Archives for 2011

Umm Qays

Um ‘Kay?

To finish off our day we decided to visit the Roman ruins of Umm Qays before heading back to Amman. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the sun sets early in Jordan. The drive turned into a race between us and the sun. We arrived just in time to take a few photos and climb up on the stones to peek over the political boundaries into Syria and Palestine.


Molly and I had both been interested in learning how to take silhouettes after seeing these beautiful images. This setting seemed like the perfect opportunity to practice. Look, it’s Molly!

Shortly thereafter we drove back to Amman for the night.

xo, jill

Jerash

The ruins of Romans.

After bidding farewell to Sarah in Muscat, I took a quick flight to Jordan to meet up with Molly and her sister. How nice to arrive at the hotel in a foreign country… only to see one of your favorite faces!

Bright and early the next morning we rented a car and drove the approximately 50 kilometers up to Jerash.

We spent a pleasant morning exploring one of the “best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.”

I’m always amazed at the skilled craftsmanship of the past. I was particularly impressed by these statues we stumbled upon. So lifelike.

We grabbed some lunch in town before heading out on our next adventure.

photo by Molly

xo, jill

Jordan Teaser

My best move.

Back in December I went to Jordan. You probably forgot because I never blogged about it. But I’m ready now… well, almost.

Here’s when I convinced Molly to photograph “my best move.” She’s the best at indulging my silliness. Or maybe she realized that if she’d take my photo I’d knock it off. And by knock it off I mean stop calling out “Hey, Molly! Look, it’s my best move!”

xo, jill

Kiva Loan: February

2 down, 10 to go!

photo from Susana’s Kiva listing

February’s Kiva loan goes to Susana, who operates a food stall in Peru. Susana requested $1,100 to buy more inventory for her business. Here’s to getting her shelves stocked and stocked well. I think it feels extra cool to loan to a country you’ve visited!

Since last month’s loan I’ve had two friends/loved ones enter the microfinance game themselves. One was even for my birthday!

Have you made a loan yet?

xo, jill

Sister Blog: Beach

She needed a tan.

Finally towards the end of Jana’s visit we made it to the beach. Unfortunately, her time in Abu Dhabi coincided with some really weird weather. Rain! Wind! Clouds! Fair enough for winter time but not what one expects while visiting the Middle East.

When the weather cleared a bit, we headed to the beach.

How nice to relax on the beach in the sun enjoying a glass of Cox’s Apple.

That is until the sand storm whipped in to full effect. We tried to out last it but sand can be surprisingly painful when hurling towards your face and bare extremities. Not to mention the umbrellas and beach chairs were beginning to take flight.

We skedaddled but returned the next day to finish out our beach session. A relaxing way to finish out Jana’s visit. I took her to the airport later that night. Masalama, sis!

xo, jill

Sister Blog: Grand Mosque

So nice, we went twice.

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is my favorite sight in Abu Dhabi. As I’ve said many times before, I’m lucky enough to drive past it on my work commute. It was the other must-see (along with Liwa desert) on Jana’s list.

In fact, it’s such a great place we visited twice! That or my camera battery died immediately upon arrival during the first visit. Going back allowed me to view the mosque up close for the first time near twilight. It was even more breathtaking than usual.

xo, jill

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