October 6, 2013 From Tom: Photos of our Jordan Home

Office/Study area, converted from Dining Room

Patio in the grape arbor--delightful in warm afternoon.

Mariam Rammadi, Owner of home and sister to Nasri, PhD Vice President at AUM. She taught Arabic for 40 years

Sewar ( Say-War), daughter, US educated, works for Save the Children

Home from grape orchard on west. We are in lower floor, but above ground level

Our bedroom, on southwest--catches nice breezes. 

Our guest bedroom on southeast. 

Kitchen eating area--Nice morning sun. Goes out to East patio. Note bottled water. 

View north to Madaba. Note gypsy camps in fields. 

Our home from adjacent roof with view to southwest, toward Dead Sea

East grape orchard. Rock outcroppings look like patches of snow.

Madaba from  southeast. Note contrast of density of open field with packed city. 

Sunset from our Entry

Overall: We are in a nice setting compared to what we anticipated. We had heard of others having very difficult living conditions. This is generally quiet, peaceful ( except for dog packs at night) and close to our work at the university ( 10 min.). The neighbors keep to themselves but are friendly. The space is more than adequate and other than living without the conveniences we were accustomed to ( clean water, normal electricity, TV, music/sound system, big refrig, steam room, telephone access to our family and friends, vacuums and appliances that work) it's fine. ------Tom

PS I guess Ronna would probably add the aggravation of getting a shock and buzz any time she touched an appliance. Nothing is grounded. Ah well.