Friendly Jordanian Hotel Is Home Away From Home

Amman, Jordan

Editor’s Note: Education Week Assistant Editor Mary Ann Zehr is on assignment in Jordan to report on the education system of this strategically located country in the Middle East. During her two-week visit, which began April 1, she will also be filing occasional reports for edweek.org.

A friend who was a freelance journalist in Iraq last year gave me two pieces of advice about reporting in the Middle East. She said to hire the best interpreter I could find and to stay in a full-service Western hotel.

I followed the first bit of advice, and I'm glad I did. I ignored the second piece of advice, and...