Greetings from Amman!

Well, here I am.  I'm staring out the window in my hotel room as the lights of Amman stretch out into the desert.  After leaving Nevada City at 5:30 sunday morning I spent 26 hours in transit, catching just a few winks on planes, before checking into a nice hotel in downtown Amman where my program's orientation will be based.  A quick dinner and several new friends later, I set out with a group of fellow Americans to stretch our legs and explore the surrounding area.  At 9 PM, the streets and cafes were packed and the smell of hookah smoke hung over every corner.  Despite the long days each of us had, we were suddenly energized by the prospect of spending the next few months exploring the city.  Despite this excitement, I'm now very ready for bed, especially since we have a full day tomorrow, including an afternoon at the Dead Sea.  So good night for now and مع السلامة!