Amman, Jordan
I was caught in a lengthy but insightful conversation over tea about Islam with the owner of my hostel in Amman. I surprised myself by how little I knew about the religion given that I spent half my life in the biggest Muslim country in the world.
What I took from the conversation was that Islam as a religion is actually quite scientific and it imparts knowledge about human biology, nature, astronomy, etc.
For the rest of the day, I went out and about in town. Trying to hail a cab was a bit of a pain in the downtown area. While waiting, I was given a free churro by some random stranger then another guy came about to help me get hold of a taxi and negotiate a price for me. I think so far in my trip, Jordanian strangers have been the friendliest and most eager to help out.
Chris had told me about this free movie festival. It was supposed to be an outdoor cinema but due to the weather, the event was being held in a cinema. We arrived late and had to sit on the aisle. The movie screened is British. It’s called “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” In it, the Brit characters were having trouble adjusting to the hecticness of India but in the end, they managed to call it home. I could relate to their feelings, but I never did stay long enough to adjust.
Talking to a few travellers that had been to India, most agree that it’s a tough place to travel. You either love it or hate it there. The trick is to survive the culture shock, accept India as what it is, and immerse yourself in the culture. I didn’t fair too well.
It was my last night in Jordan. I made a point to meet up with Laura and had a chocolate fondue dinner. It was a good change from the pitas + hummus diet that I’d been on while in Jordan.
Day 423: Islam, India and Chocolate Fondue
Amman, Jordan
I was caught in a lengthy but insightful conversation over tea about Islam with the owner of my hostel in Amman. I surprised myself by how little I knew about the religion given that I spent half my life in the biggest Muslim country in the world.
What I took from the conversation was that Islam as a religion is actually quite scientific and it imparts knowledge about human biology, nature, astronomy, etc.
For the rest of the day, I went out and about in town. Trying to hail a cab was a bit of a pain in the downtown area. While waiting, I was given a free churro by some random stranger then another guy came about to help me get hold of a taxi and negotiate a price for me. I think so far in my trip, Jordanian strangers have been the friendliest and most eager to help out.
Chris had told me about this free movie festival. It was supposed to be an outdoor cinema but due to the weather, the event was being held in a cinema. We arrived late and had to sit on the aisle. The movie screened is British. It’s called “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” In it, the Brit characters were having trouble adjusting to the hecticness of India but in the end, they managed to call it home. I could relate to their feelings, but I never did stay long enough to adjust.
Talking to a few travellers that had been to India, most agree that it’s a tough place to travel. You either love it or hate it there. The trick is to survive the culture shock, accept India as what it is, and immerse yourself in the culture. I didn’t fair too well.
It was my last night in Jordan. I made a point to meet up with Laura and had a chocolate fondue dinner. It was a good change from the pitas + hummus diet that I’d been on while in Jordan.