NTE: FEATURE ON JORDAN TRIP 
KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj=1815 (14)
BY JACINTHA JOLENE 

This is the second part of a two-part series for MATTA Familiarization Trip to Jordan.

In this second installment, the journey continues towards the Dead Sea from Wadi Rum, 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, exploring Rainbow Street, a street renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes and art galleries. 

From there, we explore Amman Citadel, a site of profound historical significance where the ruins and archaeological wonders unveils the city’s rich past. 

Descending into Downtown Amman, the group immersed themself in the dynamic energy of the markets, bustling with many ‘souqs’ (shops in Arabic) offering an array of goods, from food to clothing and accessories. 

Dead Sea, lowest point of Earth 

Leaving Wadi Rum, the group’s journey continued towards the Dead Sea, a drive that unfolded the transition from the desert to the lowest point on Earth, at 423 meters below sea level. 

The Dead Sea, nestled within the Jordan Rift Valley, is renowned for its high salt concentration, giving it the distinction of being one of the saltiest bodies of water globally. Its mineral-rich mud and therapeutic waters have attracted visitors for years. 

According to guide Basel, the salt water is believed to be beneficial for the skin with the minerals in the water such as 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, he said both locals and tourists alike come to the Dead Sea as the preferred holiday destination.

Bathing in the Dead Sea can be a unique experience due to its high salt concentration and float effortlessly due to its buoyancy. 

Before enjoying a soak in the Dead Sea, one must avoid shaving as it can cause stinging or burning sensation on freshly shaved skin, leading to discomfort. Also avoid entering the Dead Sea if there are open cuts or wounds as it can cause discomfort and irritate open skin.

Meanwhile, the mud from the Dead Sea also boasts many benefits, abundant in minerals including magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium, known for nourishing the skin and leaving one’s skin looking smoother and radiant. 
The group stayed at the luxury Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa, with direct access to the Dead Sea beachfront. 

After the check-in process, the writer let her hair down and took the opportunity to soak herself in the Dead Sea, despite panicking at first. After a good five minutes, it’s time to rinse off in freshwater as the salt from the Dead Sea can leave a residue on the skin. 

As the temperature at the Dead Sea is different from Amman, the writer also took the opportunity to soak up some sun before braving the cold in the capital. 

Checking out from Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa, the group made a quick stop at Elmar Dead Sea Factory, which houses both the factory and souvenir shop. Guide Basel said all products offered at the shop are sold at 50 percent off. 

Toqa, one of the sales associates at Elmar said the process of filtering the ingredients to filing and packaging took about seven to 12 hours. The factory also undergoes weekly checks to ensure the quality of the product is not compromised. 

Elmar boasts a variety of products, from body lotion, to facial serums and even for hair care, with each product promising unique benefits. 

One can also enjoy a complimentary mud mask treatment for about five minutes at Elmar Factory. 

The Rainbow Street, Amman’s famous road 

After spending hours on the road traveling from Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea, the group headed back to Amman on our last two days in Jordan. 

Rainbow Street is one of the must-see places in Amman, place for a relaxing walk, while being surrounded by colorful decorations and cafes. 

Since the group visited the street on a Friday, where it is considered their weekend until Saturday and after the Friday prayer, guide Basel said most shops are closed or start their opening hours quite late. However, one can still visit the street either during the day or night as it is open 24/7. 

Starting at the First Circle, the group were also treated to a view of Amman neighbourhood from one of the street’s viewpoints. According to guide Basel, Amman is dubbed as the ‘White City’ as its houses are made from limestone and residential districts look like white Lego blocks. 

Of course, an eatery worth mentioning when visiting Rainbow Street is AlQuds Falafel, established since 1966 and has since served falafel to locals and tourists alike. During our short stop there, just before making our way to Sufra Restaurant for lunch, there was already quite a line, living up to its reputation as the number one choice of falafel sandwich. Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein was also reported on the media to have visited the establishment. 

Meanwhile, Sufra Restaurant is located in 20th century villa with such a laid-back vibe. It was also listed in Middle East North Africa’s (MENA’s) 50 Best Restaurants. Throughout our stays, the group were usually surprised by the large portions served to us. However at Sufra, the place provides diners to savour Jordanian dish on a smaller scale. 

Besides the mandatory ‘hummus’, we also get to try falafel, ‘baba ganoush’, a mixed grill of lamb and chicken and more that satisfy our culinary desires. 

Amman Citadel and Downtown Amman 

Perched atop one of Amman’s seven hills or jabals called Jabal Al Qala’a, the Amman Citadel is a site with history of different civilizations. Undoubtedly, Amman Citadel is also one of the must-visit attractions here. 

This ancient site has its roots dating back to the Neolithic period, encompassing significant eras such as the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman era, Byzantine period, and the Umayyad era. Amman was originally referred to as 'Rabbath Ammon,' translating to the royal ancient city of the Ammonites.

Amman was also previously named as Philadelphia during the ruling of Philadelphus in the third century BCE. This era corresponds to the Hellenistic period when the influence of Alexander the Great spread throughout the region. The naming of Amman as Philadelphia reflects the cultural and historical interplay of that time. 

As we explore the Citadel, the group encounter remarkable landmarks like the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, the Jordan Archaelogical Museum and several other features of historial interest, with each structure tells its own tale. 

The Temple of Hercules is the most famous site within the Citadel with two giant standing pillars are the remains, which was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD161 -80). Today, only a few parts of the structure remain. Visitors flock to the Citadel to see the stone-carved hand and elbow, thought to be the remains of a Roman statue of Hercules, that once stood 13 metre tall, found near the temple. 

The Jordan Archeological Museum is a small museum which houses the collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th century. 

Another historic building in the Citadel is the Umayyad Palace Complex, behind the museum, dating from about AD 720, the palace was an extensive complex of royal and residential buildings but it was destroyed by an earthquake. 

Located at the highest point of the Citadel, the Umayyad mosque lies to the south of the Umayyad palace. It sits on a raised platform with seven rows of six columns around a central courtyard. Meanwhile,the Umayyad monumental gateway served as the formal entrance to the Umayyad palace. Internally, the grand hall adopts a crucifix plan, featuring a square central area with four recesses extending outward. Barrel vaults adorn the north and south ends of the cross's arms, while semi-domes cover the east and west sides. Evidence of windowsills on the upper part of the central area indicates its likely roofing, possibly with a wooden dome, akin to the one constructed in the final years of the 20th century.
Adjacent to the palace lies the Umayyad Cistern, boasting a diameter of 17.5 meters and stone walls measuring up to 2.5 meters in thickness. With a capacity of up to 1370 cubic meters, the cistern played a crucial role in supplying water to various areas of the settlement, including baths and latrines.
From one of  the viewing platforms, one could also see the Raghadan Flagpole, standing at 126.8 metre (416ft) tall and flies a 60x30 metre flag at the royal compound of Al-Maquar. It was officially hoisted by King Abdullah II on June 10, 2003. 

Downhill from the Citadel is the Roman Theater, a prominent and remarkable remnant of ancient Philadelpia. Constructed during the reign of Antonius Pius, it is carved into the northern slope of a hill that formally functioned as a necropolis. 

After spending about an hour exploring Amman Citadel, we headed to Downtown Amman where we walked through the wet market and also passed by Al Bukharia, the oldest souq in Jordan since 1942. The market is well known for its wife range of goods and a must-see site for Amman’s visitors. The market’s shops and alleyways are piled with goods ranging from decorative lanterns, fashion accessories to home goods. 

Meanwhile, Hashem is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital, sandwiched between two downtown buildings with an open air seating. The restaurant has served the Jordanian royals, with framed photographs of the royal family and newspaper clippings plastered on the wall. 
Despite past the lunchtime during our stop there, Hashem remains bustling, with servers efficiently navigating through orders and a steady flow of customers entering and exiting the restaurant. 

Strolling through the market’s alley, lively vendors and buyers engaged in lively bargaining. The scene also featured an array of fresh produce, spices, dried goods and local delicacies. With the fasting month drawing near, one can find dates and Eid decorations for sale at the market. Beyond the market, the narrow lanes revealed hidden gems – quaint shops, traditional bakeries, and charismatic cafes that beckoned exploration. Each step offered a glimpse into the rich tapestry of everyday life in downtown Amman, making it a truly unforgettable experience of cultural immersion.

Throughout my 8-day 7-night journey through Jordan, the experiences exploring Madaba, Petra. Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and the vibrant streets of Amman remains etched in my memory. Each destination unveiled its unique charm, from the mosaic-laden streets of Madaba to the rose-red wonders of Petra, the Martian-like landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the buoyant tranquility of the Dead Sea. Exploring the heart of Amman, with its historic Citadel, bustling markets, and modern cityscape, provided a dynamic contrast to the ancient wonders. Jordan, with its warm hospitality, rich history, and diverse landscapes, has left an indelible mark on my travelogue. 

New Sarawak Tribune extends its appreciation to MATTA and the Jordan Tourism Board for making this journey possible.

END WITH PICS 
KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-1: Floating at the Dead Sea. 

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-2 and 3: Toqa, a sales associate from Elmar briefs the tour members about the factory and its products. 

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-4: The colorful Rainbow Street 

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-5: SMILE..a group photo with the tour members walking along the Rainbow Street

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-6: The Roman Theathre, from one of the viewing platform in Amman Citadel

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-7: The Temple of the Hercules 

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-8: The Umayyad Palace Complex

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-9: The view from Amman Citadel featuring the Raghadan flagpole

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-10: The bustling situation in Dowtown Amman 

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-11 and 12: Fresh produce and dried goods on sale at the wet market. 

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-13: The famous AlQuds Falafel, established since 1966

KCH-jordan 2-2902-jj-14: The Hand of Hercules