June 1st:
Yesterday. Was an absolute treat. Once we finished the majority of our wajib, we all took the bus over to our friend Q's house, who is Michael's language partner. He very kindly invited the group in its entirety over to his home for a Middle Eastern barbecue. Being completely honest, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Even coming from my very Lebanese family (who loves their food) I had never been to a Lebanese "barbecue" and was a bit weary of the foods that would be present. Alas, Jordan bested us again. It heard our doubts and said 'shut up Americans, I am great. All the time.' Shukran ya Jordan for keeping us in check. That was, in all actuality, the best meal I think I've ever eaten. First of all, we were welcomed into their family home (it seems the best experiences come from Jordanian homes) which was absolutely gorgeous. What appeared to be ancient artifacts from the best of the world's history lined the entire house and it was just unlike anything any of us have ever seen. HGTV really needs to get on its game. I wish to live in one of these beautifully spectacular houses. Anywho.
We sat outside in a small patio of the house and all assisted in assembling lamb kabobs, goat patties, salad, pita, hummus and of course shaii. It only sounds like a strange array of meat and other things to those who have not tasted its gloriousness! And I am mighty glad to no longer be a part of that crowd. Wow. Served on pita, we quite literally sat and ate round after round of mini lamb and goat sandwiches for the whole of our allotted three hours. And it was absolutely heavenly. Soon after we finished eating, Q's sister also joined our little hafla. She is a professional cook, has apparently appeared on TV and has been named 4th in Jordan's national pastry rankings...I'm impressed. We were also able to discuss with her the conditions of Syria. She was very insightful and it was honestly (not to be too obvious) much more real than anything we've heard in classrooms, even whilst here. She drew us a picture (no, not literally) of how many refugees flood into Jordan from other surrounding countries and expressed, as nothing more than a resident, how incredibly much they want to help these people but also how stressing it can be for them. I very much enjoyed listening to her pure and unbiased words. She also has three children who were running around as we talked and ate...potentially the cutest kids ever. (Just kidding relatives!)
To end our time together, we were also able to experience and enjoy a Jordanian birthday! Q's birthday had been the previous day and one of his friends also in attendance was celebrating theirs as well. The cake was sponge with a kind of yogurt in between, topped with toasted almonds. I'm telling you, everything in Jordan just feels more organic and is that much better. Sachtein. It was mouthwateringly good. With our stomachs extremely full and our faces beaming, we returned to our dorms and headed to bed after YET another happy day of living. Alhamdulilah. And now...as always, I am absolutely falling asleep and must go snuggle with my pillow. Tisbaheen ala kheir! Love to all :)
Yesterday. Was an absolute treat. Once we finished the majority of our wajib, we all took the bus over to our friend Q's house, who is Michael's language partner. He very kindly invited the group in its entirety over to his home for a Middle Eastern barbecue. Being completely honest, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Even coming from my very Lebanese family (who loves their food) I had never been to a Lebanese "barbecue" and was a bit weary of the foods that would be present. Alas, Jordan bested us again. It heard our doubts and said 'shut up Americans, I am great. All the time.' Shukran ya Jordan for keeping us in check. That was, in all actuality, the best meal I think I've ever eaten. First of all, we were welcomed into their family home (it seems the best experiences come from Jordanian homes) which was absolutely gorgeous. What appeared to be ancient artifacts from the best of the world's history lined the entire house and it was just unlike anything any of us have ever seen. HGTV really needs to get on its game. I wish to live in one of these beautifully spectacular houses. Anywho.
We sat outside in a small patio of the house and all assisted in assembling lamb kabobs, goat patties, salad, pita, hummus and of course shaii. It only sounds like a strange array of meat and other things to those who have not tasted its gloriousness! And I am mighty glad to no longer be a part of that crowd. Wow. Served on pita, we quite literally sat and ate round after round of mini lamb and goat sandwiches for the whole of our allotted three hours. And it was absolutely heavenly. Soon after we finished eating, Q's sister also joined our little hafla. She is a professional cook, has apparently appeared on TV and has been named 4th in Jordan's national pastry rankings...I'm impressed. We were also able to discuss with her the conditions of Syria. She was very insightful and it was honestly (not to be too obvious) much more real than anything we've heard in classrooms, even whilst here. She drew us a picture (no, not literally) of how many refugees flood into Jordan from other surrounding countries and expressed, as nothing more than a resident, how incredibly much they want to help these people but also how stressing it can be for them. I very much enjoyed listening to her pure and unbiased words. She also has three children who were running around as we talked and ate...potentially the cutest kids ever. (Just kidding relatives!)
To end our time together, we were also able to experience and enjoy a Jordanian birthday! Q's birthday had been the previous day and one of his friends also in attendance was celebrating theirs as well. The cake was sponge with a kind of yogurt in between, topped with toasted almonds. I'm telling you, everything in Jordan just feels more organic and is that much better. Sachtein. It was mouthwateringly good. With our stomachs extremely full and our faces beaming, we returned to our dorms and headed to bed after YET another happy day of living. Alhamdulilah. And now...as always, I am absolutely falling asleep and must go snuggle with my pillow. Tisbaheen ala kheir! Love to all :)
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