Since I last spoke I have crossed three countries, used four currencies, and have two new stamps in my passport! The crossing through Israel was actually ridiculously easy, although time consuming, with the worst bit actually being the final leg! We managed to get a taxi for the 4-5 hour trip from south Jordan to the capital of Amman, which we didn't realise would involve no air conditioning in 40 degrees + heat!!! Driving across the desert sticking to leather seats with the open window blasting boiling air onto us is not an experience I hope to repeat, but we made it to Amman, where the British council have provided the group with accommodation for the first week in a nice hotel! We are staying there whilst we are completing our English teaching/ cultural immersion course.

Yesterday we reunited with the rest of the group at breakfast before walking to the British Council, a lush oasis in the boiling city. We met those running the course and the basics of tribal law, and a little more about the villages we will be working in. The afternoon was spent at the citadel, one of the highest points of the seven hills which make up the dramatic panorama of Amman, and provides a stunning view (I will try to upload photographs tomorrow!)

We spent the evening at the ambassador's house, would you believe it! The trays of drinks really were Russian Roulette as it was difficult to ascertain which were alcoholic, and we went through a fair few! I ended up drinking around 5 gin and tonics! The ambassador and his wife were really hospitable and interesting to talk to, as well as guests from around the country. We have been invited back at the end of our stay, and as a result of a conversation I had with him, may be lucky enough to attend a prestigious film launch of films by handicapped and oppressed women tomorrow afternoon!

The heat really is unbearable today so we have done very little since we were at the British Council this morning; the city is suffering a heatwave and it is hard to do anything, particularly in the conservative clothes we are expected to wear. We are planning on heading down into town shortly to see some of the key sights; a mosque, souks and mint tea places!

Love to all xxx