Country Club (Jordan)

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

The first time Anas and Hanna met was ostensibly to talk about work, as at the time both were working at schools. Meeting at Espresso Lab in Dabouq, the pair talked about everything but work. Hanna spent most of the 90-odd minutes untangling how she ended up spending her four years of high school in Jordan, and what drew her back for work. For his part, Anas talked about his family and friends — a clear indication of his sociable, caring nature. That Queen Rania showed up at the cafe signaled a positive omen to both — a royal blessing!&nbsp; When they met, Anas was waiting for his visa to process so he could start his job in California. But, two months after Dabouq, it became clear that COVID was not a faraway threat, and Jordan implemented a strict lockdown nationwide, with the US Embassy halting all work indefinitely. As certain lockdown restrictions began easing, Anas and Hanna met more regularly for walks around the city, dinners with friends, games nights, and hikes in the north.&nbsp; Finally, in December 2021, Anas received his long-awaited Embassy appointment and the promise of his visa. The two planned to keep in touch, but not long after Anas relocated, they realized that they couldn’t imagine the rest of their lives without one another.&nbsp; Anas lives in Orange, California, where he works as Director of Social Innovation and Engagement at AccessCal Services, a service matcher and provider for refugees and recent immigrants. Born and raised in Amman, Anas is an avid traveler and has visited 34 countries and lived in four. Anas studied business in undergrad and completed a Master in Power, Participation and Social Change at the Institute of Development Studies as a Chevening Scholar. He has also lived in Tunis, Raleigh, and Washington DC, where he led educational projects with the US Department of State and as a Fellow at Duke University. Hanna is a global citizen born and raised in Boston, MA. She spent her high school years at a boarding school in Jordan before completing her undergraduate degrees in social science and Middle East studies through the Dual BA Program between Columbia University in New York City and Sciences Po in Menton, France. Hanna is conversant in Arabic and French, and speaks some Spanish.&nbsp;She is currently working towards her Master in Migration Studies at the University of Oxford.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Join us in Jordan

We will hold our reception in Amman: the city that has greatly shaped both of us, and that introduced us to each other. Now, we can't wait to introduce you to our beloved city and country. Details follow with instructions for arriving in Jordan and planning your stay, including suggested itineraries for trips of different lengths, and descriptions of and suggestions for each major site in Jordan.

Getting Here

Airports

Jordan has two major airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), which is about a 30-minute drive to Amman, and King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, which is a four-hour drive to Amman. Taxis are available 24/7 from the Amman airport. The taxi stand is just outside the arrivals building, and there is a flat fee of approximately 20 JD to most areas of Amman. Be sure you agree with the driver on the price before you get into the taxi — the driver should give you a printed receipt before you leave.

Visas

As of April 2022, travel to Jordan no longer requires a PCR test from the country of departure nor upon arrival. All non-Jordanians need to register on the platform <a href="www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo </a>to receive their QR code before departure to Jordan. For most nationalities, visas can be purchased upon arrival at the airport for a fee of 40 JD (57 USD). However, if you plan on doing some sightseeing in Jordan, we highly recommend you purchase a Jordan Pass. Costing 70 JD (99 USD), the Pass includes the standard tourist visa, a one-day visit to Petra (typically 50 JD), free entry to over 40 attractions in Jordan, and free downloadable digital brochures. We recommend that you obtain the Pass online prior to departure: <a href="https://www.jordanpass.jo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.jordanpass.jo/</a>.

Transportation

Car rental averages $30 per day. Driving in Amman could be a hassle, but if you would like to rent, reach out to one of us for a company recommendation. Uber is available in many parts of Jordan and the fares are relatively cheap — your average trip within Amman is $4. Careem is the local version of Uber, and tends to be slightly cheaper. Taxis are also widely available, but because of the hassle of frequently "broken meters," we recommend you stick to Uber or Careem.

Phone Service

Mobile service is widely available across Jordan, and depending on how your phone plan travels you should be able to get by with data roaming. If you would like to get a temporary Jordanian sim card, they are cheaply available at the mobile service provider branches at the airport or throughout Amman. The major providers are Zain, Orange, and Umniah.

5-Day Suggested Itinerary

Day 1Amman city tour, weddingOvernight in Amman Day 2Madaba, Mount Nebo and Dana Biosphere ReserveOvernight at Dana Biosphere Reserve Day 3Petra and Wadi RumOvernight at Wadi Rum Day 4Wadi Rum and the Dead SeaOvernight at the Dead Sea Day 5The Dead Sea and Bethany beyond the Jordan (Baptism site)

8-Day Suggested Itinerary

Day 1Amman city tour, weddingOvernight in Amman Day 2 Jerash, Ajlun and Umm QaysOvernight in Amman Day 3 Madaba, Mount Nebo and MukawirOvernight in Amman Day 4Karak and Dana Biosphere ReserveOvernight at Dana Biosphere Reserve Day 5 PetraOvernight in Petra Day 6 Wadi Rum and Aqaba city tourOvernight in Aqaba Day 7 Aqaba and the Dead SeaOvernight at the Dead Sea Day 8The Dead Sea and Bethany beyond the Jordan

11-Day Suggested Itinerary

Day 1Amman city tour, weddingOvernight in Amman Day 2 Jerash, Ajlun and Umm QaysOvernight in Amman Day 3Madaba, Mount Nebo and MukawirOvernight in Amman Day 4 Mujib Nature ReserveOvernight in Amman Day 5Karak and Dana Biosphere ReserveOvernight at Petra Day 6PetraOvernight in Wadi Rum Day 7Wadi Rum and Aqaba city tourOvernight in Aqaba Day 8Aqaba and the Dead SeaOvernight at the Dead Sea Day 9The Dead Sea and Bethany beyond the JordanOvernight in Amman Day 10As-Salt and PellaOvernight in Amman Day 11Amman museum tour / Restaurant crawl / Desert castles

Amman

Photo by the inestimable <a href="https://www.instagram.com/judesaf/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jude Safadi</a>

When we are asked how we met, our usual answer is to look at each other, shrug, and say "Amman." Amman is more than a place — it is a people. When we say that Amman introduced us, we mean not only that we spent most of our time getting to know one another navigating Amman's winding streets and hole-in-the-wall dessert spots, but even more so we got to know one another — initially and over time — through our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family in Amman. We can't wait to introduce you as well. Our venue is located on the outskirts of this modern city built upon a history of settlement stretching back to the Neolithic period.

Where to stay

In Amman, you can find almost every international hotel chain (InterContinental, Hilton, St. Regis, Marriott, Fairmont, and many more). If you fancy staying in a local excellent hotel, check La Locanda Boutique Hotel: <a href="https://locandahotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://locandahotel.com</a>. La Locanda is Jordan’s first themed boutique hotel, boasting works by local artists. The hotel is located in the cultural heart of the city in the walkable Jabal Al-Weibdeh neighborhood. Alternatively, AirBnBs are widely available across the city and are inexpensive. Please send the AirBnB listing to either Anas or Hanna before you book so we can confirm that it is in a good, convenient location.

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What to do and Where to eat

Wast il-balad – Downtown * Zorba: a tavern-style restaurant and bar offering authentic food, great dinner spot<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/geZTDCysNvykg6yy5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/geZTDCysNvykg6yy5</a> * Habiba, the world's best kanafeh — a hot, cheese-based Palestinian dessert. (Bonus points: get kunafa here and then go to Bakdash across the street and ask them to add ice cream on top!)<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8jUt52X2Fa4oTkiS7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/8jUt52X2Fa4oTkiS7</a> * Jamidah Khanom, a contemporary yet authentic dinner/lunch spot. Try the mansaf — it's the national dish of Jordan (just be sure you leave time for a nap after this delicious, heavy meal!) <a href="https://g.page/Jameeda?share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://g.page/Jameeda?share</a> Jabal Amman* Shams el Balad: A popular brunch spot located in a beautiful historical building. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qh8ZRUh41f1uKCny9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/qh8ZRUh41f1uKCny9</a> * Wild Jordan: Beautiful view of the city and good Jordanian/international food. Pretty calm spot if you need to do some work during the day. Check out the gift shop for souvenirs. <a href="https://g.page/WildJordanCenter?share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://g.page/WildJordanCenter?share</a> * Books@cafe: chill bar/café/bookshop, it’s good to grab a drink or a coffee and read a book or do work during the day, and it gets a bit more upbeat in the evening. <a href="https://g.page/booksatcafe?share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://g.page/booksatcafe?share</a> *Falafel Al Quds, one of the best spots for a quick delicious falafel sandwich. <a href="https://g.page/Falafelalquds?share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://g.page/Falafelalquds?share</a> Jabal Al-Weibdeh* Maestro: A jazz and alternative Arabic music bar with jam nights on Mondays and concerts on Fridays and a great vibe.<a href="https://g.page/maestro-bar-and-resturant?share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://g.page/maestro-bar-and-resturant?share</a> * Manara: A great café with a gorgeous view of Amman. Great for work and has good coffee; the food is overpriced though so stick to coffee.<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fDjLswdMF3sCXZjG6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/fDjLswdMF3sCXZjG6</a> * Darat Al Funun: A beautiful building hosting one of Amman’s oldest art galleries.<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/JuSa5h4h6a7xBGoz8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/JuSa5h4h6a7xBGoz8</a> *Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts: A calm museum with a great collection of paintings from Jordanian and Arab artists. Check out the cafe on the top floor.<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/E6FJgQZHLVSFSLQL8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/E6FJgQZHLVSFSLQL8</a> Must try, highly recommended*Abu-Jbara: Hands-down world's best falafel! This restaurant is a unique experience with the best hummus, bread, falafel, foul, and fatteh . <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RbmYmWCtyUZHhgFW6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/RbmYmWCtyUZHhgFW6</a> * Levant Restaurant: Brings you the flavor of Modern Armenian and Arabic food. Make a reservation before you go. Things you should try: Manti, frikeh, liver with pomegranate molasses, and cherry kabab. <a href="https://www.levant-jo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.levant-jo.com/</a> * Nafisah Sweets: One of the best sweets and desserts spots, and the perfect place to get gifts for your friends and families. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ckzjyAbxxzuYPSM17" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/ckzjyAbxxzuYPSM17</a>

Dead Sea, Dana, Petra,  Wadi Rum,  Aqaba

The south of Jordan is exceptionally beautiful. If you have enough time to visit some of these sites, we would be happy to help you plan your visit and recommend places to stay and eat. If you want to relax without going too far from Amman, we recommend a stay at a Dead Sea hotel or at the Ma’in Spa, each about an hour’s drive from the capital.&nbsp;

Salt/Jerash/Ajloun

Photo by our friend and mentor, Phil Greiner&nbsp;

Salt is a historic city neighboring Amman. It is known for its beautiful architecture and great food. Its proximity to Amman makes it a lovely day trip.&nbsp; If you fancy a daylong hiking trip, Dibbeen forest in Jerash/Ajloun is a must. Ajloun is famous for its red bark trees, and you can visit Ajloun castle or the Wild Jordan Center while there. In Jerash, enjoy picturesque views of the Jordan River and King Talal Dam, or watch a historical reenactment of the Roman army at the Hippodrome. Reach out to Anas or Hanna if you would like more details.&nbsp;

Jordan

Things to Do

Registry

We are organizing a trip around Jordan following the wedding. Whether it is your first time in Jordan or you have lived here your whole life, we are sure you’ll enjoy (re)discovering some of our favorite spots [alt: we hope you join us as we show your our favorite spots.]&nbsp;

Johanna & Anas

Johanna & Anas

Registry