Friday, February 11, 2011

What the...ballad.

Ahh, downtown Amman.
I suppose you have all heard of the protests that have been taking place in Egypt. Well it has had an effect on Jordan. Over the past few weeks there have been protest in downtown Amman after Friday prayers. In our family Friday is a special day for us, we always go down to the ballad and walk around, window shop and just enjoy what there is to see and do all around well built Roman ruins. I just love this tradition, but because of the protests we decided it would be better for us not to go :(

Well after talking about it and after reading the Warden message from the embassy we decided that today we would be safe.

Did I mention how much I love this place. There is always something to see and something to buy. Right now there is a lot of construction going on. The are reguniviating and revitalizing the downtown by widening sidewalks, putting in a fountain, and trees and even adding public bathrooms. They are trying to make it easier and more appealing for tourists and locals. I can't wait until it is done.

I don't think that anyone gets a clear picture of what there is to see in the ballad so I took some pictures today.

Yusuf offically became a Jordanian today. It was a little chilly and we forgot his hat so I said let's get him his first kuffiayah. You can see how happy he is now. The salesman wrapped it propperely, and Yusuf walked with his head held a litter higher, seeing that he looked like the Jordanian men.
This is a random coffee guy. He walked by all of the stores with two huge crafts filled with coffee, tea and a bag of plastic cups. Not only is there is a coffee guy but there is a guy who walkes around with plates of meat and rice, and another guy with falafel sandwiches.

Fresh dinner.... There is an area in the ballad where you can still go and pick out your dinner, while it is still alive. This picture has PETA written all over it!

Khaled admiring a garlic press at one of the many vendors who set up tables with anything and everything on them to sell. No, we did not buy it.

Cinnamon and spices. Although very tempting we only walked out with roasted pumpkin seeds and candy coated anis seeds.


Bread....the rise in flour prices is driving people to protest.

SWEETS!

Yusuf enjoying fried dough covered in sugar syrup.


And finally when we got home Lulu wanted to become a Jordanian too!



1 comment:

  1. Katie: Love your posts. I really enjoy reading about Jordan. It makes me feel closer to you and the kids. Keep them coming.

    Love,
    GG

    ReplyDelete