s-1
| When Yui's friends encouraged her to join them on a trip to Syria in 2009, she was about to refuse. |
s-2
| I had an idea in my head that the Middle East was not safe. |
s-3
| But my friends insisted and I went. |
s-4
| The food was delicious, the people were so friendly, and the architecture was so beautiful. |
s-5
| I fell in love with the region right away. |
s-6
| Back in Japan, I felt uncertain about my job, and had no desire to work in Japan forever. |
s-7
| I always wanted to work outside of my country so I could explore the world and see things from a different perspective. |
s-8
| I saw a position in Jordan at a major tourism company. |
s-9
| I could help other Japanese become fond of the region as well! |
s-10
| Now, Yuis job is to bring Japanese tourists to Jordan. |
s-11
| She takes visitors to different tourist sites in Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. |
s-12
| I really love my job, because I feel Im doing something new. |
s-13
| There arent so many Japanese people living in Jordan. |
s-14
| Im the only one in my company, so my ideas are taken seriously when it comes to attracting tourists. |
s-15
| Its my job to make sure that the places where Japanese tourists stay appeal to their sense of hospitality. |
s-16
| In the meantime, she has built a new life in Amman. |
s-17
| People here are so friendly. |
s-18
| When I am sick, my friends come visit me. |
s-19
| My neighbors invite me for dinner at their place. |
s-20
| I never feel really lonely in this country. |
s-21
| Friendship means a lot here. |
s-22
| Despite her warm welcome to Jordan, Yui still misses her homeland. |
s-23
| Sometimes, when I see the strong bonds that people have with their family and friends here, it makes me miss my family. |
s-24
| Sometimes when my mom hears that something happened in the region, she calls me to tell me not to go to any tourist sites. |
s-25
| But hey, Mom! |
s-26
| Thats my job! |