Yesterday I flew into Jordan in the low light of dusk. Outside the city lights of Amman the countryside is dry and barren, the cracked land looking like networks of veins from the plane’s window.

I waited in the hell that is currency exchange and passport check after my flight arrived about 30 minutes late. I bought my visa for 20 Jordanian Dinars (about $30) and headed downstairs to collect my stuffed bag. Hamza was waiting for me right at the arrival area. I cannot express how comforting it was to see a friendly familiar face searching the crowd for mine. He grabbed my bag and we were off to his apartment that he shares with his brother and sister. For dinner, his sister made us pancakes. The apartment is spacious and comfortable, and I got a good night’s sleep before heading to the UNESCO office this morning.

I got introduced around the office and promptly forgot almost everyone’s names. I suppose I didn’t even really need to come in today. The IT guy will set up my computer after the weekend (Friday and Saturday in Jordan), they’re working on getting me an ID badge, I’ll (hopefully) have something to do on Sunday. Now its off to take care of one of life’s great necessities: I need a phone.