Exploring the city of Amman involved all five senses. This area of the world is like non other in our worldly travels to date. It is a modern city with habitation dating back nearly 4000 years. The city was once besieged and captured by King David and Egyptian King Ptolemy, occupied by the Byzantine Empire and Christian Crusaders to name a few historical periods. Today, it is teeming with automobiles, fast food chains, and infinite number of banks. All nestled in and among a scattering of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic ruins. Samir, our guide, is doing a fabulous job showing off this amazing city. From the hills of the wealthy to the most simple lifestyles. We saw the immense long lines at the Syrian and USA embassies of people trying to get visas/passports. Then to downtown, literally, down to the lowest point is the downtown. Off we walked down the streets, smelling fabulous foods, and tasting a few along the way. Roasted peanuts, sesame breads, and cookies. Even stopped to buy a piece of clothing, second hand. Lunch was a traditional mansaf. Lamb cooked in fermented yogurt. Served family style on saffron almond rice. Preceded by a number of little dishes of humus tahini and stuff I could never in a million years choke down, with bread. Adventure eating is not my strong suit. Those pesky Romans have littered all over the world impressive mammoth structures, Amman has a few to show off. Poked into a 6000 seat 3 tiered amphitheater then the up to the top of the highest hill to explore the citadel. Fascinating. Dinner was a stroll through the downtown streets at night then ducking into a local alley/restaurant for a bite to eat. Again lots of dishes of edible (depends on who you ask) sauces to dip your bread and falafel. All five senses have been engaged exploring this part of the world. Wish I could explain each pic to be attached, but the snit between google and apple is a barrier. Use your imagination or sleuthing skills as to which pic to follow is what .... enjoy!
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