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Zaid's entry: I decided to go visit the Roman theatre that I had bypassed yesterday for Salt. The cab driver was extremely friendly and it turned out that he has an uncle in Edmonton - go figure!
The Roman theatre was built in the 100's AD for theatrical performances, concerts, etc. The structure itself is quite large, being able to house ~6000 people. It's pretty steep also - climbing up to the top bleachers winded me a bit but the views from the top were quite nice looking over part of downtown Amman. There was lots of construction, renovation, and restoration in and around the theatre so I'm sure it will look even better in a few years. Exactly opposite the semi-circle edge of the theatre (facing north) is what was once a public forum/marketplace. The only remnants of it are the large columns on the edge facing the theatre. Apparently, in its day, it was the biggest marketplace in Rome's empire. Attached on either side of the theatre are two small museums, the original structures functioned as holding areas for performers etc. I think. The museums are the Museum of Popular Traditions and the Folklore Museum, the latter was closed for renovations. The museum of popular traditions was nice, portraying traditional clothing of Arab tribes throughout the region, traditional jewelry and and wares, weapons, etc. Finally, to the northeast of theatre about 100m away was the Odeon theatre. It was considerably smaller than the Roman theatre and I'm not exactly sure of its function relative to the Roman theatre - maybe it only played shows for a small group of high influence people???
There were a number of bazaar-style shops in the theatre area. I stepped in to one to have a look around. There was another couple in the store as well. I was minding my own business looking around when all of a sudden the man asked me if I was from Ontario. I immediately realized that it was because I was wearing my flea market find "Lands and Forests Ontario" shirt (what the MNR used to be called). We chatted for a bit and I mentioned that I was in Timmins now. He grew up in Iroquois Falls which is ~50km from Timmins! Also, he's done electron microscopy work on aphid digestive tracts (though he's now a physician). What are the chances I'd run in to someone from my region who has done insect research...small world. He now lives in Ottawa and Italy and his daughter lives in Jordan working for UNICEF, hence his visit.
After spending time in the theatre area, I decided to walk around the downtown area for a bit. Ultimately I was trying to get to a place called Wild Jordan which you book camp sites through but I didn't find it. What I did find however were plenty of merchant lined streets, lots of traffic, pollution, food aromas, garbage aromas, and people galore. It was great fun walking around this area. As I was walking I came across another old structure called the Nymphaeum (dating from about 200 AD). It was a two-story building which housed fountains, mosaics, and perhaps a large swimming pool. The structure itself was dedicated to water nymphs. Aside from that, nothing really of any significance to report (there will be more in depth walking around later).
I don't feel like typing right now so I might leave it at that. Oh yes, Charlene gets in this evening (I'm typing this on the 29th). She's over Greenland right now (at the time of typing). That's exciting!
- comments
Chris Make sure to offer Charlene a "sand"wich
Michelle Zaid!! Sounds like you are having some good days wandering about and seeing the sights. Those are my favorite times. I love the detail in your writing - but I understand that moment when you're just done typing. Hi to Charlene & I can't wait to read about your adventures together!
Charles I think I know what the Odeon theater was for... it was probably where the Roman geeks (your ancestors) went to see the alternatives shows. The roman theater was for pop concerts!