Jordan, the country

I was watching a documentary on Queen Noor and it just made me remember how much I love the country of Jordan. Something about it appealed to me and I fell in love with the people, the country and the culture. I can see how she quickly became a part of it and never looked back.

I am reminded of a time when we spent the night at a Bedouin camp, there was entertainment of course and us not really knowing what was going on, a reenactment a traditional Jordanian/Bedouin wedding. We were next to this cute bombastic couple just in for the dinner as they were on their way to their vacation in Aqaba. They were from Qatar? I want to say Qatar because I am pretty sure it was a country with a Q, but I would have to look it up in my journal at home later to be sure. SOOOO nice, he made sure to include the dumb blond American girl in the whole thing and encouraged us to follow the dancers, and explained what was going on. His wife talked to us and laughed with us and we all just felt like old friends! THAT is what you can expect from the people out there. Granted, they were not Jordanian but it is just the way you are out there. Literally, they will give you the shirt of their back if you ask

We are so immersed in the culture of reciprocity that if someone gives us something we immediately feel indebted to them because for the most part, we are…people DO in a way expect a turn of favor at some point in time. Not Jordanians. In fact, to them, it is almost insulting to turn down their offer, it offends them. They WANT to give it to you and don’t think twice about it. Example. My traveling companion love the music our driver was listening to (we had a private tour), and commented asking where she could find the CD…he took it out and gave it to here. She tried to protest and he didn’t understand why…..I had to tell her to take it and just say thank you which led us all to the discussion previously mentioned above. I had the time of my life and they were just so awesome. PLEASE if you get the chance, go to Jordan!