Jordan was a country that, at first glance, did not evoke in me a particular interest. Yet, it was there that I chose to do my end-of-year master’s internship, a decision motivated by my curiosity for this region of the world. Although I had already had the opportunity to live abroad before, it was the first time I was moving to another continent. Before my departure, a mixture of excitement and apprehension filled me.
The prospect of discovering a new culture,
landscapes, and a different way of life attracted me, but I could not ignore certain concerns: would I be able to adapt to such a different environment? Would I manage to make friends? As the days went by, apprehension gradually gave way to excitement for this country, rich in its history and traditions. This internship in Jordan turned out to be much more than just a professional experience. What probably marked me the most was having the opportunity to experience Ramadan in a predominantly Muslim country. Although I did not practice it, I was invited to share convivial moments during the iftar (the moment when the fast is broken) throughout the month.
These meals allowed me to discover the importance of values of sharing and community. During this first month in Jordan and particularly in Amman, I discovered a restaurant near my place that marked my experience. The restaurant Al Siran quickly became my favorite restaurant in the whole country. It offers a variety of choices at an affordable price. I remember passing by this restaurant every time my roommate and I were invited to an iftar. We would often go to the 2nd circle where this restaurant is located, and order some food while listening to the prayer. After that, we joined our friends and shared a big meal.
Jordan is full of tourist activities such as Petra or Wadi Rum. For my part, the Dead Sea was my favorite place in Jordan. Floating on its waters felt like being suspended in time.
What makes the Dead Sea so special is obviously its extreme salinity. If you are a woman, don’t forget to tie your hair! Upon entering the water, the sensation of floating is almost automatic. Even without moving, you are kept on the surface, as if the water is carrying you, which is quite surprising. It is a really fun experience because, without effort, you can just float without fearing sinking while you look at the shores of the West Bank. From this area, you can see the mountains and villages on the other side, a sight that seems almost unreal. This geographical proximity to a region marked by conflict adds a special dimension to the experience. While contemplating this view, a mixture of emotions overwhelmed me.
On one hand, there was the serenity of this unique environment with absolute calm. On the other hand, it was impossible to ignore the reality happening on the other side of the water. The horizon line seemed both so close and so far. This duality between the peaceful beauty of the place and the awareness of the war was quite disturbing. I highly recommend exploring this country, which can be disorienting but at the same time secure.