Diverse experiences in Jordan

Can you imagine huge red mountains and a relaxing scent? I couldn’t imagine them before when I arrived in Petra which is one of Jordan’s historical cities. Petra is famous for the ancient capital city, Nabataean. At that time, it was a transit place. There is rock-hewn burial cave there. I can’t describe it, because it’s too amazing. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That why I took a henna tattoo on my left hand.

Rock- hewn burial cave in Nabataean city.

Our trip continued to the capital city of Jordan, Amman. There I saw a real concrete difference between the rich and the poor people. Rich people have their own neighbourhoods and, of course, near downtown. What do poor people have? Nothing; only dirty clothes and a few teeth. Regardless of the bad conditions, they seem to be very happy. Most Finns could learn something from them, I suppose.

In Amman, we met a Finnish woman who was married to a Jordanian man. She told us about Jordan’s cultural, social and political life. It was really interesting to hear how families survive with such a small budget and they are saving for a rainy day all the time. In Jordan, the state doesn’t help families: there is no social security; family is the most important support. Culture is very family centred. The woman told us that people often eat with their kin every weekend, even every day. I haven’t heard anything like that in Finland.

What about politics? Jordan had a parliamentary election in November. The result was historic. Twelve women were chosen in the elections. Some of them were Christians. In a male-dominated country like Jordan, this was as if women had made a revolution. One political phenomenon caught my eye, advertisements. All the streets were full of politicians’ faces and their promises. You just couldn’t get away of them.

Bird on Nebo mountain

The Imam sings the call to prayer at five am. At least Muslims wake up and, at the same time, other sleepers too. Islam, Christianity and other religions are seen and heard in people’s lives. Sometimes disagreements between other religions will rise to the surface and create demonstrations. However, thanks to mosques and churches the city silhouettes are beautiful.

Jordan has a special role in the Bible. That’s why so many Christians travel there every year. We also visited places which are mentioned in the Bible.

Overall, the trip was great and I learned a lot about Jordanians. I think their outlook on life is that while there is life there is hope. Now I feel as if a part of my heart rests near the small, verdant the River Jordan. I will search for it again.