Reality Check one two…one two
Aid Projects, Building, Community Projects, Demonstration Sites, Developments, Education Centres, Energy Systems, Ethical Investment, Land, Project Positions, Village Development — by Eric Seider January 26, 2009
If you were to get up and walk to the sink and turn on the faucet, there is a pretty damn good chance that water will come out. And if it didn’t you’d be surprised to say the least, more likely pissed off and annoyed at the inconvenience. You’d then wonder who is to blame for this unacceptable turn of events. I mean it is your god given right as a human being to expect water to come out of the tap when you need it….right?
Well…..Salaam Alaykum. Welcome to Jordan.
Beduoin Camp, Dead Sea Valley, Jordan
It doesn’t work like that here.
Not where I am anyway, sitting in a former Palestinian Refugee camp 400 meters below sea level. In the Jordan Valley, the lowest place on earth. Yep that’s right the ocean is 400 meters above my head. I’m currently working on the Jordan Valley Permaculture Project started by Geoff and Nadia Lawton. The intention of the project is to create a Permaculture demonstration site/education center that will enable local residents to replicate the techniques in their homes and add a layer of security that no arsenal of modern weaponry can touch.
The city water turns on maybe twice a week. So everyone has tanks on the roof they fill when it does. And if you run out then you either buy in a truckload or do without. Yeah do without in an area with average yearly rainfall of 200 mm, and temperatures in the summer of 50 degrees celsius (122 Fahrenheit) lets see the residents of Los Angeles or New York City deal with that.
end of the earth?
I’ve been here for 3 weeks now and perspective shift is an extreme understatement. It is quite literally another world here. Just like southeast asia is another world, the middle east is another world. Another culture, another language, another way of life. There are different ways one must conduct themselves, especially when it comes to male and female interactions. You can save your women’s lib comments, the women here don’t want to hear it. On the outside it seems that the women are repressed and forced to cover up. In reality its all done for their protection, the hijab (or covering up) is a personal choice for a woman and serves to protect their modesty and dignity. You see, when a woman is covered, even in male company she can be perceived for her spiritual qualities and her personality, over her physical appearance. the hijab is also for for the men’s benefit. As they say, a man cannot resist looking at a pretty women so the women cover up to save the men bad credit. Oh and a respectful man would never approach a strange woman, you get one look for free and that’s it, if she wants to approach you then you can talk to her. Basically to be safe you spend a lot of time staring at the ground.
Its a far cry from the demonized portrayal we get on the local news back in the states and in most of the western world. Speaking of which a prime example is the War on Gaza. I can only imagine the tired attempt at reporting the news stations back home are doing. Watching the news here you get a bit of a different story. First off on the BBC they say 1000 Palestinians DIED, and 13 Israelis KILLED. on Aljazeera they say 1000 Palestinians KILLED, 13 Israelis KILLED. So what does the BBC think those thousand Palestinians died of? Cancer?!
On tv you hear “Israel is not targeting civilians” on tv I see Schools and UN buildings, yes thats right United Nations Buildings used as safe houses for women and children destroyed by Israeli air-strikes.
If this were Gaza we would see different expressions.
We could go on all day, but sitting here, eating dinner, made to feel like part of the family. Then watching these atrocities on the tv and thinking, jesus christ, this house, these people, these smiling kids are the same ones losing limbs, losing family members, losing any hope at a dignified existence.
So this project here in Jordan, whose population is one half displaced Palestinian refugees, is a real, practical, on the ground attempt at basic human security. Clean water, healthy food, appropriate energy technology, and proper waste management. Something no political leadership can provide.
And a special note for all those change-aholics ga ga for Obama. I’m glad to have a president that doesn’t speak like a moron now, but sorry to burst your bubble, REAL change starts from the bottom up not the top down. That day has long since passed. So if you want to participate in REAL change then please feel free to donate to the project, click here for a break down of items needed. Its tax deductible, so do something positive with those tax dollars before Uncle Sam gets them. We know what that sponsors.
And if you really want a change then come volunteer on the project. Volunteers needed by end of March. Contact Geoff@permaculture.org.au for details. Permaculture Design Certificate required.
wanna see more pictures now? Ok just one more thing before we go….
Check your over-sanitized, toilet paper wiping, isn’t it dangerous, what about Al Queda?, bullshit at the door and come along for a ride. I promise its an experience you never knew you needed.
cheers, Masalama
Eric Seider
for more pics click here
where is a compost pile when you need one
Can you please explain the soaking of plastic manure bags (in your picasa image gallery)? That plastic desintegrates eventually?
Comment by Daniel — January 27, 2009 @ 7:01 am
Its just a way of temporarily containing the moisture and nutrients of the soaked manure for the tree to use as it grows. To help prevent it from just leeching away into the ground.
Comment by eric seider — January 27, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
“Check your over-sanitized, toilet paper wiping, isn’t it dangerous, what about Al Queda?, bullshit at the door and come along for a ride.”
you sound like a real delight, i’ll be right over.
Comment by greg bell — January 28, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
Hey Greg,
Sorry if my candor is to much for your delicate sensibilities. If you want candy coating, sprinkles and a cherry on top maybe you better try an ice cream sundae instead.
cheers, thanks for reading.
Comment by eric seider — January 30, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
Hi Eric, good post. I didn’t realise you waxed so poetic online. It’s a harsh environment after the Channon. Completely different problems to solve outside of the obvious environmental ones. I look forward to seeing more posts. Take care.
Comment by Dean Hazelwood — January 31, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
What in the world could be more reasonable, humanitarian, merciful, stable, secured, spiritual, profitable… than a project like this one!! I can’t really think of any similar complete package. Really, what could be better than an opportunity to saving humanity and healing life!!
I do really wish it goes the way it’s meant to be.
I’m about to book in a couple of days for the PDC course held in Al Jawfa, Dead Sea Valley area in western Jordan next October ISA. I’m excited and looking forward to joining the good work there.
Tanks Eric and God bless,,,
Salaam,
Tarek
Comment by Tarek Sami — September 9, 2009 @ 10:25 am
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