Middle Eastern Visitation Rights
I sat on the formal couch and listened to the Arabic words swirling around me; lightening fast and coming from every direction. I looked at…
The Culture of War
“Things may start shaking, so don’t make any plans on February 14th,” said Walid. ‘Shaking’ was Walid’s term for instability. He went on to explain…
Up in Smoke: Hookah Culture in Lebanon
Europeans call it Shisha, Lebanese refer to it as Nargile, and in English, it is Hookah. However, I prefer the name Hubbly Bubbly, a term…
In Search of Souks
One of my favorite things about Arabic culture is the souk culture. I was first introduced to souks on my first trip abroad to Turkey….
Lebanon Contrasts
Lebanon is such a confusing country. It is full of contrasts everywhere you look and with each person you talk to. Just when you think…
The One Question Every Solo Female Traveler Gets Asked
We had been driving for about an hour outside of Aman having a pleasant conversation. But then it the question came…my taxi driver in Jordan…
Acts of Kindness in Jordan
Expect to be questioned when you go to Jordan. Of course, you will be questioned by your friends and family as to why you would…
Unplugged Travel
Smoke billowed throughout the tent and left the area a-glow in orange. The flames lapped up from beneath the metal spherical disk. She pounded the…
Minimalistic Beverages
As soon as I entered the house, I could smell it. The familiar scent of cardamom – my favorite spice in the whole world. Etedal…
Holy Heat Worship
Jordanians, no matter what God they believe in, all huddle around it worshiping the black metal God. There’s one in every house I’ve been to…and…