Taxis in Amman are by far the easiest way to get around. Not only because the Arabic is pronounced exactly like the English, making them easy to hail, but because they are so cheap. Going anywhere in the city is about the equivalent of $3-$5. This is not to say that I have handled transportation perfectly. Jordan uses three decimal place, and in my first cab, I was looking at the meter as I started to pay and thought it said 12.90 Dinars instead of 1.29 Dinars. I almost gave this guy a $15 tip. Luckily for me, he handed the rest back and explained how the meters work.
This first taxi ride took me to City Mall, where I bought a towel and cleaning supplies. Malls here are extremely Americanized. Its actually harder to find Arabic writing in a mall than English writing. We soon wanted a taste of real Jordanian culture so we took a less embarrassing taxi ride to the the markets and the amphitheater. In the market, people passing on the street frequently tell Americans, "Welcome, I love you." We passed by stands selling traditional Arabic things as well as knock-offs of just about anything you want: soccer jerseys, shoes, watches, etc.
Western culture is pervasive here in Amman. In fact, as I am writing this, I am sitting in a coffee shop which is playing "Smack That" by Akon, featuring Eminem, and at least one man is singing along.
After the market, we headed towards, an arguably more historic western crossover, the Roman Theater. Climbing to the top of this thing was challenging with some of the stairs at about a 60 degree incline.
Finally, I took the placement test today. Too say it was difficult would be an understatement. The same test was given to all students regardless of what level one wants to get into. There are six levels, and I want to be in level two. There was page long story that I believe was about smoking, but I only know that because there was a picture of a cigarette at the top of the page.
On a more positive note about my Arabic, I can now successfully talk with cab drivers and my landlord. From whom I have learned such pearls of wisdom as "Life without wife, is like 50 without 5." That is, zero.
2 comments:
I feel like I already posted a comment, but for some reason it didn't take... oh well.
Be thankful the taxis have meters, because then you don't have to bargain for a half hour for a decent price.
You should record these amazing bits of advice you receive from people. I think the compilation would make for interesting reading.
So, are you just taking arabic?
Yes, I am just studying Arabic here. I am in class from nine until about 1 five days a week.
Not all the taxis have meters, but when they don't, we just tell them we will take another taxi.
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