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What do you love or dislike about living in the Middle East?

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Julie_miles

Hello I'm Julie

I've been living In Jordan, Amman since July, 2012. I moved here from America to get married and be with my husband to wait for his visa to go through.

We finally got the news last night for his interview date at the American Embassy. Yes I'm one happy Girl!!

The things I will miss the most about being In Jordan, Amman.
I will miss his family and the kids, even thought we cant really communicate with each other, They will always have a special place in my heart, going to the countryside to his village to relax and have family time, being able to sit on the floor at meal time eating from the same tray of food as we all dig in and enjoy our meal together, the wide variety of organic fruits and veggies at the market, the greetings when you go to visit or have visitors kissing one on the cheek, the traditions of making coffee, tea and having a sweet, the landscape of the large mountains as you drive to Aqaba, the amazing history and all the historical sights I was able to visit and the calling for prayer 5 times a day..

The things I won't miss,  I WON'T miss our lovely apartment and not being able to eat as we should be doing, low wages, not being able to express myself no matter where I'm at, the language barrier, loneliness, seeing all the trash, stray cats in the dumpsters, breathing in the exhaust from the cars while waiting to hail a cab, my boring job, and walking on the sidewalks having to watch every step I take to keep from tripping or falling because their is a hole, drop or small step out of know where to no sidewalk at all. lol I'm sure you know what I mean... I've taken a few falls a couple of times. lol, the honking of the cars and crazy drivers even though I found it entertaining but I wouldn't want to drive here not knowing what to expect from other drivers not following the rules of the road.

Through this journey I was  able to experience a new culture on the other side of the world, what didn't kill me made me stronger and appriciate what I do have in the states.

My husband and I had a lot to overcome between our culture difference and our living conditions. As difficult as it was we have managed to overcome them through many disagreements some not so pretty. but goes to show you when you really love someone your willing to do what ever it takes no matter what the circumstance that are put before you. It has made our relationship stronger and we thank God everyday for bringing us together. We love each other more than words alone can express

HaileyinHongKong

I would have put this in one of the Middle East forums.  I think most people in the open forums probably can't respond to this.

Julie_miles

Thank you for the advise.

HaileyinHongKong

You're welcome.  But what I dislike the most about the Middle East is that I've never been there.

HaileyinHongKong

But I hear there's plenty of sand.

Salman Omrani

Enough to go around for everyone! we even have regular sandstorms, infact, we had one today!
kinda cool isn't it?

but its true. although unique to to from every Middle Eastern country, the general theme is very similar.

HaileyinHongKong

We had rain.  Small world.

Salman Omrani

wana swap?

HaileyinHongKong

I think a sand storm would bring Hong Kong to a screeching halt.

Primadonna

We have the luck that we having the sandstorm now...

Julie_miles

I'm in the city so no sand storms, but it is really windy out today and blowing dust all over the place.

Wisker

Julie

I wish you the very best of luck for your future. You're one of the brave girls to marry a Middle Eastern guy.


Lily

Julie_miles

Thanks Lily for your well wishes,
Have a great day.
Julie

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