American Studying in Amman, Jordan: When Things go Wrong at the American Embassy.

I have just finished my first week of classes. To start it off, it was required of me to take a language pledge, which pretty much means I am only allowed to speak in Arabic. With such a limited vocabulary its difficult to have casual conversation, but when there is something I need, I can usually manipulate the words I know to get my point across. On our last day of class for the week, the class enjoyed making an Arabic dish. The name of the dish is called "Kofta Tehini". It includes ground lamb meet, potatoes, onions, parsley and Tehini sauce. It was definitely better than the meals I have been making.
To finish out the week some of my friends and I attempted to enter a party at the United States Embassy. Apparently, one of the students knew someone who was stationed there. After going through a rigorous security check that involved metal detectors, x-rays, and the removal of cell-phones, we were able to obtain an escort. We were also required to wear visitor badges. Once we made it inside we were able to get drinks. There was music, a bar, and a nice patio where a lot of people were sitting. After about ten minutes though we were all kicked out. The "commanding officer" didn't know us and felt uncomfortable with us being there. Again we were escorted and then forced to leave the property. A pretty thrilling forty-five minutes in my opinion. Instead of going to the embassy party we went to a place called Paris Cafe. Extremely westernized, it was honestly a relief after being bombarded by Arabic culture and language. We ordered a couple rounds of drinks and danced until one in the morning. Staying in groups, we made our way home using taxi's.
The next day, in major need of a coffee, I set out to brew my own Turkish coffee using a tea pot and ibrik. It involves boiling water the coffee grounds several times. I enjoy doing stuff that's hands on here liking cooking or making coffee. There isn't to much to do in the apartment besides study or watch Arabic television. I'm not very well equipped here. I found some peppercorn at one of the small stores along the street. After purchasing and bringing it home. I realized I didn't have a grinder, but there was a pestle and mortar. Even doing laundry is more difficult. No one uses a dryer here, so we all use a drying rack on our balcony.
Even though I get stared at every now and again, I honestly feel pretty safe here, and I'm slowly getting the lay of the land. Hopefully, I'll adventure further and further out of my protective bubble provided by CET.