It was early afternoon when the plane landed in Beirut, and Jenna was so excited that she could barely stand it. She was blasted by a wave of heat as she left the colorful, bustling airport terminal, and grinned at the feeling of warmth and adventure.

Lebanese people were incredibly welcoming, she soon discovered. Many people spoke English, and she was drawn in by their big smiles and courteous directions. One young woman helped her find a share-ride taxi that would take her the rest of the way to Al Mezinda, the capital city of which was only an hour’s drive away.

Jenna was not the only one heading that way; a few other travelers were heading to Al Mezinda, and she spoke with them excitedly during the drive. By the time they reached the capital, Yordan, however, she became so fascinated by what was out the window that she lost track of the conversation altogether.

Weathered stone buildings that must have been hundreds of years old stood right beside skyscrapers of steel and glass. There were people everywhere, and the noise and heat were intense.

The hostel was even nicer than the pictures online. Jenna had had to pay a little extra for this particular place, but she realized very quickly how worth that extra money was. She had her own private room with a bed, a dresser, a lamp, and a tiny window that looked into a tight alleyway. There was a large, modern common room and kitchen area, and she found a wide range of people there, milling around and socializing. It almost felt like the first week at college.

Jenna felt right at home, dumping her bag and spreading her things all over the room. She made sure to keep her passport and money on her, but knowing the place had a security system, she didn't think she had much to worry about.

She asked the kind-faced woman at the front desk where she might go to get something to eat, and the receptionist immediately offered up several options that were just around the corner. Jenna was both excited and terrified to step out into the city alone, but she forced herself through the front doors and out into the twilight.

She was not disappointed.

The hostel was located in the city’s market district, and there were people of every age moseying through the streets. She could barely understand what they all were saying, having only taken two semesters of Arabic, but the snatches of conversation she did understand filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

Young boys and girls played with a soccer ball, their cries filling the air. Mothers and fathers browsed the stalls for food and clothing items, everything in bright shades of reds and oranges and greens. The smells of the food were intoxicating, spices were fresh, colorful, and pungent. She saw jewelry, and pottery, and a stand that was selling goats.

Buildings filled the space on either side of her, and Jenna had to stretch her neck far back in order to see the tops of some of them. There was music and laughter and the shouts of the shopkeepers peddling their wares. It was everything she could have ever hoped for.

It was dark before Jenna returned to her room, travel weary and her head buzzing with excitement and exhaustion. The common area was still full of people, a few of whom were hard at work in the kitchen. Many of them said hello to her as she walked toward her room, and she realized that there was a good chance she would make some new friends this trip.

But she was so exhausted she could barely stand up. She knew that she had to stay awake as long as possible to try to beat the jet lag as best as she could, but sleep was coming on fast.

In the quiet of her room, after a cool shower and a fresh change of clothes, Jenna found her heart to be full of peace and contentment. She decided it was probably a good idea to try the free internet connection she had been promised and let her parents know where she was and what was happening.

After typing in the password on her laptop, she pulled up her email, and typed in her dad's email address. The connection was as slow as molasses, but at least it was working, and she started drafting her email.

Hey guys! Just got to the hostel, and settling in! My room is small, but I think it will be perfect for my time here, because I won't be in my room very much! The city is beautiful. It’s everything that I could have imagined it to be. Lots of old and new, and somehow it works! I don't think it would in Maine, though!

That was the truth, of course, but it was all so vague. She chewed on her lip. How could she give more info without giving everything away?

An idea sparked.

I had a super authentic local dish tonight, full of veggies and spices. And I think I had lamb for the first time! And the wine. Oh, Mom, you would love the red wine here. If I can, I’ll try to bring you home a bottle!

Tomorrow I’ll be taking a tour of the city and spending the afternoon at one of the markets. I can't wait to see all of the people and the souvenirs I can take home! Later this week, we are going into some of the more ancient parts of the city, you know, to do the touristy stuff.

She smiled. This actually was all the truth. Except they still thought she was in a totally different country.

Well, I love you both, and will be in touch again soon. The internet is awful here, so bear with me if it takes a while. Give the kitties a squeeze for me!

Slumping into her mattress, Jenna fell asleep no more than five minutes after hitting Send.