The skyline of Amman looks a bit like a game of Tetris. From the top of the Bronze Age Citadel, the city’s highest point, the view seemingly comprises tiny blocks of tightly compacted, limestone houses strewn with washing, topped with water tanks and interspersed with the odd cypress tree. The clear blue sky is occasionally pierced by one of the city’s many minarets. The soundtrack, a cacophony of traffic and car horns honking from the streets below, is soothed by the echoes of the call to prayer.
Broadly speaking, the Jordanian capital is divided into two parts; the affluent, modern west, home to the city’s upmarket hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants, and the more traditional east, with its older buildings on winding streets, where you’ll find most working-class Jordanians. Juxtaposition is something Amman delivers in droves. For every chaotic souk, there’s a plush multi-storey shopping mall. For every hole-in-the-wall knafeh (sweet cheese dessert) joint, there’s also a fit-for-royalty fine-dining spot.
It’s a relatively small city, so new developments like the US$300m (£250m) commercial complex, The Boulevard, are never too far from, say, a 2,000-year-old Roman theatre. In Jabal al-Lweibdeh, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, ancient and modern are synchronous. It’s Amman’s centre of cool: calm, devoid of crowds, dotted with art galleries, colourful street art and quirky coffee shops, and frequented by some of the city’s most creative, progressive minds. It feels worlds away from the adjacent chaotic downtown area, jam-packed with narrow alleys and deafening souks, where pedestrians serpent between back-to-back cars on the mighty King Talal Street.
Modern Amman is lively, tolerant and relatively unaffected by the political unrest that’s been unfurling in its neighbouring countries for decades. Just over four million people — mostly Jordanians as well as refugees from Syria, Palestine and Iraq — call this city home, creating a mosaic of cultures that can be found in its art, cuisines, religions and voices. This kaleidoscope of influences is nothing new. Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and, to name but a few, the Nabateans, Greeks, Romans, Umayyads and Ottomans have all contributed to the make up of this fascinating Middle Eastern metropolis. Much like a successful game of Tetris, all those pieces seem to just slot perfectly into place.
1. King Faisal Street This grand throughfare in downtown Amman is jam-packed with shops selling everything from knick-knacks and colourful mosaics to traditional and everyday garments. Just off King Faisal Street you’ll find the Gold Souk, which is home to dozens of specialist jewellery stores offering high-quality
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From January to December 2023, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed over a million visitors. The Turks and Caicos Islands received 1,432,844* visitors combined for air and cruise for January -November 2023. There were 595,503* air arrivals and cruise visitors were 836,341* for the period. The air arrivals represent a 6.35 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2022 which saw 559,941 arrivals and 54.49 percent over the same period in 2021 which saw 365,460 arrivals.
Silver Airways made its inaugural flight to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday, December 18th, 2023. The airline will operate twice-weekly flights non-stop from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales.
Although it has been years since I’ve traveled in mesmerizing Tokyo, my memories are as vivid as though they had been sparked yesterday—pleasures aswirl in unique flavors and noises, creativity and ingenuity. So when luxury publisher Assouline released the new book Tokyo Chic, I dove into its 312 lush-paper-stock pages, with more than 200 photographs and illustrations, which are bound in an outsize (10-by-13-inches, 6.4-pound) format—a hefty hardcover wrapped in silk. The brainchild of Andrea Fazzari, whose deft imagery and words are love letters to the inimitable capital, Tokyo Chic showcases a massively enthralling—yet strikingly intimate—city. Currently based in Tokyo, Fazzari is a James Beard Award-winning photographer, author and restaurant maven with notable backgrounds in fashion and film. Born in New York City, she has lived in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Thailand—and speaks four languages. What a sophisticated guide to have at your armchair traveler’s fingertips! Indeed, this coffee table tome would make a treasured holiday gift for those who have already vacationed in Japan or simply dream of doing so.
When you think of a cruise vacation, you probably imagine sailing the tropical waters of the Caribbean, or navigating around the Greek islands. Your brain likely isn’t conjuring images of the sandswept deserts of Saudi Arabia. But Saudi Arabia strives to make itself more attractive for international tourism — making the process of getting a visa very easy, and establishing tourism-specific destinations like NEOM and AlUla. And thanks to its efforts, it’s become a desirable new destination for Red Sea cruises. Since the first cruise to Saudi Arabia in January 2022, sailings to the kingdom have multiplied. Right now Jeddah is the country’s main cruise port, though as tourism development continues throughout the region, more ports are likely to open. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast or a newbie, now’s the time to consider a Saudi Arabia cruise.
Step into the cramped hall of Jordan’s Souk el-Khodra, the Amman Vegetable Market, and the aroma is the first thing you notice. Certainly, the colors are dazzling – the bright green of raw chickpeas, deep purple of sumac, golden turmeric, and dozens more vibrant provisions decorate brimful tables. Meanwhile, the ambient haggling in Jordanian Arabic provides a melodic soundtrack.
As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.
Illinois is brimming with festive activities and unique experiences, promising to be the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter experience. Lean into the holiday season in December, partake in outdoor winter activities and meet the Bald Eagles of Illinois in January, and indulge in Chicago’s theatre scene and automotive heritage in February.
Disclosure: TPG accepted a comped round-trip ticket from United for the SFO-CHC flight to get access to the events and executives on board. TPG paid $574.67 for a positioning flight to SFO and for other associated costs, such as hotel and ground transportation.
In our 5 Shops series, we'll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world's best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we've found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.
A few years ago, at a reception at the Polish embassy in Bern, Switzerland, an elderly Jewish man pulled the ambassador aside and relayed an unbelievable story. They were standing on holy ground, the man said, a place where near-secret acts of heroism played out during World War II. Intrigued, the ambassador, Jakob Kumoch, tasked his staff with looking into the man’s claims. Soon, an incredible history emerged.