galmc2Report

I encountered a situation yesterday that really threw me for a loop. We were heading out for a little stroll in our new neighbourhood after we checked in, as we usually do. There were a couple of kids playing in the street (playing with a type of firecracker), and as we were passing by we said hello and smiled as we usually do. Usually we get a hello back or, more recently, a “welcome to Jordan”. This one kid decided, for whatever reason cause I don’t know his purpose, to approach us with his little firecracker toy and smack it right in front of us (fortunately for us but probably frustrating for him, it didn’t work). He then, as far as I could decipher, was telling us that we should be speaking Arabic and a bunch of other things we didn’t understand. Eventually we walked away as he was yelling “F-You” as we tried our best to saunter away.

Understand that in all of our time on this trip (8 weeks so far), and during our short time in Jordan, people have been very welcoming and friendly. This is the only truly negative encounter we’ve had with anyone. Sure, we’ve been frustrated by people trying to sell us stuff or make money of of us ALL THE TIME, but nothing that felt unkind; most people are simply trying to make some money to take care of themselves and their families, and we, as tourists must have $$ as we are privileged enough to have the $$ to travel.

I have worked with kids his age for over 25 years (he was maybe 9 or 10), and I get that he may have been just strutting his stuff to his friend or maybe he is a schoolyard bully or just plain old mean-spirited but there was something about this encounter that really bothers me.

I love to travel because I’m curious about people and cultures and all the different ways there are to live. I do not expect everyone to love me or agree with me or understand or accept all of my beliefs. I do hope that others will be kind to me and maybe curious about my life as well.

So, I had a little cry and a little vent with Paul and ventured out again but avoiding passing the little shithead’s house this time. (Sorry for the language!)