After a very long hiatus, this Unseasoned Traveler is sending all of you enthusiastic greetings and reporting on my latest junket, the Middle East. My traveling companion and I have been in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel experiencing the ways the people of the world are more alike than they are different. I learned the word, “Yalla,” from our tour guide/new buddy, Rania.
The word is Arabic, and quite simply means, “Let’s get going.” It seems that every culture has a phrase to convey urgent movement. Rania used the word energetically. You could tell by the tone of her voice exactly what she meant, and sometimes, she even used, “Yalla,” twice. “Yalla, Yalla.” I love the sound of the word and so, without further ado, “YALLA.”
Jordan is an amazing country and the home of a number of little known, but important ancient sites. First stop, Amman, Jordan’s capitol city. In ancient times, the city of Amman was known as Philadelphia. Yes, the same name as the US City of Brotherly Love. Throughout its history, Amman has boasted a number of hills, and the Citadel is located atop the tallest of them.
Archaeological excavations have revealed that this hilltop has been used as a settlement and fortress for almost 7000 years, predating its Greek and Roman occupation. The Citadel is an open-air museum with some significant artifacts, especially from the Greek and Roman period like this temple named after the demigod, Hercules.
In addition to the onsite artifacts, the high elevation of the Citadel allows a dramatic, panoramic view of the old city below.
From the Citadel, you can even see the Greco-Roman theatre located in the middle of Amman below.
The hike from the Citadel to the east side of Amman is a challenging descent, but worth it to see the amphitheatre up close
and to experience the crush of human traffic while doing a little shopping.
Jackie's Junkets 
Thanks. Great photos. I am looking forward to Petra! Hope you and your “traveling companion” are doing well! Ellen
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Hi, Ellen. Thanks for reading my first installment of this trip. We are fine…just bored as hell!!!
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So glad to get your post, and very much looking forward to the ones to come! Wonderful. A chance to travel in these stay at home days.
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Hi, David, I am furiously working on more blog entries, but the current circumstances and Ashleigh being so far away has me in a funk. Your note really cheered me up. I am working on two new blogs today. Ashleigh seems to be doing well. She is alone though and gets lonesome. Hopefully, this situation will turn for the better soon. Stay healthy and stay in touch….jah
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Thanks for bringing this back. I feel you should use Yalla when we start our tours!
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Hi, Docent Sister, I saw the new baby photos. That is a beautiful baby….are they planning on letting people hold him??? If so, I am at the front of the line. Thanks for reading the blog and the “Yalla” advice….talk soon.
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How wonderful and timely – a way to “travel” right now. Jackie, we have loved your blog and loved getting to know you and Bruce on the trip to Normandy. I have forwarded your email to friends so they to can enjoy your wonderful photos and commentary. Thank you.
Donna and Bruce
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I Donna and Bruce…..I was so happy to hear from you. I love reaching out to friends. The blog is helping me put my memories in order. I was in Middle East overload for a while…no telling when we will travel again. I am still looking forward to cruising with the two of you again….Fondly, Jackie
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So glad the post is back..I truly enjoy your pics and commentary..
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Glad you liked it…more to come later.
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It’s so good to hear from you, Jackie. Have you had to self-quarantine upon re-rendering the US? Your journey is a wonderful vicarious escape for us, as we are mired in the monotonous drone of the shelter-in-place psyche. The weather here in Sarasota is eerily beautiful, in stark contrast to the epidemic around us. So far so good, however, and finding ways to mile and bring a little joy each day.
Take care. Hope to see you in the not-too-distant future.
Leslie Dressel
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Hi, Leslie….it is great to hear from you. Thanks for reading the blog….I hope it made you smile a little. We did not have to self-quarantine because we returned right before the big trouble started. I hope to see you at the beach for at least part of the summer….fondly, Jackie
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I did the trip to Jordan and Israel last November. It was one of my favorite trips. I loved Petra and the history of Jerusalem is wonderful. Happy travels.
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Hi, Betty, I agree…this trip was rich in every way possible…I am thinking of returning. Thanks for following my blog…j
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My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to going over your web page for a second time.
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Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
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so much good info on here, : D.
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