As I drove back to Amman a few days ago from hanging out in the desert with the Jordanian Army it occurred to me that life, in Amman at least, was starting to settle into somewhat of a rhythm. I am spending my weekends getting my entertainment and rest in, three days hanging out in the desert with the Jordanians, and the remaining work days at the embassy filing travel vouchers for completed trips and getting things organized for the next trip. Most of the "newness" of things has finally worn off and I am feeling more and more like each time I come back to my apartment I am coming "home". I couldn't help but note that the same progression happens each time I move, and I'm glad its no different in a Middle East country.

I am really excited to be heading to Turkey in a week and a half. Turkey is not officially and "Arab" country and it doesn't fall into the area of a Middle East FAO, but it is listed as a secondary priority for regional travel for 48G's. I think Turkey plays an important role as a bridge between the Middle East and Europe and it has some very unique issues that are tangential to those in the Middle East, so I am making it the next trip on my world tour. This trip is going to have some unique challenges. Two things will be different from Egypt. First, I will no longer know any of the local language (Turkish) and secondly, I will be traveling alone. If all goes well, I'll take a week-long trip to Romania on some personal leave time once my time in Turkey is finished.

I'll close with a shout out to all the fine folks who continue to ask me questions about being an FAO. You guys really make doing this worthwhile. Thanks!