عَمَّان (Amman)

Jordan

Either you love him or you can’t stand him.

Dirty, noisy, chaotic, strenuous, demanding, the more time and attention I gave him, the more I liked him.

Amman’s terrain is typified by its mountains. Like some other capitals, Amman started its development on seven hills, in the meantime it expanded to at least twenty of them. These densely populated hills are not easily accessible, especially if you want to explore as much as I can. Narrow streets and steep stairs leading from one hill to the other. If you are not physically fit, Amman will be extremely tiring.

The population of Amman reached more than four millions, the city contains about 40% of Jordan’s entire population. In so many crowds it’s no wonder I found some really interesting people. Jabal Amman is a neighbourhood where the city’s greatest souks are found, favourite thing to explore, especially on Fridays. Everything from vegetables and clothes, household items to animals is for sale. Sellers shout to attract customers, the range of fragrances is really wide, from fine fragrant to unbearable stench.

Amman is probably one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world and has very distinctive cuisine. Bright vegetables, crunchy falafels, creamy humus and of course sweet kunafa. Kunafa is a dessert with origins in many different Arab countries, this sweet is made with noodle-like pastry or semolina strands. It is then dipped and soaked in sweet sugar syrup, and a cheesy filling is added inside. I encountered this delicate pastry everywhere from crowded souks to dedicated bakery shops, it is a dessert for every social gathering.

How much did I like Amman? I will just say that I decided to skip visiting Jerash, so I could enjoy another day here. Sorry Jerash, maybe next time.

I hope you like this little photo diary I put together to share my time adventuring around Amman. Let me know if you have visited Jordan and how did you like it. If anyone has any feedback I’d be so appreciative to receive your comments and questions below. 

♥︎ Unta