Dana Nature Reserve

The Dana Nature Reserve (محمية دانا الطبيعية) is one of the most impressive nature reserves in Jordan. It's a beautiful area to do hiking and camping. I visited this place in a tour arranged by Jordan University's language center, which provides foreign students weekly tours around Jordan. I always skip attending any one of tours until this time. The views were spectacular, and the greens and flowers were blooming and flourishing everywhere in the valley during the lovely spring.

Ajloun-عجلون

After a week of raining and snow storm, the weather has been sunny and warmer. Since I am having a school break, I decided to explore some small cities near Amman. I got a bus ride at the north bus station. The bus went by Jerash and then continued its way to Ajloun.

Ajloun is famous for its citadel (قلعة)or fortress, which is located on the top of the mountain area. I need to take a taxi to get there. Since I arrived there late and decided to see the local market and the streets, instead of visiting the main attraction. I will be able to see it next time during a school trip.

Snow in Amman

The weather in this week has been dramatic and stormy. It rained three days without a break and for two days sleet and snow came after. Now everywhere in Amman is covered with at least one-foot-deep snow. This is the first time that I saw so much rain and snow in the Middle East since I came to this regime three years ago. It's quite unusual.

Jordan University-Election

 

A student union election took place at Jordan University after Christmas. Each department selected its representives for the union, so there were numerous activities of the election campaign going on for two weeks. Pictures of candidates were posted on every corner of the campus.

Jordan University-Campus

I study Arabic at the language center of Jordan University. During the fall semester, 2012, the university held several events to celebrate its 50th anniversary, including the international festival, academic conferences and a visit of the king. The campus is full of the energy and dynamic.

Jerash - Roman Ruins

Last year I visited Jordan twice but never visited one of its major attractions, Jerash, until recently. Kim and I finally got a day to visit it. It rained on the way during our bus ride, but the rain stopped when we arrived there. Because the weather was cloudy and cold, there were very few visitors. We were able to walk around and viewed the beauty of the roman ruins without seeing groups and groups of tourists.

Citadel in Amman

The Citadel sits on the hill of Amman downtown. My housemate and I took a bus from Jordan University to the downtown and then walked up long steep stairs to the top of hillside to reach the Citadel. Because of a nice weather, we really enjoyed not only the overviews of the city and also the exploration of this historical ruins, where there are Umayyad palace, Byzantine basilica and pillars of the Temple of Hercules.