From the Earth

As promised, I said I'd dedicate a post to this wonderful company.

I fell in love with their products when I saw their stall at the Souk Jara.  Now here is a great story regarding a certain blue necklace from this stall.  I saw this necklace and thought of my best friend, Alison who has recently had her first baby.  One of our first stops was to see her, her husband and their new baby in Germany.  I knew she would adore this necklace as it is her colour and her style.  When I gave it to her, she burst out laughing and said, "I can't BELIEVE it!  No way!"  For her birthday, her husband and given her the EXACT same necklace from the EXACT same company.  He had bought the necklace on Amazon and had no idea that the company was based in Jordan.  She thought it was great that both her husband and her best friend knew exactly what she liked.  Thankfully I had a back up plan and I gave her the matching ear rings instead!

The company are based in Amman and have a shop which is quite difficult to find, but so worth the effort!  Here is their link again with a map:  http://www.ftehome.com/contactus.html

Wild Jordan

Whilst you are in the Rainbow Street area, you may as well stop off at Wild Jordan. If you walk the length of Souk Jara, you will see the centre at the end of your shopping trip.  It is here where you can book and reserve spots at some of Jordan's loveliest spots such as Wadi Mujib and Feynan Lodge.  The centre is a branded division of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.  Their main slogan is, "Helping Nature, Helping People".  Here is their link which is an interesting read:  http://www.rscn.org.jo/orgsite/Group1/AboutWildJordan/tabid/162/Default.aspx

There is a lovely shop to buy local made goods.

 There is also a nice cafe and restaurant. Unfortunately, I have not spent enough time here to try the food or to take more pictures.  There is an amazing view of the Citadel from here, but I couldn't access the view spot on the day we went here as it was closed.  Robert and I have recently invested in a new camera so when I get back, I'll go back here and take some good photos and maybe try the food.

You can just see the Citadel at the right, but as I said, the doors were closed and I couldn't get onto the viewing spot.  They had lovely, big beanbags out here.  I can imagine this place being a hot spot for young Jordanians who wish to smoke to hubbly bubbly.  

Souk Jara

Yes, it has been a long time since my last post and how I have missed writing and blogging about this wonderful city and country.  Since my last post, many events have taken me away from the computer.  We have been busy finishing school, planning our summer of travelling all over and moving apartments.  I am now writing this post in the South of France after doing a mammoth trip visiting family across two continents and 4 countries!  It was great to spend time with the people we love.  Now, we are enjoying our own time.  Robert has gone hiking and I have finally got the chance to update this blog.

Back to Amman.

We have been away from the warm city for a month and boy do we both miss it.  I think we mostly miss our friends and the weather.  Amman certainly has the best climate.  Although, I can imagine that right about now, it is very hot!

Before we left, I went to a wonderful little market just off of Rainbow Street called 'Souk Jara'.  It is open on Fridays, but only in the months of June, July and August.  The best time to go here is in the morning when it is reasonably quiet and free from crowds.  I think this place is the perfect spot to buy presents for people back home as there is a nice range of artists, craftsmen and women.  My favourite stall is the Olive Wood stall.  Here, you can buy lovely wooden jewellery and other nic naks.  Here is their website:  http://www.ftehome.com/.  If you are in Jordan or just visiting, I highly recommend this place.  After this blog entry, I will dedicate an entry to their work and shop in Amman.

A lady making flat bread.

I love the colours of the stalls - blue and purple!