Today was a late start and the first day with the tour group (only 18 people - awesome!). First bit of news is that we have tourist police traveling with us. We were told it was procedure for any groups over 10. He's in regular police dress-not in a business suit like in Egypt, and he is carrying a hand gun - not a machine gun.
OK, now for the tour. We were let off across the street from the Al Husseini Mosque (the oldest mosque in Amman). I volunteered to be a "sacrifice" - meaning I walked out into traffic holding my hand out for the cars to stop as the group followed behind me. Piece of cake. We people watched for a minute as we were told the history of the mosque.
Omar (our guide) then took us on a walking tour through the fruit and vegetable souks, past the other side of the Nyphaeum, to the Roman Theater complex. I had seen it yesterday but overlooked the smaller Odeon to its right. Despite what my driver told me yesterday, Omar says the theater is still used for concerts, plays etc. The Odeon is just a much smaller version of the theater and is also actively used for events.
From there we drove to The Citadel, which I had also seen yesterday but was able to retake some photographs in the museum. We then stopped at a Shwarma shop for lunch and headed back to the hotel for the tour briefing.
Tomorrow we head to Jerash - the second best Roman ruins in the world. It's supposed to be Jordan's jewel - well next to Petra - and then to Ajloun. It will be an early call. We must be on the bus ready to leave by 7:00am
OK, now for the tour. We were let off across the street from the Al Husseini Mosque (the oldest mosque in Amman). I volunteered to be a "sacrifice" - meaning I walked out into traffic holding my hand out for the cars to stop as the group followed behind me. Piece of cake. We people watched for a minute as we were told the history of the mosque.
From there we drove to The Citadel, which I had also seen yesterday but was able to retake some photographs in the museum. We then stopped at a Shwarma shop for lunch and headed back to the hotel for the tour briefing.
Tomorrow we head to Jerash - the second best Roman ruins in the world. It's supposed to be Jordan's jewel - well next to Petra - and then to Ajloun. It will be an early call. We must be on the bus ready to leave by 7:00am