Jordan, the country that conquered my heart
Amman, Jordan / Photo by Daniel Qura
When you think you’re an alchemist, you decide to go in search of a unique place where religion and history intertwine harmoniously: Jordan. The only way to get to Jordan is by plane, and a direct flight from Europe to Amman, usually takes about 3 or 4 hours. Jordan is officially called the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and its name comes from the Jordan River. “Hasem” is the nickname of the grandfather of King Abdullah II, the current king of Jordan. Unlike its neighbors, Jordan is a poorer country that does not have oil resources; therefore, there are no armed conflicts here. The local currency is the dinar, which is a stronger currency than the euro. Entry into this country is done with the help of a passport; a visa is also granted at the airport, and its cost is approximately 40 dinars.
Unlike the neighboring countries, Jordan emphasizes a high degree of security, which is why there is a tourist police here, which patrols the areas often visited by tourists as well as the archaeological sites. It is good to know that Jordan mostly has a desert climate, with a hot and dry summer, a cold and wet winter, and two short transition seasons. It is a country of extremes in terms of weather conditions because, during a summer day, the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius while the nights can be cold and dry. The official language is Arabic, but a good part of the inhabitants speak English and French. Here, the traditional food is called “mansaf”, and the main ingredients include boiled lamb, yogurt, and rice. Jordanians are known for their hospitality, so sometimes you can be invited to the table even if you don’t know the hosts. appetizers such as mezze, pies, yogurts, sweets, or pistachios. The dishes specific to this country are considered to be among the most sophisticated in the world but also extremely tasty, based on cereals, cheese, yogurt, and fruits. Another thing you should consider is the fact that water resources are limited here, being in the top ten countries with the lowest water resources. That is why you will be guided to rationalize the reserves you have available. If you were worried that you would have to run after the tourist attractions, find out that Jordan has grouped the most tourist attractions near the Dead Sea. For example, in the north, it is considered that the place of the baptism of Jesus is located. In the eastern area, the Madaba church is aligned with a mosaic dating from the sixth century that illustrates the Holy Land and the Wadi Rum canyon. If you ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon in the USA, Wadi Rum is the Jordanian version of it. Nearby, you can also find Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have been buried, as well as the Ma’in thermal water waterfalls. In conclusion, Jordan is a small country that has a lot to offer. From the landscapes that take your breath away to the locals and guides who do their best to offer tourists as many unforgettable experiences as possible, Jordan is a destination that should not be missed by those eager for adventure. A country blessed by God with very hospitable and warm people.
By Ovidiu Stanica
