I am switching things up a bit this week and typing my blog post up from the comfort of a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman, Jordan. CHU 8 is great, but this is a welcome change of pace! So why I am I here? My job as Strategic Water Officer is ending with a real bonus; I am escorting five Iraqi engineers to the states for a 9 day technical exchange at three United States Army Corps of Engineer sites. Because this trip involves quite a bit of travel it quickly became apparent that having an Escort Officer from beginning to end was pretty essiential; I was a willing volunteer and have enjoyed coordinating many details of the trip. A special bonus is that I do not actually meet my delegation until just before the flight stateside so my time here in Amman is mine. A limited flight schedule out of Baghdad meant arriving two nights early. The Four Seasons was kind enough to honor the government rate and then kindly upgraded me to a suite. Life is good.
Even better, I am here with my friend and running partner Anne. By crazy coincidence she just spent a few days with her husband at a resort on the Dead Sea; he left today but she has until Tuesday before catching a flight back to Baghdad. When discussing my trip at our last movie night, we quickly realized we were both solo in Amman over the same two nights. We met up at the airport this morning as she dropped her husband off and are now enjoying our Four Season stay in downtown Amman. The only thing that could have made this deal better was if we had Candace along, she is a normal part of our exercise trio and we miss her.
After an early check-in we strolled the area around our hotel. Amman is a pretty modern city that is divided up into districts that are referred to by what circle they are near. We are staying just off the Fifth Circle, literally a round-a-bout that you can view from the hotel balcony off the lobby. Referring to our first venture as a stroll is a stretch, this area is not very pedestrian friendly. But it felt great to be out walking without the limits of a wall. We picked up some hummus, fresh flat bread and strawberries along the way and enjoyed a little picnic before heading to the pool.
The pool is gorgeous; it sits two floors above the ground and is quite a serene setting in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Fifth Circle. I have to say, my time in Baghdad has taught me to enjoy relaxing in a way that I could not before. Normally I am the cabana girl- up and down, struggling to sit still for too long. Not anymore, now I can let a few hours go by and it feels very carefree and wonderful. Of course the fact that we had the nicest pool attendant today to bring us complimentary bottled water and ice did not hurt; he said it was his pleasure to serve us in anyway, and he said it with genuine sincerity. At least I thought so, and it only added to our enjoyment poolside!
Late afternoon, we hopped a cab to the First Circle and enjoyed a walk around. Our destination was a small shop written up for the best falafel. A gentleman scoops it up and cooks it right at the front of the small shop. They toast a delicious sesame dotted bread in a pannini press and then fill with fresh falafel, a few pickle slices and a light yogurt sauce. It was delicious, and only 650 dinars- the equivalent of just over one dollar. I don't quite understand how the money works but it seems there is 1000 units to one dinar- so it was 650 of whatever those units are called, not actually 650 dinars. We settled on a bench just across from the little shop and enjoyed an early dinner. As I waited for our sandwiches to be prepared, he kindly handed me one hot falafel ball to enjoy while we waited. We walked around the area a bit more and then headed back towards the hotel, but not before picking up a few sesame cookies and a stringy wheat something dripped in honey. One dinar for dessert; both Anne and I commented that Amman would be friendly to a student's budget. We got to the third circle before hopping a cab to the fifth. The seven circles are in somewhat of a line but a slight curve in the street off of the third circle had us a little perplexed. A quick cab ride was a fine, and easy, ending to a really nice day.
Tomorrow we will do a walk that is recommended in one of the guide books we brought along. It will take us up to the Roman ruins I caught in the picture above. And, more pool time, but not to worry- I will be under the umbrella or covered poolside lounger. Having a full two day vacation is pretty significant relative to my Baghdad schedule. I will make the most of it and then look forward to heading stateside before finishing up in Iraq.
And the biggest bonus, it looks like I am all set for a quick rendezvous with Adam and the kids in Kentucky mid-trip. I will be escorting my group but look forward to introducing my family and sharing at least dinner and two nights with them before I move on to the final stop of our robust itinerary. We have Father's Day and Adam's birthday to celebrate. Both will be just a tad late but rescheduling holidays is a regular occurance in our family, particularly with Adam's ever changing flying schedule. Anyways, today is Father's Day and Adam has definately earned a special shout-out this year! He has always rocked the Dad thing, but in my absence, I am particularly grateful for his perfect balance of love and nurturing while doing the harder bits of parenting. Having him at home has made it so much easier to be away. So a much deserved Happy Father's Day to Adam.
Love,
Krista
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