And he felt safest, in Jordan

I had an interesting discussion with the former Israeli military co-worker.  So, I asked a little bit more about it, and he was generous in boasting the number of places he has visited

So what exactly about Jordan? He replied that he was able to walk alone, at 3 Am in most neighborhoods without facing a single person who would do him any harm. He added that despite the exaggerated prices of a number of items, he didn't feel as much "ripped off" as many other places.

He continued by saying that he didn't mention anything about his background or where he came from. But many people were extremely open, hospitable and welcoming to the fair skinned, broken Arabic visitor from the west.

I think in this crazy world that we live in, sometimes we forget the little blessings that surround us. We forget how it would be if we lose the safety, or calm that a tiny volatile nation like Jordan has.

With a mixture of Native Jordanians, tribes, Palestinians, Syrians, Bedouins, Caucasians, Chechnyans and even Kurds (and a bunch of other minorities), Two major religions, and tons of conflict to the north, south, east west and north west. It's a miracle that Jordan enjoys this existence.

When a nation like Jordan has every possible reason to blow up into a Lebanon or split into couple of Iraqs and have les resources than most of the civilized world and extreme difficulties in culture, climate and still enjoy such safety that is envied by the occupation across the river. I am personally proud of our greatest achievement and most valuable wonder, Jordan's existence!

So, Recap, heterogeneous society/culture/religions. Limited resources, conflict and "ill-wishers" all around. And it's still safer than most of the Arab world (according to an ex-military Israeli). I'd write this on a poster and smack it on the wall in my office, that's something to really be proud of!