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“God made us into peoples and tribes so that we may know one another”
Life would be much simpler if we all stayed away from those who weren’t like us. Our beliefs would never have to be challenged. We could happily continue on in [...]
Suspending Our Judgement
It's a reflex for almost all of us. We see someone and instantly create a story of who they are and what they’re like, even before we’re introduced to them. As an American living [...]
Magically Delicious Kenafe
You probably aren't going to be looking for Lucky Charms on your Jordan tour, but there is a sweet here that I would describe as magically delicious. I’ll even go out on a limb [...]
Challenging My Assumptions
It’s been 2 weeks since I returned to my normal life. But questions of what "normal" means have been plaguing me since my Wadi Rum tour. “If you made me a king,” Mosalem, our [...]
Eating Kershat in Jordan
When traveling, an opportunity often arises to do something outside your comfort zone. At these moments, I’ve found it helpful to tell myself: “I will not be denied this experience!”... then dive in. There are [...]
“My Deep Condolences”; A Muslim Responds to the Boston Marathon Attack
This morning I learned of the bombing that took place at the Boston Marathon. As the world was wondering who was responsible, I received the below email from a friend of mine here in Jordan: Dear Jon, [...]
Cultural Interaction in a Jordanian Kitchen
The unexpected and unscripted moments are often when some of the most significant travel memories are experienced. Our guests had a son studying Arabic abroad at a Jordanian university and his family took advantage [...]
35 Tomatoes in Jordan
35 Tomatoes, 69 Cucumbers, 37 Oranges, & 60 Cookies. A total of 201 items. We recently invited our friend Mohammad and his family (three daughters & his wife) to our house for lunch. Our experience [...]
Disarm Yourself Through Travel
The way I see the world was radically changed by having a real conversation with my enemy. During my University days, I was invited by a Muslim classmate to attend a Ramadan fast breaking [...]
What to Wear When Traveling to Jordan
Appropriate Attire for Jordan You've made the decision to travel to Jordan and you’ve been counting down the days until you embark on your private Jordan tour. The time has finally arrived that [...]
Arabic and the Sway of a Story
Masters of the spoken word, Arabs possess the ability to string together a sequence of verses that rival any in its splendor. The nature of the Arabic language allows for the creation of beautiful poetic [...]
Voluntourism Benefits A Local Olive Farmer
We wound our way an hour and a half north of Amman through the mountains toward Al Ayoun. Stands dotting the side of the road let you know what fruit [...]
Tribes. Bedouins. Banana Groves.
I have made a habit of asking people I encounter here where they are from. I enjoy learning their stories. Are they Jordanian? Palestinian? Iraqi? With a population of over 50% Palestinians and other [...]
Being Hosted in Wadi Rum, Jordan
The red mountains grew larger as we turned off the main road and approached Rum Village. Our gracious Bedouin guide and host, Mosalem, greeted us, took us to his home and served us tea while [...]
How To Get The Most Out Of Travel
Engage with the locals One of the things I love about travel is the opportunity it affords you to step outside of your world and into a new one that was once completely [...]
“What you guys do has to be the highlight of my travels. (And I’ve been wined and dined in the Paris Opera House and traveled on private trains with world famous guides). What you do gave me more understanding of a people and culture in a week than I would have thought possible!”