by Natasha Tynes | Apr 11, 2006 | Jordan, my nation
There is nothing much to report from Amman today besides the fact that Turkish coffee has never tasted better. After nearly one year sans this sweet, potent coffee, I’d almost forgotten how good it really is. I am definitely taking some coffee — along with its accompanying kit — home with me when I return to the land of milk and honey.
On a different note, the Jordanian dailies were all excited today about one major story: Jordan will soon be declared bird flu-free after the recovery of the Egyptian national (in Arabic) previously diagnosed with the dread disease. Here is a relevant article from IRIN on the situation.
In related news (Arabic), which for some reason put a huge smile on my face, there was a story in Alghad daily about how Yansoun (a spice popular in Jordan and the rest of the Arab World) can help increase one’s immunity to bird flu. I’ll definitely be taking some Yansoun home with me too.
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 11, 2006 | Jordan, my nation
Well, I’m back in Amman, Jordan and I have to admit it feels surreal. I still cannot believe that I am physically here in my hometown surrounded by familiar faces and sounds. The 12-hour direct flight from New York to Amman was smooth although I could not sleep thanks to the continuous yelling and screaming of the bazillions of children who were on the plane.
As soon as I arrived at Queen Alia Airport, I got into my usual ritual: Jumping into intense arguments with those that smoke and exhale right in front of my face while awaiting luggage to show up. This time, though, the argument was more heated than usual, as one man accused me of being "too American" and trying to impose rules on him similar to those he just ran away from. He said he was someone who couldn’t wait to come back to Jordan so he can break rules and be happy. Makes sense!
One quick question: Is there any airport left in the world besides Queen Alia where people can still smoke freely and get away with it? I’m just wondering!
I got over this incident quickly as soon as I saw my family at the airport. At that moment, nothing else mattered. When I got home, I was greeted by a marvelous feast of all my favorite dishes: Stuffed zucchini and grape leaves, Ouzeh, stuffed potatoes and others. Life is sweet!
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 10, 2006 | Everyday me!, Food and Drink
Like nearly everything else "American," the first time I heard about Girl Scout cookies was while watching American TV shows when I was living in Jordan. At the time, I didn’t pay them much attention. They were just cookies after all. But after recently having my first bite, life is no longer the same. These little sugar creations are truly, utterly, completely, and extremely orgasmic! Just one bite of a Samoa, and I’m "sinning" all day!
In these last few months since they entered my world, I’ve been sinning quite a bit. I’m consuming way over my average sweet intake, something I’m sure will send me directly to hell. What can I do? I’m only human; I was unaware of the power of Samoa.
The only good news: Girl Scout cookies are sold only once a year, giving me a few months to redeem myself and burn off the calories accumulated. I’m a bit distracted, so this will conclude my blogging for the day. Almighty Samoa here I come!
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 8, 2006 | Jordan, my nation
The Washington Post ran an article yesterday about the Jordanian-American play, Arabian Tales, currently in performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. For those living in the DC-Metro area, make sure to check out this joint US-Jordanian initiative. Our friend and fellow blogger Laith Majali (2nd from left in pic) is one the play’s main actors, playing the role of the Arab explorer Ibn Battuta. Here is an excerpt from the Post’s article:
The music surrounds you, mysterious and thrilling, the undulating rhythms and exotic melody conjuring up moonlight on silvery desert sands. But you’re snapped back to reality as choreographer Rania Kamhawi barks out commands. This isn’t a dreamy Arabian oasis; it’s a rehearsal for Walking the Winds: Arabian Tales, which opens Friday in the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater. But the magic works for a moment, and the gritty work of preparing a world premiere musical drops away, transporting you to faraway places and long-ago times.
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 7, 2006 | Music
Reader Lisa drew my attention to a series of concerts being organized by Jordanian musician Zade Dirani in the US, entitled Roads to you. According to the tour website:
The Roads to You tour has the potential to be a true life-changing experience for all those involved. As a grassroots effort, the tour hopes to create an understanding among the world’s different cultures on a very human level. As the tour fosters friendships built on trust and communication, it will also lay the groundwork for dialogue between the participating members. By expressing themselves in discussions and through the universal language of music, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face in an open and safe environment.
Here is what Lisa, who is one of the musicians participating in the tour, had to say about Zade:
He is a very proud Jordanian and has a worldview about things. The best thing is that he is using what he knows best to try to make a difference in the world. With every concert he performed, I believe he has torn down a few more cultural, political and religious barriers.
The concerts will be held in DC, Houston, and Los Angeles. More information can be found here. This is a great initiative from a young Jordanian artist. I do hope I will be able to attend the event in DC this May mainly to give kudos to this young Jordanian talent. Way to go Zade!
Like nearly everything else "American," the first time I heard about Girl Scout cookies was while watching American TV shows when I was living in Jordan. At the time, I didn’t pay them much attention. They were just cookies after all. But after recently having my first bite, life is no longer the same. These little sugar creations are truly, utterly, completely, and extremely orgasmic! Just one bite of a Samoa, and I’m "sinning" all day!
