Getting Started & Fun in Amman

Dear Blog,

We had our first unofficial meeting regarding the Joint Research Project. We discussed such pertinent issues as our final products, logistical and admin points, and our mission while here. Final products may include a media presentation, policy memos, and a 20-30 page paper on each subtopic (subtopics mentioned in paragraph 3 of Post 1 on 24 May 2008).

We then divided into subtopic groups to discuss each area in more detail and attempt to focus our research questions. Although no group reached one consensus on what exact direction each subtopic would take, each group did decide that we'll use our first few interviews to guide the direction that we take in our research.

After our fun meeting, we took a break to make more contacts, solve logistical issues, and eat lunch. At 4 in the afternoon, we took cabs into the center of Amman to check out the city a bit. The group was able to walk around the shops in Amman and some old ruins such as the Roman theater. Most also sipped sweet tea with mint leaves outside the embassy. Those who know some Arabic had the chance to brush up on some skills, and make new friends. Many Jordanians are very willing to help us with Arabic, but most also know a lot of English. This makes getting around very easy.

Some new friends that we made today include Nick, Mohammed, Ahmad, and Tareeq. Myself, Alex B, Chas, and Margaret met Nick and Mohammed as they were trying to sell us books. As Alex, Chas, and Margaret talked to Nick (an Arab Christian), I attempted speaking Arabic with Mohammed, a man about my age, or maybe one or two years older. We were able to discuss important topics such as his girlfriend in Amman, who he only ever meets on the street to talk with for a short while. Although he spoke fast, I understood most of what he said, until we couldn't get past one troublesome Arabic word. He stopped two random people on the street to ask for help, and they explained that Mohammed was trying to say "by chance". I thought that these two students would immediately leave; instead, Ahmad and Tareeq stopped to talk. After finding out that I am from the United States, Ahmad apologized to me for the September 11th attacks. When I asked him why, he said he was sorry for his fellow Muslims. I thanked him, but explained that I understand that not all Muslims or Arabs are terrorists. This led to a discussion, half in Arabic and half in English, about the misperceptions that Americans, Arabs, and Muslims hold about each other. He explained to me that not all Arabs or Muslims are terrorists, and that Arabs are not lazy people. I explained to him that the U.S. is a country of much religious diversity, and not all Americans hate Arabs and Muslims. As the conversation digressed to other topics relating to Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis, I realized that I was surprised that random people would stop to talk with us for so long, and also happy that our new friends were so friendly and welcoming. After talking for so long, the four of us forgot what time it was and realized that we were late for dinner. After exchanging email addresses with Mohammed, Ahmad, and Tareeq, we jumped into a cab and sped back to the house for dinner, happy that we had met these new friends.

We start our project tomorrow with a visit to the Embassy, and everybody is working hard and also very excited. Watch for more updates!