In Arabic the word “Qasr” means palace. These were possibly palaces, although some were mere fortresses, and most were simply lodges and houses, which I guess could be seen as a palace. There were two famous examples on the outskirts of Azraq that see the most tourists (mostly from tour buses from the capital) and we opted to visit these before … [Read more...]
Category: Jordan
Weather and Wonder in Ajloun Jordan
I walked outside my apartment in the morning, fresh trash strewn on the street in front of my building. The sun was shining and it was already warming up nicely as spring was starting really show itself here in Jordan. I was feeling a bit weighed down by my coat as obviously the weather was only going to get warmer as the day rolled on. As … [Read more...]
Survival Guide for Taxis in Amman (with Language Guide)
"So how was your first day" - I asked L as he beamed a smile at me."Ahh it was great, I went downtown and it was cheap too, only cost 7JD to get there" he replied"7 JD! You got robbed! That's over twice the price" - I angrily retorted He looked quite dejected at having overpaid for something he had imagined he got a good price on. … [Read more...]
Into the Eastern Desert – The Oasis
One of these things doesn’t belong, one of these things is different. If you told me there was this huge Oasis and wetland out here in the eastern desert I would have thought it was an obvious lie. How could there be a wetland in this stark, desolate, black rock desert of Azraq. It seems to go against any normal obvious convention and … [Read more...]
Into the Eastern Desert – The Abandoned City
It is amazing how much there is to do out in the Eastern Desert even writing a lot for Part 1 and Part 2 I still had quite a bit left over for our final bit of time wandering the desert. It wasn’t 40 days but it was longer than any of us had done in the past... The Abandoned City It is amazing really what is out here in the … [Read more...]
Into the Eastern Desert – Part 2
Check out Part 1 here Timing is everything and the skies began to drop rain as we started to leave Burqu for the afternoon. I imagine that rain is perhaps a rare but welcome occurrence out here in the deserts. I don’t know how often they actually do see rain, but for my limited time in Jordan I’ve seen far more than I anticipated I would see. I … [Read more...]
Into the Eastern Desert – Part 1
We’ve been trying for weeks now, maybe even months depending on when you check the calendar, but constantly our plans to explore the eastern desert have been derailed. Lately it’s been constant illnesses but finally it seems that our attempts at herding cats may have paid off this weekend. This is generally the last chance to travel as a group … [Read more...]
Renting a Car in Amman Jordan
There are various ways to rent a car when you are traveling in Jordan. Overall, there is a right way, a wrong way, and a Jordanian way to renting a car in Amman Jordan. There is one I was used to previously, the western car company approach. All the big car companies exist here in Jordan (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty) and it operates generally how … [Read more...]
Chasing Trains in Amman – Jordan Hejaz Railway
It was just one of those decisions. We were all meeting up in Jabel Webdeh (a lovely neighborhood in Amman) to relax and talk before one of our friends left for good to the airport. It was a surprisingly warm March day and we were certainly enjoying the weather of the area. We all said our goodbyes and started walking back towards the downtown. … [Read more...]
Business Dealings in Jordan: Car Rentals
Another Installment of Middle East Living, this time the car rental return. Company: Umm the car is dirty. You need to return it in the same condition.Me: Ok yes it is a bit dirty for sure...umm...Company: Why is it so dirty?Me: Well honestly from sand, wind, and rain...Company: Where did the sand come from?Me: Umm we live in Jordan.... But … [Read more...]
The Trials of Car Rentalship
“One Minute, One Minute” – he yelled at me in Arabic as he held on tightly to my hand. I couldn’t figure out who he was whether he was a pimp or a carnie working at the dilapidated amusement park surrounding us. Another woman (who my friend figures was a prostitute) kept yelling (in Arabic) for me to listen to him, but I didn’t really want to do … [Read more...]
Jordan: Moving Day
It’s moving day here in Jordan. I moved into this apartment here in Jubaiha after I returned from Doha to visit family. It was a place I had found online and close to the university. It was small, but cheaper than I was paying in my even tinier, dirtier dorm room. It was a strange little place with a lot of quirks. Winter I spent much of the … [Read more...]