The View From Your Window

Amman, Jordan, 9:34 am.

Hanging on in Quiet Desperation is the English Way

Dead eyes and deadlines abound near the end of the month, and the slight panic of the editors sends a light buzz through the office. I'm cocky enough to sit back in my plush chair with my bare feet on the desk, my fingers dancing along the keyboard as I try to figure out when exactly I became a journalist. JO Publishing puts out two English monthlys--JO Magazine, which covers everything social, cultural and political, and Venture, Jordan's cutting-edge business magazine.

The Man didn't hesitate to feed us to the wolves; my "training", if you will, is to craft two feature articles for next month's issues. Someone may look over my shoulder and see that I'm flexing my own space at the moment, but I'm a writer so I write. Khalus.

Dubai

Dubai is probably just an extreme example of what is happening throughout the Gulf--hyperdevelopment by way of radical modernization and Westernization, with fleeting attempts to retain cultural traditions. The old, dusty parts of Dubai carry a Cairo-esque atmosphere, a stark contrast to the vibrant skyscraper-draped downtown.

I didn't dislike Dubai like I thought I would; at least not like I was told I would. I actually found it to be less an Arabian Las Vegas and more a symbol of progress--the region's first modern metropolis that could very well give Chicago or Miami a run for its money.

Win

"Dear Hero,

Congratulations! You have been selected as a National Geographic Glimpse Correspondent for Fall 2008. You were one of just eight winners selected from a pool of nearly 650 applicants, and we are excited to have someone with your talents and abilities join our team. We will send you more information on the program next week, including an outline of key program dates and responsibilities.

Globally,
The National Geographic Glimpse Team"

Broken Skyline

"Well it's all right, riding around in the breeze
Well it's all right, if you live the life you please
Well it's all right, doing the best you can
Well it's all right, as long as you lend a hand

You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring
Waiting for someone to tell you everything
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring
Maybe a diamond ring

Well it's all right, even when push comes to shove
Well it's all right, if you got someone to love
Well it's all right, everything'll work out fine
Well it's all right, we're going to the end of the line..." [Traveling Wilburys]

Muscat

After another go I've reafffirmed that two months is a pitiful duration to spend in a foreign land. It's just enough time to etch out an existence, but too short a stay to establish a life. Right when you've began to build rep is when it all comes to an end, as Oman now does; the first chapter of this adventure closed.

!ما شاء الله

Flight Details
-----------
Flight 1 Friday, 22 August 2008
Departure: 12:30 Dubai, United Arab Emirates-Dubai, Terminal 1
Arrival: 12:30 Doha, Qatar-Doha

Flight: Qatar Airways QR 109 Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A321
Travel Class: Economy

Flight 2 Friday, 22 August 2008
Departure: 13:05 Doha, Qatar-Doha
Arrival: 15:50 Amman, Jordan-Queen Alia, Terminal N

Flight: Qatar Airways QR 400 Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A300-600/600C
Travel Class: Economy

Total Travel Time: 04:20 hr