Pavementologist

You may have wondered why Jane is not keen to go jogging - well there is the cultural problem of running the streets in shorts and a crop-top, there are no parks or open spaces and the pavements (side-walks) are not conducive to running - even walking on them is not an easy option. I have just completed an in-depth study of the pedestrian situation for my qualification as a pavementologist and my conclusion is that Jordanians do not like sloping pavements and have many different tastes in paving surfaces. Each property owner is responsible for the pavement outside their property which means that the surfaces vary, unless neighbours have clubbed together for a new pavement. Property owners, especially shop-keepers, like to have a level pavement outside their homes/shops, which means that every few yards there are step/s. And finally when a premise is derelict or there is an empty plot the pavement is neglected. I have completed many folders of photographs throughout my studies which I will gladly share with you, here is a taster. Please feel free to copy them if you would like to add them to your own collection of pavement photographs or you can use one as a screen-saver. P

Skipping on the Roof!

Whilst we are living in foreign climes we try to do regular exercise! This takes the form of spiritual but also the physical aerobic type. Peter takes the easy way out and attends a local Gym. Jane has decided to be more creative and do this from home. Living in a m culture we are trying to be sensitive to those around us. Some people from the West take to jogging in the streets. This is regarded as very strange and alien by the locals, so needs to be avoided if one wants to integrate. Jane has found 2 helpful options 1: is running up and down the six flights of stairs. This is exhausting but as everyone else uses the lift, no one actually sees her bright red face. 2: Skipping on the roof has become another aerobic high. Although the roofs are flat and open here, they are enshrouded in satellite disks and washing lines. So Jane has found a secret space to happily skip away! There is no photographic evidence of this ( and there won't be).
Any other hot tips for spiritual or physical exercise are all very much appreciated. J

'ello 'ello

Do you remember the comedy programme 'ello 'ello, and in particular the undercover British spy who played a French policeman (Officer Crabtree) see this clip if you're not familiar with the programme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DrAp5gzdqc&feature=related - or search 'ello ello officer Crabtree' on youtube. Our Arabic continues to improve (slowly) and we are beginning to engage with shopkeepers and taxi drivers, but our conversation often ends up with the other person giggling - it's amazing how one litter can change the meating of a sentence. Just as in the programme, we probably sound even funnier because we are not aware of our mistakes. The important thing is that we can laugh along with the people with whom we are speaking; especially when they then try out their English with us, like the person who asked us if we liked the vegetable sponge - what he actually meant was spinach. P

Tricky Signs and Sounds!

To date we have been learning Arabic for almost six weeks. It is beautiful language with many greetings that must be learnt before engaging in social chit chat. It is language that really values people and relationships. One of the most difficult sounds is the 'ayn' sound, which is non existent in the English. To make this sound you have to constrict and relax the throat muscles. It has been described as the noise of someone being strangled!

Sometimes we feel like children learning our basic ABC; even reading the road signs can take a long time! We are grateful for the people who help and support us. We are also glad that we can provide amusement for the local population. Jane is now used to taxi drivers breaking into peals of laughter when she gives them directions in Arabic. Anyway the good thing is its coming 'slow but sure' as we say in the UK. J