Tree-climbing goats

Near the Dead Sea, Jordan

Friday, October 25, 2013

We spent a lovely afternoon today with friends at their place overlooking the northern end of the Dead Sea. As the sun set, we went on a walk and had the chance to observe a group of voracious goats practically climbing an olive tree--and devouring it. I don't think they were eating olives (possibly they had already been harvested), but all the leaves and small branches were fair game...

The experience puts a new perspective on the tale of the "Three Billy Goats Gruff"... 

Robot candy purse

Madaba, Jordan
Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Halloween arrived on campus a week early so we had to spring into action to finish A's robot costume. A recycled box, some aluminum foil, some duct tape (for the handle), and some shiny stickers--and my little robot was ready to go.

The best part? A is old enough to help make her own costumes!

Down by the sea

Aqaba, Jordan
Tuesday, October 15, 2013

When not furiously beach-combing for sea glass, A spent her time recording her experiences at the beach on paper--in the tradition of other great artists.

Meanwhile, Papa went snorkeling and saw two giant sea turtles and a host of other brilliant sea creatures.

And Mama read a book.

Aqaba lunch

Aqaba, Jordan
Sunday, October 13, 2013

Day Three of our vacation in Aqaba. After a morning spent snorkeling and hanging out by the pool, we headed into Aqaba for lunch. We found a simple restaurant and ordered foul, hummous, and falafel. Food for peasants AND for kings--

Public Beach #4

Aqaba, Jordan
Saturday, October 12, 2013

Up early on our first morning here. Went down to investigate Public Beach #4 which lies just across the highway from our hotel. Families camping in all manner of tents, heating tea on open fires, and sitting by the sea. A constant and fierce wind blowing down the coast. Across the blue, blue water is Egypt and a bit of Israel. I love this time of day...

Arrived: Aqaba's South Coast

Aqaba, Jordan
Friday, October 11, 2013

We arrived late afternoon in Aqaba and found our hotel on the South Coast. Wonderful, funky place with a freezing cold pool and a colorfully decorated facade--clean and pleasant though nothing fancy. Let the relaxing begin...

Royal autos

Amman, Jordan
Saturday, October 5, 2013

Spent a very interesting  hour in the Royal Automobile Museum this afternoon. Not only are there lots of fantastically restored old cars and motorcycles, they are placed in Jordan's historical context with great photos and other artifacts. Don't miss it!

All evening they rustled and twisted...

Madaba, Jordan
Thursday, October 3, 2013

Yep, it's flexagon season once again! Last night I cut up the pieces of mailing tape in preparation for class. All evening as I worked, the rolls of paper rustled and twisted nearby, straining to twist themselves into tighter rolls. By morning, they were long tight sticks, and I had a hard time getting them into a bag to transport to class.

I made a test flexagon with this new type of mailing tape (thank you, SF!), and A kindly decorated it for me as a sample to my students. Stay tuned for the work my students do on this great puzzle...

Here's a link to my favorite hexa-hexa-flexagon numbering system.