I’m jet lagged and fighting sleep as I write this after yet
another business trip to Jordan. This was my eighth trip to Jordan in the last
two years and probably not my last. A lot of people ask, “What is a suave sophisticated
international man of intrigue like you doing is a rustic setting like Jordan?”
OK, they usually don’t use those exact words…OK nobody’s ever used those exact
words, but people do wonder why I spend so much time there.
The short answer is that it beats getting a real job. My job
could be considered legitimate work…if you’ve never done legitimate work, but I
know better. The truth is that I get paid to travel comfortably around the
world and spend large amounts of other people’s money. It’s not bad work if you
can get it.
Lately that traveling has been to Jordan and, despite what
you may think you know about Jordan, it’s not a bad place to be over paid and
pampered. Jordan is an American ally and the only real danger I’ve ever faced
there is being overfed. When a Jordanian hosts you, they are not happy unless
you are actively eating or drinking something at all times. I know…it’s
treacherous duty but I get paid well for taking the risk!
It’s been my experience that the average Jordanian is well
versed in American history and culture but the average American doesn’t know
squat about Jordan, and most of what they do know is wrong. For example, did
you know that Jordan isn’t an oil rich Arab nation? There’s no oil in Jordan
and gas prices are much higher there than here. They have all the liabilities
of being in the Middle East but none of the assets…but the good part about that
is you don’t get attacked nearly as often if you don’t have oil.
Jordan is a monarchy and their king is a real genuine Special
Forces tough guy. Most kings and princes around the world dress up in ornate military
uniforms with lots of medals, but just like politicians who go to military
school, it’s all make believe. I’ve met the army general who trained the king,
jumped out of airplanes with him and went through Ranger training beside him.
This guy is a genuine soldier yet he’s never claimed to know more than his
generals and his people genuinely love and respect him. I think there’s a
lesson to be learned there.
Granted, King Abdullah II has never been featured in a WWE
pay-per-view event, shaved Vince McMahon’s head or fired anyone on national TV,
but he’s a respected world leader and he’s doing all right.
Jordanian women are amazing. Bet you didn’t see that one
coming did you? Despite the stereotype of the oppressed black ghosts, most of
the women I’ve met over there are well dressed, educated and cultured broads
who are way too classy to hang out with an American slacker like me. A few months ago I met a very nice lady who
was a doctor, a successful businesswoman and a member of the Jordanian parliament.
What was left of my stereotype of women in Jordan went down in flames when I
shook her hand.
Besides, there’s just something very cool about the way they
say my name that I really like. Being snubbed by gorgeous smart women with an
exotic accent kind of trips my trigger. What can I say; I’m sophisticated like
that.
There are miles of rugged desert, camels, shepherds and
Bedouins living in tents just like you might expect. What might surprise you is
that many of the Bedouins have generators, satellite dishes and big screen TVs
in those tents. I didn’t believe it myself until I actually visited one, but
sure enough.
Within two city blocks of the beautiful and ornate national
mosque in downtown Amman there are three large Christian churches. The two
retired Jordanian generals I work with are business partners and best friends;
one is Christian and the other Muslim.
I think it’s the unique mix of the ancient and the modern, shepherds
tending their flock while playing Candy Crush on their cellphones and the lush
green farms of the Jordan Valley contrasted with the desert wonder of Petra
that appeals to the contrarian in me.
I keep going to Jordan because I get paid to but also
because it’s a cool little country that’s nothing at all like what it seems at
first glance. That’s something I can identify with, so I like it and I’ll go
back…as long as I get paid.
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