Jerusalem: On the Eve of Ramadan

In order for our students to fully experience the complexity of religion, politics and society in Jerusalem this week, we've divided them into three groups: Jews, Muslims and Christians.  Each group has been asked to research, map and act as tour guides for their set of sites within the Old City, explaining religious doctrine and political history as we proceed.  Today, as the crowded Muslim Quarter prepares for Ramadan and the city is plagued by traffic, our little group of Dragons' explored Jerusalem's Christian Quarter.  We attended morning mass at the Armenian Patriarchate, proceeded along the stations of the Via Dolorosa, where we were guided through the passion of Christ and ended our journey by lighting candles at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Candles by G. Flax

Lamb of God by G. Flax

A visit to Jerusalem offers nearly immediate prompting toward spiritual reflection.  Fur hatted Orthodox Jews share the streets with solemn Greek Orthodox priests.  As I rested at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, I shared a bench with a local Muslim tour guide, an elderly Hindu tourist and a former Russian atheist.  As I reflected upon spirituality and religious practice, the conflicts between the religions so present in today's media seemingly melted away with the realization that each of the Abrahamic faiths simply offers a different take on the human community: man, woman and their relationships with themselves, their God and the universe.

With love from Jerusalem,
Alena  

Preparing for a Ramadan Adventure!

Spending the past month travelling around Jordan with a group of rambunctious, curious Where There Be Dragons students has been an amazing adventure.  We've had a range of experiences from climbing Jebel Um Adaami, Jordan's highest mountain to floating in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.  We've slept alongside nomadic Bedouins and discussed Jordan's political system with a former member of the Israel-Jordan peace negotiating team.  Tomorrow we leave for a five day exploration of Jerusalem's Old City.  As we have traveled, I have had the opportunity to reconnect with many dear friends along our path, often long enough to say a simple hello, share some news and a quick good-bye before moving on to our next destination.  These encounters, though brief, have allowed me to  recognize the wealth of amazing relationships built over five years in Jordan and how much there is still to learn from the vibrant community around me.  A few days ago, I decided to use the upcoming month of Ramadan to travel around Jordan again, taking the time to visit friends and families along the way in celebration of Ramadan, in celebration of five years in Jordan and in celebration of community.

The adventure will begin on July 31 in Jerusalem on the first night of Ramadan and continue for the whole month as the Dragons program comes to a close for the summer and a new itinerary unfolds.  Please join me in this adventure and anticipate daily blog postings from a variety of locations as the month goes by.

Happy Summer and Ramadan Kareem!

By the entrance to Siq Um Al Tawaqi

Yoga in Wadi Rum!

I've gotten in to the habit of seeing my dreams come into being this season.  It is a wonderful feeling to share new activities with guests.

Last week's yoga retreat with Yoli Maya Yeh was a fabulous example of this.  We spent an afternoon of meditation and yoga practice in the desert with a six lovely ladies from Aqaba.  Upon completion of the practice sessions, we traveled by camel out into the desert for a feast of zarb in Siq Um Al Tawaqi.  Yoli will return in the fall for more yoga fun in southern Jordan!

Zarb for dinner ... yum!

Yoli and Alena!

Enjoying the Full Moon Gathering!

As promised...

Full moon over Um Al Tawaqi (by M. Pennertz)

Abu Nizar telling stories around the fire (by K. Arnold)

More to follow!

Camel Races in Disi, 20 April 2011

Next Wednesday, April 20, the Disi Municipality will host a series of camel races at the race track outside Disi Village.  A truly spectacular event, camel races in Disi involve camels, remote control jockeys, jeeps and a great deal of fun!  To view a race from two years ago (it's quite long!), click here:



Looking forward to seeing you there!

Update on the Situation in Jordan

This past Friday, the opposition cancelled all protests as a means of reassessing and streamlining the conflicting demands of the different groups.  This is fantastic news for everyone working in the field of travel as we all hope that it will secure Jordan's reputation as a stable and welcoming nation whose population works towards reform through conversation instead of through chaos.  Meanwhile, I am happy to say that the season is picking up and you can look forward to stories of more adventures over the upcoming weeks!

As always, words work well when matched with images!

Al Ga and Um Nfoos

View from Um Al Bdoun

Camel House!

Photos Courtesy of Ms. Echo Tong

Our First Full Moon Gathering!

In mid-March, we held our first gathering under the full moon in Wadi Rum!  A wonderful evening was spent in the desert by moonlight, hearing stories and learning customs traditional to the area.  Pictures to follow shortly!  For more information or to register for April's event, please visit: http://wadirumfullmoongathering.com