Many of you have written, asking about the shootings today in Amman, at the Roman Amphitheater. Yes, I was there just last week by myself, climbing the steps to the top to take in beautiful views of Amman. And no, I was not there today. I heard of the shootings during lunch in Karak - a Crusader castle between Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea - while overhearing a conversation from some British tourists at the next table.
It is sobering, and made my stomach plummet. The rest of the day has been spent in kind of a disjointed silence, sorting out my feelings about this kind of extremism. I know that the Jordanian economy will suffer greatly from this attack, as so many depend on the flow of tourist money... things have been stop-start here since 9/11, then with the hotel bombings last year, and now with today's shooting. I remember the NYC tourist shootings this summer, and so many others incidents over the years - I, myself, have been carjacked - and I am reminded of how quickly we forget these things, and are lulled back into a sense of security.
I still say that Jordan is a safe country. It was regular passerby on the street who swarmed the shooter, and forced him to the ground...
However, I have sadly decided that I will not go to Syria on this trip. Life is long, and I'd like to keep it that way. I'll fly to Istanbul on Wednesday.
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Just heard about the shooting today while watching CNN at the gym. Knew you had already left but still pretty scary knowing you had been right in that same place! Glad to hear you've reconsidered your travel plans. The kids keep asking when they can call you on the phone. :(
Karin
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