For the last six years, my husband and I fly to Jordan at least once annually. It’s where I celebrate my birthday. It holds a special place in our hearts because it is also where we travelled to the day after we became engaged.
Friends often ask, “Why Jordan? Everyone smokes, people are angry, there’s high taxes and litter…” Well, there’s also great beauty, history and a resilience in the people that reminds you of what really matters in life. It’s also the home to millions of refugees and opportunities to use your talent, passion and time to help others. Not to mention where, what many refer to as “the best kanafa in the world,” is made.
Rather than write about our most recent trip, I am going to show you.
PART 1: FLAVOR
ONE WORD, YUM! MANSEF (I DON’T EAT MEAT BUT MY HUSBAND LOVES IT,) GALAYET BANDORA, TANOUR WITH BLACK SEEDS, KANAFA, FALAFEL, CHAI WITH YOUR CHOICE OF SAGE OR FRESH MINT.
PART 2: HISTORY
“ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE PALESTINE….THE HOLY LAND.”
MARJ AL HAMAM, MOUNT NEBO, THE DEAD SEA, JERASH, PETRA.
PART 3: THOSE MOMENTS
FROM CAMELS IN THE STREET TO AN OLIVE TREE GROWING IN CONCRETE. FROM AN AD SPRAYED ONTO RUBBLE TO M&M’S DRINKING ARABIC COFFEE IN AN AIRPORT BUBBLE. FULL OF SURPRISES!
PART 4: HIGHER PURPOSE
SPREADING JOY TO REFUGEE CHILDREN IN CAMPS AND COMMUNITIES! NOTHING BRINGS ME MORE HAPPINESS, HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE THAN THE SOUND OF THEIR LAUGHTER.
A New Yorker in Dubai 