Madaba and the Map

It's been over a month of flat hunting and if you've ever been on the hunt for accommodation, you'll know how frustrating, heartbreaking and at times soul destroying it can be. Which is why, in between all of the phone calls to random people, Louis and I decided we should leave Amman for a few hours and enjoy some of the historical culture Jordan has to offer. 

Last Friday we drove out to Madaba, a little town about a 40 minute drive west of Amman. Madaba is most famous for the mosaic map of the Holyland, uncovered in the Greek Orthodox Church and for a quaint Jordanian restaurant which came highly recommended by some of our friends. The church itself is quite small, but colorfully decorated with mosaics all over the walls. We were lucky because the church was empty save for an intimate baptism celebration taking place.

 

A copy of the map outside the church.

After wondering around the church and taking photos, we headed over to Haret Jdoudna, where we enjoyed some delicious starters and a couple of amazing mains. Again, we were lucky because the restaurant was fairly empty and it was just lovely sitting and relaxing for a little bit. 

We then decided to take a (very) short walk around Madaba.

I think Madaba is worth a visit if you have a car and are unsure of what to do on a Friday afternoon. We didn't have time to visit the Archaeological park, but apparently that has even more mosaics currently being uncovered and you can walk among them! Maybe if we get another chance to head that way, we'll go visit that. 

We also had a chance to visit Umm Qais in the same weekend, but that deserves a post of it's own! 

Wherever you are in the world, hope you have a great weekend! =]

Sx