M When we were looking for flights to Asia, the best two we found were with either Royal Jordinian or Qatar Airways. We were a little hesitant at first, as either option meant we stopped for a lay-over in the Middle East! We ended up choosing Royal Jordanian. We had decided months before leaving that a general rule on the trip would be that we don't go to any countries ending in 'stan'. So technically Jordan was ok. We intentionally did not tell our family how we were getting to Bangkok as we thought stopping in Jordan might worry them, but then again we would just be sitting in an airport for 8 hours, bored, reading our guide book, safe and sound. But we did not anticipate what would happen during the few hours after we left Turkey.
The RJ airplane was mostly full of buisness men, the seats were quite roomy, and we were delighted when a gentlemen with little English gracefully switched seats with us so Jes and I could sit together. We soon found out that Royal Jordianian really treats you like Royalty. After warm cloths were handed out for wiping our hands and face, we were served a large tasty dinner, complete with real cutlery, including a knives! It was only a 2 hour flight and before we knew it we were in Jordon.
As we got off the plane and walked into the terminal building, we were confronted with lines for Imigration, Customs, and In-Transit. We fiqured we were "in transit" so we approached the guy at the desk. He informed us that there was a bus just outside the doors that would take us to a hotel if we wanted. Being savvy travellers at this pointed we asked how much the hotel stay would cost us. The guy said "500 dollars", we stood there in silence and shock for a moment and then he started to laugh, "I'm kidding, it costs nothing, of course". Still a little shocked we followed directions, went through immigration with our "In Transit" vouchers, and minutes later found ourselves on the "In Transit" bus outside with another couple from Thialand. We could not believe it, we were in the Middle East and leaving the airport!
As we drove out of the airport we saw extensive millitary check points that we drove through. The landscape was desert like, mostly dirt and dead grass, but the road was lined with palm trees and flag ploes. It wasn't long before we drove through a large gate with armed men on either side, and stopped in front of a swank looking hotel. We got off the bus and followed the Thai couple to the front desk. We assumed we would be waiting in a lounge area or something, but were pleasently surprised to find out that not only were we no longer stuck in the airport for 8 hours, but we got our own hotel room (with tv and ensuite bathroom). We were also shocked when we found out about the buffet dinner, which again, was free. I felt like I as in some kind of a movie as we saw many men in the traditional arabic dress with the white sheets over thier head. The few women we saw also had their heads covered although we did see many men and women in regular western style clothes too. I choose to cover my head with a bandana I had. We spent our time watching t.v. , making plans for Bangkok and lounging. What really surprised me was that even in Jordon there was American tv shows, with Arabic subtitles of course. It was a shame we didn't get to stay longer, the hotel was very nice, a 5 star actually, although perhaps a 3 by North America standards.
Once on our next flight with RJ, heading towards Bangkok (8 hour flight), what is the first thing they did when we got on the plane? Warm towels of course, then another large meal, which we decided to turn down as we were still full from the buffet, and it was 1am for us. Six hours later we had a small but delicious breakfast before we arrived in Thailand.
P.S. The best part about our stop over in Jordan, is now I can check it off on my facebook 'where I've been' map. lol
The RJ airplane was mostly full of buisness men, the seats were quite roomy, and we were delighted when a gentlemen with little English gracefully switched seats with us so Jes and I could sit together. We soon found out that Royal Jordianian really treats you like Royalty. After warm cloths were handed out for wiping our hands and face, we were served a large tasty dinner, complete with real cutlery, including a knives! It was only a 2 hour flight and before we knew it we were in Jordon.As we got off the plane and walked into the terminal building, we were confronted with lines for Imigration, Customs, and In-Transit. We fiqured we were "in transit" so we approached the guy at the desk. He informed us that there was a bus just outside the doors that would take us to a hotel if we wanted. Being savvy travellers at this pointed we asked how much the hotel stay would cost us. The guy said "500 dollars", we stood there in silence and shock for a moment and then he started to laugh, "I'm kidding, it costs nothing, of course". Still a little shocked we followed directions, went through immigration with our "In Transit" vouchers, and minutes later found ourselves on the "In Transit" bus outside with another couple from Thialand. We could not believe it, we were in the Middle East and leaving the airport!
As we drove out of the airport we saw extensive millitary check points that we drove through. The landscape was desert like, mostly dirt and dead grass, but the road was lined with palm trees and flag ploes. It wasn't long before we drove through a large gate with armed men on either side, and stopped in front of a swank looking hotel. We got off the bus and followed the Thai couple to the front desk. We assumed we would be waiting in a lounge area or something, but were pleasently surprised to find out that not only were we no longer stuck in the airport for 8 hours, but we got our own hotel room (with tv and ensuite bathroom). We were also shocked when we found out about the buffet dinner, which again, was free. I felt like I as in some kind of a movie as we saw many men in the traditional arabic dress with the white sheets over thier head. The few women we saw also had their heads covered although we did see many men and women in regular western style clothes too. I choose to cover my head with a bandana I had. We spent our time watching t.v. , making plans for Bangkok and lounging. What really surprised me was that even in Jordon there was American tv shows, with Arabic subtitles of course. It was a shame we didn't get to stay longer, the hotel was very nice, a 5 star actually, although perhaps a 3 by North America standards.Once on our next flight with RJ, heading towards Bangkok (8 hour flight), what is the first thing they did when we got on the plane? Warm towels of course, then another large meal, which we decided to turn down as we were still full from the buffet, and it was 1am for us. Six hours later we had a small but delicious breakfast before we arrived in Thailand.P.S. The best part about our stop over in Jordan, is now I can check it off on my facebook 'where I've been' map. lol
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