Hashemite University, in Zarqa, is a relatively new University in Jordan, built in 1995. We met with the Dean of the school of Education as well as the President of the University itself. My favorite part of the visit, however, was the informal meetings with students. They were all so warm and welcoming, often waving and saying "Hello, welcome to Jordan!" Of, course, everyone was curious about these strange foreigners, but it struck me as unusual and charming that these young people were so willing to come up to complete strangers and with great enthusiasm welcome us and tell us about themselves. I can't imagine American students at the University of Washington doing that! To be fair, there is such a diversity of people at any large University in America that our Jordanian friends never stood out or looked unusual. Still, the warm hospitality of these young people can't help but inspire and bring hope for a more peaceful and welcoming world in the future. After a lovely morning at the University, we visited a Souk in Zarqa. A Souk is really just a collection of shops crowded together on several adjoining streets. The combination of sights, smells, and sounds are what make a Souk a unique and
exciting experience. I purchased several items, my Jordanian friends helping me haggle for the purchases and I'm quite pleased with my finds! In particular, I like the long, loose fitting robes that women wear, often very 
elaborately embroidered. Cindy, Becky and I purchased a cheaper variety, more for daily wear, but some of them can be quite exotic; hand stitched with beads and sequins in gorgeious patterns. I noticed many women in traditional garb, with heads covered in a variety of very stylish ways, but some women cover themselves entirely except for the eyes, which are the only part that is exposed. These women often paint their eyes with a combination of kohl and ink, traditionally kept in a small, brass pot. The young lady below talked with me at some length at Hashemite University. She graciously agreed to let me photograph her lovely eyes. The Islamic tradition holds that the eyes are the window to the soul, and looking at her, you have to believe it!
exciting experience. I purchased several items, my Jordanian friends helping me haggle for the purchases and I'm quite pleased with my finds! In particular, I like the long, loose fitting robes that women wear, often very 
elaborately embroidered. Cindy, Becky and I purchased a cheaper variety, more for daily wear, but some of them can be quite exotic; hand stitched with beads and sequins in gorgeious patterns. I noticed many women in traditional garb, with heads covered in a variety of very stylish ways, but some women cover themselves entirely except for the eyes, which are the only part that is exposed. These women often paint their eyes with a combination of kohl and ink, traditionally kept in a small, brass pot. The young lady below talked with me at some length at Hashemite University. She graciously agreed to let me photograph her lovely eyes. The Islamic tradition holds that the eyes are the window to the soul, and looking at her, you have to believe it!
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