Leaving on a Jet Plane

Here's a real time photo of me right now, getting in some last minutes of work as we're surrounded by packers:

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It's been a busy couple of days. Most of this stuff isn't ours, but my in-laws are also in the process of moving, so there's a lot of chaos.


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Smaller chaos of our own packing.

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We sent our bags on ahead of us yesterday. Hopefully they will all make it in one piece.

I had been hoping to write a nice little reflection of the last two years here in Amman, Jordan, but now with the sounds of tape and cardboard in my ears, and nervous excitement in my heart, I'm not sure what I'll be able to get out.

The next months I'm sure will prove to be full of excitement as we try and adjust back to life in America. In the two years we've been here in Jordan, I have not actually left the desert or Arab culture. We've traveled, but only within the region. And you'd have to go back 5 years to find the time I was last in America.

When I was younger I would generally spend the months before our return to the States thinking about the different kinds of food I would eat. Now the world is a different place and most big cities will have a large enough international population that you can find whatever food you want. Even here in Amman. So the things I'm most excited for are as follows:

  1. Wearing shorts outside.
  2. Walking around the neighborhood without mountain climbing, navigating broken/irregular/missing sidewalks, and dodging cars.
  3. Grass
  4. Bacon
  5. Plugging things into the wall easily and without stress.

I guess one food item still made the list. Feel free to leave your favorite recipes for cooking with bacon (or really any kind of pork) in the comments. I'm going to be eating a lot of it.

Here are the things I'm thinking I'll miss the most about Amman. We'll see if I get it right.


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Hummus, Falafel, and Schwarma.

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The neighborhood grocery store.

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The Friday market.

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Glorious desert sun.

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Amman really is a beautiful city and I am going to miss it.

Tomorrow we wake up in England!

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Recent Comments

Suzanne Stickle
Suzanne Stickle Wed, 07/10/2013 - 08:42

I love the picture looking over the city.

Cameron Yates
Cameron Yates Sat, 06/22/2013 - 06:52

Reading this again has made me crave falafel!!

Libby Pierce
Libby Pierce Thu, 06/13/2013 - 00:28

I love chocolate covered bacon, ghiradelli milk chocolate chips are my fave (chocolate fountains can turn a regular day into a party anytime). This morning we fried some bacon, threw in a bag of simply potatoes diced potatoes with onions, poured our scrambled eggs (with colby jack shredded cheese) and cooked it all together. Half the kids add ketchup. We use the hormel brand bacon without the MSG and nitrates. It is so yummy. I think I will have some of the leftovers now.

Laura Wellinghoff
Laura Wellinghoff Sun, 06/09/2013 - 12:36

Well, I know you will have great memories to cherish as you look back over layouts! As far as bacon, I like that, bacon is great as bacon...when its cooked to the crispy stage! Actually our family has started using the turkey bacon...and it's great for cooking to that easily crumble stage.

Lana Fischer
Lana Fischer Sun, 06/09/2013 - 04:00

I am so behind on this post but wish you both the best of luck and happiness in the states. I think it must be really hard to leave behind the beauty and history of this wonderful area but new adventures await you. Will be excited to hear all about them when you get settled!

Cynthia Arnett
Cynthia Arnett Sat, 06/08/2013 - 11:12

Praying for safe travel for you and Jordan. You have been blessed to have seen parts of the world that others will never get to see. The world is truly a beautiful place no matter where you live...you just have to look every day for the little things that make it so.

Cameron Yates
Cameron Yates Sat, 06/08/2013 - 08:06

Good luck and enjoy your journey!!

Dawn Evans
Dawn Evans Sat, 06/08/2013 - 07:04

Fingers crossed everything ends up where it's supposed to be and in one piece. LOVE bacon (however bad) - make a pasta sauce with bacon, ricotta, mascapone, onions, mushrooms and parmesan if you really want to treat yourself! Slightly healthier - chicken, bacon and avocado baguette! (You can buy them at EAT at Heathrow airport!! - are you in UK long?)

Magdalena Einarsen
Magdalena Einarsen Sat, 06/08/2013 - 03:12

Best of luck with the packing. Keep in mind that however chaotic and impossible it seems right now, by the time you're leaving, you will have pulled through and done it all!
Deep breaths and a glass of wine is my recipe for success :-)

Janet Kemp
Janet Kemp Sat, 06/08/2013 - 00:05

Good luck with the last of the packing and I hope you two have a safe trip!

Vanessa Deneen
Vanessa Deneen Fri, 06/07/2013 - 22:21

Good luck with your move! Stay safe while you guys are traveling. =]

Meg Bertapelle
Meg Bertapelle Fri, 06/07/2013 - 14:59

best of luck dear!! I know around here (San Francisco Bay Area) you can get all kinds of yummy hummus, falafel & schwarma, so depending on where you go, you might be in luck! :) have a safe trip & enjoy your new adventure!!

Mersija (Mer-see-ya) Simon
Mersija (Mer-see-ya) Simon Fri, 06/07/2013 - 14:20

Awesome can't wait for your next update Marisa.FYI: Bacon is noooo good for you.LOL!!

Janet Hull
Janet Hull Fri, 06/07/2013 - 11:21

Oooh, I just made my new favorite last night: Mix together minced garlic, salt, pepper and EV Olive Oil in a small bowl. Rinse and trim fresh brussel sprouts. Cut Brussel sprouts in quarters and spread on cookie sheet (I use a quiche dish instead). Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the brussel sprouts, stir if needed. Chop bacon and "sprinkle" on top. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. Take out of oven and squeeze juice of a lemon over the mixture. It is delicious - I guess you have to like brussel sprouts though.

Have a wonderful trip, it sounds like so much fun!

Shellby Joslin
Shellby Joslin Fri, 06/07/2013 - 10:18

Bacon Fried Ramen is awesome. Heres the link to the recipe.
http://www.mattfischer.com/ramen/?p=843

Jenn Star
Jenn Star Fri, 06/07/2013 - 10:15

I'm a purist! Bacon is just awesome when eaten as bacon! ;o) Safe travels~

Jessica Alexandra
Jessica Alexandra Fri, 06/07/2013 - 07:28

So amazing!! C:

Lórien Rezende
Lórien Rezende Fri, 06/07/2013 - 07:06

Happy B-Day Marisa. This one will be one to remember forever. I hope you have a safe trip :)

Sarah Lewis
Sarah Lewis Fri, 06/07/2013 - 06:42

Love the last photo of you two looking out towards Amman! Safe travels!!!

Sharilynn Marie
Sharilynn Marie Fri, 06/07/2013 - 06:24

good luck to you guys! And hooray for waking up tomorrow in the beauty that is England!