Week 1: Getting Settled
February 22, 2019: I leave my little family to fly across the world.
February 23, 2019: Tom, who also got asked by D to join him on the JT, and I finally arrive in Amman, Jordan. Well, not until after he got questioned by security about his passport not looking like him. Perfect way to start off this trip amiright?
The first week of this trip was solely about getting to know the area of Jordan. We met locals, JT crew members, ate all the food, went site seeing and drove up and down the whole country. I felt like a celebrity on vacation and everyone treated us like so.
But you know what’s crazy? It was more so people just treated us with the upmost respect. I have never met more hospitable people in my life. I felt like family.
We spent the first day in Amman driving around, drinking coffee from the most stunning coffee shop with the best view of Amman (check out the photo I took), walked around town, ate khanate, took a cooking class from Beit Sitti (AMAZING) and then ended the day with a couple drinks in our stunning hotel. Day one was busy but I was feeling great!
February 24, 2019: Day two was just as incredible. I woke up early to get the continental breakfast which was more than you could ever imagine. I walked in and was greeted by so many employees making me feel so welcome. I looked around at all they had to offer and I couldn’t believe my eyes. From a juice bar to a whole waffle area, fresh fruit, cocktails, pastries you name it. I was in awe. I sat down and quickly grabbed my plate. I grabbed a few things to start but didn’t want to look too greedy. And of COURSE I took pictures of my plate (if you don’t take pictures of your food are you even an influencer??)
As soon as I snapped a photo— I got bombarded by employees asking, “would you like anything else miss? Fresh juice? A mojito?”
I couldn’t say no, of course, because they wanted to bring me everything. So they did. And they did not disappoint.
My whole table was FILLED. I was so confused by the sudden gesture but then it dawned on me— they thought I was with Trip Advisor, who were also staying at this hotel with us.
I cracked up making this realization but I also felt bad because little did they know— I was no one big.
I was barely able to make a dent in the food which was a huge concern to the employees. They definitely thought I hated the food. It was a whole thing.
After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and explored Amman even more. This time, with a local who knew all of the history! We then grabbed lunch and a coffee and headed out to the Citadel as well as (check out the pictures this place is stunning). These ruins are nothing short of amazing. While we were on the Citadel Hill, looking over all of Jordan, we got to witness the most breathtaking sound. Five times a day, the muezzin announces the call to prayer and everyone stops what they are doing to pray. They leave the worldly things behind to pray. It is beautiful. The city lit up with song. It echoed all throughout Jordan.
The next stop for the day was the Royal Tank Museum and then straight down south to Wadi Musa, Jordan where we ate the most amazing food, drank all the Limonana (refreshing mint and lemon drink) and stayed the night in one of the coolest places that was close to Petra. This is when things started moving quickly. Everything went in fast forward for me.
This trip was JUST getting started.
