Thursday, January 31, 2013

ARAB 1001 assignment: Jordan


Watch the videos about Jordan and write a 50+ words comment

11 comments:

  1. Sandra Hendow
    Arabic 1001

    I definitely enjoyed this video more than the Saudi Arabia one. I liked how it was mainly about the history and landmarks of Jordan. My favorite quote from the movie was when King Abdulla was saying, just because you hear something bad happening close to a place that you shouldn't visit it. If it wasn't safe then people wouldn't live there. It was cool to see how many activities that go on in the desert, I’ve always wanted to go skydiving and the view would be magnificent. I loved the stories about people being nice and welcoming, doing everything they can for the hospitality of strangers. Watching the video has made me want to visit Jordan and ride a camel, even though it seems that it would be a challenge!

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  2. Aaron Ward
    Arabic 1001

    I agree with Sandra I enjoyed this video more that the one on Saudia Arabia because it was a perspective from the Royal Family. I also enjoyed this video because I had the opportunity of living in Jordan this past summer for a month so this video was a great reminder of all the things I experience when I was in Jordan. Every landmark mentioned in this video I have been to. I really like how Queen Rania answered the question about muslim/christianity hatred "mutual suspicion that takes place" and how the King said that this region needs to see resolution. Many people called me crazy for going over to Jordan with a group of 10 others to learn about the culture and start building "bridges" between the west and east. The way I would describe Jordan is the New Zealand of the Middle East a perfect place for tourism, very safe. Jordan is a country funded by NATO and other nations because its the one country that stands between the Holy city. A lot of refuges live in Jordan. On my trip I went to Wadi Rum and its incredible. We pulled mattress out of the Bedouin camp we were staying in and looked up at the stars (the whole sky was covered in them.) The next morning we drove to Aqaba, the only port city in Jordan, and went snorkeling in the Red Sea. The only way I can describe it is the movie Finding Nemo. I even got to snorkel over the shipwreck featured in this video, simply incredible. The next day we drove 4 hours to Petra, what a hot day at 105 degrees. You have to walk like 8 miles through the rock gate and when you turn the corner your jaw drops in disbelieve at what you are witnessing. We took a donkey to the top of Petra to the Library where the movie Transformers 2 was filmed. Up top is a view called the Edge of the World with canyons all around. I also got to go to the Red Sea and float for hours with the beautiful scenery of Palestine on the other side. We then walked over to Wadi Mujib and hiked up to the waterfall. The journey isn't as treacherous as the video showed, there are now ropes that help you over some rocks. At the top we dove under the waterfall and let the propulsion carry us off like a rocket out of the water. The only problem about Mujib is all the rocks that get caught in your feet. This video didn't show much about the Roman city of Geresh or Ajlun (castle.) but there defiantly a must see while your there. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. The people take southern hospitality to the next level and you are their guest. I am grateful for the opportunity of living out this Royal Journey and I am glad that I didn't let the "travel ban" or conflicts alter my decision.

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  3. I love how these videos were from the royal perspective also. I've wanted to visit Jordan since Transformers 2 had scenes in the city of Petra. Watching these videos and learning about the all of the landmarks and the welcoming people just backed that passion up even more. One day I will save up enough money to fully enjoy this rich culture, go skydiving in a desert and ride a camel!
    Laprecious ARAB 1001

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  4. Darby Galler
    Arabic 1001

    I think it is really interesting that Jordan has first royalty like a king and queen. Secondly that they have a Queen; a female, this is so surprising for me. I did not even know that about Jordan. I think it is really cool that Queen Rania is very modern and relatable. Normally when you think of a Queen you do not think of someone like her. Watching the clips of the Bedouins reminded me of being in Israel too. We stayed there the night and the next day climbed mount Masada. Sky diving in Jordan would be a cool experience too.

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  5. Tyler Housten Arabic 1001February 3, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    The Jordanians are a passionate and proud people and the country seems to truly welcome its visitors with open arms. Despite being squeezed between the hotspots of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan seems to be probably the safest and most stable country in the region. Regardless of your nationality, guests tend to be greeted with nothing but courtesy and hospitality in this gem of a country.Petra is without doubt one of the Middle East's most spectacular and interesting places.

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  6. Melanie Steinke
    ARAB 1001

    I really enjoyed these videos! My two favorite were the ones with Queen Rania. From those two videos alone I learned a lot about Jordan. I never knew that Jordan is a monarchy, and that is somewhat surprising. I love how influential Queen Rania is not only in Jordan but in the United States as well. It is great seeing a woman that is a great leader because in some extremes of the Arab culture, women are very protected and are not usually in leadership roles. Queen Rania sets such a great example for women on how to be a leader, but also a godly, modest woman as well. I really liked when she was talking about her realization in the first video. When she said that no matter where we are from, what we look like, or how we pray, the way we feel when we see human suffering is the same. That is what connects us, our humanness. That's such an amazing thought and one that could truly unite us all. We may not believe in the same things or live in the same manner, but we can all fight against suffering together. I really enjoyed listening to Queen Rania!

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  7. Max Friel

    My favorite part was about getting to see some of the inside of Petra. You usually only get to see the outside of buildings like the treasury. I sort of wish they showed more of the insides of the temples, because I've been wanting to see them as long as I can remember.
    Queen Rania is very smart and her and her husband give me a new idea of what a royal family can be a and do. If it was possible it would be cool to meet King Abdulla some day, he seems like a well grounded man and is interested in many of the things I'm also interested in.

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  8. Kelsi Leverett

    I never realized what a beautiful country Jordan is. I always had the impression it was nothing but a dangerous shantytown. However, after watching these videos it has quickly become a place I want to visit someday. Petra is on of the most fascinating places I have ever heard about. The intricate designs carved into solid stone were very well done and I cant wait to see if for myself. King Abdulla and his wife also impressed me quite a lot. Queen Rania is such a well spoken woman and I love that she is trying to empower women. King Abdulla seems like an awesome fun guy. It would be really cool to meet him.

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  9. Kelsey R. Henderson

    After watching these videos about Queen Rania and Jordan, I have come to realize that she is like most mothers. Although she lives in Jordan, she is not much different than American mothers in her values. I love what she stands for and what she represents, what she has to offer to women around the world because for me, I can say I believe I’ve found another role model. Viewing these videos gave me a closer feeling than with the Saudi Arabia ones, I feel I can better relate to these and Jordan is much more like America than I thought.

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  10. Christopher White (ARAB 1001)
    King Abdullah and his family have to be the most interesting aspect of these videos for me. Generally speaking, my intuitive image of a monarch is that of an insular, supercilious authoritarian. Abdullah, on the other hand, behaves more along the lines of what I would expect from a democratically elected head of state, talking with others, even foreigners, as he would an equal. Abdullah and his wife Rania are not only open to new things and experiences, but seem to see this as an important part of life.
    I actually remember the first time I became aware of the nation of Jordan’s existence. In the 2nd grade, when I still favored my middle name (Jordan), a friend and I were overlooking a globe and our eyes fell upon a rather small country that bore my name. Being about 7 and lacking any real consciousness of how the world worked, I was immeasurably enthused to find out I had a country named after me.

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  11. Evan Solomon (ARAB 1001)

    This video was quite impressive. I enjoyed these much more than the Saudi Arabia videos mostly because of the king. I have much respect for him because not only did he suffer and risk his life with and for his people, but he still enjoys his country and and genuinely cares for it. I was impressed by the desert people aswell with their customs and getting along happily with what little they have.

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