Hello Jordan!

New country, new continent; while still in the Middle East, we are however no longer in Africa. Welcome to Asia.

The Jordanian flag

King Abdullah

The difference between this country and Egypt is palpable. Jordan is clearly more affluent than its neighbor (although the countries do not factually border each other). People drive newer cars, there are no animal-drawn carts circulating on the streets, the streets are cleaner and wider, the stores more welcoming, things are way more expensive, and traffic is clearly more manageable. This will not be apparent in the pictures I’m posting; the new and the mundane do not make interesting snapshots. Mostly I confined myself to taking images in (and from) the older part of town. Oh, and did I mention what a relief it is to now have our own car! We can drive anywhere we please, stop when we want, leave when we are good and ready.

Amman, the capital, seems like a really cool place, and the people are just as friendly as in Egypt, minus the hustle. Our hotel is a 25 minute ride to the center of town. Across are some ritzy Turkish baths, which I would not mind trying. We checked in late morning, and immediately went into the center.

We visited the historic citadel, which dates back (no misprint) to 7.000 years ago. Since then, it has been used by all who have, at one time or another, inhabited or conquered the area, Mesopotamians, people of the bronze and iron ages, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Arab Muslims. Bits of each civilization are noticeable. It is a very interesting place, and the views of the old city are magnificent. We spent nearly two hours there.

Roman ruins at the citadel

This citadel mosque is from year 720. One of the oldest.

Inside the mosque

Mosque interior detail

Like I said, amazing views of the old city

From there we headed downtown to feel the city’s pulse. Once again we walked until our feet screamed at us. So many food vendors, so many scents and aromas, so many restaurants, all types of stores, and sweets, sweets of all kinds.

Roasted chestnuts and grilled corn

Fresh smoothies made on the spot. Amazing selection.

We ate at Hashem, a simple restaurant specializing in Falafel and Hummus, which was recommended to us back in Aswan, and again by a few locals. It was excellent. It is so famous that both King Hussein, and then his son, the current King Abdullah, have eaten there.

The person that had recommended the place in Aswan also told us to try out a place for sweets, called Habibah. They specialize in making Knafeh, a hot dessert layered with cheese, nuts, syrup and pastries. It’s an authentic Amman experience, and it is so yummy! The place is always packed; the line outside it is constantly 100 feet long, and moving very fast.

While we were in line, a lovely lady explained the dish to us and ordered for us. She even paid the 7 dollars for us and refused to be paid back, saying simply “You are our guests. Welcome to Jordan”. We were so touched; welcome to Jordan indeed!

Downtown Amman

Cozy nook

You could steal easily in his store. He is out like a light.

We are looking forward to seeing the country. We will be back in Amman again, but tomorrow we’ll start our road trip. I believe you will find it interesting and exciting. Stay well friends.