SolitudDeGitana ([info]solituddegitana) wrote,
@ 2005-09-06 21:58:00
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Current mood: nervous
Current music:Nancy Ajram - Oul tani eih

Am I really doing this?
I've been relatively relaxed until now... I can't believe that I'm leaving in two weeks, that it's finally going to happen. I don't think it will feel real until I'm off the plane in Amman and I see Auntie S. and I know that I'm on my way to my new home.

I just found out that Ramadan begins Oct. 6... less than two weeks after I get there. I LOVED the work environment during that month when I was at the embassy. If the bureau is as laid back as the embassy was, it will be fun. I've never been in a Muslim country for Ramadan-I've heard from the Cairo crew that it's good fun.

I wish I knew more about my schedule, vacation time, etc... I really don't know what I'm getting myself into but I'm already planning trips- definitely al-Qahira, Sharm, Alex, the Dead Sea, Doha to visit Toni... and Beirut as OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. I was really hoping to get into Saudi with A., inshAllah I'll still make it. That would be such a weird/crazy experience for so many reasons. InshAllah all of this will happen, I don't want to jinx anything. Like I said, I won't believe it until my feet are on the ground.

I really was supposed to use these few weeks "between jobs" to research--history, culture, press, etc. Again, I drop the ball. I'm really looking forward to meeting the ed-in-chief and the staff but I also know that I'll be one of few, if not the only, American there. And with no experience. What am I getting myself into?

I need to secure my Arabic tutor soon-- I want to start lessons immediately. I have somewhat of a base, and I know that I acquire languages quickly, but this time it actually counts for something. I can't advance at the paper without Arabic. I can't be taken seriously without Arabic...

What am I getting myself into?


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[info]optimussven
2005-09-07 02:55 am UTC (link)
A visit back to DC would be nice...I need some sanity back up here.

Also, I was in Jordan during Ramadan. Sheppe and I were at a restaurant and a guy gave us beer, but said he had to serve it in coffee mugs so that no passers-by would see, but if I remember correctly. The city shuts down rather well during the month (much like Damascus). Didn't see any of the crazy late night partying like in Cairo.

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[info]solituddegitana
2005-09-07 03:33 pm UTC (link)
mmm...we need to talk about you in DC. Also, the headmaster of my h.s. here in Naples is still interested in hiring an Arabic teacher if you're interested. Obvi, very intro stuff. But you'd be living in P.I.M.P. Naples, Fl hehehe.

I'm ALL about the shutting down of cities. my only worry is that it will not apply to the paper, but then again... they're so frickin laid back... There's a media conferance at the Dead Sea in early Oct... I'm going to try to weasal my way into that.

I NEED crazy late night partying. I give myself a year before I trade in AMM for Beirut or Dubai... (PS, watched ALL 3 hours of *Fairuz: Live in Las Vegas* last night... v. disappointing as she didn't sing Li Beirut, Habeytak Bessayf, or Behabak ya Lubnan...all my faves!!!)

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[info]roseredcity
2005-09-07 02:58 am UTC (link)
Hi I saw your post in kingdomofjordan, i think we may have something in common, both freelancers ? anyhow, good luck with the move. i have been wanting to go go to JO too. maybe we can chat online sometime ?

-Katie.

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[info]solituddegitana
2005-09-07 03:56 am UTC (link)
thanks :) Would love to chat sometime... I'm completely new to freelancing/journalism/etc. so I could definitely use some advice and would be happy to keep you posted on media there... I know they are always needing native English speakers... check the English language publications there and just go for it (or arabic if you've got the language ability)... that's what I did. I also friended you if you don't mind :)

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[info]roseredcity
2005-09-07 04:55 am UTC (link)
Hi ! I am actually a freelance illustrator. We can chat on AIM if you have that. I am m00min13 on AIM and flo0dland@yahoo.com on MSN.

So did you find a somewhat steady job with a media company or will you be totally freelance ? I am very curious because this is exactly what I want to do except as an illustrator. I would love to hear more about how you worked this out.

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[info]solituddegitana
2005-09-07 05:52 am UTC (link)
I'll add you to MSN next time I'm on .. vmmacchi@hotmail.com.

I found a job as a sub-editor + reporting responsibilities once my Arabic improves and I settle in, floating around the pages until we figure out what works best. They have been super laid back, no contract and basically telling me I can take on as much or as little as I want... that remains to be scene of course... but I think the opportunities for freelance are decent. Check out Jo Magazine... it's in English, monthly I think. They're relatively new and revamping constantly. It's not bad and might be a better bet than a paper for an illustrator.

since there is no contract, I'm going to hit up every contact I've got and throw myself into every freelance opportunity I get. I here Jo Mag pays freelancers well. The Royal Film Commission is always an option, they're definitely trying to get off their feet...and anythign related to tourism is always an option. Jo is really trying to push tourism (arab and foreign). I would definitely encourage cold cover letters to as many places as possible and hope one or two bite the bait, just to get you started. Jo is small enough that once you are there, contacts are easily multiplied. let's definately talk on MSN though :)

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[info]roseredcity
2005-09-07 07:36 am UTC (link)
wow I am amazed that I am "meeting" someone who is doing *exactly* what I want to go and do. I thought I was the only one "crazy" enough to want to do something like that. Although obviously I don't think I (or you) are crazy. :}

I am having such a hard time doing the freelance thing here in the states that I figured it would be easier if I worked where the cost of living is less. Plus I loooove Jordan. If you liked Egypt I think you'll be very happy there.

I have seen JO magazine before, I think I will send them a cover letter. What paper are you working for ? I have collected a list of ad agencies that I am going to write to but I wasn't sure if I should wait til I actually moved to contact them or not. What do you think and how did you get the editor job ?

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