Dead Sea and Last Weekend!!

 Earlier this week I came back to my home stay and there were dark pink peonies sitting in a vase on the living room table.  Peonies are my absolute favorite flower--it pretty much made my day.  I was afraid that I would miss them in the states this year, but I didn’t!  It’s the little things that make you happy.  Every time I walked by them I would stop to smell them--it was pretty much the best thing!

Thrsday night I called a cab to go to the mall, (I was going to meet some friends to watch a movie) it was quite an interesting process.  One cab called me and told me that he would be there at 8:00.  Another cab called (from the same company) at 7:25 and wanted directions to the house.  Most of the small roads around here don’t have street names, so you have to use landmarks and then describe from there.  He was the nicest man, but he didn’t speak any Arabic.  We finally figured it out, and I decided that I would just leave then.  I went to my friend’s house instead, since it was so early, so I had to then describe that to the driver.  I finally make it to the house, and apparently there was another cab that the company sent that would be at the house in 5 minutes.  I then had to attempt to explain that a different cab came already and that I was already at my destination.  I guess the company messed up and sent two different cabs.  It was pretty much like a comedy show to anyone who was watching my conversations.  I have learned that hand motions do not really work that efficiently when you are communicating to someone over the phone.  Regardless, it was an interesting start to the evening.



Sweet Brown Mud

 Friday I went to the Dead Sea.  It was absolutely beautiful!  It was such an interesting experience to float that much.  I had to work to keep from turning over all the time.  I learned that my bug bites (especially the ones that I scratched) did not appreciate the high content of salt that they were exposed to.  I got a couple drops in my mouth and it tasted absolutely disgusting!   There is also this mud that you put on you, let it dry in the sun for a while and then you wash it off in the sea--it makes your skin feel so soft, it’s great!  Not to mention that you look really good covered in mud…

Floating in the Dead Sea



So, I have finished all of my Arabic exams!  I only have to use it in my daily life, but other than that, I am done with the courses.  I have a re-entry training (not exactly sure what that entails) and two more finals and I am home!  Tomorrow I am going to go to a café and study, as well as try and pick up the last couple of gifts for people.  I feel like this semester has flown by; I cannot believe that in one week I will be back in the US!!  I am sad to leave Jordan, yet at the same time I am really excited to get back home.  I cannot wait to see everyone!!  Though, I am sure that reverse culture shock will not be much fun!!

Relaxing on the Beach