“Why don’t you rent a car?” We hear this question almost everywhere we travel and the honest answer is: we prefer #publictransportation > It’s cheaper and always more insightful to #localculture .
In #nicaragua we learned that more people - plus, luggage and chickens - can fit into (and, on the roof of) an old schoolbus than you ever could imagine. In #grenada we listened to local reggae blasting decibels while every single body on the bus swayed to the beat. In #albania, every time the bus got up to full speed, we slowed again for a smoke or coffee stop. These moments, for us, are the magic of #travel > those moments you always remember. .
Yesterday, we once again chose the #localbus option to travel from #amman to #jerash &, I know, this is another #travelexperience we will always remember. Buses here don’t run on “schedules.” It’s more simple and practical. When a bus fills up with passengers and every seat, then some, is occupied, then the bus leaves. On frequent routes like the 1-hour trip to Jerash, famed for it’s exquisitely-preserved #romanruins, buses fill quickly. From driver to passengers, everyone greeted us - and, our confusion about when we would depart - with good humor and big smiles. While waiting, a few people engaged us in English and welcomed us to their country. The drive was beautiful with gorgeous views (like this one) as we traveled north. When we hopped off the bus near the ruins, I looked back to see many of the locals waiving us goodbye. It was a beautiful experience > all for 1 JD (Jordanian dollar, commonly called “jay-dee”), the equivalence of $1.40 US. .
Stories and pics of #jerashruins #unescosite coming soon. #whatanadventure #wearegrateful #travelers .
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#travelsecrets #traveltips #immersivetravel #smartertravel #lonelyplanet #happytraveler🌍 #sustainabletravel #beintrepid #sharemyjordan #visitjordan🇯🇴
One of my #favoritephotos from #cookingschool at @beitsitti last night. The look of awe and anticipation on this kid’s face as our teaching chef flips the pot and reveals the delicious #arabspecialty of #Maaloubeh - Slow roasted rice and chicken (and, a veggie version for me) cauliflower, eggplant, tomatoes and spices (sumac, cumin, turmeric and more!) >>> #protip for this dish: Layer bottom of pot with thinly sliced tomatoes to keep rice from burning and sticking. Then, scrap those crunchy ‘maters on top for an ultra-tasting dish. #learning #homecooking #grandmotherskitchen #traditionalcuisine #foodtraditions #jordan
How #yum *I mean* #fun is this?! Matt and I took a #cookingclass last night in #amman. @beitsitti (which translates as “House of the Grandmother/Granny’s House,”) began as a way for sisters Maria, Tania and Dina to honor their grandmother and showcase her beloved home. The popular classes and #specialityculinaryproducts have become a catalyst for empowering #femalechefs and assistants and you feel that spirit of devotion and honor in every bite! .
Through the evening, we learned about traditional #jordanian #cuisine while helping to make a few classic dishes including... #maaloubeh > Slow roasted rice and chicken (and, a veggie version for me) cauliflower, eggplant, tomatoes and spices (sumac, cumin, turmeric, mint and more!) .
And, #mutabbal - Eggplant roasted over an open flame to the point of caramelization, then blended with tahini and lemon juice. .
We even made our own pita bread (nope, not kidding). 😀
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It was a lovely and memorable evening - and, we learned to much. Thank you, ladies of Beit Setti, you are amazing!
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See our Stories for many more pics of the delicious action. .
#alwayslearning #alwayshungry #cooking #goodeats #aroundtheworld @visitjordan @myjordanjourney @intrepidtravel .
#beintrepid #saveur #healthyfood #homecooking #grandmothersrecipes #familyrecipes #passedownthroughthegenerations #learningtocook #grateful
Visit Jordan
“Go early in the morning or just before sunset. Whatever you do, don’t go during the middle of the day.” Everyone warned us, but still we managed to reach #citadelhill in #amman at high noon. The + is we had the whole place to ourselves. At the entrance, the debate of whether or not to hire a guide was decided when we met all-around colorful character Assad. “Otherwise, you will only look at a bunch of rocks but understand no meaning,” he said (And, our new friend was right). Over the next three hours, Assad shared historical snippets - Citadel Hill has been occupied since the Bronze Age and features significant sights including the #roman Temple of Hercules, built during Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ time (AD 161 - 80), and ancient Arab palace #umayyadpalace (from about AD 720). While these sites were stunning - & stunningly accessible - being with a local who shared his passion & insight into history & culture was the highlight. We shared stories about religion, nationalities, families, marriage, tolerance and empathy...all topics that make #travel so much more than checking ticks off a #bucketlist > When I think about #amman I will always think of Assad and much of what he said, particularly when he lamented the decline he has witnessed over 25 years as a #tourguide of #curiosity > “People don’t ask questions any more,” he said. “There’s no interest in learning about other people. And, when we don’t learn about other people, how can we care about other people?” Let’s always #staycurious & #beintrepid friends. We have much to #learn from each other, no? *
See more pics in our Story and, when in doubt, always hire the local guide!
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#travelinjordan #myjordanjourney #traveling #aroundtheworld #historicalsites #unesco #lonelyplanetjordan #grateful @visitjordan @intrepidtravel @sharemyvisit
We’ve been in #ammanjordan , a bustling city of 5 million people, for all of 2 hours & so far we’ve... 1. Been invited to a local’s house for dinner with his family,
2. Stumbled on the coolest #downtown #shopping & #entertainment district,
3. Tasted the best #falafel of life at the legendary 24-hour #Hashem (a feast of deliciousness for less than $7), and
4. Plotted tomorrow morning’s first stop: #habiba for sweets #jordanianstyle *
#goodnight #travelers & #greetingsfrom #jordan ! 👋👋👋 *
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@intrepidtravel we can’t wait to #trekjordan with you! *
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@visitjordan #sharemyjordan #traveladventures #traveltips #lightraveling #onassignment #travelwriter #goodeats #traveling #aroundtheworld #grateful #beintrepid ✈️
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Have you visited historic #portsmouth & #southsea? This was our first visit, but surely won’t be the last. Miles of beautiful #coastline + #historicport and #navalmuseums #ddaymuseumportsmouth > And, one of the coolest #musicstores / #indiecafes anywhere in the world. Yep, historic #portsmouth & #southsea is something to experience and see. *
Just 60 miles south of #london and easily accessible by train, you should add this spot to the ‘ole wanderlist. Check out the link in bio for pics & stories. *
Thanks @beckettssouthsea @pieandvinyl & @monislondres for helping to make our trip so memorable. And, extra thanks to our friends at Pie & Vinyl for... 1. #readingengland music venue suggestions, and 2. Having one of our favorite bands from home proudly in showcase @alabama_shakes !! *
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#happytravelers #travelingaroundtheworld #wheretovisit #unitedkingdom #travelsecrets #lighttraveling
https://lighttraveling.org/2018/09/12/24-hours-in-portsmouth-southsea-england-heres-what-to-see-and-do/
