The second half of the trip is really just a little crazy.
One day I said sitting in Afghanistan I thought...- Hey, while I am in Italy - I should pop over and visit my friends in Jordan before I go home.
I booked the ticket and the rest is history.

Friday 0130 - arrive Amman. I felt little nervous excitement... Jordan could not be more different than Rome - But I was so excited to explore.
It did not help that with just a week before leaving I had spoke with three people about how amazing Jordan was and how Petra would blow me away.
We drove the back roads to the Dead Sea. When I say back roads - I mean crazy Middle East roads! At one point I felt I was in the Anbar or Farah even.
But as we got closer I could actually smell the water. We joked that it was more like a combination of goats and water but you never know.
I am sure the drive during the day would have been pretty amazing but the black night was all around - very little light pollution. We checked into the resort and you could see the sea by moonlight  - the next morning was the first glimpse I had of the Dead Sea!
Since we got in late we relaxed as much as we could and head to explore Majib Wadi.  I had heard about this place a few weeks ago when my friends from Amman had posted facebook pictures. But until you are there and walking through it - it is hard to explain. It is a 45 minute hike to the end - but is filled with running water and rocks to climb over. We  caught it at the last week open for the year. It gets too dangerous. At a few points they have mounted ropes to pull yourself up and over the rocks. On the way back you slide down rocks with the rushing current. What a true highlight. The rock walls were filled with brilliant walls of red and brown, Just a true great adventure.  I lost all of the pics but trust me, an amazing experience.

We were already wet so we drove back to the resort to do the Dead Sea. To be honest those that know me  - know I do not float. I dog paddle the best that I can and even living next to Lake Erie for 17 years that is all I have. The weather was warm enough and surprisingly the sea was warm once you took the initial plunge if you will. Before you go in - you have to lather up with black mud that is scooped out and placed in these huge urns by the shore.
This combination is suppose to bring some healing principles. And since I still have messed up heels from Afghanistan it could not hurt.
Surprise of the day... I can float... This place was relaxing and slow paced and great company just what I needed.
Excellent - Excellent Turkish coffee with Cardamom. Could not stop smiling while drinking it. A little piece of heaven.
Once the sun set I was blown away that I could look across the sea to Israel.. How strange that by sight distance maybe 5km away was the worlds most contested land ever in history.  This is also the lowest point on earth - 400m below sea level.
Saturday
We set the alarm early for the next morning because we had around a four hour drive to Petra. The main road took along the sea and then up and over the hills. It was desolate in most case - dry, dusty hills.. We saw the occasional herder, Bedouins.
The closer we got the Petra the more activity. It is a tourist town much like all tourist towns around the world.
I was not 100% sure what to expect - especially since everyone that I mentioned the trip to began to talk about Indiana Jones and all of the ancient civilization... Well, they were right but completely different the from the ancient places I had left in Rome just a few days before.
All I can say is wow.. I am not sure how they created all of this but pretty amazing. Inside the "park" they had  - camels, donkeys, and horse carriages.  We rode camels in the middle of the 7th Wonder of the World. How can you beat that?

Overall amazing day. I am not a huge fan of archaeology - but this is something that should not be missed.

Amman is a huge city - and I like it.
Now granted I was not doing the driving and I am thankful for that.
It has the same mixture of big city and then right smack in the middle ancient ruins.
Had an amazing hot stone massage by a man from Egypt that used to be a wrestling coach.
Great dinner with new and old friends.
Funny we went to dinner at Romero's in Amman - Excellent food and the owner was perfect. Best Gnocchi of the trip :)
Crazy we were all in the same place at the same time.
Drank more Great Turkish coffee, Ate at Hashem Restaurant for excellent falafel's, Turkish Bath...
love... love.. all of it.
Overall, this trip was not about following specific guidebooks or checking off the sites. It was just to be.

vacation

First vacation in a long time that was not connected to work, volunteering or family.
Keep in mind -  I had flights and rooms and secured and not much else. Just following the wind.

25th Flight - perfect... as they should be.
26th Arrived in Rome in the afternoon. I had a driver pick me up. I knew that I would tackle the metro and bus transportation systems in the city - but just wanted to get to my hotel first. I spent a little time wondering around near the hotel and ended up at the - Obika Mozzarella Bar !!

First meal in Rome - Caprese Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella.

27th - Plaza Buenos Aires - Church - Attended Mass in Italian. I figured when in Rome do as the Romans.
Explored Borghese Gardens and Modern Museum of Art, Art Musuem of Etrusico.
The square by the Flamino Metro stop was beautiful. Most of the larger squares all have a beautiful fountain and churches that corner one of the anchors.

In the early evening I linked up with Ingrid and Leo - That night we took the metro to see the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. It is a good practice to see them both during the day and in the evening.
We had Pizza.

We walked along the streets to see the Italian Guards  at the tomb of the unknown soldier - in the evening tourists cannot  walk up the stairs. But during the day you can actually get fairly close.
Many of the Churches in the evening were open and you could stop to explore. Walked home through Borghese Garden.

28th Meet friends at The Italian Army barracks for coffee and photos.   Yes, apparently all Italian Military barracks has a place to take coffee :)

Then headed to the Vatican, St Peter Basilica. We walked up to the top to see the amazing views. It is majestic. We walked a fair amount  - but the streets can accommodate that. It is very comfortable.
Met the friends later that day for dinner - Pasta with tomato, mozzarella and basil. Explored more of old Rome at night.

The streets were not crowded but there was a fair amount of people walking around. Great atmosphere. Castle St. Angelo is not open on Mondays but you can walk along the outside walls.

29th  - Coliseum and all of Ancient Rome -  this section alone took us about five hours just to explore.  Much of it has been renovated or the process of being reserved. The coliseum is currently
being restored by private investors rather and public resources as they are scarce.

Ingrid and Leo left around 4 pm - I rested and then went to dinner  - By far the most  delicious pasta of the trip. Pasta - tomatoes and mozzarella and basil. (you see the common theme) Everyone told me that I must try the Buffalo Mozzarella that is from the lower central area of Italy.
They were correct. Very tasty... Gelato - Pistachio and a mixture bests from behind the counter. Gelato was another thing everyone mentioned I had to have at least once a day. I did have it a few times but not every day. Banana, Coconut were my favorites.

30th - Day of walking exploration  - museums, churches. I had decided not to take the bus or tram because nearly every corner has something to look at.  The embassy district was beautiful. Between the maps, guide books and well marked streets I did not have a problem navigating. I got turned around a couple of times but nothing major. Walked through a very thriving market. Fruits, vegetables, jewelry, antiques and clothing.  Even enjoyed getting in the mix of a leather purse frenzy. Probably 6 tables of leather bags with probably 50 people reaching and looking. I avoided the purchase but interesting. Also, a fair amount of cashmere booths. Tempting...
After lunch I headed towards more of the older part of Rome to see the Fountain in daylight and go over to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Behind the tomb was a two part museum of Italian Naval History and Army history. Spent a fair amount time walking through the displays and trying to grasp the complicated history of Italy.  I thought I could find a memorial to La Rosa - but I am pretty sure based on a partly cryptic conversation that was outside the city.
Continued to explore on sidewalks that followed countless blocks of ancient Roman history. So, the biggest take away is that are so many ruins in Rome. I had no idea. I have seen ruins in Morocco, Greece, Baku, Iraq, Afghanistan and Slovenia but the vast scale in Rome is amazing. More church exploration and traveled to the top of Santa Maria di Araceoli Church that had 124 steps. Also, a miraculous Santo Bambino  more details

 

I lit a fair amount of candles that day.
It was also a bit emotional to just be a part of that much Catholicism in just a few days.
Growing up the first 8-9 years of my life I would say that we lived all things catholic. And now seeing so many visual images in front of me made think of my past and most of all miss many of the people that were in it.

Dinner that night was probably the most disappointing but to no fault of my own - I just chose wrong. I thought I was getting calamari with prawns but ended up with baby Octopus and full-bodied beady eyed prawns. I walked for almost nine hours that day. So, I was eager to put up my feet and rest.
Visited a Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars.   Crypt link
I found it haphazardly and it was well worth the entrance fee. Very interesting... BTW St. Anne supposedly taught Mary to read...
Who knew, really.

Thursday last day in Rome. My flight for Jordan left at almost three.
A friend drove across the Italy that morning to pick me up go to lunch and take me to the airport. From the outsiders viewpoint it was a simple act.
But I was completely blown away. We had lunch at Airport café and just hung out for few hours. The food was marginal but the company and people watching made up for it. We took one pic at the airport - but later during my trip I would loose all of the photos I took on my cell and contacts. So, I will just have to embed some of the memories.
I was pretty choked through security and on the plane. I guess the impact of having met so many amazing people in Farah and then to continue the friendship in Italy.  All just very humbling. But the Lufthansa agent had hooked me up with bulk head seats to Frankfurt and then again to Amman. I do not need the extra space but was happy to have some.  Just amazed really...

Wadjda Official Trailer #1

Definitely worth it!

Every Which Way But Loose (Eddie Rabbit)

This year I did not ignore Oct 10th - I just did not want to focus on it.
It has been a very long time since Oct 10, 1998. So much has changed - some for the better, some for worse - just depends on which you way you look at it.
Tonight driving home for yoga - I was relaxed. Focused. Pleased.
I scanned through the channels looking for the next song - and then I heard...
Every Which Way but Loose...
Yes, you know from 1978 sung by Eddie Rabbit...
Immediately, my throat got a little tight and my eyes a little misty - Instantly thought of mom.
I miss her more than most could imagine.

MAT to mat

Getting back on the MAT.
Last week I left the MAT and one of the most important things I know I needed to do
is get back on to my yoga mat. I got home Friday morning and gazed at the schedule online.
I wanted to go but I was hesitant.
I was ready but not ready.
On Monday morning I checked in for class and found my self situated in the studio.
I felt nervously comfortable. The familiarity of the practice felt great.
But I was wobbly and my knee was sneaking forward in front of the other.
I completely forgot the how to do side twist but the instructor was gracious and loving.
....
no judging as much as I was judging myself no one in the room was judging me.
After class I confessed out loud that this is was my first guided practice in 9 months.
I know this is where I belong and more importantly this is where I find peace.
The other practices this week have been slightly less shakey but the shake is still there.
Thank goodness child pose is always available and the welcoming atmosphere of peace and love.
Glad to be back on the mat.

6th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Symposium

Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado

Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (MDT)

Colorado Springs, CO

Free Registration

The 6th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Symposium is a learning and networking opportunity modeled after TED Talks. The goal this year is to inform, inspire and involve the community to end human trafficking in our backyard. By hosting local speakers from all spheres of influence, we hope to provide the platform for others to imagine themselves in the fight to stop the trafficking of an estimated 27 million victims.


The Symposium will start a 9:00 am. Registration opens at 8:00.

things I have learned in since January

things I have learned in since January

After living with 100+ degree temps for months 75 is freezing to me!
Perfect breakfast combination 1 packet of oatmeal and two scoops of peanut butter.
I can handle 3 Italian espresso's with 2-3 hours of one another! My Italian counterparts made amazing coffee with great pride!
A slight difference in Slovenian coffee, Turkish coffee and Italian coffee
Sometimes the nicest things happen when not expecting them (did not learn this over there but certainly experienced it)
Even ugly bare mountains can be peaceful and meaningful at times
I have the stomach for triage. I immediately fell into medic mode of which  I am not!
GSWs can be very clean.
Lettuce and Swiss cheese sandwiches quickly became my go to lunch favorite!
I was emotionally attached to either swiss or provolone and a little bummed if we were out..
That Bob's hot sauce that was on every table in the Farah DFAC is tasty on EVERYTHING.
Initially, I said I was not going to watch a lot of movies and I ended watching a ton.
I missed yoga incredibly...
I ate way too much ice cream in the evenings. I was an enabler!
I saved the book No Easy Day for one of the last books to read and I am glad that I did
I was inspired by the book Battle Ready - recommend it
I read three books that described Beirut / Lebanon and Palestine in great detail and I think I am smitten with the idea of going there
Somehow, I was inspired to take a vacation to Italy - Italy has never been in the top 20.
I increased my loans on Kiva and it has been pretty neat to watch the return
I can use this phrase in a sentence ll'invio tanto amore
Karzai never came to visit me... I had some things to chat with him about.
In Shindand the local workers made Mango Salad at the DFAC - it was probably the best meal I had the entire tour. I filled out a very enthusiastic comment card and quickly all of the workers knew me by my mango salad affinity.
I already knew this but..  some people I can have very easy conversations with and others are so painful...
The moon is beautiful there.
The red rocks that were barren jagged dirt hills - they pale in comparison to the mountains I can see everyday but I will miss them.
Downton Abbey was just as good the second time around - all three seasons.
The NameSake still one of my favorite movies.
I met some remarkable people and I will carry their stories with me for awhile.
I already knew I loved to go to the range but I really, really love to go to the range.
The simplicity is simple.
The complexity is complex.

saved what I thought would be appropriate for last...

I have been carrying the book No Easy Day  around for over ten months. There was a fair amount of drama about this book when it first came out so I set it aside.  I finally picked it up over a week ago and wanted to finish it before I left country. Partly because I was ready to read it and partly because I did not want to drag it back half way around the world. I was not disappointed. I think the story lines up closely with the two movies and the other articles I have read on the death of OBL and how detail oriented they were prior to the raid and out lines all of the politics in any high profile mission.
The book articulates the professionalism and training of soldiers and how rehearsals and plans pay off so things go smoothly even in the middle of chaos.  It also hopefully gives people the realty that one day you could be on a high profile mission and the next week you still mow your lawn and take care of your children.

Battle Ready - Must read

At the beginning of August I finished reading Battle Ready by Mark L. Donald. A hero for all to take a moment and reflect upon.
BATTLE READY is a powerful military memoir based on the life of one of the highest decorated combat veterans of the Afghan and Iraqi wars and the most decorated medical officer for service on the battlefield since the Second World War.

Battle Ready

words

Literally had someone share some words with me that took my breath away. It made me stop and think that we need to share what we really feel about one another more often.

Memoir and Novelist

More Deployment reading
Of course a memoir

NPR interview
Blue Plate Special by Kate Christensen

How can you pass up an amazing memoir that has family, travels, cooking, details of  growing up and love. I recommend it

remember

I hope that I remember these stories for the days to come to remind of what I should be doing and who I should be doing them for. Of course it is always complicated but now I atleast can understand more. Which is why we need to educate and encourage one another. I say always. But I know I do not have always follow this - but I am trying...

I hope this email finds you well and my apologize for writing you late.

I want to inform you that the cash was paid to the following women:

 

*     1500 Afns to Zobaida, the young women who has a very low economy status. she lost her parents and  has one sister that has a serious sickness of kidney and is under treatment. her only brother has nervous problem. Zobaida has no one to feed her and her sister and brother but some financial aid or food of her villagers and sometimes she sells eggs of her chicken. one month ago she  had a serious sickness of (ladies) but she had not her operation expenses. finally we collected some money for her and she was operated.  

*     1500 Afns to Saeeda the mother of 7 children. her husband is drug infected and he is old, he is jobless. Saeeda is cleaner at DOWA and her salary is about 4000 afns/month. she is the only member of family who earns 4000 afns each month and purchases some basic food materials. (When I heard that she has the only two pairs of cloths and in hot weather has no fan,her children slept with no dinner, my eyes were filled with tears and soon I prepared some cloths for her and her children and gave her some other items)

*     500 Afns to and old women who was walking all the road under the sunny hot weather to collect some pieces of bread. when she knocked the door I couldnt ignore .

     

*     $ 20 was paid to Aqela, the young widow women who has 4 children. Aqela recently got job which is cleaner in one of private schools that earns 3000 afns/month. she lives with aid of some people who usually sends her extra cooked food.

 

I passed them your wishes and regards and they were very grateful

Looking for Palestine

Just finished reading Najla Said’s newly released memoir, “Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family,”
Of course Lebannon is on the list to travel... And her story is beautifully complicated like all of our stories.
 

12th

I guess I should update.
Here I am immersed in life changing events at least I think they are life changing.
I have been reading, writing, viewing and talking about what I think are things that really matter.
I guess the core of why we do the things we do.
I have enjoyed the deep meaningful sometimes quick conversations with people whom I may never see again.
I even appreciate what one might see as the awkward pause but really it is more like the power of being
comfortable in a conversation in which no one is physically speaking.
This afternoon was one of those days.
After having a near perfect morning.
Very hard to explain what that looks like but I guess I would use the word simplicity.
espresso, listening to Italian conversations, laughing, silence
In some conversations I am just the mute the smiles literally only grabbing a few words.
Sometimes when they feel absolutley necessary do they lean over and translate.
Fresh bread with nutella and stronger that normal coffee with warm milk in very flimsy white plaster cups
Pasta with grilled yellow and red peppers (almost orange), a hunk of salty white cheese, balsalmic vinegar.
More conversation about the news and espresso. You have drink espresso about an hour or so before the lunch   and immediately after. This for now has replaced the comfort of the sweet Iraqi Chai from years before.
Then an afternoon nap. Not intentional but in this situation you go back to your own room to rest.
The natural pace during these types of days just takes you there.
I am reading an amazing book Looking for Palestine by Najila Said. I am absorbed by the complexity of Najila's life.
And really just how much I do not know about this world.
I fall asleep and dream that I am actually asleep in a diffrent room, two doors on the other side of the hallway
napping next to a friend. The true essence of the word napping. deep comforting sleep.
Tomorrow will be completely different but I am completely thankful for today.

I did not continually analyze the future, what I should be doing, what I need to be doing.

A few field notes (as if I am a botanist or something)
It is has been busy  - they named the operations as if they were a swarm.
Ha.. now we have a swarm of paperwork.
I guess one could call it that.

Yesterday, was a win - delicious italian meal, good work out and good company.
I am lucky. If I cannot go to Turkey before I go back to work - I think it's going to be Italy.

I have been able to meet with some amazing women here in Farah trying to make a better life for themselves and for all women here.  If I were here in a different capacity I would just go see and do. Just not sure how to get to the other capacity.

I did cave in.
Our partners brought in a pool a few weeks ago.
A small pool that you would see in your backyard. Maybe 2 feet tops.
this has no business here.
Yesterday I found my self outside during the day catching up on homework,
reading about the horrors of the lives Jews during WW2 dangling my feet in the pool.
I know no place here...

I am extremely lucky here and I have met some incredible people.
It is providence.
Right Place.
Right time.