Going to the Mall

At the moment I'm hanging out in Mecca...Mall (http://www.meccamall.jo/en). Drinking a capuccino (sometimes turkish coffee just doesn't do it) and using the wireless internet. Eid is tomorrow - this means both Mecca and Mecca Mall are full of people.

I can hear Jordanian youth speaking to each other in English and there are women who dress like they're going out clubbing. Outfits I wouldn't wear on a bet. Other women walk around with their imported domestic help trudging behind them carrying their bags and their children.

At this mall there are two theaters, bumper cars, a gym, a bowling alley, and a skating rink. There are oodles of western clothing stores. And Zara! This super duper cool clothing store from Spain. There are two in San Francisco and I never knew.

For those of you who think we need a military presence to democratize the Middle East...relax. For better or worse, Madison Avenue has it covered.