I hadn't expected to love Jordan as much as I did, but it truly is one of the most amazing places I've visited. I'm enchanted by the middle east right now and all Arab cultures. Jordan gave us another view into this world, and after this trip my understanding and appreciation of this region has been richly expanded. Jordan is a very peaceful country in the heart of a very troubled region. It's sort of a self-proclaimed Arab Switzerland as it waits for peace to be brokered in surrounding countries. Set among such countries who struggle to find peace, Jordan seems a little weary of all the conflict. And yet I also sense a bit of nervousness over similar conflicts erupting in Jordan. Photos of King Abdullah II rule the billboards while Jordanians seem to lead a relatively low standard of living and are always at the mercy of a king who has the sovereign authority to abolish parliament. At points during the trip we were mere miles from the Iraqi and Syrian borders where conflicts now rage. At one stop we were less than 5 miles from the Sa'udia border, a mysterious veiled land that I'll probably never see. Jordan's situation in this region gives it an interesting pulse, but mostly I felt the warmth of the people, the flavour of the food and majesty of the sights and history.
Our first stop was the village of Ajlun with its fortress and magnificent view into the Jordan Valley.
Lunch, a fabulous authentic Jordanian feast
Lunch with the king
Dessert
Jerash, a must on any Jordanian itinerary is one of the most preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world.
A small part of Jordan is only green about 6 weeks out of the year, and boy was it gorgeous!
Ancient seat assignments
Our driver slash guide slash historian slash Jordanian uncle slash knight in shining armour. Hasan virtually became part of our family during this trip, and was not merely our driver, but the most gracious host showing us his country. Should Jordan ever make your trip plans, I cannot recommend him enough!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Jordan Day 1: Ancient Rome and Ajlun
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Wow. You actually made me want to go there on your first post alone! At first I was so nervous for you and had no desire going there myself but it sounds like an amazing trip! I honestly can't wait to hear more about your trip! (Tim of course wants to go to Jordan. I can't wait to show him your posts.)
How fun to be there when it was so green! Were you able to see all of Jerash? That place is huge! Love the pics - especially the family shot and the one of the kids in the grass!
i want to meet hasan!
Post a Comment