This is the final part of a two-part series for MATTA Familiarization Trip to Jordan.
Our journey continued from Wadi Rum towards the Dead Sea, where the salty waters and therapeutic mud promise an enlightening experience.
After spending a night at the Dead Sea, the group headed back to the capital, Amman, to explore Rainbow Street. This street is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Next, we visited the Amman Citadel, a site of profound historical significance. The ruins and archaeological wonders there unveiled the city’s rich past. We then descended into Downtown Amman, immersing ourselves in the dynamic energy of the bustling markets, known as “souqs” in Arabic, offering a wide array of goods, from food to clothing and accessories.
The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth
Leaving Wadi Rum, our journey continued towards the Dead Sea, a drive that revealed the transition from the desert to the lowest point on Earth, 423 meters below sea level. Nestled within the Jordan Rift Valley, the Dead Sea is renowned for its high salt concentration, making it one of the saltiest bodies of water globally. Its mineral-rich mud and therapeutic waters have attracted visitors for years.
According to our guide Basel, salt water is believed to be beneficial for the skin due to minerals like magnesium, bromide, and potassium. Bathing in the Dead Sea can help improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and alleviate various skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Today, both locals and tourists come to the Dead Sea as their preferred holiday destination.
Bathing in the Dead Sea can be a unique experience due to its high salt concentration, allowing one to float effortlessly due to its buoyancy. However, it’s important to avoid shaving before a soak in the Dead Sea, as it can cause a stinging or burning sensation on freshly shaved skin. Additionally, it’s best to avoid entering the Dead Sea if there are open cuts or wounds, as it can cause discomfort and irritate the skin.
The mud from the Dead Sea also boasts numerous benefits, thanks to its abundance of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium. It nourishes the skin, leaving it looking smoother and radiant. During our stay, we enjoyed the luxury of the Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa, which provided direct access to the Dead Sea beachfront.
After checking in, I let my hair down and took the opportunity to soak myself in the Dead Sea, despite my initial panic. After about five minutes, it was time to rinse off in fresh water, as the salt from the Dead Sea can leave a residue on the skin. Since the temperature at the Dead Sea differed from Amman, I also took the opportunity to soak up some sun before braving the cold in the capital.
Before leaving the Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa, we made a quick stop at Elmar Dead Sea Factory, which houses both the factory and a souvenir shop. Guide Basel informed us that all products offered at the shop were sold at a 50 per cent discount.
Toqa, one of the sales associates at Elmar, explained that the process of filtering the ingredients, filling, and packaging took about seven to twelve hours. The factory also undergoes weekly checks to ensure the product’s quality is not compromised. Elmar offers a variety of products, including body lotions, facial serums, and hair care items, each promising unique benefits. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary mud mask treatment for about five minutes at the Elmar Factory.
Rainbow Street, Amman’s famous road
After hours of travelling from Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, we returned to Amman for our last two days in Jordan. Rainbow Street was one of the must-see places in Amman, perfect for a relaxing walk surrounded by colourful decorations and cafes.
Since we visited on a Friday, which is considered the weekend in Jordan until Saturday, guide Basel informed us that most shops would be closed or open late after the Friday prayer. However, Rainbow Street is open 24/7, allowing visitors to explore it during the day or night.
Our journey on Rainbow Street started at First Circle, where we were treated to a view of the Amman neighbourhood from one of the street’s viewpoints. According to guide Basel, Amman is known as the ‘White City’ because its houses are made from limestone, making the residential districts look like white Lego blocks.
While exploring the Citadel, we encountered remarkable landmarks such as the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Each structure told its tale of historical interest. The Temple of Hercules, in particular, is the most famous site within the Citadel, with only two giant standing pillars remaining. It was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-80). Visitors flock to the Citadel to see the stone-carved hand and elbow, believed to be the remains of a 13-meter-tall Roman statue of Hercules, found near the temple.
The Jordan Archaeological Museum is a small museum housing a collection of artefacts found in Jordan, ranging from prehistoric times to the Islamic period. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history and cultural heritage. We had the opportunity to see ancient pottery, statues, jewellery, and other artefacts that shed light on Jordan’s ancient civilizations.
After exploring the Citadel, we made our way down to Downtown Amman, also known as Al-Balad. This bustling area is a hub of activity, with its narrow streets filled with shops, markets, and street vendors. The souqs of Downtown Amman offer a vibrant and lively atmosphere, where locals and tourists alike can browse through a variety of goods.
One of the most popular souqs in Downtown Amman is the Al-Husseini Mosque Souq. This market is known for its spice shops, where you can find a wide array of aromatic spices, herbs, and traditional Jordanian ingredients. The scent of spices filled the air as we walked through the market and the vibrant colors of the spices added to the visual appeal.
Another highlight of Downtown Amman is the Gold Souq. This is a must-visit place for jewellery enthusiasts, as it offers a dazzling display of gold and silver jewellery, intricately designed and crafted. From ornate necklaces and bracelets to delicate earrings and rings, the Gold Souq showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Jordanian jewellers.
As we strolled through the streets of Downtown Amman, we also came across shops selling clothing, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The narrow lanes were lined with shops displaying colourful fabrics, traditional Jordanian clothing, and handmade crafts. It was a feast for the eyes, and we couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs to take back home.
To take a break from shopping, we stopped at one of the traditional cafes in the area. These cafes offer a cosy and relaxed ambience, where you can enjoy a cup of traditional Jordanian tea or coffee and indulge in some delicious Middle Eastern pastries and desserts. It was the perfect way to recharge and soak in the local atmosphere.
Our time in Amman came to an end with a visit to the famous Rainbow Street. This vibrant street is lined with cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences. We explored the art galleries, admiring the works of local artists, and stopped by a cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee while people-watching.
Rainbow Street is also known for its nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs that come alive in the evenings. However, as we were there during the daytime, we didn’t get a chance to experience the nightlife scene.
With our time in Amman complete, we bid farewell to the city and continued our journey to the next destination on our Jordanian adventure. The experiences in Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Amman gave us a glimpse into the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Jordan. We were excited to see what the next part of our journey had in store for us.
● New Sarawak Tribune extends its appreciation to MATTA and the Jordan Tourism Board for making this journey possible.
