Want to learn Arabic? We recommend taking a close look at our program in Amman, Jordan. I just returned from a trip to Jordan and will be blogging over the coming days and weeks about my experience. The bottom line, I highly recommend the school in Amman and the country of Jordan. Wow is what comes to mind as I think about my experience.
People seem to love this photo of spices at a little store in Amman, so I thought my first blog would be about the food in Jordan. Since I have been on a diet since I returned a few days ago, you can surmise that I found the food delicious.
The staple seemed to be lamb and chicken and it was served in a variety of ways, but I was addicted to the many salads. Many are commonly known abroad and were already favorites of mine such as Hummus, Baba Ghanoush and others. You are able to find some of these at ethnic Greek or Lebanese restaurants but others I discovered for the very first time.
One Jordanian pointed out to me that before Lebanon’s civil war and its continued unfortunate position of being caught between Syria, Israel and other Middle East powers, it had long been a popular tourist destination. This particular Jordanian gentleman wanted me to know that what so many Europeans and Americans call Lebanese food is NOT just Lebanese food, it is a common throughout that part of the world. His point was that much of this food so many call Lebanese could just as easily be called Jordanian food, if only Jordan had been a big tourist destination in the 50s, 60s and 70s. And don’t forget, both the Greeks and Romans at one time ruled Jordan so their impact on the food is everywhere as well.
One widely used ingredient was Za’tar (pronounced ZAH-tur) which is blend of spices and herbs (thyme, sesame seed, salt and more) used throughout the Middle east. Za’tar is said to increase mental acuity. It is usually mixed with olive oil and baked into the crust of flat, round pita bread and boy is it tasty!
One great experience in Jordan is Petra’s Kitchen where you are taught the names of many common Arabic spices and foods, how to cook them and get to eat whatever you cooked. Anyone going to Jordan should visit Petra where some of the ruins were highlighted in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Petra’s Kitchen experience is available most evenings.
You should never choose a language program for the food but in Jordan you’ll be able to eat well and Learn Arabic.
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About the Author: John Slocum co-founded AmeriSpan Study Abroad 17 years ago and is recognized as one of the true experts in Study Abroad. He has helped start language schools in Guatemala, Peru and Bolivia as well as assisted schools in Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica on improving their overall language programs. Finally, John worked closely with STA Travel when they introduced their language immersion programs in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.
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