September 2012: Gifts & Books

End of September I had temporary work escorting a Japanese group around and during this time, it really felt good to get back in touch with part of roots. I haven't visited in Japan in so long!!! And without knowing myself, a lot of the traits I have I got from my Japanese side even though I haven't exactly lived there. However, when you are away from it too long, and living in another culture, it is only natural for you to adapt and take some traits of the culture that surrounds you. One week with the Japanese group I find myself becoming as smiley as I was back in London (As I stopped smiling in Jordan because when you walk around smiling here, people will mistake you for an idiot, or even seen as you being flirtatious), and seeing things in a more positive manner which is generally how I am. However, since I am here temporarily (until I am back in London to start work end of the year) without much to do, I haven not been the happiest person around and has been affecting my mood! This is not just me. Over the past 2 1/2 weeks my mum went to Japan for work and leisure, and she has also returned in a similar uplifted spirit. It's that childish innocence Japanese carry around that makes things very peachy! And so it is always important to remember your roots, and take the good aspects of it. I am not only referring to the Japanese roots, but also my Arab traits that I do sometimes neglect to mention, but has also their advantages. The Japanese group have loved their visit here!! They loved how easy going people were, how they took the day as it came (although problematic when sticking to a tight schedule),and of course they loved the amazing food we had !! This group that consisted mostly of students who were experiencing different culture were quite amazed and impressed on how individuality can influence one's life and their choices (as Japan having a very collective culture especially in the workplace often leads to depression and anxiety). I must say I have to be quite grateful for my Arabic culture, that allows me to self-express, and be able to adapt to circumstances and have be be flexible in the different situations I could find myself in. The reason for this very long introduction is to kind of change the vibe from my last two points (although the truth but somehow on the negative front), and the gifts section covers things from Japan (from the group and some items mum has got me!)

From the group a fan and a pencil case that I thought was so awesome as I wouldn't buy such things in Japan for myself!!

 As for something more me, here are some of the gifts mum got me!
 A hair serum
A Japanese magazine (they coordinate fashion the best!! visual merchandising award goes to them!)

 Although they are from the 100 Yen store, a memo pad and a calendar, as I am obsessed with cute stationaries

Earphones I asked mum to get, since I broke mine (again)! I specifically looked them up on SONY website!

 

Some clothes of course!! I am posting these two but she also got me some shirts I asked so I can start wearing for work...etc.

These are three vintage pencil type skirts (My mum's) that she no longer wears and gave them to me!! and I am planning to wear them for work as I don't have any office type clothes since my last employer was adidas where I used to literally go into work very casually, sometimes with gym trousers and sneakers!! And those skirts are such bold colours!! Loved them!!


Books: I haven't been reading in quite awhile and as I am getting back into it thought I would share that I am currently reading my first political read and you would think that a book by a former president would be such a difficult read, but think again! I am very ignorant in history and politics, and don't really seem to be all that interested in this area, so I was worried that I wouldn't get through the first 20 pages but I am already half way through!! Afterwards I am planning on reading "Aleph" as I've heard so much about it, and "A thousand splendid suns", a book everyone around me has read except me!! So I am quite impatient to start on those two!!

Peculiar Ami xx

Being Stereotyped by stereotyped people

As you know, I am a mix of Japanese and Arab blood. I don't exactly look Japanese, but in Jordan people can see a hint of it as I do have some Asian features.

Because of this, a lot of people think I don't understand Arabic, and although this can be advantegous at times, it also has many negatives. Especially when you hear very very very nasty comments in the mall because they assume you didn't pick up what they said! 

It's not even about the language. For example, when me or my mum open the door when someone is knocking, they immediately ask "Is the madame home?". (You know, because Asians are all maids. Just like all Egyptians are labour workers and a guard of a building.) Now, we always play along and say " No No" pretending to speak terrible English so we don't have to listen to what some of those McDonalds voucher sales men have to say. But there are those days when you are just not in the mood and I think "Excuse you?"

One day in Ramadan (Yes, a "HOLY" month), to digest the large Iftar meal, my mum and I would take walks around the neighborhood. Without mentioning the area, it is a quite nice, safe neighborhood I live in, and women in the area are walking all the time, even jogging! Kids that were playing around would look at us and point "China!! Nihao!! (Hello!! in Madarin)" ..and laugh in mockery...  Ok, I will let this one go since they were kids, but quite frankly, grown people say the same thing all the time. You know that 2 minute walk from the car to the supermarket to buy phone credit?  I mean, "what the!??"

First of all: I am JAPANESE you idiot.

and second: China has the world's second GDP!! Jordan is considered a 3rd world country. Really you morons?? 

I bring this up because now watching the news and all the protests against the anti-islam film, and how Arab Muslims are always stereotyped negatively in the West, it makes me wonder.. "Wait a minute, I have never been stereotyped negatively as much as I have in Jordan, (due to ignorance), why shouldn't the West with what they see on TV?" 

I am not saying this perception is correct, as when this topic comes up, I always emphasize in defense the difference between the religion of Islam, and how it is implemented by some. Certainly the media and all the politics (two areas I am noooo expert in at all!), have a big role to play here as well. But then again, if I see a man with a beard (a sheikh) in the airport and you are "randomly" selected for inspection, don't you dare be offended when that's how your people may be are treating their visitors. (FYI tourism is bringing your country money and you are charging them 50 JDs to enter Petra and a local pays 1 JD ... but that's a different topic, lol)

I am also not saying it doesn't exist else where in the world. Certainly every country is associated with some sort of stereotyping. In the West, when I meet people, and I mention I am half Japanese, they always say "Oh I love how you guys take pictures!!" whether they refer to the very awkward standing position when taking a picture, or the infamous PEACE signs! But I don't get pointed at and spoken to as if I am looked down on and be yelled at "China!" , "Phillipine!!", "Ni-Hau!", and this isn't happening to me because I am lower class, and the advancement of this nation is better, but because people are mostly ignorant, and that's the majority. I was really embarrassed when my grandfather and uncle came to visit Jordan!!

But when you are from a country that invented Playstation, (out of many advanced technologies) then maybe , just maybe then, I'll let you point at me and say "ARAB!". But you know what, it is not ok either, because it's rude. And you know what, they don't do it! Not out loud anyway.

I mean - I don't mind most of the times this happens, and this is my personal experience I understand that. A lot of people may be against what I am saying and get defensive, explaining Amman is getting advanced and people are open minded, but I am not talking about the minority Middle/Upper class of West Amman, and all the fancy restaurants and Westernized pubs and bars in Abdoun area (where I do go to), as this is not Jordan. I am talking about the majority here, and being from here, it saddens me to see the other half of my heritage not improving or advancing whatsoever.

But I want to emphasize on how possibly other nationalities may feel who are living here. Or what perceptions tourists may have when they leave Jordan? "Oh the food was great!! people were friendly and hospitable, except in Petra they kept pointing at me and saying China!". So can we please educate the nation on not to discriminate, respect culture (not only your own), and stop thinking you are superior to others? 

To Veil or not to Veil...?

I have recently submitted my dissertation about working Jordanian women and their progression in their careers, and the difficulties they face. Skipping all academic researches and findings, I have grown very attached to this issue Jordan faces, and felt as though I should be standing up for them and do something about this. However, the conclusion of the topic all goes down to the culture of the country, both men and women, and it will take a long long loooooooooong time until anything happens. The problem goes down to the culture in the country.

The reason I brought this topic up is  a news article on BBC titled Egypt TV presenter 'in first headscarf appearance'. I have not done much research so please feel free to criticize & comment, but I don't believe there are a lot of news presenters in Jordan who would be veiled, not because the regime or the law, on the contrary, Jordan's labour laws are quite advanced. I will walk away from the TV presenter topic in Jordan as  I do lack knowledge there.. but as concluded in my research, as well as many other literature reviews, being veiled in Jordan does not help with some employment opportunities such as hospitality, tourism, or anything that is customer focused. And if you really think about it, most banks, unless it is an Islamic bank, would have non veiled women working, and being veiled will affect your chance of being employed. The culture sees it as not presentable, or even worse, women as a friendly face can attract customers, and in the sales and marketing field, take retail for example and go to your average mall, all sales personnel would be non-veiled. And many companies and sectors, would openly state in their add the preference of non-veiled women. This is very surprising considering the majority of the country are veiled, and that it is an Islamic country.

However, when watching the Dubai One channel, every Jordanian person would have this channel in their home, they do have presenters who are not only veiled, but presenting in the traditional clothing on an English speaking channel. This is a country that is very rapidly developing and has Western influences worldwide, and when compared to the very Islamic country such as Jordan, it is preferred to be as WESTERN looking for certain jobs as possible...So when reading this phrase in the article, Under Mubarak's regime, veiled women and those with headcoverings employed in the TV industry were given jobs away from the cameras, where similarly applied in Jordan where veiled women are preferred to work in back offices... and there are no regulations that says this should be the case, it could be just that the Jordanian population think the same way as Mubarak.. It is something we should ask ourselves.

Return to Amman

It has been a month and a half since my return to Amman. I am finishing up my Master degree, and have returned to Jordan until the end of the year, partly to do my dissertation, and partly as a break until I return back to London to work. Having just submitted my dissertation just yesterday, I find myself becoming lazier than I already am. Out of boredom, I remembered my long forgotten blog, that was disabled for awhile, going over them now and reading the old posts made me laugh of how simple my topics were. Basically shopping and cooking. And once that stopped, as I left work for uni (having income to spending my savings) and life got busy, I stopped blogging all together, as student life does not give the luxury of shopping!

I loved London and everything about it, although I have to say I did not experience every aspect of it yet, but there is more to come once I start working there (yes! Income!) beginning of next year, as I am attempting to become an official Londoner! That would be the next chapter of my life.

Being back in Amman, with less than a year of absence, I feel Amman has changed so much!! Maybe it is me that changed as well, as I tend to be more critical of things! But the changes in Amman has been quite drastic, so I figured I might bring up some of the topics in some posts, attempting to discuss more serious issues I suppose. Of course a lot of cooking blogs and pictures of dishes will soon take over as I am trying to kick my minimal culinary skills up a notch in my free time in Amman as I spend quality time with family.

Peculiar Ami

moving to London Town

There has been a long absence from my blog, and for those who read my other posts, knew that I was in a transition period in my life, as I have left my work, family, and life in Jordan, moved to London towards the end of September, to do my Master's and hopefully settle here. 

The first 2 weeks were just settling and getting used to getting around in London, getting lost in Tubes and Buses,  getting my bank account set, started courses and been doing a lot of reading, as well as building friends and relationships and having a good time.

Still haven't explored too much of London, still more to come! But for now, let me share some pictures with you, going backward to September, as a small introduction to Peculiar Ami's new life in London.

My new Uni ID - I am doing my MSc in King's College London, obviously!

Staying At the uni halls till June! My Street :)

The road I take everyday towards the Tube station, I love the fall season, I love the leaves.. I've missed this!

My Uni campus - at Waterloo 

And this is an introduction, more to come :)

A Pumkinlicious day

This Saturday has been revolved around a Pumpkin we bought, and no it was not for the occasion of Halloween Celebrations!

As you can see this is what was left over from the pumpkin, my father baked some for some sweet pumpkin pie, while I used a quarter of it for some pumpkin soup I have been craving for awhile now!





It didn't turn out as orangy as I'd hoped, because the Pumpkin itself was pretty brighter, but it tasted delicious! 

Detox Month (Holy Ramadan) is soon over!

   I do love fasting, and I do love the Holy month of Ramadan for a whole lot of reasons! A month is a tad too long!! I love this month because it gives me a sense of appreciation when I'm hungry, and also I tend to be a little more considerate in the way I dress, the language, and even in lifestyle, as I stay away from alcohol. Please do not consider me as a hypocrite here, I can 100% agree why someone would think that, however my reason for fasting is not for religious purposes what so ever! It is healthy for the body, and for my own sake, really connects me to myself (a sort of soul searching so to speak). I love the fact that religion (and I mean that every religion) has a whole specific month dedicated to fasting, followed by a celebration holiday! And when I say detox, I don't only mean from alcohol (I know that would be the first thing that came to the reader's mind), but from the junk I tend to snack on (just because I'm bored, not because I am hungry), my coffee consumption is limited to once a day (after Iftar in this case), I curse less because it is the right thing to do, I dress more appropriately in public (not that I don't usually! I absolutely do!! but it becomes a more aware/ respectful for the community - so doing good!), my dehydration restored by soup / water, no Sodas, frappacinos, sugar added juices, teas...etc....Working hours are less, so I have more time to be lazy (read, cook, or sleep since I am always overworking myself), and since the nightlife is pretty dead (unless you are one of those people who stay up toll 5 AM in Ramadan) my life is more with close friends / movies/ casual hang outs, than the need to go to where all of Amman's socials are found on a Thursday/Friday night, and where I have to always "bump into" someone I know! Plus I lose weight! 

   Why I am glad it's over!? I miss my morning coffees on the way to work. For a while I tried to limit my coffee consumption, for the sake of Ramadan, to try to get myself to get used to one cup of coffee day. and man is this not going to be in my favor, as I will sip, enjoy and refill my black filtered coffee everyday now!! Plus, I love my pink Starbucks mug - just looks cute and right! I miss omelette! For healthy diet purposes, I've been eating a small portion of whole grain cereals for god knows how long. Why did I ever do that to myself? I want toast + butter! I want jam + pancakes! I want omelette's and orange juice! I want Falafel! (preferably not all at once... or  maybe... all at once! Either way will do!).And I miss coffee / tea time, or lunch with friends at daylight! Man am I a much happier person when I am socializing in day light! Gives me so much more energy. I am not saying I am not a night person (man do I love dancing and going to pubs / bars), but not all the time! Once a week is good! 

   I think having so many restraints and keeping us from what we want / like to do, gives us a sense of who we are! And sometimes we take for granted what we can always do 24/7 which is when we stop appreciating life and what's around it, and start to say "Man I am bored of routine" instead of "Thank you for everything" (and suddenly ONE REPUBLIC's song "good life" is playing in the back of my head! .. OFF TOPIC & RANDOM....) - so once a year, no matter the religion / culture / or background, when we dedicate a month to fasting and purity, it is part of the plan to being a happier person. These practices exist for a reason! So, ONE DAY left~~~! and breakfast!!! 

Mellow Friday (Bubble Tea + Indoor Market)

   Although I had an uneventful Friday, where the usual grocery shopping, late breakfast and lunch, and wandering around Amman routine took place, it was still a casually nice afternoon. I took my mum to the bubble tea shop in Amman, one of my favorite new discoveries that I am currently hooked on, called JuiceBangBang ! I am loving their Yogurt based flavored tea they have! So far I've tried passion fruit, avocado, melon, and papaya, and I can't decide which is my favorite. Dying to try the normal flavored teas, however I am trying to cut down on caffeine wherever I can! So on a hot summer afternoon (or evening) instead of stuffing your self with unnecessary calories from Starbucks (where in Amman has become full of obnoxious teenagers!), those chilled Organic bubble teas (Bubbles are made of Tapiocas) are so ideal! It is located in Avenue Mall in Sweifieh!

Never having entered that mall, after having our tea, we went in this not very spectacular mall, and found a small indoor marker (souq) selling all kinds of home made jewelery, dates and other food for Ramadan, and many more! So you'd think I'd get out of there without buying me a few things? ;)

   

Would also like to mention that the people in the market, and the staff of juicebangbang as always were the all smiley and friendly, something you don't see much in Amman (like City Mall?). A lovely day :)

Dubai July 2011 - Purchases

My recent trip to Dubai was again for business purposes (not that it is a place I would choose to travel for a vacation), however, a lot of after work activities made it a very eventful trip! For some reason, when you are travelling, you feel that normal life rules don't apply. My eating habits were completely ruined, as I pigged out on everything possible you name it! Especially considering Dubai has so many diverse backgrounds, the same goes for the selection of food and restaurants! in the 5 days I was there, I tried every possible cuisine I could find, Indian, Iranian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese (SUSHI all the way!). There was not one thing in sight I did not taste. As I arrived last night, the first thing I did was get on the scale. This result will not be shared. Lucky for me, Ramadan is coming up, and I usually tend to lose weight during this month! Another normal circumstance that did not apply to me, was me keeping a tight budget for my coming year of Master's, and that I cannot afford to spend money. I can say I did try my best, but was impossible to come back empty handed. However I did make sure I didn't buy anything that would make my luggage heavier (the usual scenario of clothes, shoes and BAGS!).
adidas Originals Watch / Cambridge Stones White 

and MAC products from the duty free!

From the left: MAC paint Pot Peintures in Soft Ochre - MAC lusture lipstick in Politely Pink - Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC20.I am currently into natural nude look that it looks like I don't have make up on. Any suggestions on a foundation that would also give me that look to go with these products during the day?? 

Getting ready for Master's

So, this is a little different than all my other blog posts.. As I haven't been blogging, I have been busy getting a lot done before moving to London, to continue my studies and do my Master's and spending time with friends with the time I have left.
Unlike other summer holidays, this one has a lot of changes for me, firstly, it is my last one year. One of my best friend is also leaving to England, and with the busy life, will be seeing her a lot less in comparison to now (As she lives down the street from me). Not to mention I am trying to spend as much time with my family, as I have never been away from them before. This change will also lead me to resign from my position in less than a month, give my notice, and find my replacement. I am an HR Specialist in adidas Jordan since its start-up in Jordan, and is my first job in the HR field! A little more attached to it than I should be, however, I am ready and looking for new challenges, starting with the Master's taught program I chose, Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis, and hopefully what will come after it! This also gives me a chance to take a break from work where I can figure things out for myself and about myself, whilst my brain has a lot of learning going on! Looking forward to the knowledge and that confidence to boost my self esteem as a person and a professional!
On that note, I have been working hard trying to save money... Let me rephrase, I have been working very hard putting myself in an exhausting situation of not having time to myself (as in time to spend) by also tutoring as a side job (good for the pocket, and not good for my social life) to try and save as much as I can. Do not get me wrong some major spending has happened. However, I can say it was balanced and allowed me not to at least withdraw from my payroll :)
Yes, so I am giving up my lavish lifestyle of being one of the high income societies in Amman, socializing in the high end Amman lifestyle, being able to drive (Family SUV) to work (an International company) and a rent free house, to a life where I'll be living in... half a room where I share the kitchen (my favourite part of every household), jobless and no income, a place where I don't know a soul and don't know my way around, to taking public transportation and walking. However, this is all exciting for me, as this is the sort of the lifestyle I am used to and enjoy more as I tend to enjoy the simple things in life :) The jobless segment will hopefully not be applicable as I am intending to work part time (as there is a limit to the number of working hours an international student can work), preferably in my area, while enjoying the night life London has to offer me of coarse!
So what have I done this summer besides getting my papers sorted? throwing away a lot of clothes I wont be wearing (especially summer items), pairs of shoes that have fallen apart, buying my own hair dryer, and going through the sales season happening now, and not buying any summer clothes. TORTURE! The only thing I might be buying myself are makeup, but even that is a lot cheaper in London, so I am keeping everything on hold for now until then.
Please note that I am guaranteed to have excess luggage with me, but that has been taken care of, as I have already managed a WASTA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasta) to get all my stuff on the plane without excess costs as long as I fly on RJ going there! I have still not figured out how all this will fit in my dormitory room, but I am sure things will work to figure itself out in the end.
Starting two years back, every August 20th I have been buying myself brand items, a present from me! My birthday this year has not come yet, but I am likely to put that on hold, as my budget for 2011/2012 might be right, and I am sure surviving and living comfortably is 1st to carrying a designer bag to make myself feel good? Guaranteed in 2012, once I get my dream job (with a male assistant) I will buy myself two bags on my birthday then.
A very random blog, more like a DEAR DIARY moment, as mentioned, not many purchases have been happening to blog about. This WILL change once I move as I will be exposed to a good number of cheap items, so fingers crossed!