?!?

First off let me say sorry for the long delay in writting lately. I took a small vacation back to the states. I had a wonderful time! The kids really enjoyed every moment and the snow was....cold.

You see, I went home because I was homesick and I needed a dose of "reality" but when I was there I realized... I LOVE Jordan and I LOVE living here. I don't know what it is about this place but I feel alive here. We have made good friends and we always have something to do here. Yeah things are really backwards compared to the US but that is what makes this country great.

Well I will save my love for another post. Well the other day during one of our cold spells here of about 50 deg. f we decided to roll down our window blind. Well a window blind is a shade that is outside of your window or door that blocks out the air, sand light etc.

Well we ran into a problem, the blind kept getting stuck in the exact same spot. We could not figure out why or how this was happening. We figured the pull thing got stuck. Oh we were in for a big suprise.

Do you see that crazy looking blob! Yes that was once living in our roll panel! Khaled opened the cabinet and immedatly closed it and went running like a baby leaving me and Yusuf confused sitting directly under this monstrosity.
Well when Khaled finally came to his senses and Yusuf was in a safe area we poked this hive and found nothing was alive...thank GOD. But can you believe it?!?!? this thing was literally about the size of 2 heads and it wrapped around the backside of our shade. It gives me goose bumps everytime I think about it.