"Jordan; a mix of everything" a Jordan Travel Page by mattreider

Amman has been settled for thousands of years, and thus is a mixture of Persian, Arab, Islam, Catholic, Roman, and Western ideas. Above the traditional market, or souk, is a Roman amphitheater, which sits next to the main city Mosque. Prayer time is heralded over the loudspeakers, but most daily drivers continue on their way.

Hospitality in the Arab world is internationally known. Where we westerners think that guest smell after three days, a guest in Amman gets three days of feasts before anyone is supposed to ask why he's arrived. For a little money, you can eat all the schwarma -- or chicken taco thing -- that you can handle. And trust me, you'll crave the kabobs and pistacio treats months after your return. In addition, make sure to try the goat's cheese desserts -- ask for the 'redhead'.

Jordan is not an 'Islamic' state, so you can have a few alchoholic drinks under the stars, complete with 'hubbly-bubbly.' These large water-pipes filter fruit-scented tobacco for sharing amongst men, who go out in packs for dinner and conversation. Nights start and end late in Amman to avoid the heat... and nobody relally gets to work until 11am anyway.