Nature - Inspiration at its best !!

I look back to count the most inspirational moments of life.. And I cannot stop thinking about the dew drops, simple flowers, blue sky, cool breeze and the life sounds echoing in my ears...Appearing as they are !! No pretensions !!

Unfounded Fear

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When I was asked to visit Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as usual my excitement was manifold. However it did not last long. Multiple security clearances and field safety exercises (on first aid, terrorist attacks, hijacking, landmines, trauma counseling) laid down in the arduous tests and clearance process dissolved my enthusiasm to the hilt. Finally, I got through the paper work and was ready to travel.

Excitement and fear mixed in equal proportion in my mind for a country under Phase I security conditions. (this is a phase categorized based on security and political conditions existing in countries). It essentially means, choose a secured hotel, don’t spend too much time in lobbies, prefer rooms near elevators/fire exits, avoid unnecessary travel in city, avoid crowded places and restaurants –coffee shops, remain in constant touch with security focal points etc.etc). With no choice I gave up and decided to stay indoors!! What happened in next few days laid down the foundation for my sincere appreciation of the principles of freedom, stability, peace and security.I t further reinforced the value of carefree life in the streets, the sense of brotherhood, openness and gender equality that is essential for our way of life.

After a tiring journey, I land at Queen Aila airport, small and confined. As I go through the immigration and exchange my notes. Several thoughts cross my mind. I cannot wait till I get the clearance stamped on the passport. I drive through the highway to the capital city - Amman. I see sporadic buildings by the roadside, barren landscapes, beautiful bungalows in local white stone, but no sign of Life!! How many times have I cribbed about Indian practices of hanging necks and clothes out of their balconies, peeping in to neighbor’s balcony, gossiping about kids, ration prices and other women? As an architect, it spoils my façade. Now I felt, it actually gave life to all those homes. Here it was like isolated houses devoid of any human activity. But, I must admit the houses were beautiful, gardens neat, straight out of the fairy tales!!

The nooks and corners of all highways / roads are guarded by small teams of army men in jeeps with rocket launchers, hand grenades, AK 47 and a lot of stuff that I have never seen. As I foodie and street food enthusiastic, I am keen observer of road side food stalls. Here it was only guns stuck out of the check points!! Enough to scare the life out of me!! I wonder how they (arms and ammunition with neat army men) could be so entertaining in action packed movies. While in real life, they had a deep psycho impact that screamed fear.

I enter the city and realize there are hardly any people on streets, only cars with pulled dark glasses that ply through the roads. Just a minute, no women on streets!! It was just my driver who was trying to lure me to visit the cosmetic shops, (that make creams which claim goodness of Dead sea water) which assured me that women exist in this part of the world!! Finally, I was able to see some women behind the steering wheels on my way.

However, I must admit the streets are clean, traffic is orderly without honking and people are soft and mild. I check in to my hotel, call back home and colleagues, who have religiously asked me to be in touch at every major arrival and departure.

For the next few hours, I peep through the large French window trying to figure out the parking lot and the city. The room is cozy, food up to the mark and bed perfect. I read through the hotel city guides and stuff googled about the city, its culture and local practices. It doesn’t seem convincing. The light fades out and I cannot anymore see through the window. Its only the hundreds lights that spread up to infinity with soft arabic tunes playing on my tv set in the background.

I want to scream “Will someone please let me out?” But I blabber softly. I have to start early tomorrow morning. I better switch off my lights and try to get some sleep! (to be continued)