Amman
A hilly city with blocks of sandstone uniformly erected all raising to about the same height along the charcoal gray roads; its consistency interrupted by the towering minaret and the dark green pine trees defending the city's brotherly love and friendship. Jordan is a mecca of cosmopolitism among its geographic neighbours, a dynamic hub of wealth, religion and civilizations. The most characteristic features of this country is its stunning landscape, delectable food and brotherly people.
Amman is an intersection of modern city with malls, museums, cafes, hotels and sites that date back to the bronze age. I was most amazed to see people in their regular lives dress up in strikingly different attires- casual jeans t-shirts, tuxedos and Arabic robes . Inspite of the difference, what stood out is the friendship they have for one another and hospitality towards foreign tourists especially Indians.
Amman is an intersection of modern city with malls, museums, cafes, hotels and sites that date back to the bronze age. I was most amazed to see people in their regular lives dress up in strikingly different attires- casual jeans t-shirts, tuxedos and Arabic robes . Inspite of the difference, what stood out is the friendship they have for one another and hospitality towards foreign tourists especially Indians.
The Citadel
The Citadel is Amaan's oldest known site perched on top of a hill, providing panoramic view of the city and it triggers a metaphor between the present in all its pomp and splendour and the remains of past whose glory still reverberates in the air. Settlements at the Citadel continued from atleast Bronze Age to Arab Muslim Periods. The site is an open- air museum with relics from different civilizations - Roman, Byzantine and ummayad. Some of the deities seen here have been referred in the Bible and it sees the daylight after surviving many wars and earthquakes.
The National Archaeological Museum housed in the Citadel has an extraordinary collection of artefacts from Palaeolithic Age found in Jordan and neighbouring places.
The National Archaeological Museum housed in the Citadel has an extraordinary collection of artefacts from Palaeolithic Age found in Jordan and neighbouring places.
Roman Ampitheatre
In the bustling market place is situated the Roman Theatre, a fabulous view of which can be obtained from the Citadel. Attached to the theatre is a small gallery displaying traditional attires of Jordanian and its neighbours. The theatre again made of rocks has number of steps which is rather difficult to climb but does provide a nice view of the theatre. As we were there on a Saturday, which is a holiday lots of families seemed to be there as a routine outing; I was intrigued to see families with lots of children and it was fun to see them play around the rocky steps.
Balad- The bustling street market
In the heart of Amman, near the Roman Theatre is this crowded market place where you can find spices to nuts, music to clothes and many souvenir shops; not to forget shops over flowing with Chinese products. I would suggest a trip to Ballad if you are interested in buying Jordanian spices( which is a must by), nuts- they sell a variety of fried nuts like almonds, cashews, I endorse their figs and hazel nuts at competitive prices. You can also lay hands at Bedouin music and buy some souvenirs. I stopped at the Tourist Café- mentioned in Wikitravel for some dance performances in night but alas was disappointed as there was no trace of it.
The Royal Automobile Museum
Located near the Citi Mall, this one is worth a visit for all macho men who are essentially synonyms with car enthusiasts; but wait there is more than mean machines at display. Through the radio commentary and visual displays you get first hand information about the Royal family from King Abdullah I to King Abdullah II. You will surely get swept by King Hussein's Charisma and high octane personality .A peek into the history of the kings and the freedom struggle is quintessential to comprehend the culture of Jordan.