Middle-aged flash packers

Here are a few observations and musings about our time in Jordan:

1.) It’s a man’s world.

I feel as though Jordan must be a country with very few women. Where are they? I saw a few in a shisha bar and one served me in an art gallery, but otherwise they’re conspicuous by their absence. Men do everything, women don’t appear to work; I’m sure that isn’t the case, but they certainly don’t do anything in hospitality and don’t generally work in shops. I’m curious as to why this is. Is it a cultural thing? Would they be exposed to things that are considered unsuitable for them? Personally the feminine touch would have been a definite plus in many of the places we stayed. Eg I think they would feel a duvet cover was required on a duvet, and comfortable cushions are nice to have on a chair.

Men didn’t seem to know what to do if Jan or I spoke to them. Clearly we were some kind of weird aliens, and although always polite and charming , they tended to look through us and on to Steve or Nik for any decision making. Probably sensible but they could at least pretend…

2.) Actions speak louder than words.

Again, I can only talk about the men as there weren’t any Jordanian women to observe. The men in the hotels are quick to smile and will make extravagant promises. (“ you can ask me to arrange anything for you, I will get it for you”) Seduced by this impressive patter, we expected great things but sadly on several occasions, even providing a meal in it’s entirety and on time seemed just too difficult. Oodles of charm and a fruit platter are not enough. Please, ladies, help us!

3.) Fun.

This, Jordanians have in spades. Everybody has a sense of humour here. On the rare occasion I saw a lady they were usually giggling about something. There’s a zest for life here that is lacking in the UK. Please can you package it up and send it to us.

4.) Palestine. Gah, dipping my toe in dark waters here but I can’t just ignore it. It kicked off while we were in Jordan and continues to unfold. God knows where this will end. There’s obviously history and a depth of feeling on both sides that I can’t begin to understand. What I do know is that what Hamas did to those young people, children and families was an act of such savagery that anyone who claims to have a soul can’t possibly justify it.

Jordan walks a thin line. Sandwiched between troubled countries, they’ve done their best to broker peace and keep themselves trouble free. They’ve taken in over a million Syrian refugees when they are a poor country themselves. Talking to people here, many of them come from other countries such as Yemen and Palestine, obviously Jordan is a safe haven for them.

Jordan appears to be a humane country and deserves to prosper, let’s hope things stay that way.