Week 7: Petra, Yasir's Birthday, Noor's Return, Bedouin Field Excursion, and Independent Projects.

This weekend held the big kahuna of tourism in Jordan: Petra.Now, everyone recognizes The Treasury from Indiana Jones, and Petra had been dubbed on of the new seven wonders of the world. However, NOTHING can prepare you for the experience that is Petra. Not only is The Treasury only the very beginning of an entire complex that takes at least an entire day to explore, but the chasms that are the walkway to the city are incredible. It was most definitely my favorite part of Jordan thus far, as the upwards of 200 pictures I took attest to. The only downsides of the entire day was the very early bus (6:30 AM) and the fact that I was sunburned through my t-shirt. One of my "you know you're very pale when...." moments. The rest of the weekend proved fun too, as Noor FINALLY returned from her European tour (as I have decided to call it). Also, Yasir's 19th birthday was the 19th, so we duly celebrated with excellent Italian fare and red velvet cake. Coincidentally, the 16th was also Ravyn's 20th birthday, and we are now in that awkward five day stage where we are the same age. So, of course, I had to giver her a shout from the Middle East. Also, the evening following my day at Petra concluded with a party at Noor's friend Basil's house. Upon arrival, Sam and I were informed that Basil's next door neighbor is none other than Saddam Hussein's daughter. Interesting, and a bit weird. Now, our little troupe is planning out next weekend's activities, as it is my turn at a birthday weekend.

Upon arriving back in the desert, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was going to accompany Talal and the BRDC's newest researcher Kathryn, an ethno-musicologist from UCLA (who funnily enough taught at Pomona for a semester in 2005). I got to meet several Bedouin families, get up close and personal with a herd of camels and also share a watermelon in the shade of an oak tree next to an oasis in the Norther Badia Desert that stands alone, and legend has it was happened upon by the Prophet Muhammad and used as a meditation site.

Now, coming into my last weeks, I am beginning work on my independent project. I am considering writing a grant focusing on microfinancing in the Badia, kind of going along with the theme of using economic diversification and development as a way to help along sustainable rural development. We shall see how it goes in the weeks to come.