Marhaba!  I am here, and honestly if this post consisted of only exclamation points, that would suffice.   I don't think I have stopped grinning.   My first full day here was spent at a resort at the Dead Sea for several hours of orientation, lunch of shwarma wraps, and then to do as we please.  Floating in the Dead Sea is such an experience, but having done it before, it is pretty funny to watch 100 students react to bobbing like apples in the water.   I haven't really slept yet because of planes, jet lag, paper thin walls, babies, call to prayer, unidentifiable music, and a head cold.  But chances are good for tonight as I am quite exhausted. 

Some things I have learned:

1)   Hummus does not truly exist outside the Middle East

2)   There is such a thing as a hijab bathing suit: sort of like a wet suit, but with a dress-suit worn over the pants with a hood attached

3)   The toilets don't flush toilet paper, there are trash cans for this purpose

4)   I left my camera cord at home, working on obtaining one to upload pics

5)   New Jersey drivers in roundabouts are nothing compared to Jordanian drivers in their roundabouts.  I am glad I have no opportunity to drive here

6)   Internet is painfully slow – expect a post about once a week, no more

Much love to all!