Tabby and I went to the center where Tab leads an aerobics class on the third floor. As soon as the Arab ladies arrived they took off their hijabs and long cloaks (I couldn't find a name for these, but they look like long-to-the-toes coats with high bodices and long sleeves.) In other words, in the name of modesty, everything gets covered except the hands, toes and face and, sometimes, only the eyes are seen. I was not able to get a picture of the aerobics class because no one was "dressed" for a photo.
One activity at the center was a class on nutrition for the neighborhood ladies. Five Arab women attended. It was conducted by a beautiful blond American from AZ, a nutritionist, who spoke on the food pyramid - sorry I couldn't get her face in the photo. To her right is an Arab lady from Europe, who lives by the customs of her native home, She was the interpreter and she is hijabless, sleeveless and short-skirted.
The women, through the interpreter, asked questions about the foods and entered into the conversation often. The ladies were really into having a good time and learning. They sat around and chatted and one of the Americans proceeded to give the others a hand treatment. It was good to see everyone socializing.
Whoops! It looks like the lady in red did not wear a hijab!
Next on the agenda, everyone went from the parlor into the kitchen to make nutritious snacks - frozen bananas, fruit pizzas and fajitas - with the teacher.
Our friends from the neighborhood really got into it. They whipped off the hijabs and started assembling the different foods. There was a lot of chattering and laughter.
Then Grandpa and Trey walked in. The ladies squealed, ducked under the counter or hid behind the refrigerator door. Trey immediately realized their blunder and darted for the office, but Grandpa stood there saying 'what happened?' as he was escorted out the door onto the porch.
The ladies donned their hijabs and Grandpa was allowed to continue to the office to finish his auditing job. Does he look relieved?
While we were meeting the women at the center, Trey and Grandpa went to a business seminar where three American men conducted a marketing class for interested Aqaba residents. The man I heard (yes, I managed to sneak out of class one day and audit the seminar) owned a car dealership and he gave the class pointers on how to run a successful business. All his rules seemed to go back to the idea that a good businessman treats his customer the way he would like to be treated. Hmm. Where have I heard that before? The class was held in the Intercontinental Hotel nearby. Below is a not-very-good photo of the proceedings, but the room and equipment were top-notch and provided an opportunity for Americans to meet Jordanians.
This is a photo of contrasts. I was surprised to see women attend the seminar.
The two women on the left were appropriately dressed. They smiled and entered into the discussion often and the one with her chin in her hand even walked over to strike up a conversation with Grandpa and me. Her English was outstanding. The woman on the right is a complete opposite. I tried, but failed, to get a picture of her when she walked by in her tight, above-the-knee skirt and spike heels. All three of these women were Arabs, but obviously not of the same philosophy.
At the end of the day Grandpa and I joined the Martins and the three Americans for a Chinese dinner. The chopsticks about did me in!
Before I sign off on this posting, I have something else I want to tell you about. Queen Noor has been a very kind queen. For one of her projects to help the women of Jordan, she set up a sewing business where women have the opportunity to earn money. Pictured here is the shop where their goods are sold.
And here one of the employees allowed me to snap her picture - after she covered her head.
Tomorrow I will tell you about our friends in Aqaba - those two little Martins were very entertaining, but they surely made me miss all of you!
Love you all! Grandma for Grandpa and me
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