I thought it might be a good idea to sum some of this up so I can keep track. After all, one of the best things I can do with my experience is to teach everyone what I know when I get back home.
1. Most people do NOT hate Americans and are NOT terrorists. They get excited when you try to speak Arabic and they LOVE Obama.
2. Arabs are extremely hospitable, and will offer you food and drink until you burst.
3. It's considered rude to point the bottom of your foot towards someone.
4. Lots of everyday phrases like "alhamdillallah" and "insha'allah" have religious roots. You use them even if you're not religious.
5. There are radio stations that play Britney Spears and Ke$ha, and there are also radio stations that exclusively feature the Q'uran being read aloud.
6. Family is EXTREMELY important. I cannot stress how much of a role family plays in Arab society.
7. Personal space does not exist.
8. A Jordanian woman can wear whatever she wants. Your dress code is influenced mostly by your family and personal beliefs. Most women who wear hijab really believe in what they are doing.
9. The call to prayer really does go off 5 times a day, and It's beautiful.
10. Jordan needs more animal shelters =(.
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I did this when I was on my Fulbright. What proved interesting is what I added at the end of the Fulbright. I also backed off some initial ideas. For example I felt, at first, that I really WAS from the New World and started to write about that. But I've never quite succeeded in finishing it as I changed my mind some. I can hardly wait to talk to you when you get back. Mary
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