h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Amman – A Travel Log - A3600668
Author: Lady Pennywhistle - The following error occurred: An unknown error has occurred - U250656

From my trip to Amman last week. After a bit of ing from friends I've decided to put it here and see what other people think of it.

I enjoyed this, and not just as a nicely written travel adventure.

So many belive only what is fed to them from various news organizations, never stopping to think that the world is made up of real people, with the same hopes and dreams as you and I. This is something which our dear Lady Pennywhistle has so eloquently described in this log, and one which we should all reflect upon.

No kidnapping, no riots, no burning of flags or effigys. Just people, kind, honest and caring. People like you. People like me. We can all learn from this. Thank you for writing of such, and being brave enough to take the adventure itself. I for one will look forward to hearing of the next. And the next.

Spynxxx

Thanks!

But - there had to be a 'but' didn't there? *sigh* - I think you're confusing things a bit. Kidnapping? Riots? Amman is not in Iraq, it's in Jordan, which has always been one of the more minor and sleepy Arab countries around (except for that civil war in the seventies maybe). They've had a peace agreement with Israel for a little over ten years now, and even before that there wasn't any open hostility. So this wasn't such an act of bravery or adventure as you suggested - just a short trip across the border.

That said, I definitely agree with your comment about the world being made of real people... it is too easy to forget that sometimes. The radicals are always a minority. Most people are normal, and just want to lead a quiet life.

That was kind of the point I was trying to make, in reguard to how we (by that I mean Americans in general)see the middle east portrayed in the news. If it's from that region, it's always bombs, shootings, riots and protests. I know that it's not really like that, but I've travelled enough to know better. Many have not, and carry a fear of all Arabs, a fear based soley on the potrayal by the media.

I understand that such an attitude may seem strange to you, but most of us are not used to seeing folks with automatic weapons walking about the streets. I was more than suprised the first time I encountered such. And that is what I was trying to explain, and why I see the beauty in your tale. It helps give a real perspective on real people, and may help erase some of the negatives that are the stock and trade of the media.

And before I go, don't discount the bravery aspect. It takes a certain amount of courage for anyone, reguardless of sex, to travel into the unknown by themselves. I've known grown men who've never been more than a couple of hours from home their entire lives!

Oh, I see what you mean now... I haven't thought of it this way, so assumed you just got the country wrong.

You keep swapping between present and past tense.
Also perhaps it would be good to put in links to show where Amman is etc?

Kat

I guess that's because I was writing it when I was there... so sometimes it was during events, sometimes afterwards. Is it too confusing?

I'm actually writing a 'proper' entry about Amman now, so I could link to that when I'm done with it.

Yeah I'd go through and pick one tense and stick to it if I was you.

I'll read through it again and see what I can do.

Well, I've been re-reading it and trying to think how to make those changes, and I have to say I have no idea. Someone have a second opinion about this maybe?