My 36-Hours in Amman with Harley-Davidson
"In Every city lies a story"
It was my first official visit to Amman, Jordan. I spent 36 intense hours in a new city that captured my emotions on so many levels. Although it was a short trip I learned a lot of this city. For starters, I had the chance to experience a new Arabian country and for the first time, an Arabian city that has captured my attention.
Amman is authentic - It’s people, its architecture, its scenery, its weather, its hospitality… intertwined with all the modern luxury of malls, brands and restaurants all played a role in making my experience a memorable one. Of course I have to thank the Harley-Davidson team, who made this trip even more enjoyable one as they gave me a crush course through Amman.
I landed in Jordan late afternoon. Picked up from the airport – I tried to capture the essence of the country from the drive from the airport to Amman. Exploring the roads, the people, their culture and feelings… there was a lot to see and learn.
As we entered the city, we were welcomed by an amazing bridge that looks like a Slingshot, as Joe Akkawi, Managing Partner of Paz PR Agency, who’s actually Jordanian living in Dubai, describes it.
In many ways I felt that Amman resembles Beirut in many ways. Its openness, the availability of alcohol in grocery stores, shisha hangouts, cofee shops, international chains like Starbucks around each corner and much more…
After absorbing the country briefly, we arrived to Shmeissani, where Kempinski Hotel in Amman is located – the place where I would be staying for the next two nights. You will find a short review of the hotel below.
After checking in, I took the advice of my taxi driver who picked me up from the airport, to go and explore the city on my own. I went to Mecca Mall, an impressively big mall that carries multinational brands such as Ace Hardware, Home Center, etc... The mall carries a wide variety of restaurants and a huge food court where I decided to have a quick bite.
As my partner, Anthony Rahayel, always suggests, we should try Burger King in every new city we visit. So it was Junk Food night, I had their Mushroom Swiss, which in my opinion was better and juicier than the ones I had in Dubai and Beirut.
After that, I went to City Mall, which I found much trendier and fresher, with different regional and international boutiques like AiZone, Virgin Megastores, Carrefour, Bank Audi, Zara, etc...
It was almost 11PM when I took a cab and asked him to tour me around the city. We passed by Mecca street where loads of shops from automobiles, furniture, restaurants, coffee shops are located, to Al Madina Street then Gardens before we headed back to the Shmeissani.
It was a lovely tour with a local driver, who explained to me how people are living Amman, how the city is open to everybody those wants to have fun, enjoy their time, come for tourism, and for those who are conservative or on a purely family visit.
I liked the way he narrated it. I was impressed by how open minded he is, leaving religions behind (though he didn't know my name or what I am) and focusing on life and the great things in it without being complicated or closed minded.
My evening ended with a great shisha at one of the Shmeisani public coffee shops. I enjoyed the rest of the evening admiring the Jordanians and the way they live, communicate and hangout...
I then, after went to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, before the big day with Harley-Davidson Jordan Ride Experience. It was an amazing event. (Click for full review and photos)
After the ride we were invited for dinner to a nice place called Cantaloupe on Rainbow Street, a posh area I believe that’s packed with numerous restaurants and bars. We went up on the rooftop to enjoy the lovely weather which was cool and breezy, looking over a 180 degree amazing view of the city, where the old archeological spots of Amman can be seen along with the city lights.
Again, I was impressed by the service and nice food. I had a mouthwatering Beet Salad with Goat Cheese - marinated beetroot served on a bed of mixed leaves topped with goat cheese mixed balsamic dressing, followed with a sea base char-grilled fish filet with a creamy lemon sauce and steamed fresh spinach and vegetables. To top things off, a celebration was in order after a successful day with Harley-Davidson. A bottle of KWV 2010 Sauvignon Blanc was cracked open and add more flavor to the evening. Everyone was having a good time, enjoying good wine and tasty food, an amazing place and of course great company with interesting subjects discussed and funny jokes shared.
My friend Claude Abry (Manahing Partner Harley-Davidson Amman), who took us on a quick tour of the city from the rooftop, expressed his love for Amman expressing how authentic still it is, without forgetting his lovely humor all night.
Kempinski Amman
I have to say that Kempinski is a great hotel, situated in a great location suitable for business travelers. It serves great breakfast that includes a variety of food selections in an appealing presentation. The hotel boasts a nice restaurant at the pool where good food and drinks are served, as well as shisha. It’s a good choice at night to relax and enjoy the breezy weather. There’s also a nice sports bar located at the -2 level - a bar designed to chill and watch any sports games from football, Formula 1, basketball, etc...
Conclusion
Amman is a great city that I recommend that everyone visit at least once. My reasons are many and I think by now are obvious. The scenery, the weather, its historical touristic sites and much more. I’m definitely planning a longer visit next time as I didn’t have much to see or know about Jordan.
For full Harley-Davidson Jordan Ride, click here.
From what I saw in 36 hours, I was definitely impressed. Stay tuned for more reviews then from the city of Amman.
iPhone photo gallery.
Faqra Club, i love lebanon
