Once again I'm off to parts unknown. Unlike my trip to Afghanistan a few years ago (Afghanistanadventure.blogspot.com) this time I won't need to wear a head scarf and I'll have much more freedom of movement. And...alcohol can be obtained with relative ease.
And this time I won't be going as a teacher, but as a student--of Arabic.
I've been studying the language this past year at the College of Charleston (I actually tried it a few years ago with questionable success.) This spring we all had the opportunity to 'study abroad' in Jordan for two months this summer at the Modern Arabic Language International Center in Amman. Classes will be 9-1 PM Sunday to Thursday (Fridays and Saturdays are the weekend, just as in Afghanistan). Cultural lectures are also scheduled, designed to "immerse" us in Arab culture. Nighttime activities will include visiting Jordanian families and cooking Jordanian food -- and I'm guessing visiting the local night spots.
Several trips are scheduled: one will be a trip to Petra and the other to the Dead Sea.
I am excited and scared. Once again I'm jerking myself out of my comfort zone.At this moment, three days before flight time, I'm oscillating between "I want to go, I want to go" and "No, no, no."
But I will get on that plane and will spend too many hours high above the earth and finally arrive in Amman...for my summer classroom.
And this time I won't be going as a teacher, but as a student--of Arabic.
I've been studying the language this past year at the College of Charleston (I actually tried it a few years ago with questionable success.) This spring we all had the opportunity to 'study abroad' in Jordan for two months this summer at the Modern Arabic Language International Center in Amman. Classes will be 9-1 PM Sunday to Thursday (Fridays and Saturdays are the weekend, just as in Afghanistan). Cultural lectures are also scheduled, designed to "immerse" us in Arab culture. Nighttime activities will include visiting Jordanian families and cooking Jordanian food -- and I'm guessing visiting the local night spots.
Several trips are scheduled: one will be a trip to Petra and the other to the Dead Sea.
I am excited and scared. Once again I'm jerking myself out of my comfort zone.At this moment, three days before flight time, I'm oscillating between "I want to go, I want to go" and "No, no, no."
But I will get on that plane and will spend too many hours high above the earth and finally arrive in Amman...for my summer classroom.
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