A Few Thoughts When Leaving Jordan

Next weekend I am going to stay in Riyadh. The next 10 days will be critical for the success of our project and I figure it is prudent to stick around. I am actually looking forward to it. Also, I am exhausted and could use a weekend of no travel before I start what is likely to be a whirlwind 3.5 weeks.

I have found the people here extremely kind. Jordanians and Omanis more so than Saudis, but that might partly be a result of the fact that I am working in Saudi and playing in the other places. It’s also not to say that Saudis are rude, but by comparison more reserved. I also tend to get more “looks” in Saudi than I have in the other places.

The people here seem overtly aware and concerned about the way this part of the world is portrayed and perceived in the United States…so much so that it’s often one of the first topics of conversation with cab or car drivers.

I am a bit surprised I haven’t run into more Americans while over here, especially on the weekends. Nearly every other white person I see is European. In fact, I am usually mistaken for European until I say I am American. Which to this point, has only been received well by whoever has asked (I hope it’s not because they think American tourists are sucker). That said, more than half of my team in Saudi is American.

One aspect of the Middle East that reminds me of my trip to China is the richness of history. American history, while spectacular, is just a blip on the radar of human existence. Spending time in places like Petra reminds me of how young my country really is.