A Jaunt of Jordan

Nov 13-15, 2006

Arriving at the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan at 0900 hours, we were not in the best of moods to answer the questions of the extra inquisitive passport control officers. After a brief interrogation and ‘Please contact your nearest police station’ stamp they let go.

It took us three quarters of an hour to drive from Amman to the Marriott hotel at the Dead Sea Area – the venue for the Regional Sales Strategy Meet. And here we formed our first perceptions of the city. It had such a strong Middle East flavour which was a sharp contrast to the modernity and hype of Dubai. It was almost like the entire country was interred in a different civilization altogether. The whole of Jordan is built on hills including the capital – Amman. So it was a ride full of ups and downs.

We arrived with an ear popping sensation to the Dead Sea – which is 392 metres below sea level. It is the lowest point on earth. A very pretty place indeed to have the yearly annual budget and target drilling exercise. Coming to a low-pressure area after the high-pressure at work was a pleasant change. Upon looking into the horizon beyond the sea, we were informed that the landmasses were Israel and the contentious west bank of Gaza. The hotel looked very inviting but the security checks and baggage screening dampened our spirits to a certain extent.

Setting up base camp at the hotel, there were some initial jerks enough to keep awake despite of lack of the night's sleep. The event manager had arranged for the meeting the day after in spite of clear written communication of the dates. After some pushing he promised to make alternative arrangements.

We then took a ride through vast expanses of sand to the down town area of Amman. The weather also played perfect host. The city is balanced on a hill and some ‘cliff hanger’ houses gave me the edgy feeling. We reached Amman and saw the Roman amphitheatre, still the largest one and home to cultural events housing 6000 spectators. There was a fort which dated back to the Roman and Byzantine era.

We then walked into a ‘balad’ or a traditional souk, an open-air Arab market. It comes alive in the evenings with a fountain where families come to spend time. The clock tower gives it some character. Little shops displayed some traditional Jordanian artwork and souvenirs.

Then we were taken to a viewpoint and caught a glimpse of the country almost incarcerated by Israel and Palestine but still very peace loving. It is a lower middle-income economy and this was very evident in the unkempt monuments that were suitably littered. The citizens however still pay a heavy price for their quarrelsome neighbours by dealing with heavy security checks everywhere. All cars have to go through the ordeal of physical screening including land mine detectors at checkpoints. Some tourist spots cannot be visited later than 1500 hours.

The place also has enormous Biblical significance. Christ was baptized at the Jordan River. The river separates Jordan from Israel and finally meanders into the Dead Sea. There is Mount Nebo where the Hebrew prophet Moses is supposed to be buried by God Himself. Petra, the ancient city carved in a mountain is one of the nominations for the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Next 2 days were spent at the Convention Centre. It is a commodious and aesthetic building suitably filled up with the posters of King Hussein, the former ruler. It came of little surprise to note that this was one of the venues for the prestigious ‘World Economic Forum’. All thanks to the gaffe of the event manager who had to provide an alternative to avoid a ‘no show’. A blessing in disguise. The 2 days were replete with presentations. And some cooled off in the Dead Sea after the heated discussions during the day. It also leaves you with a lighthearted feeling due to the high buoyancy of the water.

Soon it was time to go back and before we knew it we were driving back to Queen Alia International Airport. As I stuffed my bag I also put some short but sweet memories of a city once the cradle of civilization now trying to cope with increasing trade and commerce on one hand and international crises on the other. I did not want to think of Jordan as jaded. The archaeological sites showed off her history, the women in scarves – tradition, the port of Aqaba – business, the wide roads – planning, the majestic Marriott –modernity, the citadel – prosperity, Queen Rania – charisma and the Dead Sea – raw beauty of nature.