The Most Attractionate Thing

I am Sami, your guide, assistant to Captain Abed

Friday, 17 June, 2011
by Liz Saunders

“Today you will see the most impressive and attractionate thing!” So begins each day with Sami, our guide. Sami’s English is very good, but there are the occasional linguistic mistakes that make his speech endearing. In fact, “attractionate” has become one of my new favorite words! Each time we venture out in the bus, we see something attractionate. So far we’ve witnessed the grandeur of Petra’s rock city, the inspiring banks of the Jordan River, the salty wonder of the Dead Sea, and the beautiful vistas of Mt. Nebo. For those who enjoy anything historically or religiously significant, Jordan is the perfect country to visit. These ancient wonders have impressed us! Today’s itinerary, however, did not contain a visit to any ancient sites. Instead, we were scheduled for two museums and a shopping market. Though today’s itinerary did not contain the typical awe-inspiring locales, I found that this might have been one of my favorite days because I got a closer look at what I am now considering Jordan’s MOST attractionate thing: its people.

The director of the gallery (also the artist of this painting)

Jordanians are incredibly friendly and accommodating. Friday is a day for religious observance in Jordan (like our Sunday) so many businesses and most attractions are closed. Nevertheless, Cal’s friends in Jordan allowed us some amazing opportunities today. We got to visit the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Art, a three-part museum featuring modern art from the Middle East and Asia. As we explored the two buildings and public art garden, we saw pieces that one would expect in any art museum in the western world. Two of the local artists were present, so we also got the privilege of conversing with the creators of a few of the works. For admirers of fine art, it was a treasure to get to experience – and on a day that most tourists would not have access!

Jordan Museum

Following the art museum, we traveled over some of the “Jabals” (hills) of Amman to reach a central area of the city. Did you know that Amman was originally built on seven hills? Did you know that “jabal” means hill and “wadi” means valley? We do. Sami quizzes us regularly. ☺ The second museum is actually a work in progress. The Jordan National Museum is nearing its final stage of construction, and we got a sneak peek at what will be an incredible site for future visitors. Faris Nimry, the director of the museum (and Cal’s friend), gave us a private tour through the nearly completed exhibits. It was fascinating to follow along with the creative thought process that went into each decision. Every exhibit is intentionally designed to be informative, interactive, and multi-sensory. We all agreed that if you plan to visit Jordan in the future, this site will be a must-see! It was a treat for us to get a behind-the-scenes look, and we’re grateful to the director for his kindness.

As we traveled to our lunch spot, someone asked Sami to explain the traditions of Muslim observance on Fridays. We learned that in addition to the 5 daily prayer rituals, most observant Muslims attend a Friday service that includes a sermon of sorts. Someone jokingly asked if people fall asleep during the sermons like they do in America, to which Jim Speed immediately retorted, “We do NOT do that!” much to the amusement of the entire group. ☺

Souk Jara, the shopping market

Luke making a purchase

Barb and Pat support the women's cooperative at the Souk

This afternoon was a shopping excursion in Souk Jara, a weekly street market for the sale of handicrafts and a place that locals seem to congregate. It reminded me of the Marietta Square on an art festival day, except rather than pottery and pillows, local artisans were selling everything from olive oil soaps to tapestries to “antique” silver knives and camels. Rather than BBQ and beer, food vendors offered fresh fruit juices, roasted bean pods, whole potatoes spiraled and fried, and a variety of unidentifiable but delicious foods. The people in the market were friendly and welcoming – and not just because we were tourists with money to spend. It seems that this culture is surprisingly hospitable towards foreigners. Perhaps it is not surprising at all to anyone already familiar with Jordanian culture, but it is wonderful to feel truly welcomed in this country. It has been a blessing to be surrounded with such hospitality and kindness wherever we go here. The Jordanian people certainly are the “most attractionate” thing!