I’ve sooo missed blogging these last few days! haha ……Our internet was down  

I’m staying at a hotel in Swafia (its a section of Amman – the entire town is separated into these sections). I’ve met a few of the people in our study abroad program, and we went down and had some Lebanese food today. However, tomorrow our actual orientation starts and then I’ll find out where everyone else is .. cuz right now they have us scattered throughout the hotel.

I’m excited to begin the school .. but its been nice getting to meet other Americans who are here for various reasons. Being in a hotel has certain advantages before moving in with my family though .. for instance .. the water! People only get it delivered to their house once a week and so if you run out then thats bad news and it costs 15 JD to get more. So you have to watch how often you flush, shower, etc. ..but in a hotel it doesn’t matter .. so I’m going to use LOTS.

Yesterday I went to Mecca Mall .. and its HUGE .. its like 4 or 5 stories .. of mall. You don’t even get that in Corvallis, lol. But theres def a different vibe and EVERYONE stares. I haven’t had so many stares in my entire life as I had yesterday. Being the only light haired, light skinned, light eyed person – I drew a lot of attention to myself I guess.

Theres a really cool cafe called the Blue Fig – if you ever come, all the girls love to go there. It feels just like home I think is why – its very artsy.

Anyways also at the mall were lots of Saudi girls – meaning you can only see their eyes. Its interesting because I didn’t expect to see so many girls wearing the burka. BUT they wear hot pink high heels and other extremely high fashion shoes.. its quite entertaining.

Well I hope everything is going well back in the states as September marks the high-stress season for those on campuses.

Its great here, but my time is about to expire at this internet cafe. Love you all and thanks for all your support.