WHICH JORDAN ARE YOU?
Introdution | Which Jordan are you?
LEBANON
SYRIA IRAQ
UMM QAIS
JERASH
WEST BANK
AMMAN
Se a
MT NEBO MADABA De ad
MUKAWIR
DANA
FEYNAN
ISRAEL
SHOBAK
WADI ARABA PETRA
AL DEIR SIQ
SAUDI ARABIA
WADI RUM AQABA
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Which Jordan are you? | Introdution
WELCOME TO YOUR JORDAN Desert, beach, ancient cities (and modern ones), luxury spas, five-star hotels, authentic Bedouin camps… Jordan has pretty much got everything you could wish for from a foray into the middleeast. But where to start? What should you see? How long should you stay? The answers to all of these questions lie in the simple answer of another. Which Jordan are you? We’ve broken this enchanting country down into digestible chunks, to help you realise exactly what your personalised trip to Jordan would look like. Are you on the hunt for adventure? Do you crave culture, ancient ruins and religious sites? Is gourmet cuisine something you hark after on your travels? Perhaps you’ll realise you like a bit of everything… in which case, it’s a clear sign that you need to go.
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THE ADVENTURER
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FUN WITH THE FAMILY
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THE FOODIE
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THE CULTURE LOVER
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WHERE TO STAY
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QUIZ
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Which Jordan are you? | The adventurer
THE ADVENTURER Rich in its long, winding history and shrouded with mystique, Jordan has always held a magnetic quality; great swaths of desert wilderness that sit alongside a riot of colour and culture. The sounds of an altogether different daily life, the heady scents that fill the streets, the spectacle of Roman ruins and Biblical sites… there is no end to the intrigue that this little country holds. The landscape in Jordan lives and breathes the story of time, so we’ve created an itinerary for the outdoor adventurers in our midst; an energetic and exciting way to get under the skin of this magical 35,637 square mile land. OTHER-WORLDLY ESCAPE After a relaxing start at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, where you can float on the famously lifeless waters, it’s time to up the gears. We’ll arrange for you to be driven to the picturesque city of Madaba, where you will hop on a bike for a 40km ride to Mukawir. It’s a beautiful and inspiring route with a mixture of terrains, but a dedicated support vehicle will always be close at hand if needed for a refresher or to get you up a hill. Once at Mukawir, your efforts will be rewarded by panoramic views across to the Dead Sea and the West Bank.
RURAL ADVENTURES Rising early, your next adventure starts at the Dana Nature Reserve, home to yet more spectacular arid desert and lofty mountain vistas. Here you will embark on a hiking trail from Dana to Feynan that takes you across the sandstone gorge of Wadi Dana. Far away from the sounds of the city or modern life, your trek will give you a few hours of blissful escape along remote, seemingly undiscovered, pathways. Continue the tranquillity into the evening, as you stay at the beautiful boutique Feynan Eco-Lodge. Here, there are a variety of adventures you can do, such as a walking tour of the area with local Bedouin, cycling around nearby archaeological treasures or an off-road tour to some of the world’s oldest copper mines.
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The adventurer | Which Jordan are you?
RIDING & THE ROSE RED CITY Further south in the Wadi Rum, try yet another mode of transport and continue your adventure on an Arabian horse. Led by a guide, you can take one of the beautiful, spirited horses along a desert trail, before you spend a romantic night camping under the starry sky. The following day, continue your journey on horseback up to Petra, one of the world’s great wonders; we always like to save the best until last. Allow plenty of time to wend your way around over 100 square kilometres of awe-inspiring landscape, and we recommend getting a guide to recount the stories behind it, too. This is somewhere that you’ve probably seen countless pictures of, so rather than us trying to conjure up a sense of the visual spectacle in a few short lines, we’ll leave you to discover superior reality for yourself. Culturally enriched and refreshed from days in the great outdoors, you will return to Amman for 24 hours in the city before you fly home. The vibrant capital is an ideal place to start emerging from the surreal, ancient kingdom you’ve just delved in to; a place to reflect on your experience and absorb every last drop of Jordan’s magic. 5
Which Jordan are you? | The adventurer
MORE ACTIVITIES FOR THE ADVENTURE-HUNGRY...
CANYONING IN JORDAN There are many areas of hidden landscape that wind down from the Wadi Desert into the Wadi Araba. If you are in search of a thrill, exploring this secret world of rock formations, flowing streams and waterfalls through the eroded sandstone will be the ultimate adventure. Let us arrange a trip for you through these canyons; you can hike, scramble, wade, abseil, jump and climb through ravines, and enjoy a totally exhilarating experience.
DIVE AQABA Diving in the Red Sea is a truly special experience; crystal clear waters surrounded by beautifully coloured coral and fish, you can explore the abundance of local marine life. We can arrange a diving outing for you with a guide who can take you out in the calm, warm waters – it is all shore based (rather than from boats) as Aqaba has a fringe reef along the shoreline. 6
The adventurer | Which Jordan are you?
HIKE TO PETRA While there are many varying levels of hikes and walks along stunning trails all over Jordan, the hike to Petra is one for the more adventurous traveller. Voted by National Geographic as one of the 15 best hikes in the world, the trek to Petra will take you five to six days through some of Jordan’s most remote and beautiful landscapes. Camp under the stars, discover endless flora and fauna, learn how to cook traditional Jordanian cuisine and, on your final day, reach Petra.
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE WADI RUM Add a new perspective to your trip to Jordan with a hot air balloon ride over the Wadi Rum desert, which is known for its weather-beaten landscapes and spectacular rock formations. We can arrange a private ride over the desert, where you will get a unique and memorable view of this stunning land. 7
Which Jordan are you? | Fun with the family
HIGHLIGHTS FOR FUN WITH THE FAMILY DANA BIOSPHERE RESERVE Basing yourselves in the authentic Feynan Ecolodge, the Dana Biosphere Reserve shows off the wonders of nature; home to 555 species of plants and 200 species of animals, of which many are endangered. If this doesn’t keep the kids occupied, then you also have a ton of activities to do, such as mountain biking around the area, discovering old copper mines and archaeological ruins, and making bread with the native Bedouins, to name a few. This is eco-adventure at its best.
DISCOVER THE ANCIENT CITY OF PETRA Regardless of whether Indian Jones is a film you know and love, exploring Petra is a crowd-pleaser for everyone. As you enter the gorge you will see the well-known Treasury, followed by a theatre, elaborate tombs and temples; there is no end to the sense of excitement and adventure you will find here. The vast buildings carved out of pink mountain rock are a visual spectacle unlike anything you will have seen before. Petra will captivate the imagination and make a lasting impression on you all.
FLOAT ON THE DEAD SEA What better way to spend a day with your family than a day than floating in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. This is one of the most unique experiences in the world; just lay back, relax and enjoy this natural phenomenon. Many believe the Dead Sea has healing qualities, due to the highly unusual conditions making it a treasure trove of minerals, rather like a natural spa. You can also smother yourself in the local mud which is thought to be full of goodness as well… but even if you don’t believe that, it’s lots of fun for the family.
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Fun with the family | Which Jordan are you?
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Which Jordan are you? | The foodie
A JORDANIAN TRIP FOR... THE FOODIE A destination as vibrant and historic as Jordan holds its allure for many reasons, and one of these is the incredible cuisine on offer. It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Jordan, but this Middle Eastern melting pot is a hidden gem for foodies. From the aromatic coffee and spices that scent the streets, to the traditional Jordanian dishes and mezze found in restaurants, and the home-grown wine that accompanies it, this country is a feast for the senses. Here’s a six night itinerary to ensure you get a real taste for it. THE FLAVOURS OF JORDAN Jordan’s lively capital of Amman is home to all sorts of delights, so spend your first evening exploring the bars and cafes, taking in the sights and smells of this exotic city. Rainbow Street is a particularly lively spot and also home to Sufra, a delicious restaurant that does traditional mezze plates and Mansaf (a local lamb dish) with aplomb. A great introduction to your culinary tour. LEARN THE LOCAL WAY The next day we’ll take you to a cookery school where you’ll learn how to master the flavours of Jordan. Here, your private tutor will acquaint you with all the unique ingredients used in Jordanian food, and then teach you how to craft local dishes using some of the best recipes. The best bit? Sampling your handiwork at the end, of course. 10
Spend the next hour or so walking off your brunch with a city tour, before meeting the man behind one of Jordan’s most famous wineries, St George. Despite its arid landscapes and extreme temperatures, wine-making in the country dates back thousands of years and this particular vintner is a fine example of what they produce.
CANDLE LIT DINNER AT PETRA Leaving the buzz of city life behind, make your way south towards Petra. On the way, you will stop off to ogle at the breath-taking views from Mt Nebo and have an authentic lunch at the home of a Mukawir family, who will cook up some tasty local grub. Take in the magical scenery as you drive through Jordan’s desert wilderness, before you find yourself at one of the world’s most revered historical sites. To understand the wonder that Petra instils, you need to see and explore it in day light – but stepping away from the tourist
trail, we are also going to give you a truly unique experience; a private candle lit dinner under the stars at Little Petra.
THE DEAD SEA Your final stop will take you to the shores of the Dead Sea, where you’ll be at the lowest point on earth and there won’t be a lapping wave in sight. Enjoy the restorative properties of the rich salt waters and, even if you’ve over-indulged, experience the surreal sensation of floating on the sea. And afterwards, as you look out over the majestic landscapes, sip on the local speciality, sugar cane juice.
The foodie | Which Jordan are you?
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Which Jordan are you? | The foodie
CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FOOD LOVER COOKING AND DINING AT THE PETRA KITCHEN Just outside of Petra you will come across The Petra Kitchen, where you can get stuck in to cooking and experience first-hand the preparation styles for authentic dishes – and even better, you can feast on your creations afterwards. Experienced chefs will teach you the key flavours to be found in Jordan’s native recipes and the specialist cooking techniques that have been used here for hundreds of years.
HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE WITH SAINT GEORGE’S WINE Learn about the rich history of Jordan’s wine-making, while hearing the story of how the Zumot family created the Saint George’s brand, which put Jordan firmly on the wine map. Spend your day sampling award-winning red and whites in the tasting room, learn about food pairing and discover more about the long and captivating history of this prestigious vintner.
TRADITIONAL MIDDLE-EASTERN COOKING AT BEIT SITTI In the middle of Amman’s city buzz, you will find a truly unique experience to finish any Jordanian adventure; cooking courses at Beit Sitti allow you to make the dishes you have particularly enjoyed on your trip here, meaning you can remind yourself of the trip again and again back at home. This will be a culinary and cultural experience like no other, with lessons taking place on a stunning terrace with views across the city.
VISIT THE SPICE MARKETS IN DOWNTOWN AMMAN
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No trip to Jordan would be complete without experiencing the vibrant spice markets and shops. One area particularly worth a visit is in Downtown Amman, where the vivid and rich flavours hit you as you wander from shop to shop. With colours and flavours in abundance, see everything from dried artichokes to cardamom to coffee beans, you will be utterly in awe at just how many flavours exist.
The foodie | Which Jordan are you?
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Which Jordan are you? | The culture lover
A JORDANIAN TRIP FOR... THE CULTURE LOVER Landing in Jordan’s capital of Amman, you’ll collect your bags before embarking on your private transfer to your hotel. With an evening at your disposal before your Jordanian adventure really gets under way, we’d recommend you take some time to explore the wonders of Rainbow Street, which is brimming with bars, cafes and fascinating galleries. A great introduction to the diversities of this middle-eastern jewel. BACK IN TIME Your first stop after Amman is Jerash, one of Jordan’s most ancient offerings that’s often cited as the bestpreserved Roman city on earth. You’ll feel as though you’ve genuinely stepped back in time as you wander beneath Hadrian’s Arch and ponder the incredible architecture that has managed to withstand the passing of centuries. The ruins here date back around 2000 years. The Oval Plaza and the 56 columns that surround it are a particular highlight whilst Colonnaded Street still has its original paving stones and will send your imagination into overdrive.
SLEEPY TOWNS AND EPIC LANDSCAPES Next up, one of Jordan’s sleepier towns, nestled in the epic landscape. En route to the small town of Madaba we’ll stop off for a quick tour of Mount Nebo, an area of huge religious and historic importance. Mount Nebo is purported to be the place that Moses first laid eyes on the Promised Land. From here, it’s on to Madaba, where you’ll stop once more to delve into the area’s religious history. Home to the church of St George, which lays claim to a 6th Century map of the Holy Land; this building continue to be a point of interest for historians and sociologists the world over. Once you’ve had your fill of Madaba, it’s on to your final stop at Shobak, a well preserved crusader castle, before continuing on to Wadi Musa, the home of the iconic Petra. 14
The culture lover | Which Jordan are you?
ICONIC STRUCTURES AND DESERT WANDERINGS Why not enjoy Petra by Night? It’s an experience that will see you wandering in silence by candlelight through the Siq towards the famed treasury façade. At this point you’ll settle down to listen to musical performances by people that have inhabited the rocky monuments for centuries. By day, Petra, the world’s largest archaeological site (it covers around 100 square kilometres) will be a trek to remember. With your private guide close at hand to lead you through this mammoth area, you’ll wonder at the mystery that surrounds each of the structures. You see, not much is known about the Nabatean people that constructed these special monuments, making Petra a beautiful yet historically impenetrable part of the world. After your exploration through Petra, we’ll transport you to the edge of the Wadi Rum for some desert adventure. Climbing aboard your trusty steed (in this case, a camel), an hour long trek will lead you to your secluded camp. Upon arrival, settle into your tent and explore the camp before readying yourself for the excitement of a jeep safari that will take you to ancient petroglyphs and out to spend some time with local Bedouin communities. 15
Which Jordan are you? | The culture lover
TOP CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
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The culture lover | Which Jordan are you?
JORDAN NATIONAL GALLERY OF FINE ARTS This is a wonderful place to come to experience Jordanian painting, sculpture and pottery, and you will find that Jordan has a rapidly developing fine-arts scene. Located in Amman, spend an hour or two taking in contemporary art from around the Middle-East and the Muslim world. There are many temporary exhibitions that provide a great way of getting under the skin of Islamic art.
VISIT A MUSEUM Testament to the richness of Jordanian culture, you will find a whole host of museums to visit here. In these museums the legacy of many civilisations lives on and by visiting them you can start to trace the extensive historical past of this intriguing country, from the Romans and Ottomans through to the Nabataeans, Assyrians and beyond. There are lots of great museums, but some of our favourites include the Jordan Archaeological Museum, the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Exhibition of Arab Heritage and Recent Discoveries.
VISIT THE ANCIENT CITY OF JERASH This is a fascinating place provides visitors with an insight into how two ancient cultures existed side by side – the Greek Roman world from the Mediterranean and the ancient Arab Orient; which in turn helps explain the culture of Jordan today. This historical city has been continually occupied for over 6,500 years, with its ‘golden age’ during the Roman times, and it is now considered to be one of the best preserved Roman towns in the world.
UMM QAYS Umm Qays (formerly known as Gadara) is another key historical site with its own unique appeal. Looking out over the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley, Umm Qays dutifully preserves the remains of bygone eras, with features such as a black basalt theatre, a colonnaded main street, a city gate and the outlines of a large hippodrome. As you wander the ancient streets you can almost imagine life as it would have been.
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Which Jordan are you? | Where to stay
WHERE TO STAY FOUR SEASONS AMMAN A treasure buried in the buzz of Jordan’s capital city, the Four Seasons Amman takes its place atop the highest of Amman’s seven hills. Each of the 192 classically modern rooms overlooks the dazzling White City – and being in the heart of the city means you can easily wander out to experience Amman has to offer, from souks and Roman ruins to great eateries and galleries. LOCATION Conveniently positioned between the distinguished residential area of Al Sweifiyah and the Shmeisani financial district, the Four Seasons is the perfect base for your time in Amman. Half an hour’s drive from the airport, the Four Seasons will pick you and your luggage up, and whisk you to the hotel in a private limousine. ROOMS Snoozing under a down duvet, wrapped in a thick terry bathrobe after soaking in the bath bubbled up with products by l’Occitane or Bulgari is par for the course in the rooms at the Four Seasons Amman. Wake up to a complimentary newspaper, flick on the cable TV, watch a DVD or listen to your iPod on the dock provided. WHY WE LIKE IT The spa incorporates mud from the Dead Sea and minerals from the surrounding region into its treatments and scrubs so you don’t even need to make the journey to get the best of what the area has to offer. The hotel also joined forces with a local gallery, meaning that all of the public spaces are adorned with the work of Amman’s artists and the adjoining arcade offers everything from handmade jewellery to Persian carpets.
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Where to stay | Which Jordan are you?
MOVENPICK DEAD SEA Designed around a traditional stone village and nestled amongst lush gardens, this desert sanctuary ensures that you are fully immersed in the local culture and traditions of the Dead Sea. Its infinity pool enjoys views overlooking the beach and guilt free sunbathing is a given here due to its weakened ultra violet rays and being the lowest place on earth. LOCATION Its location is within easy reach of Amman international airport and set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, at the lowest point on earth. The change in atmospheric pressure here gives it a feel of pure tranquillity. YOUR ROOM In keeping with the hotel’s ethos, the rooms are decorated with warm, natural colours for a relaxing setting. You can choose from a beachfront, village or main building, sea view, garden view or mountain view, room or suite – it’s up to you. With the added treat of a free mini bar in every room, you will never have to leave if you don’t want to (but we wouldn’t recommend it, the hotel has too much to offer on the outside too). WHY WE LIKE IT It mirrors the ethos of its location and takes advantage of the healing properties of the Dead Sea. The spa treatments are therapeutic for the body and mind and it only takes a few hours here before you feel relaxed and revitalised. The Zara Spa enjoys breath-taking views over the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea and includes an indoor saline flotation pool.
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Which Jordan are you? | Where to stay
FEYAN ECOLODGE Well away from any beaten path, Wadi Feynan Ecolodge is our desert oasis of luxury, in harmony with its surroundings and in touch with the natural brilliance of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Eco-experiences don’t come much more sumptuous than this, with the evenings lit up by candlelight and sprawling serene courtyards and terraces where you can unwind in the gentle swing of a hammock. LOCATION Dana Biosphere Reserve is a 300km sprawl of incredible wildlife, landscapes and geology, and is also home to this Ecolodge that mirrors its natural surrounds. At the foot of Dana Biosphere’s majestic mountains, apart from the plants and occasional horned ibex, Feynan Ecolodge is the only life for miles around. Tranquility, serenity, privacy; that is Feynan Ecolodge. YOUR ROOM The Ecolodge’s 26 en-suite rooms are lit by candles flickering in picturesque alcoves and any electricity is provided by the solar panels absorbing all the energy from the desert’s relentless sun. In the morning, wander out onto your balcony and take in the astounding natural views of Wadi Feynan bathed in the glow of early morning light. WHY WE LOVE IT The way Feynan Ecolodge slips seamlessly into its rocky, natural surrounds is always something we at Black Tomato love. What little electricity is needed is garnered from the Ecolodge’s solar panels and we absolutely love the food here – it is made using ingredients bought from local farmers and growers, providing a helpful kick for the local desert economy.
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Where to stay | Which Jordan are you?
MOVENPICK PETRA This resort, located just outside the main gates of Petra, fuses oriental colours with Middle Eastern textures and patterns and hand crafted wooden touches. Its 183 newly renovated rooms enjoy awe inspiring views over the Great Rift Valley. For relaxation, enjoy the resort’s Wellness Centre with outdoor pool, steam baths and gym. LOCATION Just a couple of hours driving distance from either Amman or Aqaba’s international airports, south of the Dead Sea, the resort is situated directly outside the entrance to the historic Petra site. With its serene location in the desert landscape of Jordan, you will feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of home. YOUR ROOM This bolthole offers anything from a standard room with king beds to an executive suite with a separate lounge and bedroom, walk in wardrobe and private terrace. All the rooms are newly refurbished with finishing touches that make for a calm and relaxing space. As an extra treat, all rooms feature a free mini bar. WHY WE LIKE IT Its proximity to the gates of Petra is what caught our attention, but what held it was the air of luxury this desert oasis holds. It offers epic views to enjoy from the Al Baraka tea room while relaxing in front of the cosy night time fireplace. head up to the stunning Al Ghadeer Roof Garden for sundowners against the panoramic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley, live music and a large choice of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to dive into.
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Which Jordan are you? | Quiz
MY IDEAL T INCLUDE PL CULTURAL IMMERSION
My favourite travel experiences require...
QUIET OBSERVATION HANDS ON PARTICIPATION
My bucket list is all about ticking off To get a true taste of local culture you have to...
UNESCO SITES
INTREPID ADVENTURES
Desert hike to Petra or insightful museum? TRY THE FOOD OBVIOUSLY
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
MUSEUM
YOU’RE THE FOODIE!
YOU’RE THE CULTURE SEEKER!
Tasting local cuisine and getting your hands dirty in a cooking class is a day well spent in your eyes. Luckily for you, Jordan happens to be a food-lover’s paradise where you’ll experience traditional Bedouin cooking, buzzing markets and plenty of unique restaurants. Jordan also happens to be one of the oldest wine producers in the world, so you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to finding the perfect pairing to your gourmet dish.
Local festivals, insightful museums, authentic art; Jordan won’t fall short when it comes to providing cultural highlights. Amman’s exhibitions and historic streets will keep you occupied and impassioned for days whilst a visit to a Bedouin camp will provide you with the culturally immersive experience you’ve been looking for.
Quiz | Which Jordan are you?
TRIP WOULD LENTY OF... OUTDOOR EXPLORATION HUMAN HISTORY
I prefer discovering...
NATURAL WONDERS
Days are best spent...
LEARNING SOMETHING NEW TESTING MY LIMITS
Wherever I go, there has to be an element of...
INSPIRING HISTORY
ADVENTURE & EXCITEMENT
HIKE
YOU’RE THE HISTORIAN!
YOU’RE THE ADVENTURER!
The story of a destination is what you’re out to discover, and the story of Jordan is nothing short of extraordinary. The purported home of many an authentic religious site, as well as some incredible ruins and the iconic Petra, there’s a never-ending list of places to let your imagination run wild. Swot up on Jordan’s history at home and then land in this mesmerising country for an experience that will indulge all of your fantasies.
Deserts, mountains, ancient ruins and religious sites; Jordan provides an enviable stage for some epic adventures. There are more than enough activities here that’ll provide you with your beloved adrenaline. Think desert trekking, climbing, diving and hot air ballooning, to name just a few. All you need to do is pack your bag and take your pick. 23