Amman Birthday

 We had talked about going back for a short visit but the weather changed and it was very windy with rainclouds over Petra. We were so happy that we had great, sunny skies for our days there. We were also happy that we had packed some clothes for cold weather.

We checked out of our lovely hotel and headed back to Amman.

It was a smooth ride- interesting to watch the landscape change and to note the contrasts in the countryside. 

Bedouin shepherd and flock in foreground; energy generating windmills in the distance

We returned to the same hotel as when we first arrived in Amman and made good use of the guest laundry. 

                                                        one more Amman hotel room view

We also went for a special meal at a neighbouring restaurant for my birthday. We decided to go a day early, since we had a 4:00 a.m. pickup the following morning for our flight to Cairo. We ordered small plates and yet were unable to eat all the food- meals are not expensive but they are massive. Everything comes with several plates of side dishes- pickled vegetables, breads and hummus, etc.

We had been scheduled for more touring of ruins on my birthday, however, I decided that it would be fun to try to get in a game of golf. I had done some research and discovered that there are only two golf courses in the country. I had called the course in Amman two days previous to ask about playing. The golf pro assured me that public players were welcome, that we could play any time we chose but that we would need a caddy.  He said we wouldn't have to rent clubs, but it would be good if we could share a set because the caddy could only carry one bag. Hmmm. It is a nine hole course, but we could decide to play it twice if we wanted to play eighteen holes. 

So- another kind of adventure! It was a little difficult for our driver to find the course and when we got there, the clubhouse was not open. A phone call was made and a groundskeeper showed up, moved a chair on the deck and got the keys to open up. He quoted a price that was considerable higher than what I had been told when I booked. Another phone conversation took place, and we paid the original price.

It is a very pretty course, but totally incomprehensible. 

Although it is only 9 holes, the tee box signs are numbered 13 or 16 or... If there is a sign. We had to tee off mats and our caddy carried around a little piece of artificial turf that he put down for us for each shot. 

The fairways may have had some grass, but they were mostly poppies and weeds and anthills.... The putting surfaces (known to us as greens) are called browns, as they are dark sand which the caddy swept after we putted. 

It was not good golf, but it was pretty fun and a memorable way to spend my birthday.

After nine holes (we chose not to play a second nine!), our driver took us to a wonderful (apparently internationally famous) sweet shop for birthday cake, compliments of the travel agency. He chose knafeh, made with shredded phyllo pastry, a custardy cheese, simple syrup, and pistachios. Delicious and incredibly rich.

Then it was back through the chaotic traffic to the hotel for an early night because of our early pick up time. Maybe now that I'm 67, all nights will be early nights?

We did take a walk to nearby Rainbow Street. Not the vibrant place it was pre-Covid.

                                                  Good night, Amman. Good-bye, Jordan.

In any case, I received lots of birthday greetings and felt loved all across the world. Thanks!