The big news is that I spent the last weekend in Aqaba, in the Southernmost part of Jordan. I know I promised to stay away from there a couple weeks ago when the Embassy notices came out, but when you hear what I got to do, you'll understand it was worth the risk! I went as a chaperone for a marine biology field trip; there were about 10 students and 3 teachers. We all got to stay in the Tala Bay apartments, apartments owned by the King and used to keep all the foreign dignitaries and other important people who come to visit him. We also got to use one of the King's boats and go snorkeling in the coral reefs of Aqaba!
A couple years ago, the King sunk a huge ship off the coast for increased marine life habitation. Snorkeling over this giant ghostly ship was dreamlike. Schools of fish swam everywhere. The mast stretched for meters and meters and I swam like a 7ooriya--Arabic for "mermaid"--along the entire length of that massive ship all the way to the tip and then there was only the expanse of empty ocean. We spent one day on the water conducting lab experiments, measuring dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, ect., swimming and cruising around with the Royal boat crew. The next day we also visited the Aqaba Marine Research Station and spoke with the Director about ecological concerns on the bay and surrounding aquatic regions. This trip is the precursor to a larger project being organized at the school where a Jordanian student at King's will be paired with an Israeli student from Israel to come up with proposals for ecological efforts on the bay. The two lands share the bay and are within sight of each other, although no one is allowed to cross. While we were in Aqaba, we could wave to the Israeli Marine Station across the water. There's even been controversy about this project among the science faculty, which is probably 2/3 Jordanian, 1/3 expats. The controversy isn't split directly along nationality lines, but there are some Jordanians who are verbally against the project because it involves even using the word "Israel."
A couple years ago, the King sunk a huge ship off the coast for increased marine life habitation. Snorkeling over this giant ghostly ship was dreamlike. Schools of fish swam everywhere. The mast stretched for meters and meters and I swam like a 7ooriya--Arabic for "mermaid"--along the entire length of that massive ship all the way to the tip and then there was only the expanse of empty ocean. We spent one day on the water conducting lab experiments, measuring dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, ect., swimming and cruising around with the Royal boat crew. The next day we also visited the Aqaba Marine Research Station and spoke with the Director about ecological concerns on the bay and surrounding aquatic regions. This trip is the precursor to a larger project being organized at the school where a Jordanian student at King's will be paired with an Israeli student from Israel to come up with proposals for ecological efforts on the bay. The two lands share the bay and are within sight of each other, although no one is allowed to cross. While we were in Aqaba, we could wave to the Israeli Marine Station across the water. There's even been controversy about this project among the science faculty, which is probably 2/3 Jordanian, 1/3 expats. The controversy isn't split directly along nationality lines, but there are some Jordanians who are verbally against the project because it involves even using the word "Israel."
Eilat, Palestine right across the bay.
Beautiful views from the boat.
Where we stayed!
I saw one of these little "lipstick" fish in the sea.
A lion fish.
The white dots are the eyes!
Nemo plays.
An eel.
I found a seahorse friend.
Women in burqa and hijab on the beach.
We were eating at McDonalds next to a major road, and a camel walked by.
So naturally, I had to ride it.
One of my favorite moments: we later see my friend with the camel talking on his cell phone.
Some beautiful land on the drive home.
A stunning sunset.
oh man Melissa. Can I come too? It all sounds wonderful, and istambul too?! Also have you been to Petra yet? you may have already posted about it, Im not sure, but it sounds so magical! I wish I was there too! sounds like you are doing great, keep defending the title over there! -annie
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