I’m carried away with you to Jordan! I remember the awe and wonder of Middle East life when I lived and traveled there with my engineer husband, our two young sons, and our dog Julie in the 70’s and 80’s. Oh the memories! Thank you for sharing so vividly.
I wish I had a time machine and could have seen the Middle East back then! It would have been so interesting to see Egypt and Jordan when the world was a bit less globalized. And how I would have loved to visit pre-revolution Iran...
If I’m fortunate enough, I’ll live to see a slice of those years on film based on my book “Unveilings, a Desert Journey.” I can’t discuss it further now, but I’ll keep you up to date when and how I’m able to do so. My writing partner and I are hopeful.
Gorgeous, as always. The line about not bothering to learn a new language because nothing can express your grief was spectacular. And the Kingdom of Boredom makes me think about how Ottawa is described as "the City that fun forgot" - Ha!
First days in a new city have a very surreal quality: you take everything in, walking through streets feels like navigating a maze, and one feels uncertain as to what to think of the new place. Six months in, and those first memories feel like recollections from a hazy dream. Good read, Samantha!
:) thank you, Malay! I agree...I always find it interesting is how different a place looks at feels after you get your bearings. Almost like it was fuzzy and distorted when you first saw it, and now it's finally come into focus.
Thank you, Flavio! It really is a gift to be able to have the chance to make something grow...I just hope whatever I plant survives the Jordanian summer 😂
That's so interesting, I would have pictured Venice being much more of a party city! I hope that feels like a nice change and that you're enjoying a quieter life...I love the quiet of Amman and miss the chaos of Cairo at the same time.
Very well said. Reminds me of our desert garden in Abu Dhabi, truly an oasis. This brings back memories of our first days there and in central Anatolia. BTW, I really liked Jordan a decade ago. I realize it may be something of a hardship post today, but you're making the best of it. My impressions may be helpful to you. I suspect that underneath the tense atmosphere, there are plenty of people who understand that you are not your government just as they are not their government. https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/jordan-a-country-straddling-intense
It's funny, Jim, I essentially said your last sentence to a coworker today! The majority of people here obviously disagree with U.S. policies in the region, and there is a loud minority that will get in Americans' faces about it...but the vast majority are able to separate the concept of U.S. policies from their opinions of individual Americans, which is heartening.
The gardener was trying to understand what I wanted through the difficulties of a language barrier, as I explained. Sod is hardly a cultural norm in Jordan--plenty of people have grass. You seem bizarrely determined to miss the point of my essay and instead focus on criticizing the minutiae of my life choices when you don't know me, so I'm done with your comments.
I’m carried away with you to Jordan! I remember the awe and wonder of Middle East life when I lived and traveled there with my engineer husband, our two young sons, and our dog Julie in the 70’s and 80’s. Oh the memories! Thank you for sharing so vividly.
I wish I had a time machine and could have seen the Middle East back then! It would have been so interesting to see Egypt and Jordan when the world was a bit less globalized. And how I would have loved to visit pre-revolution Iran...
If I’m fortunate enough, I’ll live to see a slice of those years on film based on my book “Unveilings, a Desert Journey.” I can’t discuss it further now, but I’ll keep you up to date when and how I’m able to do so. My writing partner and I are hopeful.
Oh my goodness, I so hope this happens!!
Gorgeous, as always. The line about not bothering to learn a new language because nothing can express your grief was spectacular. And the Kingdom of Boredom makes me think about how Ottawa is described as "the City that fun forgot" - Ha!
Thank you, Noha ❤️ and I am DEAD at that description of Ottawa, lol!! And yet, there's a lot to be said for a quiet life.
Let's compare the capitals, shall we - Washington, Ottawa, and Cairo 🤣🤣🤣 - actually, let's not. I hope it starts to feel like home soon.
First days in a new city have a very surreal quality: you take everything in, walking through streets feels like navigating a maze, and one feels uncertain as to what to think of the new place. Six months in, and those first memories feel like recollections from a hazy dream. Good read, Samantha!
:) thank you, Malay! I agree...I always find it interesting is how different a place looks at feels after you get your bearings. Almost like it was fuzzy and distorted when you first saw it, and now it's finally come into focus.
Love your writing!
:) thank you!
Your words are like a blanket
❤️
Good luck for your adventure in Jordan, and good luck with your garden! it's a gift to have the possibility to take care of a garden!
Thank you, Flavio! It really is a gift to be able to have the chance to make something grow...I just hope whatever I plant survives the Jordanian summer 😂
A garden!! What a gift. I am looking forward to your discoveries in your new home.
I am also surprised at how sleepy Venice can be. Almost everything is shuttered & silent at 11pm. It’s such a big change from always chaotic Rome.
That's so interesting, I would have pictured Venice being much more of a party city! I hope that feels like a nice change and that you're enjoying a quieter life...I love the quiet of Amman and miss the chaos of Cairo at the same time.
I love this garden for you and Boo. What a beautifully written depiction of discovery.
😊 thank you, Alison!
Very well said. Reminds me of our desert garden in Abu Dhabi, truly an oasis. This brings back memories of our first days there and in central Anatolia. BTW, I really liked Jordan a decade ago. I realize it may be something of a hardship post today, but you're making the best of it. My impressions may be helpful to you. I suspect that underneath the tense atmosphere, there are plenty of people who understand that you are not your government just as they are not their government. https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/jordan-a-country-straddling-intense
It's funny, Jim, I essentially said your last sentence to a coworker today! The majority of people here obviously disagree with U.S. policies in the region, and there is a loud minority that will get in Americans' faces about it...but the vast majority are able to separate the concept of U.S. policies from their opinions of individual Americans, which is heartening.
Glad you found a solution that works for you.
The gardener was trying to understand what I wanted through the difficulties of a language barrier, as I explained. Sod is hardly a cultural norm in Jordan--plenty of people have grass. You seem bizarrely determined to miss the point of my essay and instead focus on criticizing the minutiae of my life choices when you don't know me, so I'm done with your comments.