Our abode for the two short days we were there was a guest house. Below Grandpa is seen waiting for our ride at the entrance of our apartment. All the residences have these cement-like walls that enclose the property. Stepping through this door
we see the courtyard and the house. Inside was a cozy, spacious first floor apartment that had hot running water, adequate plumbing though we still weren't allowed to flush the paper, a kitchenette and living/dining area - highly recommended by us to anyone interested at only JD29 a night.
To show you how comfy we were in the guest house, I'm including a picture of me relaxing at the kitchen table. Sorry, I have this addiction to crossword puzzles.
We shopped at the local Safeway and bought breakfast items only. Trey and Tab took care of the rest of our meals. This is what the Jordanian Safeway looks like from the street. At one grocery store, I had to go through security similar to that at the airport and I was asked to put my camera away. We always felt safe in Jordan, so, I guess, it was worth it to go through the rigors of X-raying, etc.
Aqaba is rapidly developing into a world-renowned resort area. This is a picture I took from the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel. Where this industry is growing, you see many changes. The streets are pristine and everything looks fresh and new. In other neighborhoods, the people still litter. Even in the best hotels, you still can't flush the paper. Tourism has brought new jobs to the people here and, hopefully, a new prosperity.
Even so, some of the old ways can be seen. Check out the goat meat hanging in this shop window. The Arab, always friendly, waved to my camera.
Minarets are everywhere. Though this one looks pretty, framed by sky and foliage, there is an eeriness about them to our western senses. A bright green light glows in them each night and the Imam uses a loudspeaker to call his people to prayer five times a day (at least), often accompanied by music that sounds like a theme song I once heard in a horror flick.
Two other buildings were of importance to us in this city. Two that are very close to our hearts. One is the home of Trey and Tabitha. It is on the first floor, beautifully spacious and conducive to entertaining, which Tab loves to do and she has a house helper. You all know the attachment I had to our Honda Oddesy Van. Trey and Tab have one in a different color, but just as nifty.
This building is the Life Center. In my next posting I'll tell you about some of the activities that go on within its walls. (There's that very special van again.)
No one could describe Jordan and not use the words hot and arid. Though the temp was well over 100 in Aqaba, we didn't notice our perspiration - it evaporates immediately. This country has a serious water problem and is looking for ways to increase their water supply; like building a canal from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The problems involved in that sound overwhelming, so we wish them well and hope that, one way or another, the country solves its water shortage.
I hope you have learned a little about the Aqaba area, remembering that Jordan is ruled by King Abdullah, a kind man who has the benefit of his country at heart. It was a pleasure to be there and experience the culture as well as the scenery. Next posting, I will tell you about our American friends in Aqaba and also about the activities in which we participated. I look forward to our next visit on Grandma's Gazette and I want all you grandchildren to know, that seeing the young children of our friends reaalllyy made me miss YOU GUYS! I can't wait to see you in person cause I
Love you all! Grandma for Grandpa and me
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