In limbo in Amman!!

So, we all love Amman, and Jordan generally; such a fantastic place with amazing people. We are, however, in limbo here, waiting for the car to be fixed at the local Land Rover garage, and thus it's becoming a little tiresome.

Our partner organisation here, SPANA, are a veterinary charity who look after and care for working animals, largely donkeys, horses, and mules. We visited their medical centre and education centre here in Amman last week, and also spent a whole day with one of their mobile clinics out in the Jordan Valleys, where their work is really essential.

The work we witnessed with the mobile clinics involved a lot of basic care, including dental hygiene check ups, as well as ensuring that the animals were tied correctly, and not with wire around their legs, which is often the case. They not only offer this basic treatment, but also much more serious surgeries, as well as educating people in how to look after their animals. Often they are used to transport water great distances, and often carry twice their own body weight, which is extremely unhealthy.

Speaking to the guys working with the mobile clinic, they feel there is a long road ahead to ensuring that all working animals are treated well and with dignity, but they do see a gradual improvement. They commented on the importance of first gaining the trust of people, and often they have to limit the support they offer, and instead follow a gradual process of progression. Everyone working with SPANA was extremely professional and committed to their work, and with animals providing such important support to families all across Jordan, they are a key component to the quality of life for thousands.

The latest news from the garage is that the car should be ready on Saturday, and thus we will head to Aqaba to catch the ferry across to Egypt on Sunday morning. It does mean that we will have to limit our time in Egypt, however, all going well we will still have three days with our partner charity there, 'The Brooke', and will then continue onwards to North Sudan the following week. Fingers crossed!

On the positive side of things, our extended time in Amman, has meant that we have got to know some less well known attractions within the city, including the Al Hussein Cinema, which is just beyond words. Below are a few general snaps of Jordan, including an exterior snap of said cinema! (all photos, except little girl outside hostel, by Phillip Wright) Enjoy!