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In Jordan, as with anyplace in the world, people
love to inquire as to what you think of their country.
But Jordanians always ask this question with an
expectant smile on their face—as if they already
know the answer to their own question. That a first
time foreign traveler to Jordan arrives with a set
of preconceived notions about their country doesn’t
astonish them; but they so enjoy of hearing your
surprise at finding things so much different from
expectations.
Americans tourists, in particular, are few and
far between. Ask a typical American what they know
about this Middle Eastern country, and most will,
upon thinking of its location, likely associate
it with the same batch of problems facing its troubled
neighbors.
Europeans, on the other hand, have far more experience
in Jordan. Flight time from Amman to Amsterdam,
for instance, is a mere four hours.
Indeed, when visiting Jordan a person is keenly
aware of being present at a multitude of crossroads,
both geologically and culturally.
If you are not well traveled in the Middle East,
Jordan provides the perfect prelude.
At its most basic: Amman is among the cleanest of
capital cities in the world, and one feels quiet
safe. Women travelers are unlikely to experience
difficulty or to feel uncomfortable. The exchange
rate is stable and easy to figure out ($1=.70 Jordanian
Dinar). As a former British protectorate English
is widely understood by young and old alike. The
weather in Amman during the winter months can change
from comfortably warm to windy and snowy. In the
summer it’s hot and dry. The food is sensational,
and the local red vintage is a delight.
If you come to Amman expecting an Islamic theocracy
or a police state, you’re going to be disappointed.
There is a certain enchantment for the non-Muslim
in hearing the call to prayer as it flows across
the rooftops of the white buildings in this city
five times each day. Yet, in Amman, matters of religion
are left to the individual, not state decree.
Throughout cities and towns you will see billboards
of King Abdullah II, but it’s not the omnipresent
gaze that you find from heads of state in other
parts of the region. Jordan’s good relationship
with the United States dates back many decades.
Although not always seeing eye to eye, bilateral
relations have always remained cordial and Americans
are made to feel most welcome. In essence, the government
of Jordan has long remained friendly to the West.
In addition to the standard cautions given to travelers,
the State Department advisory concerning Jordan
urges Americans citizens to remain vigilant, to
be aware of their surroundings, and to take appropriate
steps to increase their security awareness. Although
the numbers aren’t in, owing to the fact that
the tourist season is yet several months off, but
hotel vacancy rates appear unfazed by the November,
2005 bombings. Security at the hotels has been upgraded
significantly.
Every visitor to Jordan must make sure that his
or her passport is good for at least six months
past the date of arrival. Obtaining a visa to visit
this land of ancient ruins, outstanding natural
landscapes, and the breath taking beauty of Petra,
is most easy. Simply get in a short line upon arrival
at Queen Alia Airport then precede though passport
control. After passing through customs, it’s
only a 15-minute taxi ride to the major hotels.
The best way to fly to from Washington to Amman
is KLM airlines out of Dulles Airport, transferring
out of Schiphol airport in Amsterdam. Starting in
the summer of 2006 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will
restructure its flight schedule, offering customers
a wider range of frequencies and connecting flights.
Schiphol, although one of the largest and busiest
in Europe, is among the most convenient and enjoyable
of airports owing to the ease of transportation
into the city, and abundant shopping and top-end
lodging all under one roof.
Five-star accommodation is widely available in
Amman. No matter where one goes in Jordan the costs
will be quite reasonable, and the food choices varied.
Jordanians relish home cooked meals so the restaurant
fare is quite straightforward. Amman has of late
developed a reputation for having some of the finest
restaurants in the region. Outside of the major
hotels and restaurants of Amman one might well find
themselves dining without fork and knife, instead
using their fingers or flatbread.
Amman is built on seven hills, each of which basically
defines a neighborhood. Like the exits on the New
Jersey Turnpike, most locations in Amman are determined
via their proximity to one of eight traffic circles
that form the spine of the city. The first circle
is located near downtown, and the series extends
westward through eighth circle. Most government
ministries are located farther out, off the sixth
and seventh circles, while the top hotels are clustered
around the second and third.
Traffic in Amman is problematic, yet it in no way
compares to the delays found on the Washington Beltway.
Taxi service is honest, reliable, and inexpensive
and tour busses heading from Amman to Petra, Aqaba
or the Dead Sea are modern and comfortable. All
the big car rental companies have offices in Amman.
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Jordan 
