Arabic Lesson

Post written by Theresa, a United Planet team member

Last night I had an Arabic dance lesson. The tiny, beautiful college student who came over to teach me was incredible. It is interesting (to an outsider) that a culture which appears very reserved and conservative (given the women covering, etc), can have a dance that is so sensual and suggestive. She was not afraid to use her body, big brown eyes, and smile to lure you in! Women here dance only in front of other women or their husband. I love the music! I had to lean back and tilt my shoulders the whole time which my salsa-trained body (upright and aligned) resisted! She had no qualms about grabbing my hips and saying, “No, like this!” But, eventually I got some of it and we had a good time!

I was ready to take a few pictures and I had even talked myself into swallowing my pride to videotape us dancing one song. But, alas, I could not. My “teacher” can not be filmed or have pictures taken when she is not covered. I guess you will have to make your own mental pictures of this one… (Be nice!)

I had my first hubbly-bubbly experience tonight! I went out for break-fast with Salma and her 2 children The food was terrific! Then we sat around on the restaurant’s patio and drank mint tea (my new fave drink)! As is typical in Jordan we got a hubbly-bubbly! (Its like a hookah). It was flavored tobacco and tasted great!

In other news, I had a great day with Save the Children and attended one of their youth trainings. I ended up doing an impromptu English lesson for me with the group and 2 of the trainers. This program is mostly funded through USAID and is terrific for the youth who need more job training and “soft skills”.

Sticking to salsa!