I wanted to post a few pictures of our apartment here in Amman. We live in west Amman, which is considered more western, modern, and wealthier than east Amman. It also tends to be more liberal in dress for women, and hosts many of the bars, liquor stores, and places to buy pork.
Our apartment is surprisingly modern and large. I was thinking it would be more like European size apartments, but it is definitely more like an American-sized place. We have 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a family room, formal living/dining area and kitchen. We look across the street at an olive grove. It is on a quiet road, only a couple minutes drive to school, and more importantly for Shanna, close to a Starbucks.
The first week of school went very smoothly. Kids are kids regardless of where you are at, but I feel like I have a great group who are very bright, have personalities, and seem to enjoy school. Behavior issues should be minimal. I feel like I am actually going to get to focus on teaching! Last night, we went over to a friends house and enjoyed playing cornhole on their rooftop overlooking the city. It was pretty sweet.
For those who are teachers, here is my schedule. I have so much planning time. At 1:30, I am done for the day!
8-9:30 LA
9:30-9:45 Morning break
9:45-11:55 Math/Science/SS
12-12:40 Lunch
12:40-1:20 Read Aloud/Pack Up
1:30-2:15 Arabic
2:15-3:00 Specials
This is our formal living area when you walk in the house.
The front of our apartment building. We are on the second floor, just above the copper colored roof on the right.
Our "formal dining area." It can actually fit eight people. Our balcony is behind the white curtain.
This is our kitchen. We are desperately missing a dishwasher along with a dryer.
Our "American" style couch in our family room.
You've gotta have the wall mounted flat screen right?
Ryker's bedroom. He no longer sleeps in the pack and play. He has graduated to the queen size bed. He also likes to turn on the light late at night and read in his bed. Then he turns it off and goes back to sleep. Not sure who this kid is!
Our guest bedroom. A nice, comfortable queen size bed awaits you. Please come to Jordan, we would love to have you!
Our master bedroom. Finally, a king size bed.
Our jacuzzi tub in the master bath. A pleasant surprise for both Shanna and Ryker.
A view from our balcony. The olive grove across the street.
Our ride. A Mitsubishi Lancer with what I like to term a 1 cylinder engine. It has no power, which is difficult with all the hills here in Amman.