JUST Jordan

My travels have begun! I arrived in Amman, Jordan on Sunday the 25th and took a two hour bus ride with other students to Irbid where we are studying Engineering of the Water Cycle in an Arid Land.

On my flight from Chicago I was surprised because I got an aisle seat AND there was no one was sitting in the middle seat of my row! It ended up being a really pleasant flight filled with many naps, part of a movie, and several conversations with a guy sitting in my row. He was Pakistani from Chicago flying to Jordan then crossing over the west bank to spend time with his family.

When traveling interactions with others can really make an experience exciting, offers many cultural learning experiences and is a true testament to the country's people. This program also allows us to live and study with 6 Jordanian students who are all very helpful, kind, and intelligent. This has allowed me to experience Jordanian culture first hand and be able to ask any questions about the country, religion, or every day life.

The Jordan University of Science and Technology also known as JUST is around 30km from the Syrian border; I can actually see Syria from the balcony where I am staying. At night sitting outside on the balcony I can hear explosions which is very eerie because of the current war.


The main purpose of this class is to study how water scarcity is addressed in Jordan looking at sources, treatment, and possible alternatives for water sources. With this as our main focus we have toured several water treatment facilities and listened to lectures from experts in the field. It is interesting to learn about this because it is such a problem even though I have no background in civil engineering. Aside from the cool field trips that we get to go on the most interesting part would be the group project that we researching. My group has decided to look into the drinking water supply at Za'atari Refugee Camp.

Highlights so Far

Azraq Wetland Oasis:

This wetland oasis has been drying up but still holds some water that is home to water buffalo, birds, fish, and various types of vegetation.

As a snack after visiting the Azraq Wetland Oasis we got some bread which is shown being made below:

 There is so much inexpensive fresh bread available all over Jordan. When I leave I will miss eating bread that was made minutes before I got to eat it.

Qasr Amar:

Qsar Amar is a desert castle built around 705AD. Foundations of the more extensive castle can be seen but the bath house is what has been left standing. Inside there are pictures of the zodiac, women, and hunting.

Ajloun Castle:

Ajloun was built around 1184AD. The Mongols attacked parts of the castle in 1260AD. Once the Mamluks gained victory over the Mongols various restorations to the castle began. Two major earthquakes also caused devastations to the castle and there are currently some restoration projects in affect. The historical sites in Jordan are a lot different than ones in the US. This is mainly because there are there are not really restrictions on where you can go. In some ways that makes it really exciting to be able to walk, climb, or explore anywhere. On the other hand it is kind of sad thinking that we could be contributing to long time wear affecting the preservation of historical sites.

Ancient Roman Jaresh:
Greco-Roman city

Pella:               

Pella was formerly part of the Decapolis, one of ten cities in the Roman empire along the eastern frontier. The city has been occupied since the Neolithic but was destroyed by an earthquake in 749. 

Pella Archaeology

Amman:

Jordan's Capital City

Dead Sea:

An extremely salty sea that is quickly vanishing. There is a Read Dead Sea project that is trying to be put in place to replenish the sea as well as provide desalinated drinking water to Jordan (one of the top 10 most water scarce countries in the world).

Before arriving at the dead sea I had seen various tourist pictures of people floating in the dead sea but I did not realize that they were putting in absolutely no effort to float. It was the most bizarre feeling being able to float on top of the water without trying. It was actually difficult to attempt to be in a standing position perpendicular to the water.

 Wadi Mujib:

Wadi Mujib is a george that at times will bring water to the dead sea. As a group we were able to hike part way into the george.

Mount Nebo:

 

According to the bible Mount Nebo was the place where Moses viewed the holy land which looks over the Jordan Valley. It is also thought that his burial site is on this mountain. Various people on pilgrimages including the Pope have come to this site and the holy land.


Exciting excursions still to come include Wadi Rum, Petra, and Umm Qais!