Jerash

Today we are going to Jerash, about 45 minutes by car from Amman - faster if you drive (let's call it efficient) like our bus driver.

The city is known for the ruins of the ancient Gerasa from Roman-Greek times.

I find the drive exciting because the landscape is completely different from what I imagined. Since we arrived after sunset yesterday, we haven't really had a glimpse of Amman and the surroundings yet. The landscape is very green, Mediterranean and hilly. A huge change after the arid landscape in Egypt!

I'm not very happy with our guide. When we arrive in Jerash, he points to the Arch of Hadrian and says, it's made of limestone. It's old and big. I laugh, naively thinking it's a joke. It's not, no more information is given. Later, he points to a building and says, This is Artemis' temple. When we explore the ancient Jerash ourselves, we pass by the REAL Temple of Artemis, a building in a completely different location. I'm glad I have roaming, so at least I can get some information about Jerash. Unfortunately, the signs on site are not really informative either.

I explore Jerash on my own for almost 1 hour. Today couldn't be more beautiful: blue sky with white fluffy clouds and blooming meadow flowers. Occasionally a small flock of sheep grazing near the ruins. Idyllic. There is so much to explore and I would have liked to stay longer. Completely sweaty, I arrive at the bus. I underestimated the size of the area and had to run the last 600m. :)

I find the weather quite difficult to assess: it constantly changes from windy and rather cool to sunny and hot. You constantly have to put on or take off clothes. I miss my outdoor pants painfully, if only I had packed them! In fact, practically all tourists walk around in trekking shoes and outdoor gear - a good idea and I would definitely pack them next time.

After visiting Jerash, we grab a snack for lunch at a delicious bakery in the middle of Amman. The bakery is completely crowded, people are already buying food for the iftar in a few hours.

After a short break, we take part in a cooking class at 'The Jordanian Kitchen'. I really liked it - both the cooking itself and the result. But I prefer not to reveal too much about the amount of garlic used...

But the food was too early for me, it's only 6.30pm and we're already done. We walk along Rainbow Street to digest our dinner. The street is known for its shops and cafes. Only: iftar doesn't start until 6.50pm, and the street is completely deserted now! We would have liked to go back to the city center to experience iftar, because in all the alleys and sidewalks there were already tables set up with food that will be served at sunset. Even just before 7pm, nothing is happening on Rainbow Street, so we go back with a taxi driver who clearly hasn't eaten or drunk anything all day: his mood is extremely bad, but fortunately not his driving style.

As we drive, we meet young people on the street who hand out water and dates to the drivers. They are very cheerful and exuberant, and I feel that festive atmosphere again that I experienced in Egypt. Although we tell the driver to stop and break his fast, he doesn't want to. But his mood improves and he mumbles something about going home, lamb and chicken... It must be very difficult to not eat and especially not drink anything during the day for almost 30 days. I'm not quite sure how a country can function during Ramadan, but somehow it is possible.