Followup on Wild Party: Parties are usually celebrated with gunfire in the air, as we found out. Our landlords, who happened to be here, actually called the police who came out. The party cooled down a bit and then the gunfire started up again. The police came back and it settled down. Not a big deal I guess. I found out that most people do have guns, many guns. I guess that may be why Jordan seems relatively safe from it's hostile neighbors. The crime rate is almost zero. There are a few "honor killings" mostly among friends. Almost no assault or theft. We feel very safe on streets, even dark lonely alleys.
Lunch meat?....We'll I was invited to have a lunch with the landlords last Saturday. They had visitors from Chicago and other family there. Delicious meal. I thought it was roast beef. It was actually roast GOAT. I must say it was better than beef and didn't taste like chicken. Also rolled cabbage leaves with something hot inside and a spicey tomato/cucumber/ onion dish. Pomegranate seeds with baklava for dessert. Different but wonderful.
Discussion got around to politics. They are all Christian and shared their concern with how the Christians are being persecuted in most of the Middle East countries ( Syria, Egypt, Iraq ). There was a long term concern with the subtle drift even in Jordan. No overt persecution or even challenges but a pronounced drift. If there would be a problem in Jordan, it would't be from the outside but from within. The Muslim Brotherhood is making very subtle overtures and have created a new political party that appears more moderate but it may be a sham. They definitely want a theocratic, radical government so it' something to watch.
Gypsies: We found out the gypsies are not gypsies but refugees, mostly Palestinian. There are many, many people living in shabby tents, in dirt fields with pens for miscellaneous animals. No plumbing or electricity, yet we see wash on the lines. They come through the orchards scavenging for firewood. Often the little girls are at street corners tappinon windows for money. Sometimes the women are holding their babies begging. It is so sad, but so prevalent. They seem everywhere. It seems like the major problems in Jordan are the unemployment and the refugees. It is a strain on the support system. We are told to not go near the major refugee camps because they are very dangerous. Aid workers sometimes are attacked. It i g s very sad.
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| One of numerous camps near our home. Madaba in background. |
Roasted Goat next Thanksgiving?? sounds interesting. So what is the food you both miss MOST?? Did these Chicago guests speak English while there with you for lunch? Yes...I agree you both need to stay away from the main refugee camps. I imagine they can spot you from a mile away.. I would also imagine once you give the refugees any money who live right by you they will always remember and wait for you daily...Does the government stop or regulate the amount of them fleeing to Jordan? Is dad feeling better?
ReplyDeleteDitto to all of Chandi's great comments and questions!! Going to lunch is way more educational in Jordan, I dare say! Sounds wonderful. The plight of the refugees is so utterly sad and probably not solvable. There are so many of them. Such poverty and despair. Good advice to keep your distance. Poor things. The Muslim Brotherhood is everywhere. Not to be trusted--ever. They have had the same mind set for many years and have devastated the countries they have taken over. Very frightening. You guys will be so full of information and knowledge when you return! I am so glad you are keeping a blog. So much to record and remember! HUZZAH TO YOU BOTH!
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