Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beyond the street vendor I found little else of note and we decided to have a look at the
Abu Darweesh Mosque that sits on the highest point in the city. What made it unusual was
an exterior surface that comprises a black and white checked pattern.
The trip by taxi twisted and turned up through tortuous streets. It was very steep and while
it offered superb views across the city, it would have been a trying exercise if you were
required to travel up and down each day by foot.
The mosque was in the middle of several construction projects and it was difficult to get a
clear look at the whole structure. There is little doubt that the black and white stone blocks
were unusual and gave it a distinctive air, however, I felt its primary claim to fame was its
elevated location.
There were a number of small grimy shops in the vicinity and, as it was hot with no breeze,
we looked for a cool drink. This was provided by a hole-in-the wall shop operated by a
small boy of about 8 or 9 years at most. He had to stand on a box to see over the counter,
but he seemed pretty proficient at doing the necessary calculations and providing change,
while his smaller brother stood behind him curiously watching proceedings.
That evening a Jordanian wedding party launched itself into the foyer of the hotel. Firstly
the men entered: dancing, jumping and chanting, accompanied by a small band in tradition-
al Bedouin clothing playing hand drums and a form of bag pipes.
It went on and on with the bride in her white hooded cloak and finery appearing at the front
entrance and then inching forward slowly while the dancing and chanting proceeded before
her. The whole process was literally inch-by-inch, until she reached the elevator and was
whisked away to the reception area.
Festivities went on to the small hours of the morning.
