Live from Jordan

K. and I have had many visitors since we moved to Amman, but none quite like Flat Max. Football in one hand and catcher's mitt in the other, Max comes to us from Appleton, Wisconsin, after a short jaunt in Salt Lake City. Max (aka "Flat Stanley") is part of an international literary project geared to help young students widen their worldview, while enriching skills in reading and writing. Our job as hosts is to tour Max around Jordanian cities and sites, documenting his journey as we go. We're also recording Max's thoughts about local customs and culture. In a few days, we'll send his discoveries about the Middle East back to his classmates at Franklin Elementary School via postcard. Thus far, Max is having a blast. Here are some of his highlights: 

Max at the spice souk in Sweifieh

posing with camel friends

en route to the Dead Sea

soaking up the sun in Amman

"Flat Stanley" is a terrific project for kids, particularly for those who return from this region with fresh insights about the Middle East. If you know anyone who would like to send their "Flat Stanley" or other hand-drawn correspondents to Amman, please contact me. In the meantime, we're gearing up for another adventure with Max, who will soon meet some local security guards and policemen. Special thanks to G.M. for introducing us to his buddy!