Amman a Middle Eastern City

Tourism is receiving a new face in the nation of Jordan. The genuine welcome received from the natives is one of the reasons you are so quickly integrated into the culture. You will be greeted with smiles, frequent salaams, and curiosity. They really want to learn about you and your country. Amman is a Middle Eastern city, there is no denying that.

 

This city is a sprawling metropolis and it can be overwhelming as you enter into the interior of the white stone buildings. Since the white buildings reflect the sun, it is often a desert environment from which you may need to retreat often. The nineteen hills that encompass this metropolis date back to the Romans. Amman has served as capitol for Assyrian, Persia, Byzantine, Hellenic and Nabataaean. These cultures have influenced this modern city with its multi-dimensional heritage.

 

The city traces it’s name to the Ammonites, who lived east of Jordan, to Lot the nephew of Abraham who is the patriarch if the three great religions of this Biblical land. The great city of over two million people offers a one-of-a-kind experience. There are new adventures and history around every corner. Adjusting to the ethnocentric preconceptions is very natural as you seem to flow gently from one heritage to another. Even the Arabic on the buildings and signs seem fresh and comforting.

 

This city is not only a feast for your stomach, but also a feast of the senses. The eastern food is the healthiest food of any culture.

Grain, cheese, yogurt, fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, and a little bit of meat defines the cuisine. Mansaf is the national food. It is lamb cooked in yogurt served over rice, which sends the gentle aromas that stimulate the senses. This delight can only be followed by the treat of the multi-dish, mezza. This meal of many tastes is basically a wide variety of appetizers. No middle eastern meal is complete without the traditional Arabic tea or shal.

 

The night life in the majestic city is as varieties as the past influences which have left their mark on this region. It is easy to experience the authentic atmosphere offered after the sun has left the sky and the cool of the evening has settled into a peaceful cloak. Be sure to try the native dances of the region, laughter will fill the air as the night drifts into the calming cultural atmosphere.

 

The heat from the desert sun of Amman lends itself to an interior experience as you drift from you street side shop or eatery to another. Discovering the delights of the courtyards, the small shaded markets, the sensible stone walls that allows plenty of air flow to cool the day.

 

As you explore this great world travel destination, you must add the ancient Citadel where the columns of the Roman Temple of Hercules still stand, the second-century Roman Theater whose 33 rows can serve 6000 spectators, and the King Abdullah Mosque with it’s fabulous carpet, and dome. As Jordan is stepping in the world tourist market, she is displaying her jewels and hidden attributes for all to enjoy. Jordan is taking great care to maintain their ecosystems as they open their doors to the world.