The first days

Day 1- Oct 16th 2007
It took me almost 12 hours to get from Amman, Jordan to Nablus. I left Amman at 7.30am and arrived at the Jordanian “bridge” to Israel at 8.30am. There are two separate gates to the bridge; one for Arabs and one for ‘foreigners’. I took the foreigner’s gate since I have a Canadian passport. The funny thing is that it made me feel like a traitor by going in the easy way and acting like I don’t speak my language. Acting non-Arab is the only way to get through to my country peacefully without interrogation.

After going through passport checks, we all waited for a bus to go to the Israeli borders. We arrived at 11.30 where the Arabs and non-Arabs mix again. Everyone stood in line for the passport control. It took almost an hour to get to the counter because every person was questioned intensely. It seemed as though they try hard to catch something against them. Some people went through, and some people were asked to be seated (for further questioning). It was my turn. I answered all the questions confidently and simply. I said I was visiting my relatives who live in Jerusalem. I couldn’t say I was going to Nablus because they would’ve probably made me go back. And I certainly could not say I’m volunteering to help Palestinian children as my reason for visiting! Even though I was a Canadian visiting Jerusalem, I had an Arabic name which is probably why they didn’t let me go through immediately. They asked me to be seated and wait as they held on to my passport.

I sat there for 4 hours. I knew it was either because they were looking for something to hold against me, or it’s their little mind game to make new comers paranoid and scared. Both ways I took it easy. I had something to eat and chit-chatted with other people who were waiting with me. Four hours later, an officer showed up and returned my passport. Without one question, I was let out.

Getting to Nablus is another journey. No Israeli (yellow licence plate) cars can enter Nablus or Genin, and no West-bank cars can enter Israeli areas. From the borders, I took a bus to a cab, the cab took me to the borders of Nablus (at Howwarah), and then I had to walk through the border where my cousin can pick me up from the other side! Walking along the borders with my suitcases was definitely something I never thought I would do.

I finally arrived at 7pm.

Day 2 – Oct 17th 2007
Day two is actually my *first* day here in Nablus since I did not get the chance to see anything the day before. I also arrived on the same day two citizens from Nablus were shot by Israeli soldiers. The city was closed for mourning, or hidaad for two days. The mourning ceremony was held at 10am.

I took this chance to explore my surroundings. My bedroom is simple and comfortable. My favourite part is the large window and the doors to the balcony. The PH house is on one of the two mountains in Nablus so the view from every window is breathtaking. I’m happy to be here.