A new week in Jordan

Today was another very quiet day. My brother-in-law was gone today, so my sister and I got the kids ready for school (usually his job). We hung around this morning and just did house stuff. We had a rather hectic afternoon picking-up both boys from school, going out to lunch, running a few errands, and getting home. Maybe it just felt hectic because today's weather was very summery. After days of wanting two layers despite the sun, today was HOT! I wanted to be in short sleeves, but that wouldn't have felt appropriate here in this culture.

For those of you wondering, many women in Amman do not cover their heads. Of course, there is a large percentage who do, but most women wear very modest clothes - long skirts or pants that are not tight around the hips, long shirts with long sleeves. There is a particular portion of the population who feels comfortable in just about anything, but they are the exception.

In order to fit in culturally (as much as is possible for this gringo), I've chosen to dress as my sister does - the long skirts or pants and long shirts. In the house I can wear whatever I want, so I brought a couple of pairs of capris with me, too.

Tomorrow my sister and I actually have a PLAN to get out of the house and see a sight or two. I'll make sure to take pictures and get those loaded for all my friends reading along. I've learned a few phrases, some more helpful than others. I can say, "cheese with cumin," (learned that in the store yesterday), "I don't speak Arabic yet," (although my pronounciation must be terrible because no one understands me), and the usual "thank you" and "excuse me." My sister is a patient teacher, but I'll be heading home long before I begin to master even one sentence!

More tomorrow! C