I’m so glad I decided not to spend my school break in the UAE, even though I miss my family. The weather is just wonderful in Jordan. I love winter. It was kind of ironic how autumn and winter are my favorite seasons yet I lived in the UAE, where it’s summer all the year.

It’s really great that for the first time in my life, I get two days off every week: Friday and Saturday. TWO DAYS! (insert evil laugh here). I love my new job.

About today, I had coffee with a friend at Cups and Kilos (which has officially become my new favorite hangout place), after that we headed to the Balad on a quest for books. Been there only twice before but I really really really love that place with all the shops and colors, and the simple life it represents. There’s nothing you can’t find at the balad by the way, another reason why the place rocks. Picture this: soft rain, fresh cool air, the smell of books, the chit-chat you can have with Abu-Ali anytime and about anything (this man is like a cultural symbol, you gotta love him), the smell of falafel from Hashim restuarnat and people staring for no apparent reason. I had the greatest time ever just walking around the place and checking out everything from antiques to beautiful textiles (I’m in love with colorful Indian-style clothes, got two Indian hand bags last year from the Global village in Dubai last year and I absolutely adore them) and dusty disarranged books shelved randomly as if to teach you the value of the book you’re looking for.

I definitely need to go there at least once a month, but I need to wear more comfortable shoes next time. And I should remember to bring my camera too.