Once I accustomed myself to my surroundings this last week, I've discovered that although the Arab world has many of the same elements of Western life, subtle differences make simple tasks foreign. Crossing streets without crosswalks, paying cabs with a currency that resembles the metric system, and even flushing toilets required assistance from strangers. Regardless of the tediousness of these simple tasks, Jordanians are remarkably relaxed and patient toward strangers. In fact, a cab driver actually taught me how the currency works from change in his hand—while driving!

Of course, there are bigger differences. As a Muslim country, Islam permeates the society and culture, though less so than other parts of the Middle East. Unlike the American stereotype, not all women completely don a veil. Indeed some do, and at first, it shocked me since I didn't know how to react. Other women dress in typical Western styles, though the vast majority do dress conservatively and typically cover their heads with scarves.