In my last post I alluded to the fact that my life has been consumed by research, which unfortunately it has. So instead of overwhelming cultural immersion everyday, I get small bits because I most am doing a lot of work. However, I have not been completely oblivious to whats going on around me and I have to get out some point. These past few weeks I have gotten a feel for our neighborhood, ventured out a few times, and had some great food.
Starting with my neighborhood, its right by the University of Jordan, so their are tons of students as some decent cafes to do work in. Gwen and I having been going to a place called October Blue that has great wifi for downloading true blood episodes/ doing real work, and the food is a strange fusion of sandwiches and Jordanian flavors. October Blue is an interesting place, as it is usually playing Dubstep at 11 am, which isn't the best for getting work done but it is so close to our apartment, has tons of space comfortable couches and tons of other students meeting in groups to get work done. The waiters are great but as most restaurants in Jordan take their time with most things. Unlike the U.S. experience of getting their ordering, eating, and leaving immediately after, in Jordan people like to take their time. At most place it takes quite awhile to get your menu, then you probably wont see your waiter again until you ask for the check which then also takes at least 20 minutes. Sometimes when they are pushing on 30 minutes, I am like really? But honestly I prefer it ten times better than the rushed attitude many restaurants have in the U.S.
Besides October Blue we also frequent the electronic store to get minutes for our phones and internet, where the workers vary between a middle aged guy, and a kid that seems to be around 13. He is always getting pissy with me when I give him large bills, meaning 5 JD for something that costs 1. Last time I went in the store I think he purposely gave me back all my change in coins, but I think he still like me.
Our most visited spot is a corner store that has the basics but considering that really all I eat at home, is pretty good. The two workers whom I am assuming are father and son are great, and pretty much treat us like idiots which most of the time I am sure me wandering around a store that literally has one 10 foot aisle gives that impression. The son is possibly 16 tops, and usually says the numbers in English which helps kinda of but I still have to fumble around for change while Jordanians magically have the right amount immediately all the time. It confuses me.
A few shops down from the corner store is a magical/evil place that sells the best/worst sandwich ever called the zinger. I am questioning whether I should describe it because I know there will be judgement, but its so good. Okay so a zinger is basically a sandwich that has a spicy fried chicken tender wrapped in turkey with melty cheese on top, with more spicy sauce and usually peppers and pickles. EEK it is scary, but I love it and its so close to my house, the man working there might also know us. BUT I do not get fries with it so thats a plus right. Anyways its pretty delicious.
In all those are the important spots in the neighborhood, I need to take pictures but its hard to remember when you pass by these places everyday.
No comments:
Post a Comment