We got out of our host’s apartment for a few hours to check out Amman’s nearby City Mall, and pick up some provisions for the coming days. The mall includes a HyperMax, which is said to be the largest retail store in the country. Think Costco or Sam’s Club, but with two floors instead of one. Since it’s Ramadan, the stores closed between 6:00-7:30pm while people broke fast. And while Riley wanted to check out the Jingo Jungle (a cross between Chuck E Cheese and Sky Zone) and the laser tag place, that will have to wait for another day. Something I don’t think I’d seen before was a floor specifically designated for services–mostly financial and cellular–rather than finding them mixed in with other retailers.

Anyhoo, we are staying safe, getting to know our colleagues more, and introducing kids to such classic movies as “Robin Hood: Men In Tights”. Thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and check-ins.

Looks like someone lost their TGIF brand license. Good thing “Friday” isn’t copyrighted. Or is it…?

On the one had, Krispy Kreme was not on my “Things found in a mall in Jordan” bingo card. On the other, there is a strong donuts/sweets culture in the region, so we shouldn’t be surprised.

They see me rollin’
They hatin’

Practically impractical? Discuss.

Awww. You shouldn’t have.

As a former advertising copywriter, I remain fascinated by naming conventions and choices. I read one speculation that “Pull & Bear” is misappropriated English slang for “tug of war”. (The company that owns the chain in Spanish.) Another said it was a variation on prêt-à-porter. [shrug]

Another local example of not having the naming rights but still feeling free to use the style guide.