Thoughts and observations

View from the Empire State BuildingSitting here in Jeff’s old room in his hometown of Virginia, I have a myriad of thoughts dancing around in my head. I guess, in a way, I’m just trying to grasp what I saw and experienced in the past three days, which constituted one of the more exciting and eventful times of my life. I have so many stories to tell and observations to spell out; however I will share what I think were the ones with the most impact.

When we first landed in JFK airport in New York, I was extremely tired, jet-lagged and very agitated. I was a bit worried about the immigration procedures that I had to go through at the airport as this was my first visit to the US. I approached the counter and told the officer that I was a new immigrant while pointing to all the paper work that I was carrying around. He looked at me and said with a smile "Congratulations." That was an ice-breaker and extremely welcoming. I never thought I would be greeted in this very amicable manner. That was my very first introduction to the United States and what a pleasant one it was.Enjoying a 'Cosmo' in NYC's Scout bar

For the past three days I have been experiencing a very strong feeling of Déjà vu. Everything around me looked and felt very familiar. In a way I felt as if I was re-experiencing some sort of a past life. Of course the only explanation for this is the one and only Hollywood. I have seen so many American movies in my lifetime, something that made this country and its people very close to my heart. It was freaky in a way but a great example of the power of the imagery.

While sitting in a diner in Times Square, enjoying a New York burger and thinking about how far I was from home, an image popped up on the TV inside the restaurant that managed to ruin my bliss at that time. It was a picture of the one and only Zarqawai. I couldn’t believe it. There I was in New York, so far from all the craziness in my part of the globe, but still haunted by this bloodthirsty lunatic who happens to hold the same type of passport I carry.

At that moment, I just wanted to hide, especially after hearing the infamous sentence: "the Jordanian-born terrorist." But instead of hiding, I chose to continue eating my burger pretending that I was just another New Yorker on my lunch-break. It worked; no one around me noticed my deep sense of shame.

A piece of advice to any one visiting New York: Don’t miss the Blue Man Group show. It was — in every sense — out of this world. It was a clever two-hour performance of fantasy, music and artistic genius. Without a doubt, it was the best performance I have seen in the entire 28 years of my life; simply breathtaking!

That is it for now. More thoughts are to come, as time allows.

In the land of milk and honey

A boat passes the London EyeCurrently in the land of milk and honey, we are now in the city that never sleeps, New York. Before I begin babbling to no end about how fascinating this city is and how enchanted I am by what New York has to offer, I will go back in time three days ago and talk about our brief visit in London.

The picturesque BarnesIt was just perfect. On our way here, we decided to stop off in London, a city that occupies a special place in my heart. We stayed three days with my very good friend Pilar in Barnes (right), which is probably one of the most picturesque suburbs in the city. We had such a wonderful time and Pilar was just the most perfect host. She dined us and she wined us, taking us all over the place.

A moment in Times SquareAmong some of the places we visited was Madam Taussaud’s Wax Museum, the London Eye (the main image on the left), the Tate Modern museum, Leicester Square, Millennium Bridge and Richmond. Although I lived for a year in this city back in 2002 during my Masters, I just can never get enough of it. It always pulls me back.

Now here in New York, things cannot be more exciting. From Time Square (on the right) to the Empire State Building, Central Park and Rockefeller Centre, I feel I’m in one huge, long Hollywood movie. I can’t believe I’m actually here wandering the streets of a city I’m so familiar with thanks to myriads of New York-based films I’ve seen.

Anyway, I will write more about the Big Apple when I beat this jet lag. Yeah, it is bad. I can’t seem to adjust this stubborn body clock of mine. Today we have a day of excitement ahead of us including a Sex and the City Tour. Yes, I’m a huge — and proud — fan of this show. I will write more as time allows.

Jordanian bloggers meet-up

Last night we had our 3rd Jordanian bloggers meet-up and, according to Roba, the meeting was "serious." Well, I guess it was serious in a way, as we are in the process of reshaping and improving the community of Jordanian bloggers featured on Jordan Planet. We discussed various ideas for revamping the planet to make it even more appealing to outside readers. After all, it is a window on our lovely Jordan.

It was fun chatting face-to-face with Isam, Nader, Roba, Ahmad and Ammar. I was also thrilled to meet Lina for the first time since I enjoy reading her blog such a great deal. Unfortunately, I had to leave the gathering early due to some pressing social obligations, but overall I think the meeting was productive. We, as Jordanian bloggers, are on the right path to enhance our community.

Make sure to check Roba’s blog for pictures and her take on the meeting that was held at the Jordan Wild Café in Jabal Amman.

Pedestrian rights! what rights?

The newly established Jordanian Society for Pedestrian Rights (JSPR) is currently preparing two pilot projects that seek to raise awareness on pedestrian issues in the Kingdom, according to JSPR President Amer Bashir.

The 78-member society is planning to rehabilitate a 600-meter-long street in the Um Utheinah area of West Amman to set a prototype for pedestrian-friendly street standards that would be later applied at various locations throughout the Kingdom.

According to Bashir, the JSPR, in cooperation with the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), will install speed bumps, traffic signs, pedestrian paths, pedestrian crossings, and other traffic safety mechanisms on the model street. Bashir said the society’s main goal is to arrive at a balance where pedestrians and vehicles can peacefully coexist on streets.

Source: [The Jordan Times]

I’m one of those that gave up on the idea of walking in Amman a long time ago. The city is simply not pedestrian-friendly. In addition to the poor urban planning, which puts the lives of pedestrians at risk, female pedestrians (a group to which I belong) rarely walk unaccompanied without being harassed and/or showered with sleazy comments. Will this JSPR make a difference? Maybe, but I think they need to start by changing people’s attitudes, which, in my opinion, is almost always a lose-lose situation.

Police Huts arrive in Amman

Shurta hutWhile in Jordan, we’ve noticed a new Jordanian invention popping up: “Police Huts,” as they are tagged. These blue, glass-enclosed little stations are positioned such that the police are right in the middle of busy districts making sure security is maintained. So far, I have seen huts in Rabieh, Sweifieh, the 7th Circle and on Gardens Street.

If anyone cares to hear my humble opinion, I say way to go. Jordan is growing and so is the amount of unpleasant occurrings here including theft and harassment. I salute those behind the initiative. It is much needed in this day and time. Here is a little snapshot of the hut in Rabieh on the side of the main neighborhood circle.