Yesterday I woke up early to get breakfast, but the only place I could find that was open was a Lebanese fast food restaurant called Lebnani Snack (لعبناني سناك), so I ended up eating a chicken sandwich value meal much like fast food meals in America. Unfortunately, because we're so close to the university it's not as easy to find authentic Jordanian food. Then we went to Mecca Mall, which was fun but the mall was very Westernized. There were four floors, and many restaurants and stores, but most were pretty expensive, especially for here. Three of the girls in our group have family members here, including their grandmother, so their family had us come over for a huge, delicious Jordanian meal, with hummus, chicken, grape leaves, shwarma, and many other kinds of really good foods.
Friday we got the opportunity to go to the Roman theater nearby, which was beautiful. It was kinda wierd for us because the Jordanians seemed to be very nonchalante about the theater, but because we don't have as rich of a history as many other countries, we were very impressed. (pictures included). After that we walked to a huge nearby local market, which was a great experience. There were people, clothes, electronics, and other merchandise everywhere, and no Westerners (and hardly any women) because it was a Friday.
3 comments:
Sounds like an interesting mix of local and western culture. The university area is different than the rest of Jordan, yet it sounds like some of the gender differences in the local culture still exist near the University? Enjoy your time and take in all of the great culture of the area. We miss you and hope you are enjoying your trip! Love, Dad
I'm somewhat surprised at how women are still second class citizens in the city of Amman. All the weirdness you will hopefully get accustomed to. guess we don't realize how good we can have it in US. Can't find the pictures. Any clues?!
Love ya, mom
Hi Lauren,
Congrats on getting this experience and having cool enough parents to support you in your journey!
I have a few friends from Afghanistan and the Muslim portion of India that I have been friends with since high school. Their culture, and religion, is so incredibly different from the average US culture on the surface but you have to really listen to what they believe and try to accept their culture for what it is without changing your own beliefs. Generally speaking their culture blends nicely with ours in my opinion.
The differences in gender is very sad but the newer generation, especially those that are in countries like the US, are REALLY making a huge difference in women's rights in Arabic cultures. It is slow, but it is happening. It's very exciting. Maybe you can be part of a historic change?
Good Luck
Steph Shelton
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