If all goes well, I am moving to Aqaba, Jordan. Last week, I got an offer to teach at a new university that will start its first semester this September. I am still waiting on some paper work for the final confirmation.
As much as I loved the beautiful green landscapes in Missouri I hated its winter and the fact that it has no beaches. The last two winter there were especially brutally cold. I always wanted to live in a warmer place that also has a beache.
Last summer, I took a break from my PhD because it was about time to do some changes in my life. I was planing to apply for jobs in UAE or Qatar. But, I was enjoying my sabbatical and having fun with my family to bother applying for jobs in the Gulf. I did apply to few jobs in the Gulf though, via uploading my resume to online job listings, but I wasn’t very serious about it. Maybe, I wasn’t ready to move there yet.
Anyway, via word of mouth I knew about a new university that was going to open in Aqaba and was hiring. I thought this is where I want to work and live. I sent my resume, did an interview and viola!
I have only been once to Aqaba in the mid 90s but I heard a lot has changed since then. From what I read Aqaba is one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. “During national holidays, Jordanians from the north, particularly Amman and Irbid, flock to Aqaba’s luxury resorts and sandy beaches. During these holiday weekends, hotel occupancy reaches 100%.” Of foreign tourists, Europeans visit the most. Aqaba would be the second city I live that is a tourist destination. The first was Penang in Malaysia.
An American student I once taught was based in Aqaba. He was in the military. I don’t know if there is still an American military base in Aqaba. It would be nice meeting some Americans in Aqaba.
I can’t wait moving to Aqaba soon!
Brace yourself for lots and lots of vanity beach pictures 🙂
J A R A A D S 
ماشاء الله…الف الف الف مبروك وان شاء الله تشوف على وجه الشغل الجديد والمدينه الجديده كل الخير يا رب
بحر…بحر…بحر 🙂
بدنا صور كتييييييييرة اكيد
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الله يبارك فيكي. شكرا. أنا متشوق جدا لرؤية البحر :)ـ
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Wow, how pretty!! I am excited for you!
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Thank you!
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Congratulations! That is such a great opportunity for you and it’s always great when you are able to have things just fall into place. It’s a shame that you won’t be coming back to the States. I know you visited NYC once. It would have been nice to meet up and show you around a bit more. That sounds totally weird and familiar but you know what I mean. 😀 Anyway, good luck with the new chapter in your life.
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Thank you, Tina!
Yes, I visited NYC and I loved it. I wish I can visit again.
I may need to visit the States for my dissertation defense. So, who knows I may visit NYC. It would be fun to see you there 🙂
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Aqaba, beware! Here comes, en sha2a Allah, a summer-appreciator guy :)))
Greta news my friend. I have never been to Aqaba! I am to be honest afraid of swimming in the sea, the idea terrifies me but I won’t mind setting on a beach all day all night long! 🙂
Awaiting updates
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As long as everything is air-conditioned I don’t mind the heat 🙂
Yes, laying down on the beach is one of the best pleasures in life.
Updates coming soon, Insha’Allah.
Thank you!
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I am not sure if the semester has started but I hope the new job brings you the best in it. Enjoy the city as much as u can 🙂
*** I shall be away from Blogger world / commenting in specific for a while. I am, really, going to miss yr posts but I will read them, all, in few months time 🙂
Allah ywafgak.
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I decided not to go to Aqaba for personal reasons. Thanks for asking.
This blog will feel lonely without you commenting 🙂
Anyway, come back soon and good luck.
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