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Third country in 11 days… and perhaps our most unexpected surprise yet!

With all the news about the ongoing conflict and safety concerns in the region, I must admit that visiting Jordan came with a little anxiety. We had been closely monitoring the situation and even had a backup plan in case things took a turn for the worse.

On our way to the airport in Cairo, we couldn’t help joking, “Only the brave would do this!” 😂

Looking around the departure lounge, we noticed that we were among the very few tourists. Most of our fellow passengers were Jordanians or people from neighboring countries heading home or visiting for the weekend.

When we landed in Amman, the airport was unusually quiet. Almost eerily so. For a moment, I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into!

But little did we know… Jordan was about to surprise us in the most wonderful way.

Meet Loay — Our Guide, Driver, and Fellow Food Lover!

Now, this is where the story gets interesting!

Loay and I actually connected earlier this year through GetYourGuide, but let’s just say we didn’t exactly get off to a flying start! Somewhere along the way, the tour I had booked with him was cancelled, leaving me rather irritated.

But after my irritation subsided (as it eventually does! 😂), I decided to contact him again.

And I’m so glad I did!

Loay became our MAIN MAN in Amman, and what started as a slightly rocky introduction turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences of our Jordan adventure.

He is kind, funny, easygoing, and genuinely passionate about his city.

But here’s what makes him an especially fantastic guide for exploring Old Amman…

THE MAN LOVES TO EAT! 😂🍽️

And believe me, when you’re doing a walking tour that involves discovering authentic local street food, there is no better person to show you around than someone who truly LOVES food!

)

Loay doesn’t just know the streets of Old Amman. He knows where the good food is!

He took us through the lively streets, introducing us to little local food spots, traditional treats, and delicious flavors that we probably would never have discovered on our own.

One of the highlights was the heavenly knafeh, along with a warm, delightfully chewy local treat whose name I can no longer remember! 😂 And the sweetest part? Loay treated us to these goodies himself.

His enthusiasm for food is contagious. You can tell that he genuinely enjoys sharing his favorite places, and that makes the whole experience feel less like a formal guided tour and more like exploring the city with a local friend who knows exactly where to eat!

Another big plus? Loay understands and appreciates Asian, particularly Filipino, culture. That made the conversations, humor, and overall experience even more comfortable and enjoyable.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Amman, I would happily recommend checking him out, especially if you love discovering a city through its food!

And Amman? What a Surprise! 🇯🇴

I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

But instead of the tense, uneasy atmosphere I had imagined, we discovered a city that was modern, vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.

The streets were buzzing, the food was wonderful, and the people were warm and friendly.

All those worries I had before arriving? Thankfully, they turned out to be unnecessary during our visit.

Jordan reminded me that sometimes, the places we approach with the most uncertainty end up giving us the most beautiful surprises.

And sometimes, all it takes is an open mind, a little courage, and a food-loving local guide to turn an unfamiliar city into an unforgettable experience.

And this was only Amman!

Next up: Our adventures in Petra and Wadi Rum… because Jordan had even more surprises waiting for us!

To be

continued…

#JordanAdventures #SurprisesOfJordan #VisitJordan #DiscoverAmman #OldAmman #JordanStreetFood #FoodieTravel #TravelStories #FilipinoTravelers #TravelBeyondExpectations