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Sadly we left the UAE and headed to Jordan. After another wonderful Ethiad airways flight we landed in Amman. We were picked up by our driver Mauafaq and taken to our hotel. We were situated in the modern shopping area. Our first order of business was to go for dinner. We walked down the pedestrian mall and found a restaurant. When we arrived we asked to see a menu. Our waiter informed us that they didn't have one. We then asked what they had, he replied with what would you like. At that point we didn't know so we asked what was good and he recommended chicken Kiev. Seeing that this was our first meal in Jordan we were not sure what to expect for price. When we asked as to how much he ran to the kitchen and came back telling us half past 7 JD's. At this point we were so confused and stunned we ordered and waited for the bill at the end. Well the food was awesome and the half past 7 turned out to be 7.50 Jordan Dinars.
The next morning we headed north of Jordan to our first stop at Umm Qays which is the site of a Roman ruins. This area also overlooks the Golan Heights in Israel, Lake Tiberius and Syria. We then headed back towards Amman and stopped at Ajlun; this city is the highest city in Jordan and in the hilly area of Jordan. In Ajlun we stopped at an Islamic castle that was perched on the top of the hill. We had a wonderful view of the countryside. Northern Jordan is quite dry but they still manage to grow apples and olives in the hills.
The highlight of the day was the Roman ruins in Jerash. The ruins that had been uncovered were in excellent shape. There were columns lining the streets, 2 well preserved theaters and a useable hippodrome. It is also home to Hadrian's gate. We had a wonderful tour and took in a Roman chariot show. After our day of history lessons we arrived back to Amman exhausted.
Our next day started by heading East out to the desert, to see the desert castles from the 8th century. The first castle which they think was actually an Inn was in great shape for being built in the 8th century. The next castle was a bath house that still had decipherable mosaics and paintings. Our last stop took us within a few hundred km's of the Iraq and Saudi Arabia border to the Azraq castle. This castle was made famous because Lawrence of Arabia used it during the 1st world war. Not much was left of the castle other than rubble but it was exciting being a stones throw from the Iraq border.
That afternoon we headed back to Amman and toured the city. Amman is your typical middle east city. Sandstone square buildings with very few tall buildings. In the city center there is a wonderful ancient Roman theatre that is still used today. We also checked out the Citadel which is perched on the top of a hill and gives 360 degree view of the city.
Our first 2 days in Jordan have been wonderful. The people are friendly the scenery different and there is a ton of history and lots of old rocks!
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elaine Can't wait until you get home and see the pictures and hear your stories.What terrific stuff you have seen and done and have yet to do. Still freezing our arses off here-- loving and missing you. Stay safe.