The first stooging.

Amman, Jordan

Day 7

Today was about two things. Food and Romans. After freezing shower (see yesterday's blog), I hit the streets to see Amman’s two big sights; the ruins of the citadel and the Roman theater.

After winding my way up steep steps I was eventually flagged down by a young lady who pointed me in the direction of the entrance to the citadel, which sits on Amman’s highest hill.

After pointing leading me through a narrow passage way and up some more steps we were at the top. She then put her hand out and asked for 5 dinars.

“For guide?” I asked,

“Yes, for guide, five dinars”

Thinking I was going to get a tour of the ruins by a local I though, why not and stupidly handed over the cash.

“Shookran” (Thankyou) she said, and pointed me to the ancient site. As I started walking I turned to see if my “guide” was following.

She was not. She had pocketed my cash and was heading back the way we came. Blowing me a kiss she said in accented English “Good bye! You are pretty!”

I had been stooged. Paying over $5 for a shortcut to the ruins. Next time I get stooged I’ll at least haggle the price a bit

Anyway the ruins of the ancient citadel were pretty great. You just don’t see that many ruined Roman temples in Melbourne, so it was all very interesting.

Next stop lunch. Sitting on plastic chairs, shoveling delicious fresh hummus into my face with equally fresh bread I remembered why I cam to this part of the world; the food. It’s great! Washed down with a steaming glass of sweet tea; and a pile of delicious falafel; perfection.

After lunch I legged it down to the Roman Theater. This thing is almost 2,000 years old. It’s in fantastic condition. After climbing up the steep steps I sat down to take in the view and finish off the book I’ve been reading (Absurdistan, by ABC jurno Eric Campbell).

It seems that the theatre is make-out-point in downtown Amman, with young locals canoodling and giggling along top level. Apparently even in an ancient theater, the best place to make out is the back row.

Stay tuned, tomorrow I travel south to Petra (the place were they filmed Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)

My camera (a Fuji X100 for those nerds out there) stitched this panorama together. Not too shabby. Double click on it to see it bigger.

This temple was build to honour Hercules.

The citadel gives great views of Amman.

This was such a great lunch. There were originally more felafel, but I'd already scoffed most of them before I remembered to get a pic.

The Roman Theater.

As well as young couples, local kid come to the theatre to muck around.

This guy called me over, "Hello, photo, photo!" Much to the amusement of his mates, I obliged him.

Purchased a bunch of bananas from this dude for tomorrows four hour trip down south to Petra.

And some sultanas and nuts from these guys.