12 USEFUL FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JORDAN

The 'Siq' in Petra to the Treasury

I and my husband’s 5 days visit to Jordan was intended for honeymoon. The original plan was to go to Turkey, but since I was not able to gather proper visa information on time, I have decided to shift to Jordan escapade instead (which turned out to be one of my best decisions) as we are eligible to acquire a visa upon arrival (Filipinos residing in GCC), with the help and excellent service from Jordan Select Tours. 

See also: 
JORDAN VISA INFORMATION FOR FILIPINOS IN GCC
JORDAN SELECT TOURS: OUR 5D4N ITINERARY

I didn’t have a lot of information about this country before deciding to pay it a visit, so I did some research particularly with safety considering that Jordan is neighboring Syria and Iraq where civil wars are strongly happening right now.
 
Though I got the important infos, I was sure that they were just for the sake of those who have not yet experienced the real Jordan. Hence, I’ve jot down the list of some useful facts that everyone needs to know before meeting the ‘Land of Hills and Valleys’.​
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St. George Church (left) and displays at La Storia Complex (right) in Madaba

1. Mix of Muslims and Christians
Jordan is composed of 94% Muslims and 6% Christians (mainly Greek Orthodox and Catholics). Even though it is an open country, local people respect each other. 

​Jordanian Muslims are also free to attend christian or catholic schools; without any religious discrimination. Most of the local men as well have married christian women.

The Petra Treasury

Ruins of the Great Temple in Petra

The Monastery at the Mountain Top

2. Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World
The Red-Rose City; The Forgotten City half as old as time, or is widely known as Petra is a half-build half-carved in the rocks and surrounded by mountains. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and was declared as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. A must see place on earth and should top your bucket list.

View from the Shoubak Castle

3. Land of Hills and Valleys
I live in ME since 2011 and as what I have seen, Jordan is not the typical dessert land unlike any other Middle Eastern countries. It is divided into 3 main areas; the Jordan valley, Eastern Plateau and Dessert.

See also: JORDAN PHOTO DIARY

Bethany beyond the Jordan where Elijah's Hill is located.

Mt. Nebo where God showed Moses the Promise Land.

4. Land of the Prophets
Most of the sites in Jordan were identified to be the place where the biblical prophets have walked.

View of Israel (background) from the other side of Dead Sea.

5. Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty
The second Arab country to sign a peace accord (in October 1994) after Egypt.

The city of Amman where houses are made of limestone.

The Amman City, Capital of Jordan

6. Houses are made of Limestones
Amman City which is the capital of Jordan is built of seven hills with houses made of limestones. The City is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world starting from the Neolithic period.

The Pillar of Salt which is believed to be Lot's wife.

7. Remains of Lot’s Wife/ The Pillar of Salt
Have you heard about the Sodom and Gomorrah in the bible? Well then, I’m sure you know as well the story how God destroyed this city of sins and spared Lot and his family, but because of Lot’s wife’s disobedience, she was turned into a pillar of salt which amazingly until this time, you can still find it standing in the mountainside near the Dead Sea in Jordan.

Jordan from above

8. Safest Arab Country in the Middle East
Personally, I have seen and experienced how the authorities managed to keep the peace and safety in Jordan with the cooperation of its citizens, there are police everywhere to keep everyone secure. No wonder why it has been considered and recognized as one of the safest Arab country.

Delicious Maqluba prepared by our good friend (Mr. Ibrahim Smadi) and his wife.

Our very hospitable, friendly and smart host, guide, driver and friend, Mr. Ibrahim Smadi. Because of him, we had an amazing Jordan experience.

9. Local Jordanian Hospitality
Don't think that only 'we' Filipinos possess this.

​Being hospitable is one of the key traits of the locals of Jordan especially to their guests. If you happen to visit a local’s home, you will absolutely feel that you are part of their family.

Map of the Baptism Site where Jesus was baptized.

Path to the Baptism Site

10. Where Jesus was Baptized
Jordan River is repeatedly mentioned in the bible, this is also the river where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

The Jerash Roman Ruin City with our talented guide, Ms. Caroline Madi.

11. Rich in History
Way back from thousands of years during the Nabateans’ existence (one of the most gifted people of the ancient world) which was before Christ, from North to South, every side of Jordan has a story and history to tell.

12. Tipping
Not compulsory but is always expected. Tipping is widely practiced in Jordan and has already been part of the culture. This is a way of showing appreciation particularly to the locals, but of course, you only give tips to good service received. Jordanians are hard working people, you will find them employed everywhere from small shops to big establishments in their country.

And oh, did I mentioned that alcohol in this country is legal too? Well, that makes this list a total of 13! ;-D

The Cave in Petra Guest House. Considered to be one of the oldest Bar in the world dating back to 1st Century BC (that's more than 2000 years ago!).

More info: 
JORDAN VISA INFORMATION FOR FILIPINOS IN GCC
TOURISM IN JORDAN AMIDST TURMOIL: AFTER THE LEBANON AND PARIS ATTACKS
​LIST OF THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS IN DEAD SEA, JORDAN