University of Jordan (UJ)

We walked the fifteen minutes to UJ and the closer we got the more hectic it became. We had to shimmy down a dirt path (me in wedge heels, of course), and then hop along a busy sidewalk, take an overpass over the highway, and then weave through students and vendors (I wish I had taken pictures – next time) on our way to the front entrance. Our meeting was at 11 am and it appeared that all 40 000 students had to be there at the same time as well. Once we walked past the front gate and through security, there’s quite a long walk down a lane to the center of campus where “Big Ben,” a huge clock, stands as a meeting center because you can pretty much see it from everywhere.

The promenade entrance to UJ



The clock


The King and I


I couldn’t believe the variety of students: women in full veils or hijabs, with high heels, designer shades and handbags and fancy cell phones. And when I say cell phones, I mean CELL PHONES everywhere. Every single soul has one. Some women were in some serious Western wear (no, not cowboy boots) but designer jeans with some top I might wear and flats, heels, or cute sneakers, with or without a headscarf. A trend I noticed was tunics with jeans or khakis or the full black veil with a lowrise belt overtop. Most of the men looked like Euro metrosexuals, in the sense that they were obsessed with designer jeans and long-sleeved, fitted funky shirts.

One of many courtyards


"The Village" - like the pit at any university where you go to "be seen"


Sinner's Street - named by students of those who drink and smoke - a hangout where people sit on benches to the right



The campus itself is so vast with departments and buildings everywhere—beautiful, see photos. We found where we needed to be and met Dr. Rula Quawas, who I have been in email contact with and is one of Gary’s good friends here who has been a total cheerleader for Global Modules (GMs) for the past couple of years. She introduced me to a frenzy of people before and after Gary’s presentation. Everyone was so honored to meet us and very hospitable, we were treated very well. Following Rula around is a riot; she is a firecracker and one of those people that everyone knows. She is short and stocky and just a ball of energy. She speaks her mind and is very strong, and all the students and faculty appear to really admire her. I will be attending a couple of her literature classes, and a drama class tomorrow @ 2pm with Professor Inas who I met and who was with us most of the day. We had a series of short meetings and everyone was very nice and formal about meeting us. I had my very first Turkish coffee at one of these meetings and it was lovely-tasted like high quality chocolate almost, I can’t really think to describe it any other way.

My Turkish Coffee



I was introduced to many past GM students who were so eager to meet me. Doctor Scudder (Gary), as he is called (all faculty are called by their highest rank), is very well received there and people really want to talk about the GMs. We were invited to the very first “meet and greet” with the English department in one of the courtyards. It was a chance for the faculty and the students to mingle and talk outside of class that had never been done before, it was lovely. We were introduced and people were encouraged to come up and speak with us. And they came in droves! Interestingly, the veiled or hijab women went to Scudder first and many Western-dressed girls came straight to me. All wanted to know what I did, what I studied, etc etc. I mentioned that I had an interest in writing and I couldn’t believe how many were dying to ask my opinion of their work and what classes they could take to improve. I also was introduced to many past GM students and got all of their contact info (all cell #’s and facebook… go figure) to further my research. We were served what they call “Nescafe,” which was something of a treat for them, by a kid with a caraf pack on his back and a “coffee gun” in his hand—basically it was something that tasted like a Dunkin Donuts coffee with cream and sugar.

Dima and I - Past Global Module student


Scudder took the liberty to ask some of the girls I was speaking with if they were going to take me to some clubs and I almost spit out my coffee. I was there to be professional and keep a higher profile, I was like, “What the **** is he doing?” They were tickled and took down my info and then when he turned away they asked, “What are you going to wear! Do you like Arabic music? etc etc,” No, I didn't think American hoocie wear applied to Jordan - silly me. Farrah told me she was going to wear a mini dress and was smitten about it. As much as this isn’t something I didn’t think I was going to do. I think I have to. Just to say I did it. Most of the girls have a midnight curfew – so it shouldn’t be too bad. But these girls are lookers for sure, and seem like the “popular girls,” so please stay tuned for that one. :)

Sarah, Sherihan, and Farah - students who I hope to visit with again soon.


We were invited to lunch in the campus restaurant with Rula and a handful of the girls came with us to talk about the GMs. What a great bunch, all very, very bright and some even spoke French as well. You are served by formal servers in suits who can predict when you need or want something. I insisted on eating something I had never tried before and I ended up with a dish of chicken with some sort of tomato rice. It was very good and yes, I took pictures, of course! We started with breads and hummus and an eggplant spread (not baba ganoush though) and salad, and we were topped off with a classic dessert that I can’t remember the name of—new to me. Sweet with honey and crunchy with a sweet cheese base and these crispy noodley things on top and pistachios – great description, I know.

Drs. Rula and Scudder - forces to be reckoned with. Every school needs a Rula!


This evening we are going to dinner with Char and a friend of hers to a place nearby. Scudder went off to the gym and buy some clothes, and I wasn’t feeling so well, so I stayed behind to rest and write. I think it was a combination of the coffees, my whacked schedule, and the water. Although it’s “safe” to drink when boiled or served in restaurants, you still shouldn’t drink it. And my tummy is telling me now.

I have some pics to post but it's already time to run - when I return I will add them.
Cheers,
Jenica