In which Zach spends the first day of his trip to Central Asia in Istanbul, Turkey – touring the Hagia Sofia museum and the Sultanahmet mosque with two Japanese flight attendants, being harassed by vendors, and eating unpronounceable foods.

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In which Zach updates from the airport, about to start off on his two-week journey into central Asia to visit family there, as well as describing his new group of students.

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In which Zach visits Syria, his first Arab country outside of Jordan, with his choir, Dozan wa Awtar, and explores the city of Damascus and the Umayyad Mosque. They join with 2 other choirs from Lebanon and Syria to make beautiful music at the lovely Church of the Olives in the heart of the Old City.

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In which Zach has a relatively normal Sunday: goes to an Easter church service on the top of Mount Nebo, then visits the ruined Roman city of Jerash for a second time, this time actually going inside the park. Then he goes back to Amman and eats sheep brains.

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In which Zach explores the wildflower-carpeted mountains of the north, in the Roman ruins of Um Qais to the ancient Caliphate castle of Ajloun. With this many flowers and trees, it’s easy to wonder: is he actually still in Jordan or was he somehow transported to Colorado or something?

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In which Zach welcomes his friend Christine to Jordan for 4 days of touring and travel from north to south. Afterward, he talks a little bit about possible future employment plans and the upcoming Easter choir concert.

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