You know that feeling when you're boarding a plane and you're not quite sure what to expect? That moment when all the excitement is mixed with a bit of doubt? That was me, staring out the window, watching Amman come into view. I knew I was heading off to a bustling city rich in history and culture, but honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Just a few days of wandering around, checking off the “best things to do in Amman”—you know, the usual tourist stuff.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
So, let me tell you about my first day. I thought I'd kick things off with the Citadel. You know, the kind of place you always hear about—the epic historical site that's supposed to give you a panoramic view of the city. As soon as I got there, I felt a rush of excitement. But then I climbed to the top, looked out over the sprawling city, and—it was fine, I guess? Beautiful in its own way, but honestly, it felt a bit…underwhelming.
Then, as I was about to leave, this little old lady selling homemade falafel caught my eye. I don't know why I ended up there, but something about her smile pulled me in. I was expecting just a quick bite. Instead, she insisted I try her special spicy sauce, and oh man, I'm not usually a fan of spicy food, but wow—what a flavor explosion!
Suddenly, the whole Citadel experience flipped on its head. Here I was, standing between ancient ruins and this little cart with falafel so good I almost bought another. That unexpected moment of just connecting with someone local? That's what travel is really about, right?
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
The next day, I'd planned to mope around the Rainbow Street area, which, I'd read, was supposed to be “the place” for art and cafes. To be honest, I wasn't in the mood for more sights. Just didn't feel like dealing with the hustle of tourists. So instead, I found myself wandering into this tiny art gallery tucked away between a couple of shops.
I walked in, and it felt like the world outside melted away. Paintings lined the walls showcasing everything from traditional landscapes to vibrant abstracts. Some were powerful, some were just fun, and I found myself lingering longer than expected. There was this woman, an artist—Sofia, I think her name was—sketching at one corner. We started chatting, and before I knew it, she offered to give me a mini tour of the gallery.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, just a few brush strokes, but the art spoke to me—each piece had a story, a soul. Somehow, she made the place feel alive. By the time I stepped back out, the afternoon sunlight felt different, and so did I.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
Now, let's talk about my navigational skills—or lack thereof. I still can't believe I almost missed visiting the Roman Theatre. The guidebook said it was just a skip away, but somehow I ended up wandering through these side streets and lost track of time. Instead of panicking, I embraced it—because those side streets? They were something else.
There was a market overflowing with colors; spices piled high, fruits I couldn't identify, and locals bustling about as if they were in their own little worlds. I got lost in the market, buying fresh pomegranates and sampling sweets. At one stall, the vendor recommended a dessert called knafeh. I thought, “Why not?” And let me tell you, that warm, cheesy pastry topped with syrup? Absolute heaven! I didn't even know what I was doing, whether I should snap pictures or just dig in. I chose the latter.
Finally, after what felt like a glorious detour, I asked someone for directions, and they pointed me back toward the theatre. I think getting lost sometimes leads to the best experiences—no guidebook can tell you that.
A Meal I’ll Never Forget
Ah, the meals. I could go on about the food scene, but there's one dinner that stands out. On my last night in Amman, I decided to try a traditional Jordanian restaurant. It was one of those spots where you sit on low cushions, surrounded by people laughing and sharing food. I ordered mansaf, the national dish.
When it arrived—well, I tried to act cool, but my jaw dropped. This massive platter of rice topped with tender lamb, pine nuts, and this creamy yogurt sauce. I mean, who even thought of mixing yogurt with rice? Seven words into my first bite, I was in heaven. Everything felt right in that moment, the warmth from the food and the laughter around me.
A couple sitting next to me noticed my wide-eyed delight. We struck up a conversation, shared some laughs, and they even offered me some of their homemade bread. I didn't want to leave, like I was being wrapped in a warm, friendly hug. Each bite, each moment just stuck with me long after I finished the meal.
Reflecting on It All
Now, I'm back home, and it's funny how sitting here sipping my coffee brings back all those little moments. The surprises, the detours, the misadventures—all those things shaped my trip and made it something beautiful. I realized you can plan all you want, but sometimes the best things just unfold unexpectedly.
Amman is a kaleidoscope of experiences, where getting lost can lead to connections and those widely-touted spots become little footnotes in stories that matter. Sipping my coffee, I can't help but think that the best things to do in Amman aren't even listed anywhere. They're woven in moments, connections, and flavors that linger long after you leave.
So, when you go, just remember to embrace the chaos and let yourself wander. You never know what magic awaits around the corner.
