Roberto, Heidi, Daniel, and Leylah

Shobak Castle

2008-03-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

Day 4 of Spring Break began in Dana and now we are at Shobak Castle (for the 2nd time this year) and we will end the day in Petra (also a second visit for us). Shobak is probably our favorite place in all of Jordan. It is only 30 minutes from Petra and I don't think many people see it, but it is really a fun place to go. You will see why in a minute.

As you look to the right side of the castle, on the inside of the tower is where you enter the endless pit of stairs and you would come out way down at the bottom of the hill out of view in this photo. (You can come back and look after you see the photos below!!)

Our favorite part is the endless pit. We have our flashlight ready and are entering the stairs. Sorry for so many pictures and for making them so large, but it is really worth seeing.

Daddy and Leylah are going to stay up top (for safety reasons - of course!!) Daniel is following me down. As you can see the stairs are very defined at the top.

We are now going to plundge down into the earth!!

These 2 shots are looking back up at Roberto--only we have gone so far that we can't actually see him anymore, but we can hear him. The stairs are still nicely defined.

Now as we venture are way down into the ground the stairs become less and less defined. You can see the difference in the next 2 shots.

We have gone some 300 steps now and as you can see the stairs have ended and the ground is basically a slanted dirt ramp. There is a corner up ahead (can you see the bend in the shot below) and I don't know what is around that corner. I am still wondering today how much farther that trail goes. Because Daniel was thinking that maybe we should turn back. I didn't want to push him up the gravel if we didn't make it much farther so I decided this was good for today.

So we turned around at this point and headed back out! Notice the stairs in the next 3 shots as we climb out of the endless pit.

When we were about half way out Daniel turns to me and says "Maybe we should go back and look around that corner Mom." At this point we could play this game all day and I still have 1000 steps to climb in Petra later today, so I tell him he did good for today and we will come back. So be watching for Shobak #3!!!!!!

We are almost there because the stairs are getting much more defined.

After we left the castle we drove around to the right side and looked at the exit. It is one of the 2 holes below. I am not sure which one.

This is how far into the ground we would have to go to get to the end. Remember it is pitch black without a flashlight. Those of you with boys--just try to say this wouldn't be fun!! I dare you!!! I think my own Mother would have sent her boys alone before joining them. Is that right Mon???

Now here are shots around the castle, but they will seem like nothing after the endless pit.

Safety is first priority in Jordan. Well exhibited in the photo below of the 2 sticks holding up the rocks above so that the wall doesn't come tumbling down.

And if there is a hole, don't worry, they will put a plank or 2 over it so you won't fall in. this is another little pit that we didn't explore down into. It was hard to see how one would get in without just falling or jumping--no stairs for this one.

More shots around the Castle.

The school on the left and the town street on the right.

We even found an old, old wheel!

This is the Church and it had a secret path going under it where they hid their treasures. You could go under one length of the room, turn down the width of the room, and then turn the length once more and then hit the finally hall which dead ended and that is where the treasure would have been. Not nearly as long as the endless pit, but definitely fun. The stairs were very slippery as you can see.

By the end, Leylah was asleep like always.

She was really passed out this time. She didn't even wake when we took the pack off.

Dana Reserve

2008-03-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

We ended Day 3 at the Dana Reserve. There were lots of trucks everywhere. It ended up that an American Group was filming a movie about a woman from Iran and this little village had a similar resemblance to hers. So go figure, the quaint little town in the middle of nowhere was actually very packed. The guest house (more kid friendly) was full and we stayed in the tower hotel (very back-packer friendly). It was an experience to say the least. Here is our room!

We began day 4 by hiking near the Dana village. This is a picture of the town in the background. It is very isolated and beautiful. They teach the local people about preserving nature.

This is a veiw from our room, and Mr. BedHead.

Some pictures on the edge of the town.

We started our hike along the side of the mountain. A more kid friendly hike, because it does not go down into the cannon--we would never have made it back up.

We ran into a bunch of local boys dipping their head in a creek. Probably bath time! They followed us for a little while, until I told Roberto they wanted a picture taken. After that they saw the picture and then ran off laughing.

Wadi Mujib

2008-03-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

This is the Sig entrance off of the Dead Sea Hwy. It is closed right now and kids can not go on the hike for safety reasons. It is like hiking into Petra but only wading through water that can get waist high. It looks like a gorgeous place, but unfortunately we won't be doing it this year. If we do make it back to Wadi Mujib without the kids I want to enter from the Kings Hwy and do the trail where you can repel 18 meters down the waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for that blog.

Dead Sea

2008-03-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Day 3 of Spring Break we plan to go in the Dead Sea, visit Wadi Mujib, and end for the night at the Dana Reserve. We finally made it back to the Dead Sea for a quick float. It is a WEIRD sensation to just float. Afterwards we felt dry and had white flaky stuff on us all day--even with showering.

Check out the salt deposits above and below.

Azraq Wetlands (Oasis)

2008-03-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Last stop for the day is the desert oasis in Azraq. A natural lake in the middle of the desert. Different groups have been stealing the water over the last couple of decades and so not much is left compared to what use to be here, so now they are trying to save the wetlands. It was fun to walk throught the straw paths and then look at the animals at the end.

They give you binoculars to look for birds and other animals along the way.

These are the fun paths to wander on.

This is what the wetlands use to look like. Now almost nothing as you can see.

The look out house was fun for spotting animals.

That is enough for 1 day, time to head home.

Azraq Castle

2008-03-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

We are now at Castle number 3 Azraq Castle. It is the first Castle we have seen with a KEEP. Daniel has the game Castle Keep and was very excited about the keep in the center. That made this a very special Castle.

See that Keep!!

That was a really cool door and we haven't see anything like it in any other Castle. Now onto the Desert Oasis at Azraq Wetlands.

Amra Castle

2008-03-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

We made it to Castle number 2. It looks very tiny and unimpressive, but it is actually visited quite a bit because of all the paintings inside. Daniel was not impressed by the outside and said it probably wasn't a Castle. This was actually a resort spa for the hunting men. They would stay here and bath and relax at night and hunt during the day.

This is inside the well and the mosaics on the floor.

These are the paintings all over the walls and ceilings. Much more impressive in person.

Kharrana Castle

2008-03-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of Spring Break, we started our trip out to the Eastern Desert Castles. We plan to see 3 Castles and the Wetlands today. First stop was Kharrana Castle which was basically like a hotel, not a fortress.

Small, but fun. Next Stop Amra Castle.

Umm Qais

2008-03-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

Our first day of Sping Break we drove way up North near the Syria border to an old Roman town called Umm Qais. It is a lot like Jerash, but smaller.

We had a lot of fun climbing around in the Amphitheater.

The town is still being excavated. This is the second Amphitheater, but as you can see it is covered in grass. You can still see the shape and the arched entrances in the back.

We ran into several little lizard things crawling around all over. Daniel loved to look from a distance as you will see later.

Here we have encountered a BEETLE. It is the small black dot by the post. As you can see, my adventerous child is getting a pretty good look--from a far.

This is the egde of the town over looking Syria. It is too bad it is such a hazy day, because the Sea of Galilee is in the distance. It would have been a georgous picture on a better day.

This is Leylah when we first started out!

This is Leylah by the time we finished!

This is Leylah while we ate lunch. You can see all her new teeth really well. She is our little vampire because she is getting her side teeth on top before her middle ones.

Leylah 8 Months

2008-02-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Leylah is 8 months old. How time flies!! She has a couple bites from those crazy mosquities--they just love her blood.

Leylah Jumping

2008-02-07T00:55:00.000-08:00

Here is Leylah in her Jumper. She loves to kick herself backwards and then pull her legs up and swing. She has been jumping non stop since the harness has come off. Hopefully this will strengthen her legs. I know she won't be walking anytime soon.

Shobak Castle (1st time)

2008-01-27T23:47:00.000-08:00

As you approach Shobak Castle you can't see it anywhere and then it just pops out of nowhere. It is not a grand castle, but one of the most adventureous of all the Jordan Castles and we have seen plenty. It is on a hill between other hills so it doesn't stand out too much.

We arrive at about 5 pm and it started to hail within 5 minutes. So we got the short tour with promises that we would come back in March.

This is the endless pit that goes way deep into the ground of the castle--some 300 or 400 steps. The guide told us it was not too safe for kids so I will have to bring Daniel back and not get a guide next time. Be sure to bring a flash light because there are no windows--and leave Clausterphobic Gammie at home.

This is the museum in the Castle. We are always attracked to cannon balls.

This is the throne. He is the Prince, and I am the Queen.

Karak Castle

2008-01-26T00:24:00.000-08:00

Karak Castle is the biggest of all the Jordan Castles. It is way up on a hill and takes hours to walk through. I don't think we saw every little nook, but don't tell Daniel!!

Exploration shots all over the castle.

We have a flashlight now for our Castle Explorations and we like to use it when going around almost ever corner.

The city is in the background through the arches. A Great View!

Watch out for random holes in the ground. Most they have tried to make safe, but not all of them

Can you see the soldier statue next to Daniel?

This castle was full of tunnels and banquet halls.

This really was a grand castle. Most people only see one castle in Jordan and it is Karak. If they see two then the other one is Ajloun. And then we are one of the few to see more then that.

St. Georges in Madaba

2008-01-25T00:04:00.000-08:00

Madaba is a Christain town in Jordan. It is about 40km south of Amman. They have several Christian Churches and this is the most famous one, St. Georges.

There are beautiful mosaics all over the floors.

And all over the walls.

Leylah 7 Months

2008-01-20T23:43:00.000-08:00

Leylah is now 7 months old!! It is going fast.

Daniel loves to be the big brother!!

Harness Free Leylah!

2008-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

The harness is off-for good!! YEAH!! Here is the cutie and she is excited as ever. Loving the new movement and freedom. Finally she gets to wear all her cute clothes!! DOUBLE YEAH!!

She is going to be a little pigeon toed--harness side effects. Oh well, could be worst. We will fix it later.

Sunset at the Beach

2008-01-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

I always do special posts for Leylah, and Daniel wanted one too. So here are some photos of him at the beach when the sun was setting and he looks very cute and old.

All Tired Out!

2008-01-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

When we got home from the park, they played around a little, but that didn't last long.

They couldn't even wait for dinner, they crashed while I was cooking. My kids have a talent of sleeping anywhere.

Park at the Beach

2008-01-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

It has been very cold this winter here in Aqaba. The coldest in 50 years I have been told. So Daniel was complaining about not getting out much, so we bundled up and headed to the Park down by South Beach.

That's my goof ball!!

Petra

2007-12-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here we go!! Petra is a lot colder than Aqaba--I hope we are bundled enough.

It is quite a hike down through the canyon.

The hike was gorgeous and the scenery made it seem a lot shorter than it really was. But finally we got a glimpse of the Treasury (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).

It is amazing what they caved out of the rock walls. I don't know how they did it.

Daniel and a camel--bet you haven't seen that before!!

Someone got tired--even though she didn't do any walking.

Amphitheater!!

The mosiacs on the floor were amazing.

It looks awesome! Do we really want to hike up the hill.

We did it!!

It was worth it!

Climbing around in Petra!!

We wish we could share all 300 photos, but you might get a little bored, and it is a little time comsuming to upload so sorry.

Christmas!

2007-12-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids with our tree and decorations. Not quite what we are use too, but more than we thought we would have.

Daniel got his hair cut on Christmas eve and they put color in it. He was very excited.

Here come the gifts. I think everything was for Daniel--big shock!!

Leylah is 6 months old!!

2007-12-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

I am 6 months old now--YEAH!!

Can't post pictures of Leylah without showing the funny positions she plays in.

Daniel trying to copy Leylah.

Camel Races-Wadi Rum

2007-12-23T22:41:00.000-08:00

We started at the beginning with all the locals and drove along side the camels with the herd of all the other drivers. You can see all the 4-WD vehicles out in the desert right next to all the excitement. Mostly it looks like a pack of dust, but if you look closely you can actually see some camels (about 20 or more).

Here we are driving along with all the crazy's!

Daniel kept saying--there not being SAFE are they Mom. We have to talk about that almost every day.

There was big ditches out in the desert-so the cars kept cutting up to the road and back again.

At this point Daniel asked "Is this a camel-car race" and then we all laughed.

We have made it near the finish and are camped out for photos now!!

Wow that was crazy!!

Here come the 2 front runners--Neck and Neck!!

There they go--Almost made it. Just a few more strides!!

Right behind the first two comes the camera crew!!

As you can see--fully loaded. Everyone needs it on film--all the local news channels and everything. Got to be prepared for a photo finish.

Here comes the next little pack. One of my favorite group shots.

Here are some of our favorite riders. Notice that most of them are children because they weigh less and can hopefully go faster. They also do a lot of betting on these races--so very similar to the horse tracks back home--just camel tracks here.

Daniel thinks maybe this rider didn't hold on tight enough!

This one didn't quite know were the lane was--he gave them all a little scare!

We don't know what was up with this poor camel--Probably just some crazy locals.

The Ambulance is at the end--You know in case of any injures. It can be dangerous!

Here is the crowd at the finish waiting for the delivery of all the awards.

Leylah Does the CRAB Walk

2007-12-23T02:29:00.001-08:00

We have decided to contact Guinness to see if Leylah could possibly be the youngest Crab Walker EVER!! She has learned to become mobile even with her harness. If you can stand looking then go ahead and have a peek at our future Circus Freak.

Gotta stop and take a break--this is hard work Mom!!

Look How Far I Made It!!!! Boy that is hard work!!!

Daniel's Camel Ride!

2007-12-23T01:12:00.001-08:00

He was very nervous to be on by himself. A BIG shock to all who know him well.

So I rode with him.

Now he is having fun!!

Very nervous for the dismount. You have to hold on tight.

Now he can get a picture with a smile!!

Quick!!--I'm standing pretty close MOM!

Can You Do These Postitions??

2007-12-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

Leylah relaxing and playing--Can you do any of these positions with such ease as her???

Fussy Buckets Teeth are Getting Bigger

2007-12-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

This is the face I always get to see--It is too cute not to share with everyone.
Look at those 2 teeth and see how much they have grown.

Family Photos - Wadi Rum

2007-12-16T01:20:00.000-08:00

We didn't do Christmas cards this year--so here is our latest family photos with some Jordan backgrounds. And our house and transportation is down below for all to be envious.

Some Neighbors

2007-12-15T02:02:00.000-08:00

When your children complain about what they have or what they don't have--Let them take a look at these photos. It has been slightly starting to work with Daniel when I hear "where is my blah, blah, blah?" He is tired of the "In storage answer." So now he gets a different one.

Leylah's First Tooth

2007-12-06T13:19:00.001-08:00

Can you see those 2 new teeth?

At 5 months that 1st one popped in and then the second came right after.

There she is sitting ever so lady like and playing with her toys.

The CRAZY things about Jordan

2007-12-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

Jordan has been very fun and it will be a great place to live for the next little while, but there are a few things to get use to.
1. The driving. Only westerners use their blinker--so they zoom around and cut off anyone using a blinker--so I have to watch out because I am constantly getting cut off. They turn left from the right lane and right from the left lane, so watch out for that. I have recently found out that when you take the written and driving test to get a license it isn't necessarily based on correct answers. They have a quota and it is how friendly you are. My friends were told they had reached the quota for the day so they couldn't be passed until tomorrow, but that he could only pass one of them tomorrow so have the other one come the next day. Didn't matter how they answered but they were guaranteed a pass--Hey Dad, Mom could pass her test over here quite easily!!
2. The parking. They double park everywhere and anyplace is a parking space. It doesn't matter if it blocks you or not they just stop and put on the hazards. No businesses have planned for more than 10 parking spots, so the lots are crazy to get in and out of because 45 cars fit there way into 10 spots. I don't get it.
3. The stores. They don't actually make you want to buy their products, but you can't get them anywhere else so you basically have no choice. For example: They don't wash anything at the grocery store so the vegetables and fruit are covered in dirt and look like they have just been picked and tons of the milk and yogurt containers are covered in dirt like they were unpacked or packed by people covered in dirt. So I am getting use to that. One other foreigner complained to the manager at Safeway and he just looked at her like she was the crazy one.
4. The maids and nannies. All Jordanians have maids or nannies or both. You can tell a foreigner at the beach because they don't have a nanny with them. These poor Philippino women that come here--I feel for their life. They all have kids and families back home and they come here to clean and raise someone else's kids for 150JD (about $200) a month. They go 2 to 4 years without seeing their kids--I don't know how they do it.
5. Things I am now without. We don't have a dishwasher for the first time in our marriage, but that doesn't bother me too much. We don't have a dryer and that one drives me crazy. I hate hanging the clothes to dry and you have to do laundry every other day or so or you get too far behind and then have no time for it to dry. The towels, bedding and all the clothes need to be hung it is annoying--but I will manage. However, we have a microwave, so we are moving up in the world in at least one way, KATRINA!!

International Day at Daniel's School

2007-11-25T14:57:00.001-08:00

Both KG2 Classes singing a song about the 12 major cities in Jordan.

This is most of the school and parents. They had great displays and most kids were dressed up for their countries.

Ella and Daniel. One of his new friends. She is from Denmark and is quickly learning English and Arabic. They sit next to each other on the bus almost everyday.

Some art they did for international day. The KG2's had the Country Jordan. So they made maps of the country, flags, and Jordan carpets.

This is the local karate class doing a demonstration. (I think because the Principal's kids go there--LOL)

This is the 4th graders who had Brazil. The soccer players walked around the kids in the middle doing the Macarana.

I think this class had New Zealand.

This class had Australia.

This class had Egypt.

Leylah enjoyed it as much as she does any other event. She slept through it--just like the airshow with the British Red Arrows and Jordan Falcons a couple weeks ago.

Daniel Outside with the 2 Neighbor Boys

2007-11-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Hisham, Nawaf, and Daniel (Before the fight breaks out!)

They Play Soccer !!

Until Nawaf decides to take down Daniel who is 2 years older, but physically about 5 years younger. He is a 3 year old bully. We thought we were getting away from it when we left Liam, but it only got worse.

Oh, Look, It was all about giving a little love!!!

Daniel didn't want the love apparently!!! Take that Nawaf.

But, oops, Nawaf is tougher than little Daniel. Where's Will when you need him????

Here comes Daniel on his new Spider man Bike!!

Daniel and Leylah During November

2007-11-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

Leylah in her cute sweaters !

Here comes the KNIGHT !!!!

Daddy taught Leylah how to blow bubbles on his cheek--Here it goes!!!

This is fun!!

More Daddy, More !!

I love to sit as far forward as possible. So I lean way forward in my rocker. Good thing there are nobs on the end and it can't fall forward because I try awful hard to tip it.

Now I am 5 months old !!

That bath was nice. My toes are my biggest toys now!

Daniel's 5th Birthday

2007-11-25T11:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Daniel !!!!

Blow out those Candles !!!

Yum, Yum, Yum !!!

Here come the Presents!!

Ninja Turtle Dress up !!

The Game: Guess Who and 12 Magic Tree House Books

20 JD from my Grammie and Pops ! Thanks!!

Michelangelo in Action !!!!

October 27th--Jerash

2007-10-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Jerash has the BEST Roman Ruins outside Rome.

This is the stadium where we saw Roman Gladiators Fight. (Pictures down below!!)

This is the forum, streets, temples, and amphitheater.

Daniel is yelling hello in the holes on the ground to try and hear his echo.

Climbing up to the top--and then looking back at the newer part of the city of Jerash. They build right around the ruins it is pretty neat.

1st pic: Leylah is fascinated with Daniel --- 2nd pic: Leylah is annoyed with Daniel
It often goes like this all day long. And switches quite quickly. One minute completely happy with him and the next completely pissed off.

Here was the Roman Show!!! Daniel was crazy about it. He was a little nervous, but mostly excited. This is what kept him walking all day. The fact that he was going to see Romans fight and the Chariots ride. And he loved the pictures most.

This is the group and they showed us several positions that they fight in as a group to try and protect as many as possible. And then they showed us some fighting.

When they put on shows at the Arena the spectators would give a thumbs up to let them live and a thumbs sideways (symbolize a sword cutting head off) to kill them. I should have got a picture of Daniel's face when they explained this. He was horrified at the people around us doing sideways. He and I did thumbs up every time. As you see in the second to last picture--they kill the last guy and drag him off. Daniel's face cracked us up. He thought it was real and even after I explained I don't think he really believed until the guy came out at the end for photos.

October 27th--Ajlun Castle

2007-10-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

We are approaching Ajlun Castle!!

Here it is!! We are so excited!! We are going to explore, just like Jack and Annie

Leylah had a fun ride!!

Daniel was so excited about the cannon balls--They were just like his playmobil ones. He couldn't wait to show Will!!!

Scenes around the Castle!!!

Daniel's Update

2007-10-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

We just love to see so many camels here. We only had to walk a few feet from the road to get close to this one. Daniel was a little nervous to get much closer than this. (Big shock I'm sure -- Maybe it was the sharp fern eating plants by its' feet, what do you think Kristin?)

This is Daniel being dropped off on his first day at school. They have a uniform, but it is a nice one. He is making great friends and they just found room for him on the bus. So the first month I took him to and from school all the way across town every day. About 10 minutes of my time round trip :) Now, whenever I ask him about school it is always who he sat by on the bus and what the kids did on the bus. It is the most exciting time of the day. He has been rinding for almost 1 week now.

Leylah's Update

2007-10-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Leylah in her new walker (not that she will be using her legs anytime soon).

Daddy taught her to blow bubbles and she is very excited to do it all the time and make herself very wet. OOOO AAh Spit -- this one if for you Liam. I think you would be very impressed with Leylah's new SPIT trick.

Leylah in her harness playing. Since her harness only allows her to kick to the side, she kicks one side out and then pulls the other side out trying to eat it. Whether she does it on purpose or accident we are not sure. But, it certainly entertains her for a few minutes.

She has become very flexible because of that harness. "Do you think she will be able to be a dancer Chloe??" She loves those toes. They are her new toy.

Leylah and Daniel chillin' together. Do you like her shirt Steen??

Leylah has too much fun and falls asleep anywhere, just like her brother. She slept through most of the British Red Arrow Airshow we went to today also. Hopefully she will keep this up and be just like her brother in this area. We don't need her to be like him in all ways though.

For those of you who know she has been in a harness to help her hip sockets for 6 weeks full time and 3 weeks just at night. The ultrasound wasn't as good as we wanted so she is back in it full time for 4 more weeks and then another ultrasound. Poor girl she was not happy today she has enjoyed her legs the last few weeks.

Aqaba Castle

2007-10-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

This is Aqaba Castle. Not too large and not too much left. However, extremely fun to climb around in. We explored for about 1 hour. Stairs going everywhere and dark dead ends. Daniel said "we are just like Jack and Annie!!!" (For all those magic tree house fans)

2nd Weekend-Trip to Amman

2007-10-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

AMMAN
This is the Amphitheater in Amman. The city is built right around it. The Jordanian boys kept following us until we took there picture with Daniel and showed it to them on the digital camera. They crack us up.
Old part of town, across the street.

JESUS'S BAPTISM SITE

This is the baptism site and the first thing that Daniel said when we got there was "Where is the water?" Then Roberto had to go into this whole thing about how rivers change courses over 100's of years and how Israel and Jordan have also been on bad terms because Israel wants this site but the border has always been the Jordan River and now the river moved and so Israel which once had the site now doesn't and blah, blah, blah. Then Daniel says "I just want to go back!" We laughed. It was hot and it was a pretty good hike in. He was tired and thirsty and maybe a little disappointed to say the least.

MOUNT NEBO

As Roberto put it "This is where Moses said 'This is the place' and then there was that guy in Utah who copied him". It was an excellent view and we didn't have to hike in, we drove all the way to the top of the mountain and Daniel liked that part best.

1st Weekend-Intercontinental (And every spare moment we get)

2007-10-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is the beach at the Intercontinental Hotel which we have a yearly membership for the beach and exercise room and other stuff. The white buildings on the hill in the back ground are hard to see; but that is Ei Lot, Israel. It is about 15 or so to get there. You can also see them in the City Span shots.
We try to get a seat under one of the Tree Umbrellas. We divide our time between the Red Sea sandy area and the Pools with their bridges shown below.

The little pool to the side is where Daniel likes to spend most of his time.

Around Town

2007-09-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

We are driving into town on this street lined with palm trees. It looked slightly different on the Internet -- Do you agree Brooke????
Here is the fancy mall in Aqaba. If you went inside you wouldn't even believe you were in Jordan. But, it is nothing compared to the shopping in Amman.
Here is Daniel's school -- Aqaba International School. His teacher is Ms. Fattin and he has Ms. Nadia for an hour of Arabic each day. He goes from 7:30-12:30 Sunday through Thursday and is really enjoying it. We arrived on a Saturday, enrolled him on a Sunday and he hasn't missed a day since the Monday after we arrived. He had almost no jet lag and adjusted great. The most exciting part of the day is buying juice with his quarter and riding the bus. It took a few weeks for room to become available on the bus, but that is all he talks about now. Who he sat by and what they talked about. He is one of 5 internationals in his class and 11 Jordanians.
This is the Safeway I was telling everyone that Aqaba had. When Roberto said it was a little different than the ones back home, he should have just taken a picture and I would have gotten the idea. The ground floor is groceries and the first floor is other stuff similar to Target items. The rest is either offices or storage -- who knows??
This is the main circle heading up to our apartment in the 5th district. It is a very nice area and probably more than half of the children attending the international school live in this district.
This is our building. We are on the bottom right. I was begging Roberto to find a ground floor place and I am so glad that he did. Every room has a sliding glass door that opens to the play area that is gated shut. Daniel can go out and I don't have to worry about him falling off the balcony. The top floor apartments have GREAT views, but I would give that up in a heart beat. He can play about 3 quarters of the way around the building and there is a little courtyard in the back. The neighborhood kids play street football about every night around 6pm. They play right in front of our place because it is a dead end street. Daniel watched the first few times (big shocker to all those who really know him) and now he loves to join in. He gets a little nervous because of the language thing, but he is getting use to it. This place couldn't be more perfect!!!

Aqaba Arrival!!

2007-09-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is the city span from the roof of our building. We are pretty much at one end of the city and this covers the whole town. There are about 80,000 people, 3 larger grocery stores (small for what most of you are use to), 2 gas stations, a hand full of traffic lights, and a mosque on every corner (kind of like the Mormon churches in Utah).

Jordan Countryside

2007-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

We saw some wild camels on the side of the road and stopped to take a photo. We see them so often now that we don't stop for pictures anymore. The rock formations are absolutely stunning. They pop up everywhere all along the country. It makes the drive very enjoyable.

Dead Sea

2007-09-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

We stopped by the Dead Sea on our way from Amman to Aqaba. It was very pretty and we enjoyed watching everyone put mud all over themselves. The water was very salty. We plan to go back and actually swim -- or should I say float.

Traveling to Aqaba Jordan

2007-09-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Daniel enjoying his flight. He has been on several flights in his life, but never quite this comfy. We are moving up in the world, but don't worry it is all down hill once we arrive!!