Safety, Food & other Travel Experiences about Visiting Jordan
The moment I said “I am going to Jordan”
Almost everyone who heard it crooned collectively
“Why are you going to Jordan? Is it safe to go there?”
“Well I will never know till I go and visit Jordan”, was my stoic reply in every single case.
“But it is so close to Syria, where all those things are happening”
While I am no Livingstone, I do love visiting new places and I have never been to Jordan except with Peter O’Toole, and later with Harrison Ford in their movies Lawrence of Arabia and Last Crusade in the Indiana Jones Series.
How could I miss this opportunity to visit a country that has been the meeting point of East and West for more than 3 thousand years? Jordan is the land where Moses found the eternal water spring, where his brother Prophet Aaron was buried in Petra. If you go further down this is where King David came for recuperation at the Dead Sea and Jesus was baptized.
Not much has changed in Petra in last 2000 years
The Romans roamed these deserts and built cities that rivaled with nothing less than Rome itself, the Arab tribes united here to throw the Ottoman Empire out (which by the way is the theme of Lawrence of Arabia movie where Peter O’Toole played the lead role).
But all that is history, now this place is dangerously close to all the trouble in the Middle East warned my well-wishers. When everything else failed one of my close friends who is also a vegetarian warned me,
“Even if the terrorist doesn’t get you, you will die of hunger as all they eat is meat in the Middle East and you will get nothing vegetarian to eat in Jordan”
Well if nothing else I can survive on desserts I told him.
Well, folks, this is just my fellow photographer Fabio from Italy clicking Amman Skyline from Wild Jordan Cafe 😛
But I would have none of the nonsense and on a bright sunny day, I landed in Amman the capital and largest city of Jordan. What I saw over next 7 days opened my eyes not only to one of the greatest common heritage of humanity but to a culture and country that is most friendly inviting and safe not only to travel but to live. If you don’t believe me ask the million-plus Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese people who have made Jordan their home. Yes, you read it right a million plus folks from other countries when the total populations of Jordan’s own citizens is only around 6 million of which around 3.5 million live in the capital Amman.
The very first day we were in Amman we had the second half free so three of us – Fabio from Italy, Aleah Phils from the Philippines decided to go to downtown in the area near the historical Grand Husseini Mosque. Earlier in the day our guide has told us that a cab ride should cost us two JD to downtown from our Hotel.
The Grand Husseini Mosque is seen from the narrow lanes of Bazaar in downtown Amman
We waved to a cab and he just opened the door and when we told him we need to go to the downtown near the Grand Husseini Mosque, he asked us to sit. The cab driver did not talk to us much as he was constantly chatting on his phone with somebody. Once we reached downtown we asked him about the cab fare “2 JD he said without blinking”The same thing happened on the return journey. (BTW Fabio and Aleah I owe you for the cab rides). Can you even imagine this in Delhi, Chennai or Bangalore where unless you take one of those pre-booked cabs, you are dependent on the autorickshaws? And the amount of money quoted by the auto-wallah is totally dependent on whether he is in the mood of English or desi in the evening.
As we were walking in the narrow lanes of bazaar around the mosque we were stopped by some shopkeepers who wanted to know from where I was. On learning that I am from India, I got big smiles and most of them introduced me to their friends around as “He is from Hind”, and in same breath mentioned that they love Bollywood and Shahrukh Khan. This was repeated at almost every shop I stopped to click pictures irrespective of the fact I bought anything or not.
These two guys posed and offered us coffee 🙂
These two guys in the picture above actually asked me to click their pictures and one of them offered to bring coffee for us. I was not keen to have coffee in the late evening as I wanted to sleep early so they brought coffee for Fabio .
Next few days we visited some of the best of archaeological and natural wonders of Jordan like the Temple of Hercules, the city of Jerash that was once buried under the ground for hundreds of year but now painstakingly has been restored for visitors and offer multiple Roman era theaters, roads and water management system that makes you wonder how smart those guys were.
Temple of Hercules: A site used since Stone age
In Wadi Rum which was once the hotbed of Arab Revolt against Ottoman Empire, we met friendly Bedouin tribesmen and spent time in their tent sipping Bedouin Tea (which is extra sweet and flavored with Cardamom, mint etc.) In fact the traditional Bedouin folks were most interesting to talk you, these rugged men and women know every nook and corner of the desert and still live a very traditional lifestyle but very friendly with us and happily posed for pictures (and none of them asked for money for pictures except in one case in Petra where some photographers were bothering an old guy for very long).
Our Bedouin host makes tea in traditional style in Wadi Rum. The girls in scarf are my fellow travelers Costanza from Italy and Jessica from the USA
Jordan has always been on a crossroad of civilizations and we saw the mingling of traditional Arab culture and values with Western ethos. For every Burqa clad woman there were an equal number of women dressed in western clothes sometimes with a headscarf and sometimes without covering their head. But there was no difference in the spunk and confidence of the girls dressed in western clothes or the ones wearing traditional dress.
Roman Theater Amman, Jordan: Where East meets West
For every woman in traditional dress, there was one wearing western clothes in Jordan
“I was actually surprised by Bedouin women as in many places these women dressed in traditional Burqa or Hizab were managing shops selling trinkets, souvenirs etc. and were actively engaging in conversation with potential shoppers.”
A Bedouin Woman: She sells handmade dolls in Petra ( you got to wait for a future post for pics of the dolls 🙂 )
Now if you are wondering if I ever saw any signs of Arab Spring in Jordan, then let me be totally honest with you. There was Arab spring almost everywhere in Jordan but it was in form of wild golden-yellow flowers almost everywhere we went. The whole countryside looked like Sarson Ke Khet in bloom.
Well yes we did find signs of Arab Spring in Jordan
Jordan was under a golden carpet
As for the food all I can say is that wait for more post but if you are in hurry check this picture I posted on Instagram
Wink wink, how about following desi Traveler on Instagram and get more stories from Jordan, one of the safest countries in the world to travel el. The hashtag for the same is #GoJordan and #UnravelingJordan.
Here is some practical information for the skeptics who are still not convinced: Amman to Damascus in Syria is about 176 KM by road, I think my friends should have been more worried when I visited Wagah Border from where Lahore is only 32 KM. (Though given a chance I would love to visit Pakistan too, after all we are one people if you look at our 5000-year-old common heritage).
All I can say is during our trip to Jordan we traveled the country in a car and not even once we felt we are unsafe or in a hostile environment. We tried lots of food, visited different places stayed in some really luxurious hotels and freely mixed with locals and enjoyed every moment we were in Jordan.
Peace + History + Culture + Food+ Friendly+ Luxury = Jordan
We were all actually sad that the trip ended so soon and given a chance I would love to visit Jordan again as there is so much more to explore in this wonderful country that is truly blessed with wonderful people, awesome food, great infrastructure and is more peaceful than most places around the world, and I do hope it will remain like this in future also. I want to thank the Jordan Tourism Board for inviting me to visit Jordan.
Also, you may want to check the experience of fellow traveler and professional photographer Fabio Nodari who is from Italy but is currently based in Taiwan and travels around the world to click amazing pictures.
There are more stories about my Visit to Jordan are in pipeline. If you have liked reading the post please feel free to subscribe by email and like it or share it with your friends on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Google+ .
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62 Responses to “YES ! I Visited Jordan and Love To Tell The Tale !!!”
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that is great 🙂
Awesome post…. what lovely pictures.. The spring capture with the kiddo is my favorite. I am sure you had a great trip but seriously you found so much to eat as a vegetarian, really?
I like it as they said people from Hind… SRK is a favorite all around the world…No fuss cab driver..I am impressed.
Actually I have given only one pic of Veg food… if there is one country that has as many choices for vegetarians if not more than India then it is Jordan…Most of the dishes you see on the Instagram Food pic most of the dishes served were vegetarian as it is a big part of Jordanian cusine
Seriously, it took me a while to read your post. Very interesting journey.
Thanks a lot…Sinyees..
i never would have thought about going to jordan before
Well I am glad I was able to make you think about traveling to Jordan.. 🙂
Amazing post, Prasad!
Thoroughly enjoyed:) Thank you:)
Thanks a lot Amit jee
I can certainly understand their concern but I personally think that tourists are generally safe. Good for you traveling there and beautiful photos!
Thanks Amanda.. in Jordan both tourists and locals are safe…. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. It’s a beautiful country and the people are very welcoming. Love your photos too.
Thanks Eliz…
I would love to stay with the bedouins because they have a very interesting point of view about life so I would definitely learn something from them. I love your photos and they show Jordan as a magical place just as I have always imagined it in my mind.
Hey Vanessa: You have chosen a great experience in Jordan, there are many camps in Wadi Rum that are run by Bedouin families and you can stay there as their guests..
Beautiful description, Prasad. And equally stellar photographs… Isn’t it amazing how 1 visit to a place smashes all stereotypes and misconceptions?
You are absolutely correct Vishal… that is why travel is the best way to connect people and cultures and Jordan is where East and West have met for thousands of years…. thanks a lot…
wow… what a lovely account of your trip Prasad. Beautiful pictures too… thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks a lot Archana….
There are really a lot of heritage sites in Jordan. It’s definitely worth visiting and appreciating the ancient infrastructures.
So true, I am already longing to go back and see more
A wonderful post! Such an amazing, stunning country with so much background to it. Slightly jealous! Sim
🙂 Thanks… Jordan is waiting for travelers like you… 🙂
My friend is working in Israel and wanted me to visit that place. But I was also worried about the safety and security too… I felt that it’s a safer place for male but not female…
Actually we found not much difference between how freely women and men were traveling in Jordan. Yes a lot of women traveled with their family but it was not uncommon to find women in Women Only group ( like the 2 women in the golden flowers in ruins of Jerash )
It’s always great to read about other travelers’ adventures. While I am aware of rich culture & history, it’s not been in my must-see place because of concerns ( with its neighboring countries ) that make me worry.
Your post is very enlightening and has made me see Jordan in a different light. I hope to visit Jordan in one of my future travels.
Thanks RUSS, good to know that you liked the post…
Interesting place…. Thanks for sharing stories of Jordan 😀
Thanks a lot Elana… glad you liked Tales from Jordan…more to follow soon 🙂
This is such an interesting post, especially since I fear I may not have a chance to see this country for myself because of the violence in the Middle East. I do hope things settle down there so I can bring my family over to visit. – Fred
Actually Jordan is very far from the troubled areas.. and is peaceful..
Seems like a very interesting place worth to visit and the food looks so tasty that opened my appetite.
Would you visit Jordan again? It looks like you had a great time.
Hi Damian: I would sure love to visit Jordan again, as there is so much more to see than I was able to see…
Wow these places look amazing. I wish to travel the world just like you do =)
thanks Fatemah… you never know when you may become a traveler 🙂
Now this is one of the places that would definitely make me leave my mom cave. My husband has been to both Jordan and Israel, hoping to go there someday if God permits it! Good for you! Thanks for sharing your travels, and awesome photos! God bless!
I am sure you will soon visit Jordan… and your wish will be fulfilled..
I want to visit the temple of Hercules. I am so curious with this place.
Hi Pal: It is an awesome place, I need to write a post dedicated to the Temple of Hercules…
I felt as if I am this place only .. Very lively and well written.
Thanks Pooja..always good to know that readers liked the post….
Amazing pictures, hope Jordan remains peaceful.
Thanks a lot Alok.. let us hope Jordan continues to be example of peace and harmony in Middle East
First up — awesome images!!!
I’m so happy for you. It looks like it was a great trip.
Bonding over bollywood? Nice!
I’m looking forward to the stories; all buckled up and ready for the ride, Desi Traveler.
Thanks D…Jordan sure totally pleasantly surprised me…and others in the group
Thank you so much for this wonderful post and for sharing your beautiful photos. I have always wanted to visit Jordan but it is hard for women to have a nice time when travelling the Middle Eat alone and now that I am married all my money goes for my family!!! So I will probably never go there, nut I have had an “armchair holiday” there through your blog. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words.. Actually Jordan turned out to be very safe for women too and we found a lot of women traveling alone / group specially in the Dead Sea Area….
Oh, that’s interesting. I just have to save up my money!!
Great aricle as usual Prasad and thank you for the pic… 🙂
It was nice visiting Jordan with you.
Thanks Fabio.. looking forward to see you again.. 🙂
Jordan seems wonderful through your post. Glad to hear it is so peaceful out there. Look forward to all those exciting Jordanian stories.
Thanks Niranjan… glad you liked the post…
Great pictures and write up on Jordan
Thanks Rathina… more to come soon 🙂
Very beautiful captures.
Thanks Mridula…
Totally loved the post and your journey. I especially loved the picture of the two women. I have never been to Jordan or to the Middle East. My husband has been to Egypt and he had an experience similar to yours. There everyone was excited when they got to know that he was from India. They liberally quoted AB to him. 🙂
Thanks Rachna..Bollywood is one Indian Ambassador that makes us proud in distant lands… 🙂