Megan Ryder-Burbidge’s Field Notes from Jordan
Courtesy of Megan
Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and/or by our ECT community, where we share the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, Sororal founder, Megan Ryder-Burbidge, shares her notes from Jordan.
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a remarkable destination for those wishing to dip their toes into traveling in and around the Middle East. For culturally-focused travelers and those seeking experiences slightly different from typical tourism hot spots, Jordan offers rich history, warm hospitality, and a safe environment for women and solo travellers alike. While visiting, I chose to forgo the cookie-cutter options and focused primarily on local gastronomy, indigenous farming, the agrifood scene, and connecting with local women-led organizations and service providers.
Below are some of my recommendations. You can’t go to Jordan without doing some sort of cooking class. Since I was touring its gastronomy scene and learning about its Indigenous farm-to-table experiences, it only made sense to start in Amman with some local gems.
Shop
Madeena The Doll, owned by entrepreneur Dima Abu Qaoud, is a true labour of love, crafted with passion and historical significance. All the dolls are handmade with precision and care, each one dressed in a unique thoub, representing the cities of Palestine and Jordan. Handstitched by local women and refugees in Amman, Dima uses this doll-making tradition to preserve their cultural roots and promise a brighter tomorrow. Note: 10% of the proceeds from each Madeena doll support the Badwa Centre for Special Education in Jordan, empowering local women and children with special needs.
Do
If anyone knows me, they know I love a good walking tour, especially after a long flight. On this trip, I booked a graffiti tour with Underground Amman, which offers fascinating street art tours and intros to the hip-hop community as an artistic catalyst for social change. They have excellent English-speaking guides and offer opportunities to join a larger group tour or a private option. If you can, ask for Hannah, one of the co-founders!
Courtesy of Underground Amman
Eat
I highly recommend Sufra, which offers traditional Jordanian dishes in a beautiful old stone villa in the Jabal Amman area, near the famous Rainbow Street. Pro tip: make sure you book well in advance via their online booking system – spaces fill up fast!
