Classes

Classes in Jordan started on Monday and my schedule here consists of two Arabic classes,  standard and colloquial, and two English classes, Middle East: Alternative Perspectives and Islam in the modern context. Classes have just started and I'm already having to drink coffee in order to make it through my assignments. Should be a great semester. As previously mentioned, buildings here are made out of limestone so classrooms are nice and cold during lecture. Thankfully, there are coffee vendors along the way where I can stop and buy a cup for lecture. If I'm going to be honest, I have to say I'm beginning to feel a tad bit overwhelmed with the language learning process. I have undergone this experience before with German but the knowledge that it eventually gets better, does not diminish my frustration at the moment. One of the CIEE staff members sent us an Arabic quote that translates into "patience is the key to knowledge", something I shall remind myself of constantly in the next few weeks. 

My classes begin at either 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. depending on the day. My mode of transportation here is a Taxi which has provided me with an interesting experience. I have learned the different routes home from school and at times I've had to re-route taxis so they don't end up taking me around town, in order to charge me three times what they should. Besides the start of classes not a whole lot has happened. Arabic is still hard, the call to prayer still happens five times a day and the weather is still colder than it should be. 

If there is anything specific you would like for me to blog about (Jordan related), feel free to ask! 

TIPS: If visiting Jordan in the spring, bundle up and bring waterproof shoes. It gets cold and it rains a lot. I know it's in the desert, but it gets very cold at night nonetheless. Also, don't be scared to re-route taxis. Some taxi drivers are very nice and get you to your destination via the fastest route but others just want your money.  

Word of the day: mhm -> Important