Continents

Basketball has been my sport. My interest in the World Cup grew in 1998. Yet my first World Cup game would be USA vs. Wales 24 years later.

Since our arrival to Doha in 2019, I’ve always had one lazy eye on the World Cup Day #1. As the years became months, days, and then just hours until the World Cup opening match, excitement and anticipation grew.

When my wife and I recruited for international teaching positions in Qatar, we honestly had no idea where Qatar was in the Middle East. But after accepting positions, the goal remained to attend FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the most compact soccer tournament in history.

A growing revolt built in the backseat, we pulled over by the Dead Sea, that body of water that allows heavy adults like me to float like a round balloon.

We now found ourselves in the iconic sands of Wadi Rum, the backdrop for Hollywood films, tons of sand, and occasionally snow.

There was a travel post about Jordan I had forgotten to publish. Before posting it, I’d share seven random facts about Jordan.

Speed bumps slowed us down enough for mosaics, prophetic heights, and the lowest points on earth. It also taught a few Jordan driving tips.

I finally found a deal to Amman, Jordan. The only caveat for a return to family travel, a nine-hour layover in Abu Dhabi . . . starting at 1 a.m.