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I have some free time this morning and what better way than to spend an hour or so at a nice café drinking piping hot coffee and enjoying a blueberry muffin. First things first though and that’s getting my butt out from under this wonderful comforter - The joy of wifi and kicking it from the comfort of one’s bed or in my case mattress. This reminds me, the countdown is in effect and in several more weeks I will be sleeping on a bed. Aside from hotels I haven’t slept on a bed in such a long time – I guess I can bear with this part of domestication. I’m definitely excited about moving into my new pad and I can not wait until summer to chill on the terrace, relax on a beach chair and overlook the city with ice tea in my hand. I miss the summer and the heat and I can’t wait to wear the basketball shorts that I bought on sale last week. It’s alright though because we should be getting seventy degree weather tomorrow and after tomorrow, although it drops to around forty around sunset. Anyways I’m done kicking it – you guys have a lovely day.
Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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Ok I feel like blogging, and so I will. First I'd like to begin with my soon to be new neighborhood, which is really a piece of heaven, in terms of what it has to offer the community and residents. It's like a little Arabia here with car plates from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen. It's a fact that Arabs pick the best neighborhoods to live in as expats, I noticed this in Westminster London, Bangkok and also in Kuala Lumpur. This doesn't bother me at all because judging by the way they act on the streets, restaurants and cafes, they seem okay. And the overwhelming majority here are students and are up-to-date with the social norms of an ever increasing desegregated West Amman. But don't be too fooled with the skin tight jeans, pretty face, flirtatious smile and European/Arabic accent, these babes hail from tribes of Palestine and Jordan. But some are more westernized than others but you wouldn't know this simply by their attire. So yeah my new hood is definitely kickass. Persian, Lebanese, Yemeni, Gulf, Western, Indian and other ethnic restaurants are a mere 10 minute walk away. Yes I am boasting in case you haven't noticed. I am boasting because I deserve it goddamnit I deserve to boast considering that I practically lived in the boondocks since the beginning of last summer. That is no way to live, and I apologize but my view of living is intermingling with society and the city a person lives in. It is no life to live in an apartment or house, away from the action. I mean suppose a person feels like having a cup of coffee at 11 pm, then what? The options would be 1: Make your own 2: Drive or Hail a taxi and go to a café! No way – no way – no way! That is not living because beauty of life as I know is to enjoy a walk to a café or a restaurant. That is my understanding of a relationship one must have with the city they live in.
I was seriously stressed this past year and I failed to enjoy the complacent feeling one gets when at home. Of course the situation was exacerbated because I did not own a car and solely relied on public transportation and taxis. Don't get me wrong I enjoy public transport but the routes and their working hours are limited. And I am working on buying a car, I actually started to look at some models. New models that is I am literally going to ever major dealership in the hopes of finding one that will sell me a brand new car sans interest. And so far the only dealers willing to do so are Renault and Peugeot and quite frankly I don't know a thing about Renault but the car I was looking at was called Megane. Their deal is 50% cash and the remaining 50% to be paid in one year. I am looking for two years but it looks bleak. And these cars are very expensive compared to cars in America. The price is double because of the exorbitant duty. But I am still looking and I also looked at the Peugeot 307 and I have to admit it looked HOT! It was silver; the model just came out last year but after doing a little research I read this: http://www.crushmy307.co.uk/
The dude ruined it for me.
The Japanese car dealers are not budging at all; they want cash or financing through the bank. They make me sick and really this is the result of a corporation having a monopoly on a certain brand. It is not fair because Intererest/Riba is a huge sin and I just can not bring myself to ride a car, day in and day out knowing that by doing so I am waging war on Allah (swt) and Islam. Hey I sin like everyone else but this interest business is downright abominable and affects Islamic society in general. So I do not know what to do. These French cars don't exactly have great reputations and yet the cars that I desire (Japanese) must be bought in cash or through financing. I can afford to pay 50% down and that is in essence the price of car in other countries that don't have outrageous duty. And buying a used car is stressful and just today someone told me this saying "elli fi khair ma yutrod lil tair" - *exile rolling his eyes*
You know these corporations and institutions are trying to bring a brother down, trying to make me succumb to the sickness and corruptness that is plaguing many societies and I am talking about business transactions that require Interest.
Anyway I don't care I could wait another year and save some more money, I don't care, I have the greatest gift in terms of transportation and those are my two legs and I thank Allah (swt) for this gift and for my health. Alhamdulillah rab il 3alimeen.
By the way anyone have any experiences with Renault and I still have a few more dealers to check out and see if they are flexible with payments. You know it's not like I am begging I am willing to pay 50% up front and the rest over 1 year even though 2 years would be so much more flexible for me.
Who knows maybe i will have luck with Opel, i'll go there in an hour or so, and i ask these questions face to face because asking such questions over the phone in the Arab World gets you no where.
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I just recently again came back from Jordan. I only spent a little time in Amman this trip as I was in Irbid the majority of the time. But I always enjoy reading your take on Amman when I get back to the US. You know frankly I don't see how people make it there. The cost of many things are in comparison to the US but not most of the salaries. The dinar is what? .71 cents to the US$? I seriously thought of moving to Jordan but in the end we decided to live here. I just don't think I could live there full time, at least not in Irbid, maybe in Amman in the future. As for the Renault I can't help you as they don't seem that popular here but good luck with the car buying!
-------------------- "And in the end, the love we take will be equal to the love we make." ~The Beatles~ Posts: 895 | From: Atlanta, GA. | Registered: Nov 2004
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I’m glad you like my posts because I enjoy writing about my experiences with this city and this society. The past week, week and a half I’ve spent some time exploring two refugee camps one in Amman and the other in Zaraqa. And I like to elaborate a little about the infrastructure of these camps because some members might assume erroneous ideas and possibly think in the context of tents and squalid conditions. Such conditions might very well exist but I will write about makhayam alhussein and zarqa. These are literally part of the city with small dwellings and many narrow alleys. There is running water, electric and garbage pick-up. They also have their own souqs with prices that are much lower than outside the camps. These people manage by maintaining a lifestyle that is minimal and basic and I will detail such a lifestyle:
Electricity is kept under 160KW per month thus avoiding higher rates per kilowatt. The new increase in electricity rates makes the price of electricity comparable with NYC’s Con Edison. However for those who consume 160KW or less the rate is a standard 5 Dinar inclusive of the 1 Dinar Television tax, garbage and street cleanup fees.
Water consumption is limited to less than 10 cubic meters per month, also keeping them under the threshold of exorbitant rates.
Heating was affordable prior to the lifting of fuel subsidies but now all fuel is sold at international market rate which translates to $3.20 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, $15 dollars per gas canister (this will be effective April 1st). The government has countered this by giving civil servants a $850 annual raise and has given the poorest segment of society monetary allocations that amount to $150-$220 per month per family. This money materialized by savings incurred by the lifting of fuel subsidies and constitutes 50% of the total savings.
So these essential utilities cost each household from the poor segment of society approximately $25 a month.
As for food, well their meals mainly consist of subsidized pita bread which costs .35 cents per kilogram and vegetables that are in season. Currently 9 kilograms of tomatoes are going for 1 dinar or $1.41. Also labneh (cheese) $2 per kilogram is part of the stable diet. So if we look at these numbers we can clearly see how the poor make it in such a high cost of living society.
Jordanian public school education is number one in the entire Arab world and is free and health care is also highly reputable and free for the poor.
The government here is responsible and the poor (namely 48’ers and 67’ers or refugees that were expelled from Palestine in 1948 and 1967) have kept their dignity during these hard times.
Then you have residents of West Amman who drive around in cars that are 2x-3x the price of similar cars in America, drink $3 cup of coffee and pretty much eat, shop and dress like most people in the west. And West Amman is not merely pockets or wealthy enclaves it is an entire half of a city with its own with population reaching approximately 1 Million people. So the disparity is obvious, but like every where else in the world. And personally I am grateful that Allah(swt) is not trying me in the same manner as those who are living in refugee camps or those who must work 12 hours a day in laborious jobs. This is Allah’s(swt) will but again Alhamdulillah that these folks maintain their dignity. This is something that can not be said for all societies.
Expensive and all, Amman is a beautiful modern Arab city and Jordan as an Arab country is second to none imho.
P.S Yes the Dinar is stronger than the US dollar and is pegged at 1 Dinar = $1.41. Some economists are talking about lifting the peg (Insha Allah they won't but if they do then the Jordanian Dinar might equal $1.70 (as of March 2008).
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oh wow i was in love with a jordanian once...i met him at the arabic cabaret and he sat down and helped himself to my sheesha cuz he knew the others at my table. sadly he was shipped off to iraq as a translator:( Posts: 2757 | From: YOU CAN ONLY SEE WHAT I CHOOSE TO SHOW, THERE IS SO MUCH MORE YOU JUST DONT KNOW | Registered: Oct 2007
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Amman is such a great city! Lovely, open minded people too. I was there alone once, a few years ago, and became terribly ill from amoeba dysentery I apparently caught in Damascus. The staff of this very simple hotel where I stayed, did everything to make me feel safe and comfortable. It was my intention to take the bus to Jerusalem, but when I recovered, I was too dizzy to walk the few blocks to the bus station. So I just did some simple sightseeing and flew back home.
Posts: 119 | From: Where ever I lay my head... | Registered: Feb 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Almaz.: I enjoy this blog too! I have great memories in Amman.
I'm curious about the Public schools free Education. Can you tell us more?
And about the health system too. Thanks!
Hey Almaz,
Public school education from K-12th grade is not only free for Jordanian but also for citizens of several Arab countries including Egypt provided they meet admission requirements. Public schools also admit residents of Gaza and as of last year all Iraqis regardless of their residency status.
Jordanian public school education ranks number one in the Arab world and have taken number one status in Arabic Language, Science and number two in math. Jordan also leads Arab nations in Education reforms and this is basically reorientation of education practices and programs, essentially the transformation from rote education to a critical thinking one. The education reform also includes upgrading infrastructure and building newer schools that offer better environment for the student. There are programs in this regard sponsored by the World Bank, UN, USAID and private corporations such as Cisco who are helping accelerate education reform by bring innovative teaching and learning practices to public schools. The Jordan Education Initiative is one example of cooperation between the government, NGOs and the private sector. The emphasis is on primary school students and enabling them to learn in an environment that will facilitate their entry to an ever challenging global workforce. This is not to dismiss their higher education because holding degrees from Jordanian institutions merits a 2,000 Saudi Riyal (in Saudi Arabia) increase in monthly wage over similar qualifications and degrees from other Arab states. This is testament and acknowledgment of the value of education in Jordan. The key is reform and Jordan is second to none in this regard. The government allocates approximately 15% of it's public expenditure to education, in addition to foreign aid and expertise and this will Insha Allah result in a society that the Arab world can be completely proud of one day. It is a beautiful philosophy, when lacking natural resources, invest in the welfare of your own people and it starts in primary school.
Like education, health is also greatly invested in and it has resulted in giving Jordan a high reputation for therapeutic treatment, so much in fact that Jordan is now one of the main destinations for health tourists in the region. I think the numbers now are upwards of 150,000 visitors a year(mostly from Arab nations). The plan is very simple: joint Jordanian and Gulf nations' investment in health facilities such as world class hospitals that replicate American models and staffed by qualified professionals and specialists. The health related statistics speak for themselves: life expectancy is highest in the Arab world and compares with western nations; infant mortality rate is 4th in the region after Saudia Arabia, UAE and Kuwait, what is impressive in both accounts is that Jordan pales in comparison when it comes to GDP and per capita income to other nations in the region. This is further testament to the dedication and resolve by Jordan when it comes to health care.
So if we look at education and health care in Jordan we can clearly see that the government is on the right path, as they are clearly doing something right. A literacy rate of 91% and a life expectancy of 72 years of age are the result of successful policies. If Jordan is in fact a model like many assert then it is very promising for any nation in the region to follow suit. The statistical progress over the last two decades is astonishing and I mean across the board from life expectancy to infant mortality to literacy rates. Again though, Jordan has no other alternative but to invest in it’s own people because unlike most other countries in the region it simply does not enjoy the luxury of natural resources.
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I would like to share something that Saddam Hussein once said:
“if they tell you Iraq is invaded, believe it. If they tell you Baghdad fell, believe it. If they tell you Saddam Hussein was killed, believe it. If they tell you Iraq is occupied, believe it. But if they tell you ‘antassarah Amereeka’ (won) then Do Not Believe it!”
And this is my situation now with the car
-If they tell you exile looked at cars, believe it
-If they tell you exiled has car brochures all over his apartment, believe it
-If they tell you exiled asked questions about financing, believe it
-If the tell you exiled thought about buying a car through financing, believe it!
But if they tell you exiled bought a car through financing (interest), Do Not Believe it!
For I shall never succumb to the temptation of riba, a sin that Allah noted as more than abominable, and for I will never wish for Allah (swt) to deem me one who has undermined islam.
This situation is a great test for any Muslim and how some of these Islamic banks accept interest under some devious guise is appalling and alhamdulliah beyond me.
Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Exiled: I would like to share something that Saddam Hussein once said:
“if they tell you Iraq is invaded, believe it. If they tell you Baghdad fell, believe it. If they tell you Saddam Hussein was killed, believe it. If they tell you Iraq is occupied, believe it. But if they tell you ‘antassarah Amereeka’ (won) then Do Not Believe it!”
And this is my situation now with the car
-If they tell you exile looked at cars, believe it
-If they tell you exiled has car brochures all over his apartment, believe it
-If they tell you exiled asked questions about financing, believe it
-If the tell you exiled thought about buying a car through financing, believe it!
But if they tell you exiled bought a car through financing (interest), Do Not Believe it!
For I shall never succumb to the temptation of riba a sin that Allah noted as more than abominable, and for I will never wish for Allah (swt) to deem me one who has undermined islam.
This situation is a great test for any Muslim and how some of these Islamic banks accept interest under some devious guise is appalling and alhamdulliah beyond me.
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hi sent you a message in the sub forum of ours i really liked that last post Posts: 9443 | From: USA...... | Registered: Jun 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Almaz.: This is great information, Exiled. I wish the rest of the Arab countries in the region would follow suit, as you said!!
Jordanians have more of an open mind, compared to other Arabs I have observed..
I believe your wish will materialize one day (insha allah)and sooner rather than later. Numbers are the source of my optimism and only last month a report released by the World Bank stated that Arab nations over the past 20 years allocated more funds (per capita) towards education than Latin America and Asia. This clearly shows that there is commitment and there is ambition. We can not look at the west where developed status has been extant for several decades. Arab nations from Iraq(until America invaded it) to Morocco have made tremendous gains in education and health care and now with Jordan being a model for educational reform it will motivate other Arab nations. Despite everything going on, there is much khair in the Middle East, but we all know the grass is always greener on the other side. I have faith Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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For show as in Arabs being Arabs and thinking what other people think rather than living their lives. For show as in living a life you can’t afford in order to flash what you can't truly afford. I mentioned previously in this thread about cars that are double and triple the price of the same cars in America. Living here a couple of months short of one year my insight is growing and the concealments of this society are uncovering, even if not before my very own eyes. I have always been great at math and things never added up here as I always thought how can someone on a $600 a month salary afford to drive around in 50K car? Financing of course but even then how can they afford to make the monthly payment?
Let me introduce you to Layla and Sameer and well let’s just call them that. They were born in lower income neighborhood and own their own home there. Layla and Sameer drive around in an expensive car. Layla is a teacher and Sameer works in a bank. A Palestinian American friend of mine told me their story when I asked her how people manage to do such on such meager salaries. The truth is Layla and Sameer rent out their home to rent a small apartment for show in an upscale neighborhood. The car loan was secured by a manager’s signature and literally everything they have is by way of credit. The problem as I was told was that they literally run out of money by the middle of the month. And when I mean run out of money, I mean literally run out of money. My friend told me that her friend would call her and ask to borrow 20 JD! That’s only 30 dollars and she once told her I will give you the 20JD and even more if you need it but what will you do with this money (she alluded to such an insignificant sum considering they live like they are worth something) her friend answered her 'for X amount for gas in the car and the rest to buy cigarettes'.
They live for show and are literally sacrificing their food for this obvious sickness. There are literally people who own $500 mobile phones and can not even afford to talk on it. So if you ever visit West Amman and you see people driving around in fancy cars, just know that some of them are eating subsidized pita bread with water for dinner. This is truly unlike Egyptians where the money goes to the stomach.
I guess this helps explain all the stares when I am sipping my $4 coffee I want to stress that there are many wealthy people here, massive amount of wealthy people especially those with incomes in western nations but there is a segment who were not blessed with such incomes and as a result put on a show.
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1- each car costs twice as much here – to which I can live with because car insurance here is very cheap hence it comes out the same in the long run.
2- all foreigners need mokhabarat clearance in order to buy a car - translation 1 month of red tape
3- you need a local driving license to drive your own car – translation I am studying for an exam that will consist of 50 questions of which 43 need to be answered correctly.
4- you need a bank account in the country, as if my other accounts abroad are meaningless The bank account is to write checks from the account for each car payment, which will only total 6 because 6 months interest free is all they are giving me. This practically means I am paying cash for a ride that costs double.
5- you need a co-signer to guarantee you pay the 6 monthly payments - translation they don’t trust you will pay the remaining 25%
And on top of that you have to run around after the sales people as if they are doing you a favor by selling you a car
I hate arab mentality
Yeah I’m exhausted
P.S if there is more to this list which I can definitely foresee, I’ll add it accordingly
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I am still striving, still going after what I believe is mine. Nothing in life comes to those idling around and waiting. I am going for mine and I am materializing dreams and despite the struggles, frustration, barriers and obstacles, I can’t but be grateful for everything in my life and it begins with health. The past 10 days or so I have volunteered in helping an Arab family from another country adjust to Amman while their child undergoes treatment for cancer. It is a very depressing process and I will say this there is no love like a parent’s love and they will literally sell the shirts off their backs to treat their child. It is a very humbling experience and we assume that cancer is caused by this and that, what causes a child to have cancer?! Nothing but the will of Allah! So my feet are supplanted on earth these days by witnessing such sorrow. Last week there was this little girl and the nurse was calling out her name in the pediatric waiting area and the little girl responded with authority to the nurse’s question while her mother was inattentive to the questions as she was too busy on the cell phone. The little girl was like I took the blood exam and they took my weight and height, and no i didn't take such exam yet and bla bla bla. It was evident that she has done that plenty of times before. The will that these children have is mountainous and grand.
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Yeah, you are right. Being healthy and feeling good is of utmost importance. Too bad we only realize this when one gets ill . A visit to the pediatric unit of a hospital is one of the most depressing things IMO. Which kind of cancer does the kid have if I may ask? Is it curable?
Posts: 2932 | From: Just now and then | Registered: Nov 2006
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quote:Originally posted by desertgirl: Yeah, you are right. Being healthy and feeling good is of utmost importance. Too bad we only realize this when one gets ill . A visit to the pediatric unit of a hospital is one of the most depressing things IMO. Which kind of cancer does the kid have if I may ask? Is it curable?
I'll PM you the type that he has and as far as is it curable or not the doctor said "it is worth treating" unfortunately it is complicated and not simply localized. The current treatment (chemo) will comprise of treatment every three weeks, basically 2 days (outpatient) treatment followed by 5 days (inpatient) treatment alternating and so on for 3 months. After which another evaluation will be scheduled to determine the result of the treatment.
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Bless his heart. It really makes you remember the important things in life. Thanks for this Exiled, I'm going to hug Benti!
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it is heart breaking, i know all so well. my sister died of leukemia and to watch her go through the treatments was heart breaking, to see her loose her hair from the radiation, i will never forget a moment of that god bless this child
Posts: 9443 | From: USA...... | Registered: Jun 2006
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It is very depressing but I put on a show every time I visit them but when I talk to the father alone I approach him with hope for the after life – it took him a while to even say ‘suratan’(cancer). I actually had a beef with the doctor because he openly talked about the condition in front of the child, but I managed to direct the conversation in complete English, so he won’t understand too much. My position is very simple if the treatment is not successful and if the ensuing surgery is also unfruitful then the approach is to tell the child that everything will be alright and that he will get better until his soul is taken. People may not agree with my approach but this is the advice that I will dish out to these very simple parents.
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If there is something i truely dislike about myself it is that i am negative in this regard. I wish i could think positive.
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It's a difficult situation Exiled, don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone approaches these things differently. Just learn from it, I believe God puts us in every situation to learn something from it. Sure this is a difficult thing, but just your being there may be helping them so much, and in the end maybe even helping you. Best of luck.
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Exiled do u have to file taxes in the us if yr workin in jordan?? well do u still get the 600$ this yr cas yr american for the rebate???how does that work for americans in other countries workin?
-------------------- your ass is so tight when you fart only a dog can hear it.when you queef only a cat can hear that one. Posts: 9776 | From: You like If only mosquitoes sucked fat instead of blood. | Registered: Jul 2007
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quote:Originally posted by With a name like Smuckers: It's a difficult situation Exiled, don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone approaches these things differently. Just learn from it, I believe God puts us in every situation to learn something from it. Sure this is a difficult thing, but just your being there may be helping them so much, and in the end maybe even helping you. Best of luck.
It is a very difficult situation but I immersed myself fully to helping them without a doubt in my mind regardless of the stress and depression factor that comes with this situation. My friend actually called me and said that his relatives are here treating their son and he simply wanted me to give him an update because the situation was not clear to him, but since the first time i saw i have given them my time, energy and dedication. These people don’t know anything about anything expect to collect money transfers from their relatives who are well off and to use that money to pay for the expenses. Anyway I knew they were in need and truly a situation like this separates the men from the boys and it is a muslim duty regardless of my tendencies to indulge in sin from time to time, this here is an obligation. Long story short they are okay and the cost estimate is sorted out, which in itself was stressful because the payments are on a cash basis. Again this is sorted out and everyone knows what to expect in terms of cost for the initial stage of treatment (3 months). I am here for them and everything the doctors tells them and every test they receive back goes through me and I explain it to them in addition to explaining it to my friend. Before this month ends I will find them a cheaper and better accommodation that is closer to the hospital because the nurse informed me that his immunity will take a toll with the chemo treatment and he will probably be admitted for emergency care hence the closer the better. The child is also being problematic with eating and I have asked my wife to cook a week worth of cheese soup, potato soup and chicken soup with rice and I will take it to them. Insha Allah they will be okay and regardless of what happens, everything is being done the right way to give this child proper treatment.
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quote:Originally posted by tina kamal: Exiled do u have to file taxes in the us if yr workin in jordan?? well do u still get the 600$ this yr cas yr american for the rebate???how does that work for americans in other countries workin?
My situation varies as my filing is handled in the states as my income is derived from there. But Americans who live abroad (and meet time requirements) are exempt from income tax for a good portion of their salary or all of it if they make under the amount they are exempt from.
Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Exiled: How difficult is it to buy a car?
1- each car costs twice as much here – to which I can live with because car insurance here is very cheap hence it comes out the same in the long run.
2- all foreigners need mokhabarat clearance in order to buy a car - translation 1 month of red tape
3- you need a local driving license to drive your own car – translation I am studying for an exam that will consist of 50 questions of which 43 need to be answered correctly.
4- you need a bank account in the country, as if my other accounts abroad are meaningless The bank account is to write checks from the account for each car payment, which will only total 6 because 6 months interest free is all they are giving me. This practically means I am paying cash for a ride that costs double.
5- you need a co-signer to guarantee you pay the 6 monthly payments - translation they don’t trust you will pay the remaining 25%
And on top of that you have to run around after the sales people as if they are doing you a favor by selling you a car
I hate arab mentality
Yeah I’m exhausted
P.S if there is more to this list which I can definitely foresee, I’ll add it accordingly
Alhamdulillah this is old news, because there are good people who simply do their jobs without complicating matters and without exaggerating the formalities to car ownership. I wrote the above when I was stressed but there are good people out there who actually want to facilitate matters and who simply do their jobs. Insha Allah within 10 days to 2 weeks I will take possession of my brand new ride. Ya reb!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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The road to car ownership was very stressful but after hardship there is ease. I truly believe this and I believe everything is achievable. I mean there was a time not too long ago where I was so frustrated that I went back to looking at used cars. I mean how painful is it to actually agree on terms and when you meet those conditions the general manager declines the sale because such and such reason. That was what happened to me, I mean they asked me for a co-signer (a local) and I as proud as I am I went and asked one of my friends that I needed a favor and he basically said ‘anything you want’. So I used him, but they refused him because he doesn’t work in Jordan, they declined him despite the fact that he owns a luxurious VILLA. One would think that would be collateral enough but it wasn’t as they insist on locals who work here and have their pay transferred to their bank accounts.
So I asked another friend and after I asked him he said to call him back and every time I did he didn’t answer the phone. So i used another phone (because I felt like he was ignoring me and it turns out the coward was). I did not need this crap in my life. And the thing is I gave the car dealers much of the money up front but they did not trust me to pay the remainder of the six measly payments, they initially told me 12 months but lowered it to 6. Stress – stress – stess
Anyway so I went back and I told them that I couldn’t find the co-signer that met their requirements. I actually told them the truth that he was being cowardly and avoiding me. I then told them that I was willing to give them my money for my monthly expenses (for may) and that was all the money I had in the bank (true) and the sales man called such and such manager and such manager and such and such manager and such and such supervisor. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!!!!
Then he said something like godwilling and I said yes GOD WILLING (INSHA ALLAH) BUT I WANT A DEAL NOW with a handshake!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alhamdulillah da kalam adeem as I have been driving my ride for a few days already. The good news is that the process of buying a car has made more legit here because we had to open a local account and had to get a P.O Box and had to get security clearances and had to acquire Jordanian driving license (still in process).
Alhamdulillah rabil3almeen, as we’ve been here less than a year and already we have a new car and an apartment that is beyond luxurious. These are blessings from Allah and procuring them could not have happened without Allah (swt) blessing. Nothing was easy! Nothing at all! I have an couple of extra white hairs on my facial stubble because of the car ordeal. It makes you appreciate things much more that's for sure.
This baby gives me 30 mpg in city driving, as i have thus far only driven in the city.
See you around and best wishes
very weird lookin car but stylish!!! i like it
Posts: 9776 | From: You like If only mosquitoes sucked fat instead of blood. | Registered: Jul 2007
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This is the most utter contrast of have and have not [in my not so humble opinion] :-).
Congrats on the car Exiled, ur blogs were a very interesting read (and a welcome escape from some of the other rhetoric here...)...and most importantly good luck with the medicine, and the work you do with those dear children :-).
Posts: 385 | From: In my hayati's heart and thoughts | Registered: Apr 2008
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This is the most utter contrast of have and have not [in my not so humble opinion] :-).
Congrats on the car Exiled, ur blogs were a very interesting read (and a welcome escape from some of the other rhetoric here...)...and most importantly good luck with the medicine, and the work you do with those dear children :-).
Thank you and it’s nice that you noticed the contrast. It is my pleasure to know that you read my pieces; there are now two people that I know read my writings. The abandoned house is actually one of my favorite spots in town as I love passing by it – it just does something to me. I am actually volunteering my time for the sake of one child and his parents. He is doing well and has started the second course of treatment and will be out the hospital in a couple of days to a gameboy I promised him for being such a good sport. The hospital visits are depressing to say the least, witnessing a middle age woman guide a middle aged man with a look of misery on her face is still in my mind. Insha Allah we are not tried in such a manner by Allah. The man probably had a stroke or something but she had to literally seat him by moving his body in procession of steps.
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I know . Let me know in a few months' time if you are satisfied about the car. I need a new car before the end of this year but I cannot decide which one. Moreover, I do not like to spend my money on cars. Maybe I am stingy although I really need a safe car cause I have to drive to work each day .
Posts: 2932 | From: Just now and then | Registered: Nov 2006
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quote:Originally posted by desertgirl: I know . Let me know in a few months' time if you are satisfied about the car. I need a new car before the end of this year but I cannot decide which one. Moreover, I do not like to spend my money on cars. Maybe I am stingy although I really need a safe car cause I have to drive to work each day .
I’ll write a review in a few months just for you. So far I am lovin’ it and it is great with gas mileage. And as far as safety goes it was awarded 5* by Euro NCAP, I guess all the airbags have something to do with it.
Me luuuurves me new ride Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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Nice pictures, thanks for sharing. I like the dash. Overall a very cute and zippy looking car. Posts: 1283 | From: Cairo | Registered: Feb 2006
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It is a nice car Exiled, good choice, despite our differences you are an interesting man and you do write well, its also an honourable thing that you are doing helping these people. Posts: 918 | From: Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
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*frantically making exiled a beaded keyring for new car*
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
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This baby gives me 30 mpg in city driving, as i have thus far only driven in the city.
See you around and best wishes
Masha Allah Masha Allah! Alf Mabrouk... Tet hano Beeha ya rab, w tekoon wesh el sa3ad 3alaikom (Congrats, Enjoy, and hope it brings both of you great luck)
Posts: 919 | Registered: Aug 2007
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quote:Originally posted by LovedOne: Nice pictures, thanks for sharing. I like the dash. Overall a very cute and zippy looking car.
Glad you like the pics and it is 'zippy' but i'm not in the zippy car driving stage yet as i am still in the initial taking things real slow stage with my new baby Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Mrs.: It is a nice car Exiled, good choice, despite our differences you are an interesting man and you do write well, its also an honourable thing that you are doing helping these people.
I'm glad you like my choice and i know this model has some very good reviews in England. My other options were mazda 3, sunny (sentra), etc and other smaller japanese cars that are used as taxis here, which was a major turn-off considering i rode in cabs all year.
You know if you continue to be nice to me, we might very well get along Posts: 2418 | Registered: Nov 2007
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First I'd like to begin with my soon to be new neighborhood, which is really a piece of heaven, in terms of what it has to offer the community and residents. It's like a little Arabia here with car plates from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen. It's a fact that Arabs pick the best neighborhoods to live in as expats, I noticed this in Westminster London, Bangkok and also in Kuala Lumpur. This doesn't bother me at all because judging by the way they act on the streets, restaurants and cafes, they seem okay. And the overwhelming majority here are students and are up-to-date with the social norms of an ever increasing desegregated West Amman. But don't be too fooled with the skin tight jeans, pretty face, flirtatious smile and European/Arabic accent, these babes hail from tribes of Palestine and Jordan. But some are more westernized than others but you wouldn't know this simply by their attire. So yeah my new hood is definitely kickass. Persian, Lebanese, Yemeni, Gulf, Western, Indian and other ethnic restaurants are a mere 10 minute walk away. Yes I am boasting in case you haven't noticed. I am boasting because I deserve it goddamnit 
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