Go Magazine, December 2011 by Go Magazine, Jordan

Dec. 2011

In This Issue

24 Staff Manager-InCharge Ammar Abu Goura

Staff Rayah Al-Mashal Annisa Rochadiat

General Manager Celine S. Alaeddin celine@ almajalagency.com

Contributors

Editor Karen Simon karen@ almajalagency.com Design & Production Tha Agency www.thaagency.com Sales celine@ almajalagency.com

Go Speaks 14 Go Headlines 16 Go Loves 18 Go Out 19 Go Shop 27 Go Healthy 37 Go Active 43 Go Drive 49 Go Explore 55 Go Community 65 Go Home 73 Go Guide 83 Go On 88

Distribution Motaz Abu Hamdeh motaz@ almajalagency.com

Photography Motaz Abu Hamdeh Spencer Smith Writing Samer Aksoy Brandon Barron Greg Dukeson Kinzi Jones Whitney McNamara Leah Spelman Salwa Sheikh-Yasin

Published by:

Printed by:

Um Uthaina Vista Iriteria St., Um Uthaina P.O. Box 630 11118, Amman, Jordan Tel: (06) 553 9028 Fax: (06) 553 0047 www.GoMagJordan.com www.facebook.com/GoMagJordan issuu.com/GoMagJordan twitter.com/GoMagJordan

This month we asked some of our contributors these quick questions: You’ve got one more month of this year, what’s the last thing you want to get done? Where in Amman do you like to go to warm up during the cold winter nights? What was your favorite part of 2011 in Jordan? How are you ushering in the New Year? What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Brandon Barron Rayah Al Finish buying Mashal Christmas gifts • Create a mini Al Pasha Turkish scrapbook • B@C in Abdoun is cute, Bath • The Amman close, and cozy • Street Art Fair Chilling with my • With a lot of rents and visiting unattainable resolutions • Palestine • With A backpacking a little more trip through optimism and Europe with my hope • Change roommate

Kinzi Jones I need to finish sewing four American Girl Doll Christmas dresses (from last year, arg!) • I like to stay home and cuddle with my husband • Starting to write for Go! • Game night and mansaf at church • Seeing what surprises God has in store

Samer Aksoy Lose the weight that’s left from Annisa this year’s health Rochadiat resolution! • Turtle My resolution list for the coming Green • The part year • Turtle Green were I got to test drive cars again! • Tea Bar • My With enthusiasm, internship at Go I’m aiming to and my Arabic achieve a lot next lessons at Qasid year • To travel. Institute! • With My plan for 2012 family, plenty of is for it to be the reflection, and year of traveling. prayers • Going I also hope things back to school calm down and returning to politically Amman!

Whitney McNamara Finally unpack all my stuff in my new apartment and settle in! • I like Salute’s cozy vibe • All the traveling I did outside of Amman, and in Dubai, Egypt, and Palestine • Sitting in my bathtub waiting for the world to end • Getting some clarity about where life is taking me next!

Leah Spelman Get some serious reading under the belt for my research • Any place with good hot chocolate, Chocoholic Café and Blue Fig are favorites • Meeting some truly amazing people • I'll be in Arizona visiting friends • The next stage — whatever’s coming, in terms of people, places, and work

Greg Dukeson I'm ready to ride this year out quietly, it's been busy enough! • Those raspberry muffins at Crumz! • Getting married, having my mum and brother here, and my wonderful honeymoon • I’ll have a gathering at home and try to make more noise than the neighbors! • My trip to Beijing (including an outing to the Great Wall of China!)

Dec. 2011

In This Issue

40 Go Healthy Treating Your Pearly Whites

Local Beats Ayah Marar

Go Community Team Spirit

Go Shop Shopping with Reason

Go Active Cycling for a Cause

20 Go Drive Green is the New Black Go Out Eat, Drink, & Be Merry

Don’t miss this! Go features local spots in our listings pages at the end of each section.

Go Explore Chasing Waterfalls Go Explore Get in Touch Little Petra

Got an idea for something you’d like to see featured in Go? Or got something to say about one of our past features? Then go ahead and send us an email at: readers@almajalagency.com

To have your venue listed, Have you seen a funny sign contact readers@almajalagency.com. somewhere in Jordan? Or overheard someone say something hilarious? Then we want to know! This magazine is made of recyclable material so please do your part to keep our country Email readers@almajalagency. beautiful. For more info on how to go green check out entitygreen.com! com and we might just publish it!

Speaks

Dec. 2011

Follow the Go Team on Twitter! Alankar Rai @alankarrai

John Lillywhite @orpheus1

Maysa Sultan @maysasu

Annisa Rochadiat @niezmeirita

Karen Simon @kazosaur

Motaz A. Hamdeh @mottazzz

Celine Alaeddin @celinealaeddin

Kinzi Jones @kinzitweets

Ramzi Ghurani @ramzig

The 2012 Mystery

Letter from The Go Team

For this month, we asked our readers:

Winter Wanderings

“What do you think is going to happen in 2012?”

Hey Go-Getters,

o is here to help banish those winter blues! We’re saying YAY! to the season and its festivities and choosing to ignore the gloomy cold and the fact that the sun sets so early! “The ‘Tis the Season Issue” is packed full of ways to spend this December, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, waiting for New Year’s Eve, or just looking to amp up your social calendar this month. We’ve covered some great venues for you foodies who are planning to celebrate this month by feasting with your family. While for you shopaholics, we’ve gone and scoped out the soon-to-open TAJ Mall for all their awesome brands that are new to Jordan. If you’re hoping to travel this month — whether locally or abroad — Go’s got you covered with a range of cool destinations to read up on; think, Wadi Himara, Malaysia’s Langkawi, and Brussels, Belgium. And for those of you who are looking to do good this holiday season, we’ve got inspiring ideas for you, from the Cycling4Gaza event to The Spirit of Jordan initiative. In keeping with Go’s continual celebration of all things Jordan, for this issue we got together with a number of local innovators, celebrities, and up-and-comers, like iJordan’s Lana Al Sakka, singer Ayah Marar, and director Hazem Alagha. They’re all doing a fantastic job as progressive thinkers and actors in each of their fields, making the Kingdom an even cooler place to live in thanks to their contributions! So, Happy Holidays GoGetters! Enjoy the last month of 2011 and we’ll catch you on the flip side in 2012!

14 | DEC. 2011

“I’m going to be even more awesome than this year!” “It’ll just be another regular year!”

Precious Piece of Junk of the Month

Although these new apps that retro-style digital pics (think, Instagram) are cool, one of the Go Team likes to keep it old school with her collection of analogue cameras. We swear, the photos captured with them look like they were taken in the 60s!

“The world is going to end!”

us on Twitter! twitter.com/ GoMagJordan

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Go's Blog If you can't get enough of Go, head online to our blog @ www. gomagjordan.com and keep up with the events we attend each month with Go Was There

1. Email us at: subscribe@ almajalagency.com never be out of the loop on 2. Include your: Name; Address; what’s going on in Jordan! and Telephone Number. A subscription for the entire 3. A member of the Go Team year costs only 17 JOD, and will contact you to arrange a we’ll hand deliver each new pick up for the cash or check, issue to your doorstep at the and we will immediately beginning of each month. begin delivering Go So get going and become a personally to you at the beginning of each month. Go-Getter today!

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Headlines

What’s On This Month

Need to Know

Buzz Word

December’s Hot vs. Not

“arakless”

Big Dinners

Season’s

Spirit Dozan Carolers

Let Dozan wa Awtar’s Christmas Carolers help make your holiday season event one to remember by booking them to perform at your home or your corporate occasion. You’re guaranteed to add a magical touch and holiday spirit to your special night. Call them now on (077) 733 4777 or (077) 790 7222 for details.

Local rocker Emad Alaeddin will be performing at the Rainbow Theater, Rainbow St., on 22 December! Get your tickets now for only 5 JOD and don’t miss out on this guaranteed great show with a top local opening act. Emad will mostly be performing tracks off of his new album The Magic, plus a few old favorites. Call (079) 822 8830 for details.

Houston’s, Abdoun do “Obama Chicken.” It’s delicious, but instead of with fries, they should put it on a bed of “Condoleezza Rice”!

Overheard in Jordan

Check out our tear-out Calendar for Go’s day-to-day suggestions of how to GET UP & GO!

Priceless Signage of the Month “What’s ironic here is that they clearly know what a “p” is…” 16 | DEC. 2011

‫أركلس‬

Cooking Having your family over for a delicious dinner is a fantastic way to spend some time during the holiday season, plus it means you get to showoff your amazing culinary skills! If you’re well prepped, and have some company to boot, preparing a great meal can be almost as fun as eating it.

Cleaning Having people over for dinner is fantastic, but the clean up job afterwards isn't. It seems only then that you realize just how many dishes and cutlery you own! Either they don’t all fit into the dishwasher, which means multiple loads, or they don’t squeeze onto your puny drying rack, which means plates scattered around the kitchen! Family Special dinners are a time to gather with loved ones to catch up on each other’s lives and share great moments together. It brings families closer and makes us reflect on how lucky we are to be surrounded by the people that mean the world to us. The delicious meal only complements the sweetness of being among kindred spirits! Family We all love our families, but sometimes when they come together — especially during family dinners — they can take on a scary mob mentality. Suddenly you’re under attack by 20 Questions and given the third degree about your life, job, longterm goals, when all you wanted was a tasty meal. But hey, that’s what being family is all about!

VERB. To Relax. Eg. “I’m really tired, I just wanna go home arakless.”

Hashmighty Clip of the Month

Scan here to watch

Music stars from Jordan, the region, and around the world teamed up to create “Tomorrow / Bokra,” a charity single for the holiday season. www.tomorrowbokra.org

Headlines

Lana Al Sakka Go spoke to iJordan’s founder and managing director, Lana Al Sakka, to find out more about Jordan’s awesome events scene Go: How did you get into managing events? What led you to start iJordan? Lana Al Sakka: By chance! I studied law and hold a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies with a concentration in Islamic Law, so getting into events was not something on the horizon during my university years! However, when I got back to Jordan, I started longing for the different musical, cultural, and artistic events I’d attend in the UK. So in 2000, some friends and I decided that we would bring them to Jordan. I have been committed to creating and organizing events since. And in 2012 we‘ll be celebrating our 12th year anniversary! Go: What events do you guys manage? LAS: We create and manage all sorts of events: concerts, festivals, cultural, exhibitions, sporting, and also weddings! iJordan has three separate departments. We have a “Concerts & Festivals Department” that has produced some of Jordan’s most memorable events such as Sting back in 2001, Bryan Adams in 2004, Fairouz in concert twice, the Centennial Parade, the Amman Summer Festival for the GAM, the Ramadan Festivals for ASEZA, and the Citadel Nights in 2011. This year we sponsored the Neurological

escape. I’m a bird watcher and love going around Jordan in pursuit of this hobby! I’m also an active Tweep these days and my addiction to social development and change can be seen there.

Society and have assisted them in the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon and the Red Sea International Marathon, as well as managing Souk JARA. Our “Special Events Department” — handling our corporate events — has served a number of multinational brands, creating amazing event formats, bringing entertainment and unforgettable experiences. Our forte is in creating formats; we look at the client, their needs, objectives, audience, and budget. From there we give them the best scenarios for their marketing strategies. We’re proud that we retain our clients by providing exceptional and professional services. Lastly, our “MICE Department” has been managing conferences since 2003. Conferences are lucrative and multifaceted and we have hosted famous speakers, high-level conferences, and very large ones as well.

Go: What are some of iJordan’s most memorable events? LAS: Those that were more complicated and involved a lot of logistics! The Amman Centennial Parade would probably be the most memorable for me. It was a beautiful, colorful, and cultural event that we worked hard on. And seeing as it was an event open to everyone, it was nice to have had the opportunity to entertain thousands of fellow Jordanians. Go: What future events will iJordan host? LAS: We will have a few surprises in 2012. One festival I’m hoping that we will be hosting is the Wadi Rum International Hot Air Balloon Festival. This promises to be a magical event! We have also just launched iSports, Scan here to help improve the standard of Jordan’s For Website sporting events. We just hope to continue having the opportunity to deliver a variety of professional, innovative, meaningful, and entertaining events for local, regional, and international audiences in Jordan!

Go: How do you manage your time? And do you ever get free time? LAS: Honestly, no! I’m married to my job, I’m very passionate about my work and love the feeling it gives me. I’m 100% dedicated to it. However, when the pressure builds up, and when my schedule allows it, I do

Latest news

Art Bazaar

On 13 and 14 December, the Crowne Plaza Amman (King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz St., Um Uthaina) will play host to the Art Nouveau Bazaar. Visit the bazaar between 10:00am and 10:00pm if you’re looking for fun and interesting artistic pieces and accessories to add to your collection. Call (079) 570 9397 for details.

Red Sea Marathon

On 2 December the Ayla Red Sea International Marathon is taking place under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein. Whether you’re a trained runner or in the mood for a fun run, you can run by choosing from the 42km, 21km, 10km, or 4.2km races. For more, visit www.deadseamarathon. com or call (06) 566 0296.

Scenario

Keep an eye out for the opening of Amman’s brand new concept restaurant, Scenario. Boasting a world-class master chef, sophisticated dining spaces, and the capital’s only indoor golf simulator, this venue is guaranteed to offer a great time whether for lunch, dinner, or simply drinks. Call (078) 720 0002 or visit www.scenario.jo for more.

Bargo’s

A new diverse venue has opened in Rabia, which claims to be an all-in-one coffee house, lounge, library, gallery, and study spot. Bargo’s offers a wide range of drinks and snacks, not to mention WiFi access, books, live music and much more. Visit www.facebook.com/ BargosJordan or call (079) 518 2244.

CHTISTMAS CHOIR

The amazing Dozan wa Awtar choir will be hosting three concerts this holiday season at the Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. George, Umm As-Summaq. Each evening from 14 to 16 December, the choir will entertain concert goers with a mix of old Christmas favorites and international music. For details visit www. dozanwaawtar.com.

Philosophi

Started by Lara Kalla and Tania Kalla Khreino, Philosophi, a lifestyle concept store, has opened its doors to Amman’s shoppers. Selling everything from funky threads to cool décor, this is the place to pick up the ultimate urban life accessories. Swing by Batool Center, Abdoun, to visit the boutique. DEC. 2011 | 17

LOVES These are just a few of our favorite things this month...

Tomahawk Steaks at Cantaloupe

Bubble Teas

at juicebangbang If you haven’t been to jbb to try their bubble teas yet, you’re missing out!

If you consider yourself a carnivore, this is your dream come true...

#10 Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (077) 773 3333, www.cantaloupe.jo

To call this a big steak would be an understatement; the tomahawk steak, named for its shape, is 500 grams of juicy Angus meat that doesn’t even fit on the plate that it is served on. At Go, we love a good grilled slab of meat, and the one served up at Cantaloupe Gastro Pub is one of the best we’ve ever eaten. Their tomahawk steak — also known as a bone-in rib eye — is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Served up with a generous basket of crispy golden fries and three delicious sauces (pepper, mustard cream, and mushroom), you better be a hungry chief when you sit down for this meal! So work on your appetite, invite some serious foodie friends, and head to Cantaloupe to chow down on some beautiful beef.

Rima Malallah & Love on a Bike At Go we’re constantly looking for fun and inspiring art to motivate our work… And nothing says fun more than Rima Malallah’s whimsical and creative pieces. Do yourself a favor and make your way down to her amazing gallery and store, Love on a Bike, on Mu’thaa Bin Jabal St., just off of Rainbow St., Jabal Amman. From ceramic bowls and mugs, to painted canvases and glass bottles, to knitted scarves, wooden birdhouses, and ornamented boxes, Rima creates it all. If you’re looking to add some joy

and flair to your home or office then these beautiful handcrafted pieces will do the trick. Plus, Love on a Bike’s adorable live-in cat, Bis Bis, gives us even more reason to enjoy our visits to this awesome shop!

easyJet Flights

Call (06) 461 4288 or visit www. loveonabike.com for more.

Flying to Europe for cheap

If you didn’t already know, low-cost carrier easyJet started flying between London-Gatwick and Amman’s Queen Ali International last March. This means cheaper flights to Europe than was previously available to us in the Hashemite Kingdom. Plus, with easyJet, the earlier you book your tickets, the lower they cost, so if you know you want to visit Europe next summer, book your flights now and get them dirt cheap! Visit www.easyjet.com for more. 18 | DEC. 2011

Avenue Mall, Princess Alia Bent Al Hussein St., Sweifieh, (077) 598 9416, www.facebook. com/jui cebangbang

Scan here For Website

The Go team has seriously been contemplating finding new offices adjacent to juicebangbang because we can’t live without their bubble teas! Their multi-flavored hot or cold teas, colorful juices, and creamy smoothies filled with chewy tapioca bubbles are super fun refreshments. Some of our favorites include the avocado yogurt smoothie, the raspberry green tea, and the mango crush. We also love that jbb gives their customers a free bubble tea with their first Foursquare check-in and has loyalty card where the eighth bubble tea is free. An awesome late-afternoon pickme-up, we consume tons of these delish drinks during the last week of the month to get us through the late work nights putting Go together!

ED TO KNOW NEAsk for jbb’s

“Flavor of the Day” on your next visit and try something new! Think coconut, passion fruit, and other delicious blends!

Mon

Tues

Operation Smile and Tempo Dance Academy are throwing their Zumbathon Charity event at Landmark Hotel. Call (06) 593 8939 for details.

Check out Luma Qusus Awad’s exhibition “Metal & Stone” at Wadi Finan tonight. Call (06) 463 6939 for details.

Christmas Bazaar @ Naour & Marj. Charity Bazaar @ Orthodox Club Amman. Call (06) 592 0491.

Red Sea International Marathon! Dance K.O. takes place at Terrasanta School’s theater. Call (079) 615 5547.

Wed Thurs Fri Sat 1 2 3

To Go Do in DECember

Sun

Brought to you by:

“Merry Christmas GoGetters!”

Christmas Day!

Treat yourself to a little pre-Christmas gift with a visit to Swatch for their new holiday season additions. Flip to p. 34 for details.

Give a session of reiki healing at the B-Well Center a try. Flip to p. 38 to learn more about this treatment.

Al Hamam. Call (079) 962 2888.

Tarik Hamdan will be performing at Al Balad Theater tonight from 8:00pm. Call (06) 465 2005 for information.

Amman TT is hosting their Developer Edition tonight! Visit ammantt.com for more.

Head to the Landmark Hotel Amman and help them decorate their Christmas tree! Flip to p. 20 for more on this great hotel.

Start on your Christmas shopping! Flip to p. 32 for some great gift ideas.

Mohammaed Al Qaq and DJ Zeid Zghoul perform at Baguette, Abdoun tonight! Call (079) 617 1856 for details.

Dozan wa Awtar performs Winter Wonderland, a special children’s concert. Visit www.dozanwaawtar.com for more.

TEDxPSUT asks “What is Success?” at the Princess Sumaya University for Technology. Find out more at www.ted. com/tedx/events/3685.

Take your kids to Casereccio (Mecca St.) for their great kids’ area and menu. Call (06) 553 4558 for reservations.

Head to Canvas for a night of awesome live jazz. Flip to p. 22 for other great nights out.

Head to the Marriott Amman for their famous Christmas tree lighting this evening! Flip to p. 17 for other Christmas events.

Emad Alaeddin performs live at the Rainbow Theater tonight! Flip to p. 16 for details.

Get into the spirit of things with the Spirit of Jordan. Flip to p. 66 to learn more about this awesome organization.

Santa Claus Village @ Verona Ballroom, Gardens St. Call (079) 547 3599.

Get your hands on Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo DS before the year is up! Flip to p. 74 for more new games.

Head to The Lodge, Fuheis for their Argentinian Tango Nights brought to you by Fantasia Arts. Call (079) 598 8117 for more information.

Flip to p. 24 for more on where to celebrate tonight.

New Year’s Eve!

Head to Sheraton’s Spice Island for the delicious Christmas Eve Buffet. Flip to p. 20 for more meal ideas.

Christmas Eve!

Dozan wa Awtar Christmas Concert @ Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. George. Call (077) 733 4777. Art Nouveau Bazaar @ Crown Plaza Hotel. Call (079) 570 9397. Christmas Bazaar @ Greek Catholic Cathedral of St. George. Call (078) 888 0272.

Join Flashback Adventures for their Pilgrimage Marathon. Visit www.flashbackadventures.com for details.

Head to the Sheraton Amman Hotel to enjoy their Christmas choir! Flip to p. 20 for more festivities.

If you haven’t already planned your New Year’s outfit, head to Taj Mall for some shopping! Flip to p. 30 to find more about this great new mall.

Check out Oobé tonight for their Creative Mondays! Flip to p. 22 for other cool venues in Amman.

Take a break from the busy holiday season and relax with a movie at Grand Cinemas. Check out the new Mission Impossible film! Flip to p. 86 for more movie releases.

Check out DJ Sotusura and El Far3i tonight at Books@ Café. Call (06) 465 0457 for tickets and more information.

unreleased tracks. Flip to Christmas Bazaar @ Tela Al Ali. Call (079) 554 4384. p. 78 for more new music. Christmas Bazaar @ Lady Nazareth School. Call (06) 464 0058. Christmas Caroling @ King Hussein Cultural Center. (06) 464 1119. Money and Business Forum & Expo 2011 @ Zara Expo Center. Call (079) 958 9587. Cycling4Gaza Event. Flip to p. 44 to learn more.

Pick up a copy of Amy Winehouse’s first posthumous CD containing great previously

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

* These dates are correct at the time of print. Please make sure to double check with the appropriate organizer(s) prior to each event in case any scheduling changes occur during the month.

Festive Meals in amman The Ivy New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parties

20 22 24

out

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry O

ne of the best parts of the holiday season is the excuse to gather with friends and family to feast on delicious and festive meals. The capital has a number of top restaurants that are particularly good at preparing winter feasts whether you’re into

Go’s Celine Alaeddin checked out some of Amman’s great eateries for you to enjoy festive meals at during the busy holiday season your traditional Christmas dinners full of turkey and stuffing, or you prefer to celebrate Urdun-style with mansaf and musakhan. So pick one of these eateries (or try them all, if you think you can do it!), invite your loved ones, and indulge!

Seasons

SUFRA RESTAURANT

Scan here For Website

20 | DEC. 2011

ecently opened in a beautiful restored old residence on 1st Circle’s Rainbow St., Sufra Restaurant serves up Jordanian delicacies accompanied with the generous hospitality our fair country is renowned for. Managed by local company, Romero Group (known for The Living Room, Haret Jdoudna, and the eponymous Romero), emphasis is placed on the quality of food and service. What better way to celebrate the festive season than by sharing traditional dishes, such as mashawi, magloubeh, musakhan or matfoul with your loved ones? Rainbow St., (06) 461 1468, www.romero-jordan.com Their perfect meal for the holiday season: Mansaf, of course!

n 25 December head over to the Four Seasons Amman and indulge in their decadent Christmas brunch at the sprawling Seasons restaurant. Relax with your family and enjoy the vast buffet filled with a delish range of holiday season dishes, while the kids keep themselves busy with a magic show, arts and crafts, and story telling. And of course, Santa Claus will be making an appearance to hand out fun gifts to all the children! Four Seasons Amman, Al Kindi St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 550 5555, www.fourseasons.com/amman Their perfect meal for the holiday season: Roast turkey and stuffing.

COLOURS

njoy Christmas day lunch at the fun and festive Colours restaurant at the Landmark Amman Hotel. Their impressive buffet spread will have you enjoying loads of tasty dishes to your heart’s content. The kids will love cooking their own turkey and once they’re stuffed they can go ahead and enjoy themselves in the kids’ play area. Landmark Amman Hotel, Al Hussein Bin Ali St., (06) 560 7100, www.landmarkamman.com Their perfect meal for the holiday season: Christmas cookies.

MIMOSA

hen you need a break from the usual holiday season fare, give the chic and stylish Mimosa a try. Located downstairs from Abdoun’s Flow Restaurant & Lounge and frequented by the city’s revelers, the smooth beats and lively atmosphere are a big part of the experience here. Mimosa offers up Asian fusion cuisine with dishes such as Pad Thai noodles, Japanese beef rolls, and Thai chicken curry. So grab your friends, pick up those chopsticks, and enjoy a festive meal in style. Mazen Sido Al Kurdi St., Abdoun, (079) 978 7777 Their perfect meal for the holiday season: Salmon pizza to share.

PIANO LOUNGE

he Piano Lounge at the Marriott Amman Hotel is a veritable winter wonderland this month. Their famous annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on 14 December, plus the hotel will be hosting a daily caroling choir. Enjoy sweet desserts alongside a scrumptious cup of hot chocolate or delicious sahlab while admiring their

intricately designed Gingerbread Village. Go ahead and spend an afternoon here with the family, especially the little ones, to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Marriott Amman, Issam Ajluni St., Shmeissani, (06) 560 7607, www. marriot.com Their perfect meal for the holiday season: Sweet treats and pastries.

You can order a deliciously prepared roast turkey from the Piano Lounge for any meals you have planned at home! Call them on (06) 560 7607 to place your order in advance.

Children’s Feast

Find monkeys, millipedes, and little bears on the new healthy children’s menu at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts have added their children’s healthy “Power Bites” menu featuring lean meats, as well as low fat and low sodium items using an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Most notably, these dishes are created with cute toys and fun shapes to entertain the kids while delivering the necessary nutrition. The specialized Power Bites menus are available at the Mövenpick’s Dead Sea, Aqaba, and Tala Bay properties. Visit www.moevenpick.com for more. DEC. 2011 | 21

out

EDTOKNO NE The W

Ivy also offers take out, should you be craving one of their scrumptious dishes. Just call them to place your order!

Suave S Settings

Go sat down for a meal at the recently opened exclusive restaurant and lounge, The Ivy

Scan here for Facebook

et on the top floor of a beautiful, large building in Abdoun, right next to the Orthodox Club, is The Ivy Restaurant and Lounge. Newly established, the place is spacious and airy thanks to the floor-to-ceiling wall of windows that grace an entire side of the space. Try to grab a seat next to these for a lovely view of their gardens while you savor your meal. Incorporating elements of its namesake in the décor, there are ivy decorated glass frames sprinkled throughout the place and the tables are topped with placemats that hold detailed tidbits about the different varieties of this particular plant species. The funky red light fixtures

Images by: Motaz Abu Hamdeh

add a cool and contemporary twist to this trendy eatery, as does the chill-out soundtrack playing in the venue’s background. Described by the restaurant as “Modern Cuisine,” the menu offers a variety of international fare; salads, grilled meats, pastas, mixed platters, and of course desserts. Recommended dishes include their Mushrooms Provençal as a starter, their Ivy burger as the main course (or their veggie burger if you say no to meat), and their decadent apple pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a sweet ending to a great meal. Rajai Suleiman Sukkar St., Abdoun, (06) 593 5130, www.facebook.com/theivyjordan

1Ten Restolounge Already famous for Cube and Hookah Lounge, the Shepherd Hotel adds a new great outlet to its property

What was once Suite #110 at the Shepherd Hotel — a favorite lodging of many visiting dignitaries — has now been transformed to this hotel’s new outlet. Cozy, dimly lit, with the walls adorned with gorgeous artwork, 1Ten Restolounge is an elegant and romantic place to spend an evening. Take your significant other there for a nice quiet evening together, away from the stress and business of the season. Here you’ll want to try their oven roasted halloumi cheese, chicken with couscous, prime cut steak, or plethora of other delightful dishes. Shepherd Hotel, Zaid Bin Harethat St., 2nd Circle, (06) 463 9197 Foyer Lounge, Four Seasons, 5th Circle, (06) 550 5555

22 | DEC. 2011

Visit www.MealAdvisors.com for more advice, menus, telephone numbers, special offers, maps, and news on Amman’s restaurants and cafés.

In light of our “‘Tis the Season Issue” and our belief that the season’s jolliness isn’t complete without a sweet treat, Go asked MealAdvisors.com to highlight Amman’s top sweet sources that could make your holidays complete

Paul Bakery & Restaurant “The service was excellent, very friendly staff, and the desserts were amazing. I went to catch up with the last two days of the chocolate month, and thank God I did!”

Sugar Daddy’s Bakery

Advisor Happy Eater

“OMG! Sugar Daddy’s, it’s love AT first sight or bite; it’s heaven on earth. I just love everything there. is so good. Plus, They always have they make the best fresh, creative squares!” ideas, and the taste Advisor Reemz

The Cake Shop

La Mirabelle

“The cake we ordered was extraordinary. The design was applied just as requested and the small details made it so perfect!!!”

“The Orangina cake this place serves is fantastic; I’ve never had it better and I keep going back for more. It’s moist yet its crispy layer tastes like a KitKat. This cake is delicious and would be great if you had guests over.” Advisor Wild Flower

Moka Patisserie & Café “This place is great! Great cakes, great service, great decoration, and the best thing about it is that they are always free to serve, not like other places that are always overcrowded. Just get your cakes from there already!” Advisor Samsoom

Advisor Laurence

The Cakery

“If you want some good homemade cake and do not want to bake it yourself, call them and don’t worry about the calories. There is room in your diet to eat from The Cakery.” Advisor Beri

ED TO KNO NE The Cakery W

also do great savories, like salty cakes (think, salmon and cream cheese) and dips! Call them on (077) 716 1717 to place your order today.

Only subscribed restaurants are listed in the above list of recommendations. All advice found on MealAdvisors.com reflect the opinions of real customers, not the management of MealAdvisors.com

DEC. 2011 | 23

out

Ushering in the New Year

When it’s finally time to say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012, check out these spots... Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

Celebrate the New Year in style by escaping to the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea for an overnight stay with their special New Year’s Eve deal. Then dance the year away at their spectacularly themed gala dinner in the Grand Ballroom with live entertainment until the early hours of the morning. Alternatively, if you wish to celebrate with that special someone in a more romantic atmosphere, enjoy a delicious set menu at The Grill.

EDTOKNO NE The W

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 356 1111, www.moevenpick.com

Grand Hyatt

Four Seasons

Indulge at any of the Grand

Scan here For Website

Mövenpick’s New Year’s Eve deal starts at 139 JOD ++ per room per night inclusive of breakfast!

Hyatt’s award winning restaurants — L’Incontro for Italian, 32◦ North for seafood, and Indochine for Far Eastern delicacies — which have created a special menu featuring the best culinary creations. At the stroke of midnight, festivities will move to Grand Hyatt Amman, Hussein the lobby where there will be a DJ Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) playing 2011’s best beats. 465 1234, www.hyatt.com

End the year on an elegant note at the Four Seasons Amman. Two of the hotel’s signature restaurants, Vivace and Asia, will join forces and merge on New Year’s Eve to serve clients a delicious gourmet five-course feast. There will also be a live band for entertainment. But keep in mind that tickets must be purchased in advance!

Four Seasons Amman, Al Kindi St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 550 5555, www.fourseasons.com

9626

Amman’s latest nightspot, 9626 at the Canyon Boutique Hotel will be welcoming in the New Year with awesome lively festivities. Take in the spectacular view from behind the large glass windows while sharing their delish gastro bites with friends and grooving to their smooth beats. Don’t forget your party hats and noisemakers for this one! Canyon Boutique Hotel, Adeeb Wahbeh St., Shmesani, (06) 566 9110, www. canyonboutiquehotel.com

3, 2,1… Just a few fun New Year superstitions…

It’s good luck to wear something new on New Year’s Day

24 | DEC. 2011

At the stroke of midnight on the New Year, make as much noise as possible to scare away evil spirits

It’s said to be bad luck to do your laundry on New Year’s Day.

Eat these good luck foods on New Year’s Day: lentils, fish, black-eyed peas, noodles, and pomegranate.

DEC. 2011 | 25

out ArGeeleh

Belmondo Café, Mecca St., (06) 553 3021 Berto Café, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 554 9552 Bianca Café, Ahmad Fawazi St., Abdoun, (06) 593 5234 Jafra Café, Prince Mohammed St., Downtown, (06) 462 2551, www.jafragroup.com Kashmir & Al Argeeleh, Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 9520, kashmirargeelah.com Khuttar Café, Irbid St., Abdoun, (06) 593 9099 Lemon Shisha Bistro, Saed Abdo Shamout St., Abdoun, (06) 593 9371 Macho Picho, Kurdi Center, Fawzi Al Mughrabi St., Abdoun, (06) 593 6989, www. machopicho.com Mijana Restaurant & Café, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 462 0744 Tche Tche Café, Abu Taweeleh Plaza, Mecca St., (06) 588 5837, www.tchetchecafe.com Zoka Café, Saed Abdo Shamout St., Abdoun, (06) 592 6777

Cafés

Babiche, Al Qahira St., Abdoun Circle, (06) 592 8613, www.babiche.jo Books@Café, Omar Ibn Il Khattab St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 465 0457, www. booksatcafe.com Café Des Artistes, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman (0) 79 657 5184 Caribou Coffee, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 581 1478, www.cariboucoffee.com Cilantro Café, Zain Al Sharaf St., Abdoun, (06) 592 5009, www.cilantro-cafe.com

Turtle Green Tea Bar, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 4813 Wild Jordan, Othman bin Afan St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 463 3542, www. wildjordancafe.com

Cinemas

Cinema City, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 551 8611, www.meccamall.jo Cine Le Royal, Le Royal Hotel Amman, Zahran St., (06) 460 3022, www. leroyalamman.com Grand Cinemas, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 581 8808, www.grandcinemas.com Grand Cinemas, Zara Center, Wadi Saqra St., (06) 461 3260, www.grandcinemas.com Prime Cinemas, Al Baraka Mall, Sa'eed Al Mufti St., (06) 585 8500, www.prime.jo Rainbow Theatre, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (0) 798 228 830

Museums

Children’s Museum Jordan, Al Hussein Public Parks, King Abdullah II St., (06) 541 1479, www.cmj.jo Darat Al-Funun (Shoman Foundation), Jabal Al Weibdeh, (06) 464 3252, www. daratalfunun.org Islamic Museum, Suleiman Al Nabulsi St., Jabal Weibdeh, (06) 567 2155 Jordan Archeological Museum, Citadel, Jabal Al Qala'a, (06) 463 8795 Jordan Folklore Museum, Roman Theatre Complex, Jabal Al Ashrafiyeh, (06) 465 1742 Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Hosni Fareez St., Jabal Weibdeh, (06) 463 0128, www.nationalgallery.org Royal Automobile Museum, Al Hussein Public Parks, King Abdullah II St., (06) 541 1392, www.royalautomuseum.jo

Cioconut Lounge, Al Sha’ab Street, Dabouq, (06) 541 2484 Chez Hilda, Ali Nasouh Al-Tahir St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 4808, www.chezhilda.com Nightlife Costa Café, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., 51 (Switch), Abdallah Bin Salama St., Jabal (06) 585 9694 Amman, (0) 77 515 1515 Crumz, Mazen Sido Al-Kurdi St., Abdoun, Amigo Pub, off of Abu Baker Al Seddeek, (06) 592 0102, www.goodharvest.com.jo Jabal Amman, (06) 463 3001, www. Cups & Kilos, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal amigopub-jo.com Amman, (06) 4649345 Beerkeller, Le Royal, Zahran St., The Deli Café, Intercontinental 3rd Circle, (06) 460 3000, www. Amman Hotel, Islamic College St., leroyalamman.com O K T N D O E Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1361, Cantaloupe Gastro Pub, W E N EAT Group’s www.ichotelsgroup.com 10 Rainbow Street, 1st loyalty cards Flavours, Abdoun Mall, Saed Circle, Jabal Amman, are now available. Abdo Shamout St., Abdoun (0) 77 773 3333, www. Apply for one to enjoy (06) 593 0100 cantaloupe.jo discounts and privileges Ghraoui Chocolatier, Chesters, Le Royal at all of the EAT Group’s Zahran St., Jabal Amman, Hotel, Zahran Street, outlets, like Casereccio, (06) 592 0366, www. 3rd Circle, Jabal Bruschetta, and ghraouichocolate.com Amman, (06) 460 3000, Shawermama! Gloria Jeans Coffees, Al www.leroyalamman.com Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., Circle 3 Lounge, 3rd Circle, Sweifieh, (06) 592 5715, www. Jabal Amman, (0) 79 540 3540 gloriajeans.com Cube, Shepherd Hotel, Said Bin The Grand Deli Café, Grand Hyatt Amman, Hareth St., Jabal Amman, (0) 79 985 5955 Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 Dubliners, Comfort Hotel Suites, Ali Nahuh 1234, amman.grand.hyatt.com Al Tahir St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 2848, www. Java U, Saed Abdo Shamout St., Abdoun, dublinersjordan.com (06) 592 5726, www.java-u.com Flow, Mazen Sido Al-Kurdi St., Abdoun, (0) La Mirabelle, off of Saed Abdo Shamout 79 978 7777 St., Abdoun, (06) 565 6026, www. La Calle, 10 Rainbow Street, 1st Circle, Jabal zalatimosweets.com Amman, (0) 77 726 6928 Mokador Castellari, Saed Abdo Shamout Las Tapas, Qiss Bin Sa'edah St., 3rd Circle, St., Abdoun, (06) 593 4533, www.mokador- Jabal Amman, (06) 461 5061, www. jo.com bonitamman.com Paul, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 550 The Library Lounge & Cigar Bar, Marriot 2760, www.paul-international.com Hotel, Issam Ajluni St., Shmesani, (06) 560 Second Cup, Queen Zain Al Sharaf St., 7607, www.thelibrary.marriott-amman.com Abdoun, (06) 556 0691, www.secondcup.com The Lounge, Grand Hyatt Amman, Al Segafredo Zanetti, off of Saed Abdo Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 Shamout St., Abdoun, (06) 592 6526, www. 1433, www.amman.grand.hyatt.com segafredo.it Murphy’s House of Rock, Red Rose Hotel, Sofa Lounge, Zain Abdoun Complex, Al Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (0)77 716 5008 Umaween St., Abdoun, (06) 593 0160 Queen Vics, Ali Nahuh Al Tahir St., Sweifieh, Starbucks Coffee, Prince Hashem St., (06) 586 4426 Abdoun (06) 592 1005, www.starbucks.com Square Bar, Four Seasons, 5th Circle, Jabal

26 | DEC. 2011

Amman, (06) 550 5555, www.fourseasons.com Time Out Sports Bar, Kempinski Hotel, Shmesani, (06) 520 0200, www.kempinski. com/amman Rovers Return, Abed Al Raheem Al Hajj Mohammad, Sweifieh, (06) 581 4844, www. roversreturnjordan.com Saluté & Beer Garden, Abdul Qader Koshak St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1458, www. jorest.com Shaman, Deir Ghbar, (0) 77 722 7888

Restaurants

282 Steak and Lounge, Le Meridien Amman, Queen Noor St., Shmesani, (06) 569 6511. www.starwoodhotels.com 32 North, Grand Hyatt Amman, Al Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1433, amman.grand.hyatt.com Applebee’s, Mecca St., (06) 554 0016, www. applebees.com Asia, Four Seasons Amman, Al Kindi St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 550 5555, www. fourseasons.com Benihana, Le Meridien Amman, Queen Noor St., Shmesani, (06) 569 6511. www. starwoodhotels.com Bistro One, off of Abu Baker Al Seddeek, Jabal Amman, (06) 461 7890, www. bistroone-jo.com Blue Fig, Al-Ameer Hashem Bin Al-Hussein St., Abdoun, (06) 592 8800, www.bluefig.com La Bruschetta, off of Saed Abdo Shamout St., Abdoun, (06) 593 1513 Bourj Al Hamam, Intercontinental Hotel, Islamic College St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1361, www.ichotelsgroup.com Bunzy Buns, off of Prince Hashem Bin Al Hussein St., Abdoun, (06) 593 7172, www. bunzybuns.com Canvas, Muntazah Circle, Jabal Weibdeh, (06) 463 2211 Casereccio Restaurant, Al Qahira St., Abdoun Circle, (06) 593 4773 Casper & Gambini’s, Mazen Sido AlKurdi St., Abdoun, (06) 592 2600, www. casperandgambinis.com Centro Brasserie, Queen Nour St., 4th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1020 Champions, Marriot Hotel, Issam Ajluni St., Shmesani, (06) 560 7607 Chili’s, Mecca St., (06) 554 5540, www. chilis.com China Town, Le Meridien Amman, Queen Noor St., Shmesani, (06) 569 6511. www. starwoodhotels.com Cinco De Mayo, Intercontinental Hotel, Islamic College St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1361, www.ichotelsgroup.com La Cucina Ristorante, Princess Alya Bint

Listings Hussein St., Abdoun, (06) 593 3355 Deir El Qamar, Sa’ed Abdo Shamout St., Abdoun, (06) 593 4666, www. deirelqamarrestaurant.com Diwan Al Sultan Ibrahim, Iriteria St., Um Uthaina (06) 551 7383, oceanhotel.com.jo Diwan Shahraya, Le Royal, Zahran St., 3rd Circle, (06) 460 3000, www.leroyalamman. com Enzo, Le Meridien Amman, Queen Noor St., Shmesani, (06) 569 6511. www. starwoodhotels.com EVOO, Sheraton Al Nabil Hotel & Towers, Al Urdon St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 593 4111 Fakhr El-Din, Abdul Qader Koshak St, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1789, www.fakhreldin.com Fuddruckers, Mecca St., (06) 554 0015, www.fuddruckers.com Grappa, Abdul Qader Koshak St, Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1458, www.jorest.com Haret Jdoudna, Talal St., Madaba, (05) 324 8650, www.haretjdoudna.com L’Incontro, Grand Hyatt Amman, Al Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1433, www.grand.hyatt.com Indochine, Grand Hyatt Amman, Al Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1433, www.grand.hyatt.com Indu, Intercontinental Hotel, Islamic College St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1361, www. ichotelsgroup.com Lenôtre, Salwa Bashouty St., Abdoun. (06) 593 9113, www.letnotre.fr Levant Restaurant, Al Mutanabbi St., Jabal Amman, (06) 462 8948, www.levantjo.com The Living Room, Mohammed Hussein Haikal St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 5998, www.romero-jordan.com La Maison Vert, Abed Al Hameed Bades, Shmeisani, (06) 568 5746 Al Mukhtar, Le Meridien Amman, Queen Noor St., Shmesani, (06) 569 6511. www. starwoodhotels.com Ne:Bo, Mount Nebo, Madaba, (0) 77 771 2224 Noodasia, Cairo St., Abdoun Circle, (06) 593 6999 Ren Chai, Mithqal Al Faeiz St., Jabal Amman, (06) 462 5777, www.renchai.com Romero, Mohammed Hussein Haikal St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 4227, www.romerojordan.com Tannoureen, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 551 5987, www.tannoureen.net Tony Roma’s, Mecca St., (06) 556 0608, www.tonyromas.com Trader Vic’s, The Regency Palace Hotel, Queen Alia Street, Shmesani, (06) 560 7000, www.tradervics.com Trattoria, AlQasr Metropole Hotel, Arroub St., Shmeisani, (06) 562 0528 Whispers, Abdul Rahman Alawi St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 592 1850 Wox, Mazen Sido Al-Kurdi St., Abdoun, (06) 592 2921, www.wox-chinese.com Yoshi, Mithqal Al Faeiz St., Jabal Amman, 06 464 0903, http://www.atico-jo.com/ yoshi.htm Zaatar w Zeit, Mecca St., (06) 552 9291, www.zaatarwzeit.net

Theaters

Al Balad Theater, Yazeed Bin Abu Sufian St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 465 2005, www.al-balad.org King Hussein Cultural Center, Omar Matar St., Al-Muhajareen, (06) 473 9953 Royal Cultural Center, Al-Malekah Alia St., Shmeisani, (06) 566 1026

Transportation

Alpha International, (06) 581 3300 Hijazi, (02) 710 1760 Taxi Al Mumayaz, (06) 579 9999

Street Feature

Taj Mall

Christmas Crafts

December Promos

Shop

Sanctuary

to See

Street Feature

haven’t already made your over to this street, then Ifwayyoumissing Baouniyyeh St. you’re out! Just off of Paris

Go popped over to Jabal Weibdeh’s side street with character, for a day of creative inspiration

O EDJoTBeduKNOW NErecently closed

their store for renovations, but they’ve erected a makeshift shop opposite their boutique. Be sure to swing by to check out their new collection of hoodies!

Square, taking the right just before the Arab Bank, Baouniyyeh St. is packed full of fun outlets to spend the afternoon exploring. Housing venues like Jo Bedu’s store, the new Camel’s B@C café, and the offices of Fluid Productions (of Bath Bayakha fame), as well as ceramics stores and other shops selling bits and pieces, you’ll be surprised at the amount of things to discover on this narrow street. Or if you’re just interested in spending an afternoon outdoors window shopping, a stroll along this long road, and taking detours to investigate Jabal Weibdeh’s other many streets, is a great way to while away the hours.

Continue down Baouniyyeh St. until Suleiman Al Nabulsi St. to spot the impressive blue-domed King Abdullah Mosque

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The late King Hussein completed this house of worship in 1989 as a memorial to his grandfather. A grand building that can hold up to 10,000 worshippers, this is one of the few mosques in the capital that welcomes nonMuslim visitors. The mosque also contains a small Islamic Museum, which displays some of King Abdullah I belongings, as well as art and engravings. If you’re planning a visit keep in mind that women are required to cover their hair in this holy place and shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall.

Visiting Entrance Fee: Entering King Abdullah Mosque costs 2 JOD (this includes the Islamic Museum within) Opening times: - Saturdays through Thursdays, 8:00am – 11:00am and 12:30pm – 2:30pm - Fridays, 8:00am – 10:00am 28 | DEC. 2011

DEC. 2011 | 29

shop

Livin’ the

he highly anticipated TAJ Lifestyle will be opening its doors very soon and we’ll all be in for a treat! The newest mall in the country — encompassing 150,000m² — will boast 140 retail outlets, 25 outdoor terrace restaurants, 24 food court eateries, and a cinema all to open in the coming months. What’s more, to ensure easy accessibility, there are four levels of parking, three entrances, and three valet drop off points. If you need to get your holiday shopping done New establishments within the mall will begin up by mid-December with plenty more or just want to hang out in a cool new space, opening slated for the near future, and the best part is look no further than the brand new TAJ Lifestyle that many of them are new brands in Jordan. So complex slated to open mid-December if you haven’t been yet, take an afternoon and explore the new world of TAJ Lifestyle.

LIFESTYLE

N e w T hr e a ds & T hi n gs With a slew of new brands, dressing the part has never been so easy Global fashion brand H&M has finally arrived in Jordan to eagerly awaiting fans with their fun collections for ladies, gents, and kids. Casual clothing chain, American Eagle Outfitters, is the perfect stop to stock up on jeans, jackets, and t-shirts. International brand, Converse, also has a brand new boutique with colorful stock of their iconic footwear, as well 30 | DEC. 2011

as accessories. Shoppers will find quality fashionforward apparel with a quirky spin on design at French Connection. For the well-dressed gents, Hugo Boss will carry exquisitely designed suits, casual wear, shoes, and accessories. Ladies looking to glam up their wardrobe need look no further than Esmina for elegant gowns and trendy cocktail dresses.

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B ri n g o n th e B l i n g If you want to adorn yourself or gift others with jewelry and watches, there’s no shortage of options here Boasting 30 international watch brands, including Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, OMEGA, Tissot, ck, ToyWatch and many others, shoppers will find a wide range of timepieces at Time Center. For those looking for beautifully crafted aviation timepieces, Breitling carries a great collection of different models. Jewelry fans will be happy to find a stunning range of gold, diamond, and precious stone creations at top local brands Imseeh and Shawkat Shami suited for any occasion. Crystal jewelry and ornaments from Swarovski are available at their new boutique, while fun watches and jewelry for the young and young at heart can be found at Swiss fashion brand Swatch.

More to Come Keep your eye out for the following to open soon at TAJ Lifestyle… - Aishti - Burberry - Centro - Faconnable - Fakhreldin Bistro - Furla - L’Entrecote - Louis Vuitton - Menchie’s - P.F Chang’s - Taj Cinema and loads more!

E a t T his When hunger or thirst sets in, satisfy your cravings with a range of fun fare options

B o d y B e a u tif u l Taking care of skin and hair is important during the winter months, so stock up on your cosmetic needs Feel, look, and smell great with Bath & Bodyworks’ body and home items including shower products, lotions, fragrances, candles, and plenty more. Famous for using ingredients such as shea butter, verbana, almond, lavender, and more, shoppers will find a sublime range of skin, body, and hair care products from the French brand L’Occitane de Provence. Touted as the favorite of makeup professionals, Make Up For Ever will fill any makeup needs you may have like complexion, cheeks, eyes, and lip products, as well as, tools and cleansers. Smelling great is easy with Vavavoom as they boast personal fragrance collections from top international brands for both him and her.

Crepaway is a hip casual eatery that not only serves fantastic crêpes, but has an extensive menu including salads, burgers, pasta, steaks, platters, and desserts. Taking the humble falafel Just Falafel is setting out to lead a “Falafelution” with their array of sandwiches! Local restaurant Wingers specializes in awesome

Buffalo wings, hotdogs, and burgers as well as fab side dishes. Then all it takes is a stop at Häagen-Dazs to satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of their delicious premium ice cream. Alternatively, Pinkberry serves up luscious frozen yogurt that can be topped off with fresh fruit, toasted nuts, or candy.

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Supermarket will open their doors soon, so be ready to fill your shopping carts with their fantastic and fresh grocery items.

DEC. 2011 | 31

Shop Karis Kraft Karis Kraft is the shopping spot for beautiful handstitched Christmas décor

Shopping with Reason Go’s Kinzi Jones scoped out three stores that produce beautiful local art, and a life-line for the gifted yet less privileged Images by: Spencer Smith

From the Earth A little bit off the beaten path, but well worth the trip

ou probably didn’t know that From The Earth has a show room in Bayader, created to promote first-class, eco-friendly products made with local partners. In compliance with World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) practices, FTE endeavors to be both earth-friendly and benefit the local art community here while also exporting abroad. FTE’s stunning decorative art includes

handmade paper from the Iraq Al-Amir Cooperative, Gadara Mosaics, mother-of-pearl boxes by Erfan Alharastani, Ghada Sha’abis’ unique painted ceramics, Fihmi Abu Edshayshs’ hand woven and dyed rugs, and Leen Tabba Textiles encompassing embroidered and quilted décor. The Najm Al-Deen Cooperative brings on the wearable stitched art and Al Masbana provides the deliciously scented olive oil soap. They also carry stitched products from Karis Kraft and Holy Land Design’s olive wood jewelry, décor, and household items.

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Bayader, Wadi Al Seer, (06) 585 7838, www.ftehome.com

Holy Land Designs

The full and colorful showroom contains Amman’s largest array of tree ornaments and banners reflecting designs and colors of the season. Many of the products are hybrids of East and West, with colors, fabrics, and designs, complimentary to any décor. Karis Kraft was the first in Jordan to produce Christianfocused verse stitched in Arabic, and can custom create any fabric design or mosiac desired. Fawzi and Linda Attia began Karis Kraft 15 years ago after seeing the need that Palestinian and Iraqi refugees had for subsistence level income. These displaced people had fallen through the cracks in the system, didn’t fit existing programs, and couldn’t legally work. Fawzi, himself an artist, saw how indigenous crafts could fulfill the two fold purpose of creating employment and fill a market niche for a beautiful and unique type of décor. Off of the 2nd Circle, (06) 461 6674

the employees are hard-working,

Carving chances and enriching loyal, and long-term producers lives from the roots of olive trees of high quality products, having

oly Land Designs Inc. produces quality olive wood décor, but how they do it is what sets them HLD provides work to O KNO apart. ED T the physically and mentally E Visit W N Holy Land challenged, striving to Designs for a improve their quality of family tour! You can life. When a disabled see the workshop, worker goes from being how the products are made, or you can come as a needy consumer to a “helper-tourists” and join family contributor, their the crew. Call for an social currency increases. appointment. But this is not a charity; 32 | DEC. 2011

become experts in the finer details of olive wood and carving. Their trademark nativity scene pieces go through countless stages of shaping and nothing goes to waste. Even small bits become beautiful beads for their jewelry line. Plus all work is done by hand — no cheap laser cutting here! Artisans who came to Jordan from Bethlehem in the 70s trained the workers, proudly carrying on a tradition. Bayader, (06) 583 1022, www. holylanddesigns.net

DEC. 2011 | 33

Shop

December Shopping News

All That Glitters Swatch’s Seasons Special Collection captures the opulence of celebration

ncluding two new watches — a golden New Gent and a silver Gent, plus a silver- and gold-hued new Swatch Bijoux family, the Seasons Special has candlelit warmth and charisma perfect for the holiday season. A ray of light among the subdued palettes of winter, the golden New Gent Golden Rebel features a golden silicon strap and a sun-brushed golden dial. The complementary silver Gent Shimmer Ray, is a handsome, cool-colored companion with sun-brushed silver dial and silver silicon strap. To check out this new collection, head to Swatch Princess Taghrid Moh’d St., Sweifieh, or (06) 585 6678 and visit www.swatch.com.

Be Jeweled F

arfasha is a designer gold jewelry brand by Damas, available in seven various themes with more than 160 designs ranging from necklaces and bracelets to earrings and rings. First launched in 2005/2006 to showcase a trendy and colorful gold jewelry line to fashion conscious, stylish and youthful consumers, the

Winter Sale It’s back! Time Center’s highly anticipated annual 25% winter sale With over 30 international watch brands to choose from, it’s easy to get your holiday shopping done at Time Center. Whether you’re looking for gifts for him or for her, this top watch retailer has plenty of fantastic timepieces to choose from to suit any budget. So bundle up and head over to the nearest Time Center branch and enjoy their fantastic offers. (06) 553 6553, www. timecenter.com.jo

Damas unveiled its latest Farfasha Collection for 2011/2012

brand quickly achieved great acclaim. The new collection incorporates gold with different designs and colors, incorporating interesting layers and geometric designs. Additionally, the Farfasha Collection is available at all price points and affordability remains a key attraction of the brand.

Head to Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 551 4404 or log on to www.damasjewellery.com or www.facebook.com/farfashajewellery to see the colleciton today.

Delicious

Holidays

‘Tis the time to be merry’ and what better way than celebrating this festive season with wonderful food from PAUL?

The artisan bakery and pâtisserie definitely knows a thing or two about making a joyous occasion even more glamorous with exquisite treats prepared by their skilled pastry chefs and master bakers. After all, looking back to a history of over 120 years in food preperation doesn’t hurt. PAUL will be offering a variety of Bûches de Noël, the traditional French festive soft sponge rolls, filled and decorated with delectable cream, along with a great selection of macaroons, treats, and more. Make sure to pick up PAUL’s complete festive product guide (available from 15 December) from any of their shops for hassle-free festive planning. Saed Abdo Shammout St., Abdoun, (06) 593 9123.

Business Smart Buying

Visa has joined forces with Jordan’s Bank al Etihad to launch the first Visa Business Card in Jordan, dedicated to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to assist them in managing their working capital needs and monitoring and tracking their business expenses such as travel, entertainment, and more. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.comorp or head to a Bank al Etihad branch today. 34 | DEC. 2011

Performance & Excellence Bulgari has teamed up with the New Zealand All Blacks to create a beautiful special edition watch Winners of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the legendary All Blacks have succeeded as the best rugby team in the world. Bulgari congratulates the team with their newly developed Endurer Chronosprint, a timepiece that embodies the All Blacks’ spirit. Perfectly exemplifying dynamism and perfection, through its aesthetics of symbols and references of the New Zealand team, the special edition Bulgari Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks expresses style and resistance. With its sturdy yet smoothly integrated line, its symbolic motifs

reflecting a tribal Maori tattoo, and its DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) shaped case, this watch is a real concentration of power that maintains the inherent refinement of all exclusive Haute Horlogerie creations. To see this amazing wristwatch for yourself, swing by Bulgari, Um Uthaina Vista, Iriteria St., Um Uthaina, or call (06) 553 0391.

O KNO ED T W The NE Volvo S60

was chosen as the, “Middle East Car of the Year,” at the ME Motor Awards 2011! Call (06) 553 6680 for a test drive with Al Mahmoudia Motors today!

AppArel

Shop

962 Jordan, Al Salalem Building, Prince Mohammed St., 3rd Circle, (06) 464 7134, www.962jordan.com ABC Dept. Stores, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., (06) 582 5191 Adidas Originals, Al Wakalat St., (06) 581 6034, www.adidas.com Aizone, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 582 37 24, www.ashti.com Avanti, Zara Center, Arar St., Wadi Saqra, (06) 464 3305, www.impac.com.jo BCBG/MAXAZRIA, Zara Center, Arar St., Wadi Saqra, (06) 4620312, www.bcbg.com Bhs, Cozmo Center, Al Sahel Ave., 7th Circle, (06) 551 0240, www.bhs.com Biba Boutique, Kurdi Complex, Fawzi Al Mughrabi St., Abdoun, (06) 592 0405 Boss, Al Khair Building, Sharif Naser bin Jamil St., (06) 569 2595, www.boss.com Canali, Zara Center, Zara Center, Arar St., Wadi Saqra, (06) 464 3304, www.canali.com Champions Sportswear, Abdoun Circle, (06) 592 1065 Cortefiel, Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (06) 588 5835, www.cortefiel.com Ermenegildo Zegna, Zara Center, Arar St., Wadi Saqra, (06) 464 3305 www.zegna.com Etam, Wakalat St., Sweifieh (06) 582 8696, www.etam.com Gap, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 585 5408, www.gap.com Jo Bedu, Baouniyyeh St., Jabal Weibdeh, (06) 461 8144, www.jo-bedu.com Karen Millen, Fountain Plaza, Abdel Rahim Haj-Mohammed St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 3952, www.karenmillen.com Fiordelli, Le Royal, Zahran St., 3rd Circle, (06) 460 3000, www.fiordelli.com Forever 21, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 553 7231, www.forever21.com Kenny, #18 Astra Building, Islamic College St., (06) 461 0100, www.kennyboutique.com Lavin, Al Khair Building, Sharif Naser bin Jamil St., (06) 566 2444, www.lavin.com Levis, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 585 2641, www.levis.com Mango, Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 1349, www.mango.com Massimo Dutti, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 581 8227, www.massimodutti.com Maxmara, Building No. 30, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 553 0601, www.maxmara.com Monsoon, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 585 0526, www.monsoon.co.uk Promod, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 550 2783, www.promod.com Reebok, City Mal, King Abdullah II St., (06) 581 9178, www.reebok.com Scruples, Cairo St., Abdoun Circle, Abdoun, (06) 592 3490 Sposebella, Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (06) 585 3538 Stradivarius, Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 3386, www.stradivarius.com United Colors of Benetton, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 551 7053, www.benetton.com Via Condotti, Queen Zain Al Sharaf St., Abdoun, (06) 592 0022 Vibes, Nakhwa Center, Zein Al Sharaf St., Abdoun, (06) 593 0149 Zara, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 550 2776, www.zara.com Zay, Abdoun Circle, Abdoun, (06) 592 8818

Appliances & Electronics

AEG, Mecca St., (06) 552 7640, www.aeg. com, www.al-kattan.com Bang & Olufsen, Thaqafa St., Shmesani, (06) 562 7317, www.bangolufsen.com Blinx, Avenue Mall, Sweifieh, (06) 585 2543, www.blinx.jo Bose, Fountain Plaza, Abdel Rahim HajMohammed St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 9404, www.bose.com Canon, Princess Bassma St., Wadi Abdoun, (06) 520 0920, www.canon-me.com E-Mart Electronics, Sameh Mall, Madina Al Munawarah St., (06) 550 5500 Golden Mobile, King Abdullah II Ibn Hussein St., (06) 586 3369, www.goldenmobile.com.jo Isystems, Foutain Plaza, Abdel Rahim Haj36 | DEC. 2011

Mohammed St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 9504 LG, Mecca St., (06) 556 0626, www.lg.com Mabco, King Abdullah II St., (06) 580 5580, www.mabco.com.jo Multi Vision, Madina Al Munawarah St., (06) 554 2902 Panasonic, Mecca St., (06) 582 6042, www. panasonic.com PC Zone, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 556 1766, www.pczonejo.com Philips, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 420 1915, www.philips.com Samsung, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 582 9545, www.samsung.com Siemens, Mecca St., (06) 582 3466, www. siemens.com Smart Buy, Al Sahel Avenue, 7th Circle, Sweifieh, (06) 580 9999 Sony, Abdula Hamid Sharaf St., Shmesani, (06) 567 8944, www.sony.com Tele Link, Abu Al-Suod Building, Abdel Hameed Sharaf St., Shmesani, (06) 560 7744, www.telelink.com.jo Universal Kitchen, Building No. 250, Mecca St., (06) 553 0200, www.uniersal-kitchen.com

Shop Listings

Tender Loving Corn, Abdoun Circle, Abdoun, (06) 592 7667 Turkish Delight, Yacoub St., Sweifieh, (06) 585 6980 Zalatimo, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 581 6806

Florists & Plant Shops

Alissar Flowers, Mazen Seedo Al Kurdi St., Abdoun, (06) 531 0556, www.alissarflowers.com Golzar Flowers, 7th Circle, (06) 585 5932 Bloomz of Heaven, King Abdullah II St., (06) 553 1001 Lily, Zain Abdoun Commercial Complex, Abdoun, (06) 5923620 Orchids, Um Uthaina, (06) 551 9881

Furniture & Home Accessories

Armani Casa, Wadi Saqra St., (06) 569 3031, www.armani.com Co + Co, Mecca St., (06) 553 0648 Badr Adduja, Abu Tamman St., 2nd Circle, (06) 465 0470, www.badr-adduja.com.jo Bashiti Hardware, T’la Al Ali, (06) 535 0009, www.bashitistores.com Casa Bella, Kurdi Compound, Abdoun, (06) 592 4351 Art Galleries 4 Walls, Sheraton Amman Hotel, Zahran St., Elite Furniture, Mecca St., (06) 586 5557, www.elite.jo Jabal Amman, (06) 592 0902 Home and Garden, Queen Zain Il Sharaf St., Broadway Gallery, Salah Toukan St., Abdoun, (06) 593 4858, www. Sweifieh, (06) 581 0280, www.broadwayhomeandgardenjordan.com gallery.com Home and Home,Wakalat Dar Al-Adna, Dhirar Bin Al-Azwar St., Sweifieh, (06) St., Jabal Al Weibdah, (06) 462 586 2622, www. Get yourself 9599, www.daralanda.com homeandhome. some of Hala’s Foresight Art Gallery, Ibn Al com.jo Treats’ delicious and Roumi Street, Um Uthaina. Home Center, cute Christmas cookies (06) 556 0080, www. Mecca Mall, (06) this month! Visit www. foresightartgallery.com 554 1711, www. halastreats.com to check Jacaranda Images, Omar homecentre.net them out youself or call Bin Al Khattah St., 1st Circle, In-Design, Mecca (079) 557 5465 to Jabal Amman, (06) 464 St., (06) 586 3475, place an order. 4050, www.jacarandaimages. www.indesign-jo.com com Istikbal, Mecca St., (06) Karim Gallery, Wadi Saqra St., 552 8327, www.istikbal.jo (06) 461 7585, www.karimgallery. The Linen Closet, Hassan com Barkawi St., North Abdoun, (06) 593 Love On A Bike, Mu’thaa Bin Jabal St., 1st 4504 Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 461 4288, www. The One, Zara Center, Wadi Saqra, (06) 462 loveonabike.com Nabad Art Gallery, Uthman Bin Affan St., 1st 0305, www.theone.com Rattan House, Ghosheh St, (06) 402 0789, Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 465 5084, www. www.rattan-house.com nabadartgallery.com Orient Gallery, Issam Ajlouni St., Shmesani, Rocca, Al-Shahid Wasfi Al-Tall St., Waha Circle, T’la Al Ali, (06) 569 0016, www.kayyali-rocca.com (06) 568 1303, www.orientgallery.net Zara Home, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) Orfali Art Gallery, Kufa St., Um Uthaina, 550 2779, www.zara.com (06) 5526932, www.orfali.net The Studio, Prince Mohammed St., Bldg. 89, Zone Furniture, King Abdullah II St., (06) 535 9173, www.zonefurniture.co.uk Downtown, (06) 464 6367, www.thestudio-jo.com Handbags & Shoes Zara Gallery, Grand Hyatt Amman, 3rd Circle, Aennis Eunis, Sa’ad Shammout St., Abdoun, (06) 465 1433, www.zaragallery.org www.aenniseunis.com Aigner, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 552 4868, Books, movies, & Music www.aigner.com The Good Book Shop, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Aldo, Hamra St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 3972, Jabal Amman, (06) 461 3939 www.aldo.com Jordan Book Center, Queen Rania Al Abdallah Bally, Fountain Plaza, Abdel Rahim HajSt., Al-Jubeiha, (06) 515 1882, www. Mohammed St., Sweifieh, (06) 586 2350, jordanbookcenter.com www.bally.com Philadelphia Book Gallery, Al-Shahid Wasfi Chic Boutique, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti Al-Tall St., Tla’ Al Ali, (06) 551 5861, www. pbgjordan.com Prime Bookstore, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 1204 Prime Megastore, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 556 0313, www.primemegastore.com Readers, Cozmo Center, Al Sahel Ave., 7th Circle, (06) 582 8488 Virgin Megastore, City Mall, Al Madinah Al-Tybieh St., (06) 5502787, www. virginmegastore.me

ED TO KNOW NE

Edibles

Bateel, Kurdi Center, Abdoun, (06) 593 4431, www.bateel.ae Jeff De Bruges, Cairo St., Abdoun, (06) 590 3346, www.jeff-de-bruges.com Jelly Belly, Abdel Rahim Haj-Mohammed St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 6531, www.jellybelly.com Patchi, Sweifieh, (06) 586 4907, www.patchi.com Sugar Daddy’s, Kurdi Center, Abdoun, (06) 593 3032

St., Sweifieh, (06) 300 5000 Clarks, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 582 5054, www.clarks.com Geox, City Mall, King Abudllah II St., (06) 582 1727, www.geox.com Givenchy, Abdoun Circle, Abdoun, (06) 592 2077, www.givenchy.com Kipling, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 585 4338 Longcamp, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 8998 Nine West, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 581 1466, www.ninewest.com Scholl, Al-Shahid Wasfi Al-Tall St., Tla’ Al Ali, (0) 79 533 5000, www.scholl.com Via Uno, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., Sweifieh, (06) 582 5191

Jewelry & Watches

Abu-Shakra, Al Bayer Building, 8th Circle, Al Bayader Wadi Il Seer, (06) 581 7173, www. abushakra.com Bulgari, Um Uthaina Vista, Iritirea St., Um Uthaina, (06) 553 0319 Imseeh Jewelry, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 551 1120, www.imseehjewelry.com Jabasini Jewelry, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 585 9486, www.jabasinijewellery.com Karnig, 6th Circle, Sweifieh, (06) 541 1423, www.karnigcompanyltd.rolexdealers.com Kayali Jewelry, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 5726, www.kayalijewelry.com Kurdi Jewelry, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 553 0101 Mouawad Jewelry, Um Uthaina Vista, Iritirea St., Um Uthaina, (06) 556 3891, www. mouawad.com Over the Rainbow, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 461 3248, www. otrainbow.com Shiraz Jewelry, Shat Al-Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 8951, www.shirazjewels.com Swatch, Sweifieh, (06) 585 6678, www. swatch.com Time Center, Um Uthaina Vista, Iritirea St., Um Uthaina, (06) 553 2216, www.timecenter.jo

Kids

Hamleys, Al-Hjaz Building, Mecca St. (06) 551 5020, www.hamleys.com Mothercare, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 581 6934, www.mothercare.com Tot Care, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 556 0724, www.mytotcare.com

Malls

Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., (06) 580 8888, www.albarakamall.com Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 552 7932, www. meccamall.jo City Mall, Al Madinah Al-Tybieh St., (06) 586 8500, www.citymall.jo Zara Center, Wadi Saqra St., (06) 463 7315

Perfume & Cosmetics

ABC Dept. Stores, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., (06) 582 5191 Abu Shakra, Abdoun Mall, Umaween St., Abdoun, (06) 592 8060 The Body Shop, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 581 9258, www.thebodyshop.com Crab Tree & Evelyn, Al Baraka Mall, Sa’eed Al Mufti St., (06) 581 8286 Faces, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 585 6213, www.faces-me.com MAC, City Mall, Al Madinah Al-Tybieh St., (06) 550 2824, www.maccosmetics.com Rivage, Al Hamra St., Sweifieh, (06) 562 1767, www.rivageline.com The Soap House, Yousef Asfour St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 463 3953 Vavavoom, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 550 2826

Supermarkets

Carrefour, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 550 5800, www.carrefour.com Cozmo, Al Sahel Avenue, 7th Circle, Sweifieh, (06) 551 0240, www.cozmocentre.com Miles, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 585 3444 Safeway, 7th Circle, (06) 568 5311, www. safeway.com.jo

Reiki Healing

Dr. Samerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clinic

HEALTHY

Healing Hands Go’s Rayah Al-Mashal explores the power of a healing touch in the form of Japanese therapy, reiki

Scan Here for Facebook

38 | DEC. 2011

any of us share an appreciation for the idea of the energy world. Whether it encompasses a full-on belief in the “life force energy” that dwells within us, or is more of a notion of general spiritual well-being and the positive and negative energy we tend to experience and emit in our daily lives, the idea is alluring. One such spiritual practice is reiki. Reiki is the belief that through palm healing, universal energy (called “reiki” in Japanese) is transferred in the form of ki (energy flow) to the individual to achieve a state of equilibrium. It was developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui and is considered today to be a form of alternative medicine. The therapy is holistic, focusing on physical, mental, emotional, as well as spiritual levels, transferring positive healing energy from the practitioner to the participant by laying their hands on one’s “life force energy,” and attempt to increase it so that the person is more capable of being happy and healthy. While there are currently two major traditions of reiki — Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki — both schools use palm healing to treat the participants. The methodology implemented is similar, with the major difference being that Western Reiki uses a formalized set of hand patterns, instead of intuitive skills of “knowing and feeling” where to place the hands. Reiki is built upon a beautiful set of ethical principles, developed by Usui, known as the Five Reiki Precepts, and I can’t help but

feel inspired by the simplicity and magnetism of the following words; “At least for today: Do not be angry; Do not worry; Be grateful; Work with diligence; Be kind to people.” These are beautiful notions, and I can feel a subtle surge of positivity, optimism, and happiness creep up within me at the possibility of every day being a “just for today” day. Thankfully, Reiki is within reach, because the next time you feel like you need to de-stress and wind down (and I’m sure we’ve all been there) and are interested enough to give this practice a try, tread to B-Well. This center is a unique sanctuary that resourcefully unites both ancient sacred healing techniques with the latest innovations in healing modalities. Promoting deep relaxation, emotional balance, detoxifying the body, and strengthening the immune system, Reiki at B-Well is all encompassing. Plus, offering a range of holistic approaches, B-Well prides itself on “wanting for you what you want for yourself — to live life at your full potential.” Customized healing treatments are implemented for each person, aiming to create long lasting deep emotional change; essentially, B-Well is a one-stop destination for healing and growth. With countless teachings, sometimes it can be hard to keep up. But spiritual energy has an undeniable presence, and every once in a while, you are somehow introduced to a method, teaching, or practice that just captivates your attention and curiosity. So give it a go and enjoy… at least for today.

Other Treatments If reiki isn’t your cup of tea, explore the array of different therapies offered at B-Well, including; Chromotherapy: Using color and light to balance the body’s natural energy. Crystals and Gemstones: Reactivating the body’s high-energy points to bring balance and harmony. Virtual Reality Therapy: Swim with the dolphins, or enjoy another environment to help you relax and escape. Spa Capsule: Improve your blood flow, activate your water molecules, improve oxygen absorption, and stimulate your metabolism in this state of the art mechanism.

B-Well: Asaf Intersection, Khalda (079) 5016081 (06) 593 9954 bwell.jo@gmail.com

The 5 Reiki W

EDTOKNO NE B-Well

really embodies the term “holistic,” even offering Life Coaching and accessing all levels to leave you feeling grounded, empowered, and in-charge!

Precepts Thisisthesecret

artofinviting happiness;the miraculous medicineforall diseases

At least for today: Do not be angry Do not worry Be grateful Work with diligence Be kind to people Every morning and evening, join your hands in meditation and pray with your heart. State in your mind and chant with your mouth for the improvement of mind and body.

DEC. 2011 | 39

HEALTHY

Treating Your Pearly Whites Looking for a happier smile for the holidays? Go’s Kinzi Jones checked out Dr. Samer Sunna’s new state-of-the-art clinic for orthodontic care

36 Mohammad Ali Janah St., Abdoun (06) 593 6677 (079) 526 5263 (077) 526 5263 info@sunnaortho.com

40 | DEC. 2011

Dr. Samer also added the latest in panoramic x-ray machines to save busy moms a trip to a lab. Even better, the new machine emits 50% less radiation in a thoroughly isolated room for safety. He designed his own in-house sterilization room and a lab technician’s room to make all the plaster casts on-site as well. Additionally, Dr. Samer has made his office the place where he meets with patients to talk about their treatment, and to show them educational videos on oral care on an Apple big screen. The new center is clearly an investment in his clientele. Dr. Samer and his staff continue to offer the families they serve the very best in treatment options. His patients love him back, too: a shelf in the elegant waiting room is dedicated to the letters and gifts he has received over the years from kids who have benefitted from his care.

Paper-Free

TOKNO EEDMy big

ore than creating a beautiful smile, orthodontics is a corrective method of oral health care for both bone and teeth alignment. Having grown out of his previous location, Dr. Samer pulled out all the stops in planning his new office. His wife, Zein Amari, is a graphic designer and she made sure that balanced efficiency, simple elegance, and kid-friendliness reflected in the clinic’s layout and function. Dr. Samer wanted the latest technology in a spotless environment, and the result is a design, tech, and cleanfreak’s dream. The atmosphere’s purity is maintained by an air conditioning and heating system containing special filters, plus the floors are steam cleaned daily. The facility’s potted plants are not rooted in soil, but in rocks that use less water and keep fungus and bacteria out of the clinic.

favorite in the clinic is Dr. Samer’s thoughtful addition of a bit of Jordanian hospitality: a complimentary coffee machine!

In keeping with the clinic’s environmentally-sound focus, Dr. Samer’s center is now completely paperless At Dr. Samer Sunna’s clinic, all information is electronically stored. Each of the three clinic rooms has an iPad for waiting parents to check emails, update Facebook, or read the news. If you really need to work, bring your laptop: there is WiFi available, that is, if you can take your eyes off of the great views of the Abdoun valley.

DEC. 2011 | 41

HEALTHY Clinics

Jordan German Dental Implant Center, Dr. Na’el Abazza, 5th Circle, Al Jumean Mecca St., (06) 582 3345, www.JGDCBuilding (06) 593 4425 dental.com Dr. Midhat Abdelmalik, Dr. Moh’d Al Jumeira Dental Clinics, Madina Munawara Basheer St., Shmeisani, (06) 568 9814, St., (06) 556 3710 www.derma-jo.info Al Khalidi Specilized Dental Center, Bin Dr. Haytham Abdul Hadi, Ameer Hamza St., Khaldoun St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 4281, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 0040 www.kmc.jo Dr. Ibrahim Abu Ata, Al Khaldi St., Al Khaldi, Al Massi Dental Implant Center, Queen (06) 463 0333, Rania St., (06) 535 0669 Dr. Amr Amr, Al Bader Medical Center, 5th Dr. Ibrahim Nashashibi Dental Center, 7th Circle, (06) 592 1101 Circle, (06) 581 2393 Dr. Mohammad Al Baghal , Building No. 46, Panorama Dental Center, Sweifieh, (06) Al Khaldi St., 4th Circle, (06) 464 6625 593 9991 Dr. Sae’d Al Barghouty, Hazza’ Al Majali St., Al Saoudi Al Tebbi, Suleiman AL Hadeed St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 3133 5th Circle, (06) 592 6663 Battikhi Specialized Clinics, Mustafa Healthy Eating Khalifeh Street, 3rd Circle, (06) 464 7253 Atkins: United Nutritions, Mecca St., (06) Caviar Medical Center, Khald Bin Al Walid 588 5449, unitednutritions.com Street, Jabal Al Hussein, (06) 566 6209, DNI Nutrition Center, off of Wakalat St., www.active-caviar.com Sweifieh, (06) 585 1188, dnijordan.com Dr. Nayef Al Dibes, Abu Hassan AL Ashari Eman Hamarneh Nutrition Center, off of St., (06) 567 0499 Karmalite Medical Esthetic, Na'eb Imran Al Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (0) 79 561 1470 Ma'aytah St., Sweifieh, (06) 586 8024, www. Nutrition Zone, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 586 8707, nutritionzoneltd.com karmalite.com Dr. Khalil Ghosheh, Zeid Bin Harethah St., Hospitals Jabal Amman, (06) 464 2190 Abdul Hadi Eye Hospital Dr. Jareer Halazon, Queen Noor St., Jabal Amman, Abu Firas Al Jordan Hospital, (06) 568 4450 O T St., (06) 462 Dr. Nidal Hamad, Zahran St., ED KNOW Hamadani E 7628, www.ahhospital. 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, N In need of a com dose of vitamins? (06) 592 0202 Al Amal Center, Why not strengthen Dr. Hadi Abu Hantash, Al University St., (06) 535 your immune system Sharq St., Jabal Amman, 3000, www.khcc.jo with a shot of wheatgrass, (06)464 4707 Al Amal Maternity known as the ultimate Dr. Fawzi Abu Hmeidar, Hospital, Jabal Al body purifyer available Speciality Hospital, Hussein, (06) 567 3155, at juicebangbang. Call Shmeisani, (06) 565 2501, www.alamalhospital. (077) 598 9416 for www.speciality-hospital. com details. com Amman Surgical Hospital, Dr. Khaldoun Jayousi, Bin Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle, (06) Khaldoun St., 4th Circle, (06) 465 464 1261 0666 Arab Medical Center, 5th Circle, (06) 592 Dr. Faris Jumean, Abdullah Ghosheh St., (06) 1199, www.amc-hospital.com 585 3525 Al Esraa Hospital, University St., (06) 530 Dr. Shireen Jweiber, Shmeisani, (06) 569 0300, www.esraahospital.com 5159 Dr. Zaher Al-Kaseeh, Al Khaldi St., 4th Circle, Farah Hospital, Jabal Amman Mai Zeyadah St., (06) 464 4440, www.farah-hospital.org (06) 464 1901 Hiba Hospital, Jabal Hussein, (06) 566 Dr. Ibrahim, Bin Khldoun St., 3rd Circle, Al 2034 Khalidi, (06) 464 4281, www.klc.jo Dr. Taroob Khoury, Layla Al Khaylaeyeh St., Ibn-Al Haytham Hospital, Musa Al Saket St., (06) 520 5555, www.ibn-alhaythamShmeisani, (06) 567 8909 hospital.com Laser Care Center, Bin Khaldoun St., 3rd Istishari Hospital, Al Kindi St., Wadi Saqra, Circle, (06) 463 3956, lasercareclinic.com (06) 500 1000, www.istisharihospital.com Dr. Ibrahim Mashini, 4th Circle, (06) 593 Jabal Amman Hospital, Al Mutanabi St., 4th 1755 Circle, (06) 464 2362 Dr. Mute’e Mehyar, Sakinah St., Jabal Jordan Hospital, Queen Nour St., Shmeisani, Amman, (06) 560 3030 (06) 560 8080, www.jordan-hospital.com Dr. Alia Nsour, Al Nasser Building, Jabal Al Khaldi Medical Center, Bin Khaldoun St., Amman, (06) 464 2377 Dr. Lina Qaddoumi, 6th Circle, (06) 553 5997 4th Circle, (06) 464 4281, www.kmc.jo Jordan Red Crescent Hospital, Prince Al Dr. Zuhair Al Qasas, Main Street, Wadi Al Hassan St., Al Ashrafiyeh, (06) 477 3141, Seer, Bayader, (06) 582 1801 www.jnrcs.org Dr. Iyad Reyahi, Building No. 16, 8th Circle, Jordanian University Hospital, Queen (06) 586 5290 Rania Al Abdullah St., Al Jubaiha, (06) 535 Dr. Mahmoud Abu Shaban, Zahran St., 5th 3444, www.ju.edu.jo Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 592 1020 Al Rashid Hospital, Irbid, (02) 710 0890 Dr. Hameidah Shaheen, Bin Khaldoun St., Specialty Hospital, Jaber Bin Hayyan St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1212 Dr. Ramzi Tabbalat, Abdullah Akkad St., 1st Shmeisani, (06) 500 1111, www.specialtyhospital.com Circle, (06) 465 5562,

Dentists

Al Ahli Dental Center, Queen Rania St., (06) 516 8787 Dr. Nabil Asfour, Al Zohla St., 5th Circle, (06) 592 3250 Dr. Hisham Bustani, Dental Care Clinics, Shmeisani, (06) 560 4602 Dental Spa Clinic, Al Madinah Al Munawwara St., Um Uthaina, (06) 556 0043 FIDIC (The First Dental Implant Center), Shmeisani, (06) 569 9770, www.fidic-jo. com Jordan Dental Center, Gardens St., T’la Al Ali, (06) 553 8261, www.jordan-dental.com 42 | DEC. 2011

laboratories

Abdoun Clinics, 15 Suleiman Hadidi St., 5th Circle, (06) 593 7376 Hanania Medical Center, 13 Khalil Maz'al St., 5th Circle, (06) 592 4385 Jume'an Building, 13 Suleiman Hadidi St., 5th Circle, (06) 592 0036 Quraini Building, 52 Khaldoun St., 4th Circle, (06) 464-1155

Natural Treatments

Abdoun Physiotherapy, Al Bader Medical Center, 5th Circle, (06) 592 4005, clients. johealth.com Dina Slim Center, Abdoun Circle, Abdoun,

(06) 592 1037, www.dinaslimcentre.com Physio Medic For Physiotherapy, off of Princess Basma St., 5th Circle, Abdoun, (06) 593 3114, physiomedic.net

Opticians

Al Khalidi Vision Correction Center, Ben Khaldoun St., Jabal Amman, (06) 464 4281, Optikos Shami, Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 586 6969, www.optikosshami. com Sharif Eye Center, 4th Circle, (06) 464 4066, www.sharifeyecenter.com

Pharmacies

Abu Sheikha Drug Store, Akef Al Fayez St., Daheyat Al Rasheed, (06) 516 2971, www. abusheikha.com Amin Shqair Drug Store, Khaleel Al Salem St., T’la Al Ali, (06) 550 2997 Arabian Drug Store, Prince Talal St., Downtown, (06) 462 4051 Bayer Drug Store, Hikmat Center, Al Abdali, (06) 562 1030 Dar al Dawa, Al Rabiyah, Siqilia St., (06) 553 9176, www.dadgroup.com Ferring, Medina Munawara St., (06) 550 1011, www.ferringme.com Hikma Drug Store, Ahmad Al Nsour St., Al Bayader, (06) 585 9442 Husam Nimer Drug Store, (06)5519803 Jordan Drug Store, Isam Al Ajlouni St., Shmeisani, (06) 566 5125, www.jdsco.net Medica Drug Store, Al Vasram St., 5th Circle, (06) 551 6800 Nabih Nabulsi Drug Store, Shaker Ben Zaid St., (06) 569 1681, Nader Group, Al Lozi St., Mokabaleen, (06) 420 0191, www.nadergroup.com Omni Trade (Roche) Pharmacy One, King Abdullah II St., (06) 541 3026, www.pharmacy-1.com Rawafi Drug Stores, Gardens St., T’la Al Ali, (06) 551 9380 Telegraph Drug Store, King Abdullah 2nd St., (06) 541 1599 Trust Drug Store, Sport St., Al Arjan, (06) 568 0955, www.trust-ds.com

Salons/Barbers

Aboud Salon, King Faisal Bin Abd Al Azeez St., 6th Circle, (06) 552 0181 Anis Beauty Center, Al Farrad St., Um Uthaina, (06) 553 5717 Ashraf Co. (Mavala,Poupa), Hussein Snobar St., Wadi Al Seer, (06) 585 8005, Avan, Fawzi Al Mouhrabi St., Abdoun, (0) 77 733 2740 Ayman Shatara, (06) 582 1270 La Cure, Queen Noor St., Shmeisani, (06) 566 4721, www.shoplacure.com

Listings

Daisy, Sa’ad Shamout St., Abdoun, (06) 592 0686 Emad Bazzi, Abdoun Circle, Building No. 20, (06) 593 4762, www.emadbazzi.com.jo Essentials, Prince Hashim Bin Hussein St., Abdoun Circle, (06) 593 5555, www. essentialsamman.com Elixir, Paris St., 7th Circle, (06) 585 5723, Fatenah Salon, Mecca St., (06) 551 2006 Fuad Salon, Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (0) 79 559 1020 Haidar Salon, Omran AL Ma’aytah St., Deir Ghbar, (06) 581 1344 Hammoudeh Salon, Abdoun, (06) 592 9080 Kinda, Abdoun, (06) 593 2876, www. kindacenter.com Maria Salon, Khoury Center, Sweifieh, (0) 79 556 8209 Marwan Khair, 5th Circle, (06) 553 5717, Matrix, (06) 593 1845 Murad Salon, (06) 593 2252 Nivea, Arrar St., Wadi Saqra, (06) 463 2984 N-Style, Abdoun, (06) 593 4934, www. nstyleintl.com Ra’fat AL Saeidi Salon, Sattam Al Hasan St., Abdoun, (06) 593 5222 Raja’I Haddad, Swefieh, (06) 586 3583 Rashid & Thaer, Wadi Saqra St., (06) 552 5434 Rupina Salon, Sa’a Zaghloul St., Abdoun, (06) 592 3163, www.joliefemme.info Selena Beauty Center, Al Rabiyeh, (06) 553 6050 Steve & Metri Salon, Abd Al Rahman Allawi St., 5th Circle, (06) 592 1099, Style Tec, Al Kindi St., 5th Circle, (06) 566 0690 Tariq Hair Styles, Queen Zein Al-Shouq St., Abdoun, (06) 592 3232, www.tareq.m.com Ten of a Kind, Batool Center, Ahmad Al Arousy St. Abdoun, (06) 592 0095 Toni & Guy, Al Fou’ad Complex, Sa’ad Al Shamout St., (06) 592 2999, www. toniandguyjordan.com

Spa

Anantara Spa, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 356 8888, spa.anantara.com Club Olympus Spa, Grand Hyatt Amman, Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1234, amman.grand.hyatt.com Guinot Moroccan Spa, Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 6240, (077) 044 1440 Jordan Valley Marriott Spa, Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 356 0400, www.marriott.com Kempi Spa, Kempinski Hotel Amman, Abdul Hamid Shouman St., Shmeisani, (06) 520 0200, www.kempinski.com Nirvana Spa, Thaqafa St., Shmeisani, (06) 565 2673, www.nirvanaspajordan.com Al Pasha Turkish Bath, Al-Mahmoud Taha St., 1st Circle, Amman, (06) 463 3002, www. pashaturkishbath.com The Royal Spa, Le Royal Hotel Amman, Zahran St., 3rd Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 460 3000, www.leroyalamman.com The Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Al Kindi St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 550 5555, www.fourseasons.com Spa Amber, Bin Ghazi St., Hai Al Radwan, (06) 585 5070 Spa Time, Barakat Zo’bi St., 7th Circle, (06) 585 0025, www.thespatime.com Zara Spa, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 349 1310, www.zaraspa.com Zara Spa Tala Bay, Mövenpick Resort Tala Bay Aqaba, South Beach Road, Tala Bay Area, Aqaba, (03) 209-0320, www. moevenpick-hotels.com

Cycling4Gaza 44 Rugby in Jordan

ACTIVE

Cycling for a Cause Go got an exclusive sneak peek at Cycling4Gaza, an international cycling event that seeks to raise funds for Palestinian children in dire need

etween 8 and 10 December international cyclists will complete a grueling 350km route between Aqaba and the Dead Sea in just three days. The third annual Cycling4Gaza event will raise funds for Palestinian children in dire need of food, healthcare, and education. The event is organized by the Welfare Association, a nonpolitical, non-religious NGO and UK-registered charity that operates in the West Bank, Gaza, and in Lebanon’s refugee camps. Established in 1993, this organization was set up to support vulnerable Palestinian communities by working in partnership with Palestinian NGOs to support development programs and provide aid in times of crisis. The Welfare Association runs: the Gaza Community Based Rehabilitation program supporting children injured and disabled in the conflict; kindergarten programs, improving early childhood education services and providing nutrition programs; water and sanitation programs; and an increasing numbers of emergency programs. Plus, since the December 2008 and January 2009 bombardment of Gaza, this initiative has also implemented interventions including distribution of food, hygiene, and clothes packages to displaced families. In the wake of the 2008-2009 22-day war on Gaza, Cycling4Gaza was founded as an innovative way to keep people informed about the suffering of Gaza’s besieged people and to raise needed funds to support education and healthcare in the strip. So far, Cycling4Gaza has completed two challenges: London 44 | DEC. 2011

to Paris in 2009 (where they raised over 100,000 JOD) and Pisa to Rome in 2010 (where they raised over 145,000 JOD). Cycling4Gaza’s Aqaba to the Dead Sea event aims to raise around 225,000 JOD. The cycling route will be broken up into three parts — Aqaba to Wadi Finan on the first day, Wadi Finan to Wadi Mujid on the second, and Wadi Mujid to the Dead Sea on

the third. Plus, in parallel with the 350km route, and during the same weekend, a group of cyclists from Jordan will be biking between the Baptism site and the Dead Sea on a 20km fun cycle. Anyone is more than welcome to participate in this event, which raises funds for the same cause. So log on to www. cycling4gaza.com and do your good deed for this holiday season!

O ED T KNO NEYou can also W

contact Nabil directly on (079) 517 3678 or email jordan4gaza@ucotc. com to make a cash donation within Jordan!

Where will the money go?

Cycling4Gaza 2011 will be supporting children in Gaza, in particular those seriously injured and disabled in the conflict, through the Gaza CommunityBased Rehabilitation Program. This program will support children’s urgent health and educational needs in the following projects with: 1. The National Society for Rehabilitation in Khan Younis and Rafah will support 650 children with disabilities by providing rehabilitation services and psychosocial support services for children and their families enabling them to cope. 2. Society for the Care of the Handicapped in the Gaza Strip’s “Sun Centre Children’s Club” will support hundreds of children by assessing their specific needs and supporting their learning disabilities.

Scan here To Donate

Jordan

4Gaza

Team Jordan4Gaza aims to raise 30,000 JOD for Cycling4Gaza

3. Nour El Marifa Association’s “Friendly Learning Spaces” will invite 250 children with special needs and learning difficulties from some of the most impoverished areas in the middle of Gaza (Nusierat, Breij, Mghazi, Deir El Balah, Joher el Deik, and Zawaida) and support them in basic skill development in Arabic, English, and math skills.

Even if you can’t cycle for this event, you can get involved by helping Team Jordan4Gaza. This team is comprised of four dedicated local individuals: Nabil Tarazi, Managing Director of EcoHotels; Bana Toukan, Director of Sales & Marketing at Grand Hyatt; Ruba Anastas, Assistant Chief Academic Officer at King Hussein Cancer Center; and Lara Zureikat, Associate Director at the Center for the Study of the Built Environment. They will be taking part in the 350km cycling route and are hoping to raise the 30,000 JOD through sponsorship, donations, and fundraising events. For details, visit www.facebook.com/Jordan4Gaza or to make a donation head to www.justgiving.com/jordan4gaza. DEC. 2011 | 45

ACTIVE

Scrum,

Tackle, & Ruck Go finds out more about the Jordan Rugby Union as the Kingdom’s interest in this sport is growing exponentially Images by: Motaz Abu Hamdeh

ordan’s got a strong base in a number of sports, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that we’ve also got an up-and-coming rugby union team. In May 2007, HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal who wanted to promote the sport in the country, gathered support from HRH Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein in his capacity as President of the Jordan Olympic Committee and HRH Prince Rashid bin Al Hassan (who accepted to become Chairman of the union committee). The Jordan Rugby Union was thus born, and our country’s interest in the sport has been growing ever since. Team members make their way out to Queen Alia Airport Road every Friday at 10:00am to train on Petra University’s lush pitches. Anyone wishing to have a go at this rugged game is welcome to just show up. For now, the Jordan Rugby Union doesn’t hold tryouts, but those interested in being considered for the national squad should simply get in touch and attend practice. The union is planning on launching a local league made up of three teams in the New Year, after which players will be able to contact team representative directly to sign up. And once the league has people, Jordan’s rugby fans will be able to go out to watch the games live. So if you’re looking to join a team sport, but football and basketball hold no interest to you, why not try your hand at this challenging game? Just keep in Rugby union is a contact mind that rugby is not for the faint sport that consists of two of heart — bruising is a certainty, teams of 15 players although fun is too.

Rugby Newbie?

46 | DEC. 2011

Scan here for Website

(077) 737 6007 (077) 608 0060 info@jordanrugby.com www.jordanrugby.com

O ED T KNOW E N If you’ve got

youngsters who are interested in learning to play rugby, the JRU are working on expanding youth and school rugby teams. Get in touch with them now to find out more about it!

The objective is to gain more points than the opposition by scoring trys or kicking goals over 80 minutes of play. It starts at the halfway line with one team drop kicking the ball towards the opposition. The ball can be moved up the field by carrying or kicking, but it can’t be thrown forward when passing. Those carrying the ball can be stopped by the opposition via tackling. Once a tackle is completed the opposition can compete for the ball. Play continues until a try is scored, the ball crosses the sideline, or an infringement occurs. After a team scores the non-scoring team restarts the game at the halfway.

DEC. 2011 | 47

ACTIVE Bowling Centers

Strikers Entertainment Center, Kempinski Hotel Amman, Abdul Hamid Shouman St., Shmeisani, (06) 520 0200, www.kempinski.com Istiqlal Bowling Center, Istiqlal Mall, Istiqlal St., Al Nuzha, (06) 566 4212 Jordan Bowling Center, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 551 2987, www. jordanbowlingcenter.com Bowling City, Athletic City, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah St., (06) 515 0000 Royal Automobile Club of Jordan, Jabal Amman, (06) 520 0200, www.racj.com

Dance Centers

Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Al-Kheir Building, Abdul Raheem Haj Mohammad Street, Swefieh, (06) 586 2004, www. arthurmurrayjordan.com Elite Dance Studio, 4 Issa Bin Salman St., (06) 583 3361, www.elitedancejo.com Freeway Dance Studio, Shahroury Plaza, Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (06) 585 8649, www. freeway.pro The Performing Arts Center of the Noor Al Hussein Foundation, (06) 569 0292, www. pacjo.org Pulse Dance School, Al Husaini Building, Wakalat St., (06) 581 3071 Roberto Dance Academy, 14 Ibn Al Fata St., 7th Circle, (079) 585 5345 Salida Dance Studio, Al Husseini Complex, Abdullah Ghosheh St., 7th Circle, (06) 586 8878, www.salidadancestudio.com Tango Jordan, 2 Sulayman Al Bilbaisi St., behind the Orthodox Club, Abdoun, (079) 598 8117, www.tangojordan.com Tempo, off of Abdul Rahman Alawi St., Jabal

Asalah Equestrian, Madaba Street, Al Yadoudeh, (06) 412 1881 Country Riding Center of Jordan, Jelad, off the Queen Alia Airport Highway, (05) 351 4007 Forest Hill Equestrian, after Sweilieh circle before Philadelphia University, (0) 79 531 2312, www.foresthilljordan.com Fursan Equestrian, Green Country Equestrian Center, Naur, off the Dead Sea Highway, (077) 748 4702, www.alfursanllc.com Green Country Riding Club, Naur, off the Dead Sea Highway, (0) 79 553 3578 Jordan Turf Club, Queen Alia Airport Road, near the Madaba exit, (06) 059 1348 Modern Equestrian Center, Ain Al Basha, (06) 472 8614 Mushatta Equestrian Center, Qastal, off Queen Alia Airport Highway, (0) 77 760 0110 Princess Alia Riding Center, Hussein Sports Club, Sports City, (06) 567 5739 Saifi Stables, Al-Yadoudeh, off Queen Alia Airport Highway, (0) 77 744 2222

Fitness Centers

Active Gym, Adam Plaza, opposite of Arab Bank, Khalda Main St., Khalda, (06) 551 3031 Aline Fitness Center, 7th Circle, (06) 581 1001, www.alinefitness.com Aspire Ladies’ Spa, Rifa'ah Al Ansari St., off University St., Jubaiha, (06) 534 7637 Body Design, 19 Fawzi Al Qaweqji St., Abdoun, (06) 592 9669 Club Olympus, Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1234, www.amman. grand.hyatt.com Club On Five, Sheraton. Al Nabil Hotel & Towers, Al Urdon St., 5th Circle, (06) 593 Amman, (06) 593 8939, www.tempojordan.com 4111, www.sheratonammanalnabil.com The National Center for Culture and Arts of Curves for Women, Abu Firas Al Hamadani King Hussein Foundation, off of University St., Building # 4, (06) 464 9049, www. St., (06) 569 0292, www.pac.org.jo curvesme.com/Jordan Fit 4 Life, Al Kurdi Building, Abdoun, Diving Centers (06) 592 4499 Aqaba Adventure Divers, South O T First, Mecca Mall, Beach Road, Aqaba, (0) 79 ED KNOW Fitness E Mecca St., (06) 586 3046, 584 3724, www.aqabaN Take up www.fitnessfirst.com indoor climbing diving.com Fitness First Platinum, as a fun alternative Aqaba International Dive Saed Abdo Shamout to your normal workout Center, Corniche St., St., Abdoun, (06) 592 routine! Climbat is Aqaba, (0) 79 559 2095, 3828, www.fitnessfirst. offering great deals www.aqabadivingcenter. com on memberships for com Fitness One, Mecca St., a limited time. Call Barracuda Diving Club, (06) 585 9924, www. them on (06) 573 South Coast, Aqaba, fitness1club.com 6177. (06) 206 0501, www. Flex, 7th Circle, Khalda, (06) goaqabadive.com 535 6998, www.flex.com.jo Bedouin Moon Village, South Inter-fit Health Spa, Beach Road, Aqaba, (079) 538 1979, Intercontinental Hotel, Queen Zein Street, www.bedouinmoonvillage.com Darna Village, South Beach Road, Aqaba, (0) (06) 464 1361 Oasis Club, Marriott Hotel, Issam Ajluni St., 79 671 2831, www.darnavillage.com Dive Aqaba, Al Saada St., Aqaba, (0) 79 660 Shmeissani, (06) 560 7607, www.marriott.com Panacea Health Club, Abdelrahim Allawi 0701, www.diveaqaba.com Street, 5th Circle, (06) 592 3400, www. International Arab Divers Village Hotel & Diving Club, Aqaba South Beach Road, (03) bristolamman.com Perfect Gym, Al Husseiny Complex, 203 1808, www. aqaba-divevillage.com Abdullah Ghosheh St., 7th Circle, (06) 582 9182 Neptune Submarine Vision, Tala Bay, Aqaba, (077) 943 0969, www.aqababoat.com Power Hut, Al Thakafe St., Shmeisani, (06) 568 6672 Red Sea Dive Center, South Beach, Aqaba, (03) 202 2323, www.aqabascubadiving.com Revolution Ladies’ Gym, University St., Tla’a Al Ali, (06) 534 9144 Royal Diving Center, Coral Bay Hotel & The Royal Spa & Health Club, Le Resort, Aqaba South Beach Road, Aqaba, Royal Hotel, Zahran Street, 3rd Circle, (03) 201 7035, www.rdc.jo Jabal Amman, (06) 430 3000, www. SeaStar Water Sports, Al Saada St., Aqaba, (03) 201 3735, www.aqabadivingseastar.com leroyalamman.com Total Fitness Center, Khalaf Al Bakheet St., Sinai Divers Diving Center, Mövenpick Swefieh, (06) 585 7254, (06) 582 2844 Resort and Spa Tala Bay, Aqaba, (03) 205 www.totalfitnessjordan.com 0030, www.sinaidivers.com World Class Fitness Center, Hotel Le Méridien, Queen Noor Street Shmeisani (06) Equestrian Clubs 569 6511 Annab Equestrian Center, off Queen Alia Airport Highway, (06) 412 9444 Kids Centers Arabian Horse Club, Al-Yadoudeh, off Queen Alia Airport Highway, (06) 429 1386 The Children’s Museum, off of King

48 | DEC. 2011

Abdullah II St., (06) 541 1479, www.cmj.jo Choice Gym, Al Maha Plaza, Al Madeenah Al Munawwarah St., (06) 552 1458, www. choice-gym.com Fun Factory, Abdelrahim Allawi St., 5th Circle, (06) 592 3475, www.funfactorykids.com Funtastic, 45 Damman St., Um Uthaina, (06) 554 0850, www.funtasticjo.com Fun Time,Sweifieh, (06)5823975 Jingo’s Jungle, City Mall, King Abdullah II St., (06) 582 3700, www.jingosjungle.com Jordan Kids Club, Saad Zaghloul St., Abdoun, (06) 592 5957 Jungle Bungle, Mecca Mall, Mecca St., (06) 553 6511 Kids Land, Al Hijaz Towers, Mecca St., (06) 553 8322 My Gym, Princess Basma St., Abdoun, (06) 592 5113, www.mygymjordan.com

Sports Clubs

Action Target, off of Queen Alia Airport Road, (06) 429 0055, www.action-target.com Amman Aikikai Aikido, 33 Taqiy Al Din Al Subki St., Khalda, (079) 666 7467, www. ammanaikikai.com Bawasel Abdoun Taekwondo Center, Cairo St., opposite Citibank, Abdoun, (06) 592 7880 Bike Rush, (077) 733 6688, www.bike-rush.com Bisharat Golf Club, off of Queen Alia Airport Road, (0) 79 552 0334 Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Cairo St., Abdoun, (079) 653 4335, www.jordanjiujitsu.com

Listings

Climbat Amman, off of Dead Sea Highway, (06) 573 6177, www.climbat.com Cycling Jordan, Near Mujama Jaber, Off Mecca St., (0) 78 555 2525, www.cyclingjordan.com Dunes Club, off of Queen Alia Airport Road, (06) 412 5290, www.dunesclub.com Mountain Breeze Country Club, Jala'ad near Zai, Al Salt (0) 77 723 4569, www. jordanadventure.com Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan, King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba, (03) 205 8050, www.royalaerosports.com The Royal Jordanian Shooting Club, Juwaideh, (06) 412 6566 The Source MMA, Al Kiswa St., Rabia, (079) 564 4402, www.thesourcemma.com Tropical Desert, Prince Mohamed St., 3rd Circle, (079) 543 1616, www. tropicaldeserttrips.com

Themed Parks

Adventure City, off of Dead Sea Road, Swaimeh (0) 77 900 0202 Al Wadi Water Park, off of Dead Sea Road, Swaimeh, (05) 349 3333, www. alwadiresort.com Amman Waves Aqua Park & Resort, Queen Alia Airport Road (06) 412 1704, www. ammanwaves.com Exit Club, off of Queen Alia Airport Road, (06) 565 2004 Jordan Speed Center, off of Queen Alia Airport Road (06) 429 0306, www.jsc-kart.com

Mercedes Kiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Optima C-Class Hybrid

52 50

Buying The Auto Model Mall Cars

54 52

DRIVE

Green is the New Black Go’s Samer Aksoy gets comfortable with a brand new hybrid, the Kia Optima

Images by: Thaer Abu Hamdeh

Jabal Tarik Book Shop It’s holiday season shopping time!

With the season of giving upon us, the time to shop like crazy has come, either for presents for loved ones or the office secret Santa, not to mention shopping for Christmas tree decorations and ornaments. Jabal Tarik (Mecca Mall) provides you with all you need in terms of gifts, gift wrapping, cards, tree decorations, and much more. So if you’re out for the annual present hunt, be sure to pass by to pick up all those important trimmings.

50 | DEC. 2011

TO KNO DLog on to EEwww.facebook.

com/jordan.kia to keep up-to-date with Kia Jordan’s online activities. They always hold fun competitions for their fans so like their page today!

Kia Motors Mecca St. (06) 554 8000 www.kiajordan.com

at a Glance Engine: 2.4 Liter 4 Cylinder

Power: 166Bhp Torque: 205Nm Gearbox: 6-speed automatic

0-100: 9.2 seconds

en years ago, if you were to ask about hybrid cars, most people would think that it was pure fiction; a dream that resulted from a brainstorming session between wishfulthinking decision makers and environmentalists. But fast-forward to today and the reality is something else entirely — almost each car manufacturer has a hybrid car or lineup, and if one doesn’t, there is a 100% chance that there is a hybrid in the pipeline. This hybridization shift is actually one of the most logical shifts carmakers have made, as people are becoming more and more aware of the high cost of gasoline in terms of price and environmental impact. Carmakers are producing hybrids to cater to such concerns. Now, you have a lot to choose from, but which is the most enticing of them all? In my hand is a car key to one of the latest hybrid offerings in the market, still not yet available in Jordan, but will be soon if all goes well. I’ve admired the car since it was launched and the dealer itself made a memorable teaser campaign when the petrol-only version was released a while ago. The sleek exterior ushered a new era for the carmaker and introduced individualistic design touches, such as the chrome insert that travels along the sides of the roofline way down to the base of the C-Pillar. This is the latest Kia Optima, a model from a lineup that has impressed both the global and local markets. The moment I sat inside the car it started to rain, which highlighted the fact that it was already cold. I pressed on the start button and the car came to life… silently. The dashboard lit up energetically with the touch screen playing an eco-conscious animation, which made me smile. The Kia’s interior build is very impressive, with soft plastics and assuring switchgear. Personally, I love how the dashboard center console is slightly oriented towards the driver, which gives off a sense of focus. What I also like is that when you sit in the driver’s seat you feel surrounded by the car, not perched on top of it. Then it was time to head off. At this point it was raining bucket loads and the windscreen wipers worked overtime. There is something charming about driving around in the rain, perhaps it has to do with the rain falling so close to you, but at the same time the glass windows shield you from the cold wetness. The Optima shined as it shrugged off the weather and cut through the streams sure-footedly. I could see the cold outside, but inside the Optima it was the exact opposite. I sat comfortably in the heated driver’s seat, the auto air conditioner made sure that visibility was not obscured by dew forming on the windows, so I drove with confidence. This Optima is the first hybrid to be offered from

5 facts about the Kia Optima Hybrid 1| 3: The number of Optima generations that have been released so far. 2| TF: The code name of the current generation Optima. .3| Tiger nose: The name of Kia’s new corporate grille that can be seen on the latest models like the Optima. 4| 100Kph: The speed that the electric mode can reach — very impressive.

the Korean manufacturer, and it’s an excellent place to start. The engine kicks in without a jarring notice, as it charges the battery, pushes the car forward, or does both at the same time. The touch screen tells you what is going on graphically, and you can cycle between four main screens, each one telling you valuable information, such as power flow and fuel consumption. In terms of sportiness, this car is up for some fun; the 2.4-liter engine provides smooth power and the electric motor provides even more when called in. The gearbox shifts seamlessly into auto mode, and the steering has a nice weight to it. The Kia Optima is a very enticing hybrid offer; it has all the gadgets you want and need, plus it’s stylish and eco-conscious. So, there is no doubt that Kia has made the wishful-thinking decision-makers and environmentalists happy, and it certainly made me happy too. Electric cars here we come.

5| 3.64 l/100 km: A new Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption in a hybrid gasoline vehicle. Talk about the Optima being groundbreaking! Scan Here for Website

DEC. 2011 | 51

DRIVE

To Buy, Or W

Not To Buy? Images by: Motaz Abu-Hamdeh

KNO D TO types EEofAll car brands

Go’s Samer Aksoy considers car buying and stopped by Amman’s Auto Mall

hen the time comes for you to buy a car, there are many details you need to mull over, which are generally made of three parts. Most people start with picking a car. It is, however, best to start with the boring part, financing, so as not to get carried away by ogling a car you want, only to discover it’s out of reach. The best case scenario is that you have saved up the money (or you just have money), but the usual case is that you’ll take out a loan and pay for the car for years to come. The logical aspects are the second part, such as reliability, residuals, and after-sales service. Ironically, luck plays a big role here. For example, reliability has become a case-by-case issue and not a brand one. Think of it like picking a fresh fruit from a box, to find out later on that it’s rotten with a bitter aftertaste. Residuals is also an important factor — it all boils down to whether you’re a car dealer or not; are you planning to sell the car after six months or six years? Third is the fun part; choosing the car. Here is also where things

are available here! Whether you’re interested in a French, German, Italian or Japanese car, this is a great place to start looking.

Auto Mall (Kirresh Group) Mecca St. (06) 550 9000 www.kirreshgroup.com

start to get a bit confusing as there are many options to choose from, plus most people tend to weigh in other people’s needs when buying their own car. This is not a bad thing, but since you’re the main user and financial backer, the purchase should be focused on you, your taste, and your requirements. You need to define what car you wish to buy and what shape it’s going to be. Will it be a charming hatchback? A sleek coupé? Or an eco-friendly hybrid? Choosing the right car has become more accessible with the Kirresh Auto Mall (Mecca St.). Apart from the fact that the running from dealer to dealer has been reduced considerably, this massive complex houses almost every car lineup available in Jordan (sourced from their authorized dealers). The mall itself has a clear layout, as open spaces give you the room to roam and check out the latest cars, from hatchbacks, coupés, and hybrids to Ferraris, Aston Martins, and Lamborghinis. So, if you’re in the market for a car, pass by and good hunting!

Samer Says Personally, I think the term “investment” should not be used when buying a car… Unless you’re buying an iconic vehicle worth millions that will only increase in value. But other than that specific case, whatever car you buy will drop in value depending on what brand it is and how well it’s taken care of. Also, excellent residuals is a double-edged sword, as people are starting to steer away from buying a 27,000 JOD ten year old German sedan and are preferring to buy a brand new car from the dealer floor; it’s slightly cheaper and has zero mileage! 52 | DEC. 2011

DEC. 2011 | 53

DRIVE Car & Motorcycle Clubs

Royal Automobile Club of Jordan, Bayader Wadi Seer, (06) 585 0626, www.racj.com Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan, (06) 541 1392

Dealerships

Abu Haikal Car Dealers, Naser Bin Jameel St., Shmeisani, (06) 553 3353 Abu Khader Automotive, Mecca St., (06) 577 7799, www.ak-auto.jo Advanced Automotive Trading And Co., Gardens St., T’la Al Ali, (06) 567 2304 AIFA Trade Motors, Mecca St., (06) 577 7777, www.khayyatgroup.com.jo Al Ameen For Cars, Wadi Saqra St., opposite King Abdullah Gardens, (06) 553 5491 Arab Resources Company, Mecca St., (06) 577 7799, www.khayyatgroup.com.jo Bustami & Saheb Trading Co., Wadi Saqra, (06) 553 2456, www.nissan.com.jo Cars Corner Gallery, Wadi Saqra St., (06) 551 1912 Cannes Power Sports Ltd., #145 Mecca St., (06) 551 9991, www.brp.com Central Trade and Auto Company, Mecca St., (06) 553 5514, www.lexus.com.jo Chery, Tabarbour, (06) 506 5602, www. cheryjordan.com The Commercial And Industrial Co., Mecca St., (06) 580 3600, www.cic.com.jo Daihatsu, Yasmine Building, Wadi Saqra Street, (06) 566 3101 Faouri Trading Co., Mecca St., (06) 553 6680, www.faouri.com T. Gargour & Fils Co., Abu Alanda, (06) 416 2410, www.mercedes-benz.com.jo General Jordanian Automobile Trading Co., Queen Rania St., (06) 553 2829 Harley-Davidson Amman, Al Salam St., Dead Sea Road, Marj Al Hammam, (06) 571 2394, www.harley-davidson-jordan.com Al Hijjawi Trade & Auto Service Group, Madina Munawara St., (06) 551 8265 Kia Motors, Mecca St., (06) 554 8000, www. kiajordan.com Al Mahmoudia Vehicle Trading Co., Wadi Saqra St., (06) 553 6680 Al Markazeyah Car Trading (Toyota), Mecca St., (06) 553 5514, www.toyota.com.jo Mazda, Mecca St., (06) 515 2110, www. khayyatgroup.com.jo Nuqul Automotive, (06) 580 3930, www. nuqulautomotive.com Ole Jordan, Paris St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 5500 Peugeot, Mecca St., (06) 515 2110, www. khayyatgroup.com.jo Saab, Swefieh, (06) 465 7753, www. saabarabia.com Sprint Motorbike Shop, Abd al Jawad Sadeq Building, Sinaa’ St., Wadi Al Seer, (079) 658 2627 TransJordan Trading Co., Mecca St., (06) 550 6280, www.jtco.com Unity Trading Est., Mecca St., (06) 582 1310, www.unity-jo.com Vespa, Darwazeh Motors, Naser Bin Jameel St., Shmeisani, (06) 553 4780, www.dm.jo

DRIVING SCHOOLS

Farah International Center, Al Barakah Complex, Wakalat St., Swefieh, (06) 592 3260 International Driving Center, Swefieh, (06) 585 6006 Nancy Driving School, Umaymah Complex, Dahiat Al Rasheed, (06) 515 6020 Sireen Driving Center, Bayadeer Wadi Al Seer, (06) 585 4949 Swefieh Driving Center, Swefieh, (06) 582 7680

Insurance

Arab-German Insurance Co., Al-Shmeissani

54 | DEC. 2011

Abed Al Hameed Sharaff St., (06) 520 0000, www.agi.com.jo Arab Orient Insurance Co., Umayah Bin Abd Shams St., Abdali, (06) 565 4550, www. araborient.com Euro Arab Insurance Group, 41 Al-Sharif Nasir Bin Jamal Al Rabiah, (06) 551 8935, www.euroarabins.com First Insurance, King Abdullah II St., Dabouq, (06) 577 7555, www. firstinsurance.jo Jordan Insurance, 3rd Circle, (06) 463 4161, www.jicjo.com Middle East Insurance Co., Al Kindi St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 7100, www.meico.com.jo Al Nisr Al Arabi, Al Fareen Building, Al Abdali, (06) 568 5171, www.al-nisr.com United Insurance Ltd., 35 King Hussein St., (06) 464 8513, www.united.com.jo

Petrol Stations & Car Washes

Alborj, 7th Circle, (06) 581 0531 Al Bayader, Al Sinna St., (06) 565 0902 Gulf Gas Station, King Abdullah II St., Dabouq, (06) 533 1647 Al Hadeel Cars Washing Station, (Zuhdi & Jordan & Saliba Co, Al Yarmouk St., Al Naharieh, (06) 477 1958 Khalaf Al-Assaf & Sons Co., Wasfi Al-Tal Street, Tla’a Al-Ali, (06) 552 6888 Keenwash Waterless Wax And Wash, 8 Paris St., Swefieh, (079) 907 0100, www. keenwash.com Khalaf Al Assaf & Sons Co., Wasfi Al Tal St., Tla’a Al Ali, (06) 552 6888 Manaseer Oil & Gas, Airport Road, (06) 565 0902, www.manaseergroup.com Al-Salt, Amman Ahliyah University St., (06) 565 0902 Talaat Al Thahab Petrol Co Ltd., Madaba St., Al Abrar (06) 412 2803 Taher Gas Station (Hasan Taher Matekri & Partners Co), Prince El Hassan St., Al Zohoor, (06) 477 2241 Ten Bridges Gas Station, Al Josour Al Asharah St., Al Naharieh, (06) 414 1919 Thaer Al Jaafari Co, Al Quds St., Al Zohoor, (0) 79 682 0206

Total Gas Station (Al Zwadeh Gas Stations Management Co Ltd), Queen Rania Al Abdullah St., Al T’la Al Ali, (0) 78 578 8289 Um Uthaina Gas Station, Sa'd Bin Abi Waqqas St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 2508 Zahran Gas Station (Ajyal Petroleum Trading & Distribution Co Ltd), Zahran St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 2539

Service Centers

Listings Integrated Station For Fuel Trade & Cars Services Co Ltd, Yajouz St., Al Kolieh Al Eslamieh, (06) 523 1500 National Arab Motors Service Center, Bayader, (06) 581 9333 Nuqul Group Service Center, Dead See Road, Naor, (06) 572 5911 Al Rahman Auto Service Station (Fareed Ali Yousef Husain), Al Josour Al Asharah St., Al Naharieh, (0) 79 536 8222 T. Gargour & Fils Service Center, AlAyobyen St., Abu Alanda, (06) 416 2410

Abu Khader Automotive Service Center, Adwye Al-Hekma St., Bayader, (06) 582 4901 Advanced Automotive Trading Service Specialized Car Services Center, Wadi Al-Remam, (06) 492 0277 Al Kilani For Tires and Car Parts, Al Ahmad Samara Station for Automobile Madeenah Al Munawwarah St., T’la Al Ali, Services, Princess Raiyah Bint Al Hussein (06) 556 0671 St., Al Kmal Yah, (0) 79 589 9785 Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, Sinna’a, ALFA Trade Motors Service Center, , Sewar Bayader Wadi Seer, (06) 582 1525, (0) 79 Ben Omara St., Bayader, (06) 585 0034 709 4014, www.alloywheelfix.com Allozi Station for Fuel & Car Services, Atmosphere Car Audio and Video Center, (Abdalla Ahmad Abdulrahman Allouzi & Kabul St., Al Rabieh, (06) 552 7576, (077) Bros. Co) Abu Nuseir St., Ibn Oaf, (06) 533 744 5888, www.atmospherejo.com 7177 Auto Excellence, (06) 582 6531, Barakeh Gas Station and Auto Services, www.auto (Shaker Hanna Haddad & Sons Co), Wasfi excellence-jo.com Al Tal St., T’la Al Ali, (06) 553 5454 Special Addition, Bustami & Saheb Trading Service Al Madeenah Al Center, Marka, (06) 489 1166 Munawwarah Whether Car Plaza Station (Almedan For St., T’la Al Ali, you’re the Harley Auto Service), Wasfi Al Tal St., Al (06) 554 or the Vespa type, if Khal Dean, (06) 537 1509 5006 being on two wheels gives Central Trade And Auto Qingqi, you a sense of liberation, Service Center, Adwye AlWasfi Al Tal head over to the Royal Hekma St., Bayader, (06) 586 St., Khalda, Automobile Club of Jordan 6440 (06) 535 and get your motorcycle or Chery Automobile Service 6500, (079) scooter license in no time! Center, Marka, (06) 489 0011 983 2124, Call (06) 585 0626 for The Commercial And Industrial www.qingqi. details. Service Center, Mahata St., (06) com.cn/en/ 465 1397 index.aspx Faouri Trading Service Center, Mqablen, Racing Dimensions Jordan TV And Radio Station St., (06) 438 Car, Al Safa Wa Al Marwa 0156 Building, Al Madeenah Al Munawwarah St., Gardens Station for Oil and Cars Service T’la Al Ali, (06) 553 3117 (Moh'd Ghdaian Ahmad Al Armouti), Prince Ziebart, Sinna’a, Bayader Wadi Seer, (06) Shaker Bin Zeid St., Shmeisani, (06) 567 582 5533, (0) 79 543 2800, www.ziebart0890 jo.com

OK ED T NOW E N

Wadi Himara

Mt. Nebo 58 ResorTing in LanGkawi 60 Brussels, Belgium

62 DEC. 2011 | 55

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Chasing Waterfalls Images by: Leah Spelman

56 | DEC. 2011

wall curves in dramatically, so the second half of the descent is a drop straight down the rope with no wall to bounce off of. The distance between the first and second waterfall is only about half an hour, and the second waterfall is descended in two stages, both around 40m. For those who have never abseiled before, it’s important to note that abseiling is not akin to bungee jumping. The connection of the harness to the rope creates a great deal of friction, and the individual descending down the rope controls exactly how fast they go down, by gradually feeding the rope through the harness. Another important thing to clarify about Wadi Himara is that even though all five abseils are either next to or in a waterfall, the water’s flow is not strong. Depending on the time of year, there may be one small pool above the first waterfall where the water level can reach chest height. However, when abseiling, knees should be the highest point on the body to get wet. That being said, during winter, it’s still advisable to bring a wetsuit. Most of the descent is shaded, but remember that the trip demands plenty of time waiting for other group members to get down the cliff wall.

TO KNO D Go with EE professional

adi Himara is home to Jordan’s tallest waterfalls. While the wadi can be done without abseiling (or rappelling) down the waterfalls, it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. The non-abseiling route may be more appealing for those nervous about long drops on a rope, but it’s also much more exposed, and doesn’t save trekkers any time. The wadi is 6km long, descends 600m, and takes about seven hours to complete with a small group. The trek from the entrance to the first waterfall takes about an hour, following the stream through the canyon most of the way. The water is potable, but salty — a reminder that the Dead Sea isn’t far off! The Dead Sea can also be glimpsed at many points during the descent, and salt deposits cling to some of the canyon walls, often times creating the most beautiful natural color marks on the walls. Scorpions and snakes make the canyon their home, so hikers should tread carefully. The first waterfall is the “big one.” It measures about 120m, and is descended in three stages: 10m, 30m, and 80m. The 80-meter drop is not technically difficult, but may be a challenge for those squeamish about heights. For the first half of the descent, trekkers abseil down the face of a wall. However, the

Go’s Leah Spelman took a trip out to the beautiful Wadi Himara, which boasts Jordan’s must-see waterfall

guides! I went with Tropical Desert (contact them on (079) 543 8708), although other groups in Jordan also offer guided trips to Wadi Himara.

Go Equipped

And, remember, there are still 2km to hike through after the end of the second waterfall. To ensure that you don’t have to make this trek in the dark, be prepared. As with any other wadi trek in Jordan, bring plenty of water.

Transport from Amman is convenient, especially compared with other wadis farther south in Jordan. The trip is less than an hour and a half. away. The entrance to the canyon is near Zarqa Ma’ain, on the way to the Panoramic Complex, just past the Abu Asal Bridge, coming from the Dead Sea Road. The wadi ends at the Dead Sea.

Getting There

Consider these things that you’ll need for your trek Make sure the group you’re going with provides wetsuits if you’re planning on going during the fall or winter. Also bring a headlamp if you have one. The estimated time for completing the wadi is seven hours, but that can increase greatly, especially if going with a large group.

DEC. 2011 | 57

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TOURIST IN YOUR BACKYARD

Mt. Nebo Go’s Whitney McNamara took a trip up to Jordan’s famous Mt. Nebo

Look for it!

Serpent Monument found on the crest of Mt. Nebo, made by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni, symbolizes the bronze serpent created by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:49), as well as the cross upon which Jesus was crucified (John 3:14). Saturated with religious significance, the area, according to the 2 Maccabees 2:4-7, is also the place where Prophet Jeremiah hid the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. There still remains a basilica-style church and a monastery first built in the fourth century, and later enlarged in the fifth century. Additionally, six tombs were found under the church floors. Those interested in ancient art can still admire the intricate Byzantine mosaics added when the church expanded.

Keep a look out for all of the significant monuments scattered around Mt. Nebo

The site has been visited by two Popes, by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and by Pope John Paul II on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000. During the visit Pope John Paul II planted an olive tree alongside the Byzantine chapel to represent peace. Also, about 1km east of Mt. Nebo lies the spring of Moses, mentioned by Egeria, Peter the Iberian, and Theodosius. 58 | DEC. 2011

TO KN EDCelebrating O EChristmas? In the

itting perched 817m above sea level is the vista which the Bible says the prophet Moses looked out into the promise land: “And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho.” (Deuteronomy 34:1). Today, visitors of Mt. Nebo can still gaze at the same breathtaking view from the summit, including a view of modern day River Jordan, the city of Jericho, and — on a cloudless day — Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Quick Facts: Per the Bible’s text, Moses not The site is about 10 only spent his last days here, but minutes west of Madaba he was also buried on this peak by by car and around 26km God Himself, although the exact away from Amman. location still remains unknown. The Opening Hours: Daily from site itself isn’t the only thing that 7:00 – 19:00 in summer, holds meaning: a serpentine cross 7:00 – 17.00 in winter sculpture also known as the Brazen Entrance Fee: 1 JOD

Images by: Motaz Abu Hamdeh

beautifully mosaicladen monastery atop Mt. Nebo, a special mass is held at midnight on Christmas Eve, given in both Arabic and English!

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Ultimate Destinations

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Whether for a honeymoon, mini-moon, or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life, you won’t regret the decision to choose the one of Langkawi’s top resorts

Words by: Greg Dukeson

ocated northwest of Malaysia’s mainland, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. With its unspoiled landscapes, lush foliage, and dramatic cliffs, this is the definition of tropical paradise. And what better way to complement the sublime surroundings than a stay at one of the finest resort destinations, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi? I was lucky enough to be visiting this unparalleled hotel resort for my honeymoon, and boy was I glad I picked this spot! Found on Tanjung Rhu, one of the island’s top beaches, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi’s accommodation is breathtaking. Here, you can choose from the superbly finished pavilion rooms with their grand furnishings or, for even more space, there are private beach villas that combine a mixture of Far-Eastern architecture and unmatched luxury. These are a perfect choice for families. At the beach villas, guests can enjoy an uninterrupted sea view while remaining completely relaxed, as well-positioned tropical plants decorate your surroundings and protect your privacy. Floorto-ceiling glass doors open onto a roofed veranda, which is equipped with a huge sofa and outdoorJacuzzi perfect for whiling away the hours. Plus, if you’d like to take full advantage of the outdoors, Malaysia’s beckoning turquoise sea and soft sandy beach is a mere stone’s throw away. For those who love to discover delicious cuisines, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offers 60 | DEC. 2011

Off-Site Recreation Apart from offering your traditional resort activities like tennis, fitness training, snorkeling, and beach volleyball, guests at the Four Seasons Langkawi can also enjoy… - Bird watching - Golf - Jungle trekking - Kayaking - Mangrove excursions - Motorized water sports - Sailing - Scuba diving - Windsurfing

four delightful restaurants: Serai, boasting the sun-drenched flavors of Mediterranean fare; Ikan-Ikan, featuring the ultimate in authentic Malay cuisine; Kelapa Grill, adjacent to the sea and serving up barbequed treats; and last but not least, Rhu Bar, the ideal spot to unwind and dine on snacks and mezzes. The lasagna I sampled at Serai is arguably the best I’ve ever had, while, being set on a remote island it shouldn’t come as any surprise that, the seafood served at Ikan-Ikan is simply exquisite. For that truly romantic touch and to treat my new wife, I requested a tentedmeal on the beach — complete with candles and a private waiter — rounded off with a cushioned relaxation area to stare at the stars and listen to the waves together. One of the reasons for the array of locally caught fresh seafood offered up at the resort is the island’s mangrove — a birthing and breeding pool for all of the species of fish that lay beneath the calm, warm sea that surrounds the Malaysian archipelago. Tours of the mangrove are not to be missed and, Aidi Abdullah, the resort’s resident naturalist, will explain passionately why its preservation is so important (which, after the tour, you’ll definitely agree with!). This resort delivers unsurpassed luxury, so if you’re looking to get away for an unforgettable vacation this holiday season, consider Langkawi. Whether you’re travelling alone, in a couple, or with your family, privacy and complete relaxation at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is assured.

Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman +60 (4) 950 8888 www.fourseasons.com/langkawi

Total Escapism

Set among the limestone cliffs and tropical forestry sits the Four Seasons Langkawi’s The Spa

Scan Here for Website

Surrounded by tranquil ponds and indigenous architecture that blends seamlessly into its surroundings, stress simply melts away when you enter this wellness facility. The Spa offers a range of therapies and treatments to choose from, from the wellknown (think Thai massage, reflexology, etc.) to the more unconventional, like the Bedak Sejuk treatment which includes an aloe vera and rice flour body wrap. The Four Seasons Langkawi’s The Spa prides itself on its nurturing and personal care that ensures a renewing experience that honors ancient Eastern traditions, while celebrating modern Western sophistication. Guests to this center can expect to find six secluded spa pavilions, each featuring a handcrafted roof and décor exquisitely accented with rich tropical woods, reflecting an East Asian design philosophy blended with rich Middle Eastern influences. Additionally, each of the resort’s Beach Villas, as well as the Royal Villa, features a private spa room complete with two spa treatment beds, where guests can enjoy the Four Seasons Langkawi’s four signature massages in total privacy.

DEC. 2011 | 61

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Brussels The heart of Europe Words by: Brandon Barron

Brussels is a small city, but it’s packed tight with culture, history, and unforgettable experiences

russels is too often overlooked by its neighboring London, Paris, and Amsterdam, but this bent-for-chocolate, multicultural, seat of the European Union and NATO, make it an exciting place to visit. Pulling out all the stops with their international flare during the holiday season, the city is adorned with winter wonders in celebration of contrasting traditions old and new. Ages-old chocolatiers and lacemakers are surrounded by provocative graffiti murals, and while French and Flemish are the official languages, English is the most widely spoken language in the capital. Yes, Belgium is cold during Christmas, but it’s nothing that some hot chocolate or a warm waffle can’t remedy.

EDTOKNOW NE No car is

needed for a visit to Brussels. Belgium has one of the world’s most efficient public transportation networks. In fact, many Belgians don’t own a car!

For the Food Gawker

For the Architect

For Santa Claus

rue des Poissons

Grand Place

Plaisirs d’hiver

Metro Stop: Get off at Gare Centrale and walk toward Grand Place More Info @ www.chezleon.be.

Metro Stop: Bourse More Info @ whc.unesco.org/en/list/857

Metro Stop: Saint-Katelijne More Info @ visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/minisite_ winterwonders.do

Brussels offers the best of European cuisine, from Portuguese to Swedish, in surprisingly spacious, romantic restaurants. If gourmet seafood is your poison, then Rue des Poissons (Fish Street), near Central Station and Grand Place has the best options to offer. Practically everything delicious can be found on this small pedestrian back-alley, but the Belgian’s Belgian restaurant is undeniably Chez Léon. Offering Brussels classics, like the famous waterzooi (lobster in beer broth) and steamed mussels, this is the place to eat. Don’t forget to pick up a box of Belgian chocolates after dinner!

Brussels’ status as an administrative center for the continent is not a recent development. Many of Europe’s strongest trade guilds developed here in the Middle Ages, and their lasting legacy is Grand Place, a stunning, cobblestoned market square lined with gold-accented row houses, each representing a different guild. The square is host to Brussels’ Town Hall, with the famous Mannequin Pis only a stone throw away. Dubbed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a live nativity and massive Christmas tree reside in the square, and an awe-inspiring light show plays on the buildings at night during the holidays.

Christmas in Brussels is extra special, thanks to Plaisirs d’Hiver, an immense Christmas fair that rivals any other in Europe. For the entire month of December, the city transforms its fish market into a yuletide wonderland modeled after the famed Christmas markets of Montreal. Small lavishly decorated chalets sell warm Christmas drinks, delicious Belgian fries, handmade souvenirs, and so much more. In the center of the market is a large outdoor ice-skating rink, and the star of the show is a large Ferris wheel that offers fantastic views of Brussels by night.

In December, fly to Brussels, Belgium with Royal Jordanian, Lufthansa, and Aegean starting from 300 JOD. 62 | DEC. 2011

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64 | DEC. 2011

TOKNO EED

St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 7615, Air Algeria, T’la Al Ali, (06) 565 0880, www. ammanwesthotel.com airalgerie.dz Arabela Hotel, Shmeisani, (06) 568 5140, Air Arabia, Shmeisani, (06) 560 3666, www. arabelahotel.com airarabia.com Arena Space, Gardens St., T’la Al Ali, (06) Air Bosna, Abdali, (06) 569 8128, www. 551 5550, arenaspacehotel.com bhairlines.ba Al Saleh Hotel, Prince Mohammed St., Jabal Air Canada, Shmeisani, (06) 463 0879, Amman, (06) 463 9551, alsalehhotel.com aircanada.com Belle Vue Hotel, 2nd Circle, Jabal Amman, Air France, Shmeisani, (06) 510 0777, www. (06) 461 6144, www.bellevue-hotels.com airfrance.com Best Western Commodore Hotel, Abed Al Air Nas, Shmeisani, (06) 566 2375, www. Hammed Sharaf St., Shmeisani, (06) 560 flynas.com 7185, commodore-jo.com ATE Jordan Aviation, 6th Circle, (06) 550 Bristol Hotel, 5th Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 1760, www.jordanaviation.jo 592 3400, bristolamman.com BMI Airline, Rabieh, (06) 554 8951, flybmi. Carlton Hotel, 3rd Circle, Jabal Amman, com (06) 465 4200, www.1stjordan.net/carlton/ British Airways, Sweifieh, (06) 582 8801, index.html www.britishairways.com Century Park Hotel, Tunis St., Jabal Amman, Cathay Pacific Airways, Shmeisani, (06) (06) 568 0090, centurypark-hotel.com 569 4060, www.cathaypacific.com Clermont Hotel, Mecca St., Um Uthaina, Delta Airlines, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 (06) 553 9159, www.clermont.com.jo 3661, www.delta.com Comfort Hotel Suites, Ali Nasuh Al Tahir St., Emirates Airlines, Wadi Saqra, (06) 461 Sweifieh, (06) 585 6184, www.comforts. 5571, www.emirates.com com Ethiopian Airlines, Jabal Al Hussein, (06) Crown Plaza Amman, King Faisal Bin Abdul 568 8301, ethiopianairlines.com Aziz St., 6th Circle, Um Uthaina, (06) 551 Etihad Airways, Shmeisani, (06) 468 0100, 0001, www.amman.crowneplaza.com etihadairways.com Crystal Hotel, 16 Al Kindi St., 5th Circle, T’la Gulf Air, Abdali, (06) 465 3621, gulfair.com Al Ali, (06) 569 2672, crystal.com.jo Iraqi Airways, Abdali, (06) 463 8600, www. Dana Plaza Hotel, 6th Circle, Abdoun, (06) iraqiairways.co.uk 592 4455, danaplazahotel.com Iran Air, Shmeisani, (06) 463 0879, www. Days Inn Hotel, Omar Bin Abdul Aziz St., Al iranair.com Rabia, (06) 551 9011, daysinn.com.jo Korean Air, Shmeisani, (06) 569 5879, Farah Hotel, Al Hussein Cinema St., Al Balad, www.koreanair.com (06) 465 1443, farahhotel.com.jo Lufthansa, Shmeisani, (06) 520 0180, Al Farouq International www.lufthansa.com Hotel Apartments, Qatar Airways, Shmeisani, (06) Jordan University 567 9444, www.qatarairways. St., Sweifieh, The Evason com (06) 585 5565, Ma’in Hot Springs Saudi Arabian Airlines, www.alfarouqMadina Munawara St., group.net & Six Senses Spa (06) 577 7766, www. Four Seasons is offering a special saudiairlines.com Amman, Christmas package deal this Turkish Airlines, Jabal 5th Circle, month to promote Jordan’s Amman, (06) 465 9112, Al-Kindi St., therapeutic springs. Call www.turkishairlines.com Jabal Amman, Royal Jordanian, Shmeisani, (06) 550 (05) 324 5500 for (06) 520 2000, www.rj.com 5555, www. details on this fourseasons.com/ offer. amman Car Rentals: Geneva Hotel, Alamo National Rent A Car, Ash Sharif Abdullah Ghosheh St., 7th Nasir Bin Jamil St., Wadi Saqra, (06) 566 Circle, (06) 585 8100, genevahotel-amman. 2683, www.national-me.com com Assaraya Rent A Car, Al Shareef Naser Bin Golden Tulip Grand Palace Hotel, Amman, Jameel St., (06) 568 4771, www.thrifty. Queen Alya St., Shmeisani, (06) 569 1131, com.jo www.goldentulipgrandpalace.com Avis, Wadi Saqrah St., (06) 569 9420, www. Grand Hyatt Amman, Hussein Bin Ali St., avis.com.jo Jabal Amman, (06) 465 1234, amman. Budget Rent A Car, Shmeisani, (06) 569 grand.hyatt.com 8131, www.budgetjordan.com Hisham Hotel, 3rd Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) Dallah Rent A Car, Crowne Plaza, (06) 551 464 4028, hishamhotel.com.jo 1112, www.dallahgroup.com.jo Holiday Inn Amman, Madinah Munawarah Diplomat Rent A Car, Gardens St., T’la Al Ali, St., Um Summaq, (06) 552 8822, www. (06) 551 0427, www.diplomatrentacar.com holidayinn.com Europcar, Bristol Hotel, (06) 550 4031, Ibis Hotel, Amman, 61 Mohd Fayadh Al www.europcar.jo Assaf St., T’la Al Ali, (06) 579 9090, www. Hertz Car Rental, Bayader, (06) 581 2525, ibishotel.com www.hertzjordan.com Imperial Palace Hotel, Zahran St., 4th Thrifty Rent A Car, King Abdullah Gardens, Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 565 1333, www. Wadi Saqra, (06) 568 4771, www.thrifty. imperialpalace.com.jo com.jo InterContinental, Islamic College St., U-Save, King Abdullah Gardens, Wadi Saqra, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 1361, www. (06) 565 2207, www.sixt.jo ichotelsgroup.com Jerusalem International Hotel, University St., Jubaiha, (06) 515 1121, jerusalem. Hotels: com.jo AMMAN Kempinksi Hotel Amman, Abdual Hamid Abjar Hotel, Jabal Al Hussein, (06) 464 Shouman St., Shmesani, (06) 520 0200, 8883, abjarhotel.com.jo www.kempinski.com Ambassador Hotel, Abdul Hamid Sharif St., Kindi Hotel, Amman, Al Basra St., Shmeisani, (06) 560 5161 Shmeisani, (06) 551 0885, kindihotel.com Amman Cham Palace Hotel, Shmeisani St., Landmark Amman Hotel and Conference (06) 565 9270, www.ammanchamhotel. Center, Al-Hussein Bin Ali St., Jabal Amman, com (06) 560 7100, www.landmarkamman.com Amman Marriot Hotel, Issam Ajluni St., Shmesani, (06) 560 7607, www.marriott.com Larsa Hotel, 48 Um Mutaweh St., Al Jandaweel, (06) 585 0955, larsahotel.net Amman West Hotel, Mahmoud Abidi

Liwan Hotel, Princess Taghreed Mohammed St., Sweifieh, (06) 585 8125, theliwan.com Ocean Hotel, Iriteria St., Um Uthaina, (06) 551 7280, www.oceanhotelamman.com Orchid Hotel, Shmeisani, (06) 552 2111, orchidh.com Marmara Hotel, Mecca St., Al Rabiah, (06) 553 0480, marmarahotel.com Le Méridien Amman, Queen Noor St., Shmeisani, (06) 569 6511, www. starwoodhotels.com Al Qasr Metropole Hotel, Al Kharoub St., Shmeisani, (06) 568 9671, alqasrmetropole. com Rama Hotel, Abdallah Ghawsha, 7th Circle, (06) 581 6722, ramahotel-jo.com Red Rose Hotel, Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 551 2301, www.1stjordan. net/redrose Retaj Hotel, 180 Zahran St., 5th Circle, Um Uthaina, (06) 551 6688, retajhotel.com Regency Palace, Queen Alia St., Shmeisani, (06) 560 7000, www.theregencyhotel.com Le Royal, Zahran St., 3rd Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 460 3000, www. leroyalamman.com Rozana Hotel Suites, Airport Road, Sweifieh, (06) 586 3024, www.rozana.com Sadeen Amman Hotel, Wasfi Al Tal St., Khalda, (06) 551 4733, sadeen.com Samira Miss Hotel, Wasfi Al Tal, (06) 560 2773, samiramisshotel.com San Rock Hotel, 6th Circle, Um Uthaina, (06) 551 3800 Sheraton Amman, Al Nabil Hotel & Towers, Al Urdon St., 5th Circle, (06) 593 4111, www.sheratonammanalnabil.com Sorate Hotel Apartments, 6th Circle, Sweifieh, (06) 585 8029, sorate.net Al Thuraya Hotel, Al Bayrooni St., Shmeisani, (06) 567 7228, www. althurayahotel.com Toledo Hotel, 37 Al Razi St., Jabal Al Hussein, (06) 465 7777, www.toledohotel.jo Turino Hotel, One Main Square, Sweifieh, (06) 586 3944, turino-hotel.com Al Waleed Hotel, Ali Nasouh Al Taher St., Sweifieh, (06) 586 4475, rumhotels.com Ya Hala Hotel, Wakalat St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 2944, yahala-hotel.com

DANA Reserve

Feynan Ecolodge, Dana Bio Reserve, (079) 748 7900, www.feynan.com

DEAD SEA

Dead Sea Spa Hotel, Salt Land Village, Sweimeh, (05) 356 1000, jordandeadsea. com Holiday Inn Resort, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (06) 349 5555, www. ichotelsgroup.com Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 3560400, www.

Listings

marriott.com Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 356 8888, www. kempinski.com Mövenpick Resort & Spa, Dead Sea Road, Sweimeh, (05) 356 1111, www. moevenpick-hotels.com

AQABA

Aqaba Gulf Hotel, King Hussein St., (03) 201 6636, aqabagulf.com Aquamarine Beach Hotel, King Hussein Blvd, (03) 203 2636 Captain’s Hotel, (03) 206 0710, captains.jo Coral Bay Hotel, Aqaba Southern Coastal Road, (03) 201 5555, coralbayaqaba.com Crystal International Hotel, Cornish St., (03) 202 2001, crystal-international.com DoubleTree by Hilton, Al Hammamat Al Tunisyya St., (03) 209 3209, doubletree1. hilton.com Golden Tulip Aqaba, Al Saada St., (03) 205 1234, www.goldentulip.com Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba, King Hussein St., (03) 203 4020, www. moevenpick-hotels.com Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort, Tala Bay, South Beach, (03) 209 0777 www. radissonblu.com Raed Hotel Suites, Al Sa'adeh St., (03) 201 8686, raedhotel.com

PETRA

Amra Palace Hotel, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 7070, www.amrapalace.com Candles Hotel, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 7311 / (03) 565 1065, www.petracandles.com Crowne Plaza Resort Hotel Petra Forum, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 6266, www. crowneplaza.com Grand View Hotel, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 6871, www.grandview-hotel.com.jo Marriott Hotel, Taybeh Road, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 6407, www.petramarriott.com Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel, Taybeh Road, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 7201, www. moevenpick-hotels.com Movenpick Resort Hotel, Al Seyaha St., Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 7111, www. movenpick-petra.com Petra Panorama Hotel, Taybeh Road, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 7398, www. petrapanorama.com Petra Rest House Hotel, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 6266 Sella Hotel, Wadi Mousa, (03) 215 7170, www.sellahotel.com Silk Road Hotel, Tourism St., (03) 215 7222, www.petrasilkroad.com

MADABA

Madaba Inn Hotel, Yarmouk St., (05) 3259003, www.madabainn.com

The Spirit of jordan SPANA Jordan Photo of the month

66 68 70

COMMUNITY

Team Spirit

Go’s Salwa Sheikh-Yasin looked into The Spirit of Jordan, a new initiative that’s proving that small actions can have the biggest effects

arely does a name of an organisation so effectively summarize its philosophy and actions. The Spirit of Jordan is a newly founded grassroots NGO started by a group of dedicated university students as part of the Injaz Leadership program. It has flourished since its early days proving that despite a lack of resources, a “thinking outside of the box” and “can-do” type of attitude can allow you to achieve your dreams. Under the guidance of its Director, who wishes to remain anonymous, and in partnership with six colleagues who share the same philanthropic desires, the initiative has grown sporadically and boasts many successful campaigns throughout the Kingdom. Events carried out by the charity are very diverse but are divided into four main “Spirit” categories, those being Environmental Spirit, Cultural Spirit, Helping Spirit, and Educational Spirit. The only requirement is that the ideas brought forth must be unique. The emphasis on uniqueness by the Director comes from the belief that many other incentives have failed because of their lack of originality as well as their bureaucratic manner. These, the organization believes, stifle individual creativity and create a lackluster attitude for its volunteers. Central to The Spirit of Jordan is the desire to allow volunteers to experience the joy of giving back and helping a cause that they believe in, with the hope that such passion will spread to every segment of society. One of the organization’s first campaigns was, “Clothes for the Needy.” The founders of the group at the time had very little donors or publicity, but were undeterred, believing that charity does not need much finance when there is determination. So they started by simply asking relatives and friends to donate their old clothes. By the end of the campaign they were astounded by the vast number of clothes bags that they had collected. Currently, The Spirit of Jordan is carrying out a pledge campaign to ensure that all motorists place a waste bag in their cars in hopes of abating the old habit of throwing trash out of car windows. Having secured sponsorship from Toyota they hope to have 20,000 signatures by the end of the year. One of the ways that they 66 | DEC. 2011

Scan Here for Website

rally attention for the pledge is by going to classrooms and handing children 20 pledges each and in turn each child must find signatures for those pledges. By actively involving individuals in the process — especially the youth — The Spirit of Jordan is hoping to transform people from passive to active participants in social change. Most people are charitable by nature, but as The Spirit of Jordan’s Director explains, they are often put off by the lack of means or funds available to them. This organization has defied this attitude and continues to prove that when there is ample passion to transform the world then nothing can get in your way.

So often people are their own worst enemy and allow pessimism to stop them from fulfilling their dreams. This is certainly not the case with The Spirit of Jordan and their willing volunteers who believe that ideas and passion are all the fuel you need to make a difference. “Money does make things happen, but it does not necessitate action,” says the Director. The organization has spent a year without any real funding, but they’ve still managed to carry out many successful events. One important message from the initiative is that the spirit of friendship makes whatever event they do fun and this is another reason why The Spirit of Jordan will keep growing.

Get Involved!

The Spirit of Jordan proves that with ample passion, nothing can get in your way

Volunteers take center stage in the organization playing a crucial role in the process of executing their ideas. At The Spirit of Jordan, volunteers lead the team, a reflection of the Injaz Leadership Program, which advocates the importance of allowing individuals to commit to an idea and execute it as they see fit, often yielding great success. This original approach has contributed to the rapid growth in The Spirit of Jordan’s volunteers, from all age groups. If you want to get involved today, email info@ spiritofjordan.com.

ED TO KNO NE To join the W

current campaign of getting motorists to pledge that they’ll no longer litter the streets, email info@spiritofjordan. com and get their pledge book to collect signatures.

Spontaneous Affair The Spirit of Jordan is proud of their unique approach and thinking

This innovative initiative recently organized an impromptu greeting of young Special Needs Olympic Jordanian athletes at the airport. Disability — be it mental or physical — is still misunderstood and, sadly, in some segments of society, a taboo subject. Wanting to break this ignorant misconception, the members of The Spirit of Jordan wanted to show these exceptional individuals that they deserve the same welcoming ceremony and accolade given to other Olympic athletes. Despite a very tight budget and a limited amount of time for event planning, The Spirit of Jordan were able to get the media’s attention and throw a fantastic welcoming party much to the appreciation of these deserving, yet often overlooked, athletes.

(079) 933 3991 www. spiritofjordan.com www. facebook.com/ spiritofjordan twitter.com/ SpiritofJordan DEC. 2011 | 67

COMMUNITY Raising Animal

Welfare Awareness

Go’s Annisa Rochadiat met SPANA Jordan to discuss the protection of animals in the Kingdom

Animal Care

SPANA Jordan has also set up a educational facility known as the Educational Animal Centre (EAC) Located at Al Hassanieh School for Girls in Um Quseir, this center allows children to experience handling live animals in a well-supervised setting while experiencing a variety of other activities. Students get to learn about the different kinds of rabbits, their living habits, and their proper handling at the EAC’s rabbits’ barn. They’re also given the chance to feed donkeys and learn about husbandry at the donkeys’ barn.

n late 2009, an injured donkey made the news after being found abandoned near the Dead Sea. It was eventually rescued following a plea for help made by a Jordanian girl, Arwa Abualrub, who contacted SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) — a UK-based NGO providing free veterinary treatment and education on the care of working animals worldwide. A rescue team headed by SPANA Jordan’s director Dr. Ghazi Mustafa was dispatched and following a three-day search operation, the 14 year-old donkey was found and treated at SPANA Jordan’s Jordan Valley animal clinic. Its owner abandoned the worn-out donkey to fend for itself due to old age, a lame leg, and injuries to the eyes. As tragic a story it may seem, it’s unfortunately one that is alltoo-common in the developing 68 | DEC. 2011

Did you

know? To date, there are over 380 animal protection clubs in public schools across the country, with particular attention being given to areas home to young equid (donkeys, horses) where there are many young horse & donkey owners.

world, particularly in poor rural providing welfare, good husbandry, communities, which, ironically, and the prevention of animal are dependent on animals for their cruelty in northern Africa. Now, livelihoods. Many of these animals its operations include permanent have suffered harm and abuse centers in countries in the Middle due to sheer ignorance or lack of East, including Syria and Jordan. knowledge and understanding. Jordan Society for the Protection Driven by a desire to end animal of Animals (JSPA) introduced the cruelty, having witnessed enormous initiative to the Kingdom in 1987. poverty and suffering at first hand Since then, they’ve operated in Wadi nearly a century ago, mother and Al Seer, through a Jordan Valley daughter, Kate and Nina Hosali, clinic, and three mobile clinics. founded SPANA in 1923. The aim Getting the right message across was simple: to improve the lives to young Jordanians is crucial, of the world’s working animals particularly when animal abuse is through free veterinary care, still being reported. According education, and emergency to Dr. Mustafa, SPANA O K ED T NO response. And so, also wishes to educate NE For more W help the owners who children about the information depend on them for environment and about volunteering their living. animal welfare, and opportunities with SPANA Jordan, find Initially, SPANA train them to have their Facebook page, mainly promoted empathy towards “SPANA JORDAN.” its philosophy of animals in their care.

Scan Here for Website

www.spanajordan.com

COMMUNITY

Photograph of the Month:

“It’s the Season”

January’s Photo of the Month

70 | DEC. 2011

Photographer’s Name: Suleiman Mashini

Nationality: Jordanian Profession: Student Age: 13

Next month’s Photo of the Month theme will be: “Start Fresh” If you’d like to have your image selected as Go’s “Photo of the Month” then email your submissions to readers@almajalagency.com. Include your name, nationality, age, and profession, and we’ll get back to you if/when your photo has been chosen!

community Charities and NGOs

Arab Women’s Organization of Jordan, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 565 0644 Business & Professional Woman-Amman, Ibn Asaker St., 4th Circle, (06) 566 3013, www.bpwa-amman.org Abdel Hamid Shoman Foundation, Al Kulliyah Al Ilmiyah Al Islamiyah St, Jabal Amman (06) 465 9154, www.shoman.org Care International, Ibn Al Roumi St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 7921, www. caremiddleeast.org/Jordan HamzetWasel, (077) 786 8298, www. hamzetwasel.com Humane Society for Animal Welfare, Queen Alia Airport Highway, (06) 412 9077, www.hcaw-jordan.com INJAZ, Ibrahim Ayoub St., Al Redwan, (06) 565 7410, www.injaz.org.jo Jordan Environment Society, Shmesani, (06) 569 9844, www.jes.org.jo Jordan Institute Of Diplomacy, Suleiman Al Hadidi St., Sweifieh, (06) 593 4400 Jordan National Red Crescent Society, As Saada, Madaba (06) 477 3141, www. jordanredcrescent.org Jordan River Foundation, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 593 3211, www. jordanriver.jo Jordan Hashemite Fund For Human Development, Al Madina Mounawara St., (06) 582 5241, www.johud.org.jo Jordanian’s Women Union, Al-Hussein Refugee Camp, (06) 568 7037, jordanianwomenunion.org King Abdullah II Fund For Development, Petra University, Queen Alia Airport Road (06) 582 2820, www.kafd.jo King Hussein Cancer Foundation, Saad Bin Abi Waqqas St., Um Uthaina, (06) 554 4960, www.khcc.jo King Hussein Foundation, Fares Al Khoury St., Shmeisani, (06) 560 6056, www. kinghuseeinfoundation.org Mabarrat Um Al Hussein (MUF), North Marka, (06) 489 2680 MIZAN, Razi St., Jabal Al Hussain, (06) 569 0691, www.mizangroup.jo National Center for Human Rights, 151 Zahran St., Jabal Amman, (06) 5931256, www.nchr.org.jo Royal Scientific Society, Al Jubaiha, (06) 534 4701, www.interacademies.net Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, (06) 533 7931, www.rscn.org.jo Save the Children Foundation, Princess Basma Center for Social Development, Jabal Al-Nuzha, (06) 567 0241, www. savethechildren.net United Nations University, University of Jordan, International Leadership Institute Building, Queen Rania St., (06) 533 8167, jo.one.un.org UNRWA, Wadi Seer, Bayader, (06) 582 6171, www.unrwa.org USAID, American Embassy, Abdoun, (06) 590 6117, jordan.usaid.gov

Classes ART

Bandak Art, 7th Circle, Wadi Al Seer, (06) 582 4952 Darat Al Funun, Nimer bin Adwan St, Downtown, (06) 464 3251, www. daratalfunun.org Orfali Art Center, Kufi St., Um Uthaina, (06) 551 0603, www.orfali.net

COOKING

Crafty Cooks, Nakho Building, Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 554 7103 Noodasia, Abdoun Circle, Abdoun (06) 5936999

MUSIC

Do Re Mi Music, Jabal Hussein, (06) 568 2562 72 | DEC. 2011

Freddy for Music, Abdoun Gardens, Abdoun, (06) 592 0085, www.freddyformusic.com Ghassan Al-Hejjawi Music Center, Tla' AlAli, (06) 553 1458 IPlay Music Center, Al Husseini Complex, Paris St., Sweifieh, (06) 586 8676, www. iplaymc.jo Life Melody for Music Classes, Jaber Complex, Mecca St., (06) 581 7405, www. lifemelody.net Ziad Alawsi, (0) 79 618 7292, www.alawsi. com

MODELING

Modelicious Management, Building No. 6 Khawarizmi St., Gardens, (06) 562 0849, www.modelicious.com.jo

Colleges & Universities

Al Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma’an, (03) 217 9000, ahu.edu.jo Arab Open University, Tariq Khalid Bani Mujahid St., Tabarboor, (06) 5630630, www. aou.edu.jo German Jordanian University, Al Jubeiha, (06) 530 0666, www.gj.edu.jo Jordanian University, University St., Al Jubeiha, (06) 535 5000, www.ju.edu.jo New York Institute of Technology, Queen Alia Airport Highway, (06) 5537902, www. nyit.edu.jo Petra University, Queen Alia Airport Highway, (06) 579 9555, www.uop.edu.jo Princess Sumaya Univeristy, Al Jubeiha, (06) 535 9967, www.psut.edu.jo Al Quds College, Airport Road, (06) 579 9020, www.quds.edu.jo Tala Abu Ghazaleh College, Mecca St., (06) 550 9222, www.tagcb.edu.jo Yarmouk University, Irbid, (02) 721 1111, www.yu.edu.jo

Language Centers

American Language Center, University St., (06) 552 3901, www.alc.edu.jo AMIDEAST Jordan, Nuh Al-Rumi St., Sweifieh, (06) 581 0930, www.amideast.org Bell Amman, Marj Al Hammam Bridge, (06) 579 9035, www.bellamman.edu.jo Berlitz, Prince Shaker Bin Zeid St., Shmeisani, (06) 566 5393, www.berlitz.jo British Council Jordan, Rainbow St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 460 3420, www.

britishcouncil.org/jordan Cultural French Center, (06) 461 2658, www.cccljor-jo.org

Nurseries

Growing and Knowing Preschool, Al Dahran St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 5919, www.growingnknowingpreschool.com Iman Early Learning Center, Sweifieh, (06) 592 5945 Jumpstart Preschool, Shat Al Arab St., Um Uthaina, (06) 552 0234 Little Academy, Al Ifthikhar St., Abdoun, (06) 585 8282, www.tlacademy.com

Real Estates

Abdoun Real Estate, 10 Fawzi Qaweqji St. Mouhtaseb Complex, Abdoun, (06) 592 0605, www.abdoun.com.jo Abu Jodum, Shmeisani, (06) 566 0701, www.abujodum.com Mawared, Nabulsi St., Al Abdali, (06) 566 5825, www.mawared.jo Saraya, Al-Koufeh St., Um Uthaina, (06) 550 5444, www.sarayaholdings.com Taameer Jordan, Sweifieh, (06) 588 5558, www.taameer.jo Tala Bay, Al Ameer Shaker Bin Zeid St., Shmeisani, (06) 565 5700, www.talabay.jo Tamleek, 4th Circle, (06) 461 7851, www. tamleek.jo

Listings International Academy, Sa'ad Khair Street, King Hussein Parks, (06) 550 2055, www. iaa.edu.jo International Center for Montessori Education, (06) 556 1464, www. montessori-icme.com International Community School, Naour, (06) 479 0666, www.ics-amman.edu.jo The International School Of Choueifat, Airport Road, (06) 429 1133, www. iscamman-sabis.net Al Ittihad Secondary School For Girls, Waqed Bin Abdullah St., Qotnah, (06) 516 7990 Modern American School, Swefieh, (06) 586 2779, www.modernamericanschool. com Modern Arab Academy School, Sharhabil Bin Hasaneh St., Al Jern, (06) 566 0091 Modern Educational Academic School, Moh'd Ali Al Ja'bari St., Al Rawabi, (06) 586 5620 Sheikh Al Shuhada Omar Al Mukhtar School, Al Madeenah Al Munawwarah St., Al Tela Al Shamali, (06) 552 2495

Specialized Institutions

Aviation Technological Academy, Sulayman Al Dukkar St., Khalda, (06) 535 0911 Ayla Aviation Academy, King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba, (03) 206 Schools 4777, www.aylaaviation.com American Community School, Dahiat Jordan Academy of Music, off Ubadah Bin Al-Amir Rashid, (06) 581 3944, www. Al Samet St., Shmesani, (06) 560 4172, acsamman.edu.jo www.jam.edu.jo Amman Baccalaureate Mideast Aviation Academy, Marka Airport, School, Al Hijaz St., (06) 487 5152, www.maa.jo Dabouq, (06) 541 Red Sea Institute of Cinematic 1191, www.abs. Arts, Al Rashed St., Aqaba, (03) edu.jo Want to 201 6201, www.rsica.edu.jo Amman Int. show community Royal Academy of Culinary School, King support? Check Arts, King Abdullah II St., Abdullah Ii St., out local initative Dabouq, (06) 541 2682, www. Al Rawabi, (06) Warsheh who actively raca-lesroches.edu.jo 551 6931 support skilled Royal Film Commission, 5 Al Feker laborers aged 15-24. Omar Bin Al Khattab St., 1st Al Tarbawi Circle, Jabal Amman. (06) 464 For details, call (079) Secondary 2266, www.rfc.jo 709 2550. School For Girls, SAE Institute, off of Queen Alia Al Shora St., Al Airport Highway, (06) 579 9071, Helal, (06) 438 3877 www.saejordan.com

ED TO KNOW E N

Ho me GO PLAY

GO READ GO LISTEN

76 78

GO WATCH

Play December

Game Releases

Handheld Console

Game Reviews Cool new releases from the 3DS to the iPhone

This month's hottest and most anticipated video games Words by: Brandon Barron

Trine 2 Platform: PS3, X360, PC Developer: Frozenbyte Genre: Action Release Date: 30 Dec. Even experienced gamers need a pick-up-and-play title, and Trine 2 does just the trick. It’s a fantasy sidescroller with stunning graphics and some serious action. Reason to go play it: This is a non-committal and flat-out fun game to spend a few hours on!

Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand

Platform: Xbox 360 Developer: Digital Illusions CE Genre: Online Shooter Release Date: 30 Dec.

Season’s Greetings With the new Christmas Angry Birds out on 1 December, we’re looking back at our fave Angry Birds Seasons

74 | DEC. 2011

n the real military, each soldier gets one job and one life. That’s not the case in Battlefield 3. Much like the Battlefields before it, this game lets players take on the role of snipers, jet pilots, spec ops, and more. The Back to Karkand downloadable expansion will be a warmly welcomed addition by Battlefield 2 fans, bringing back ten weapons, three vehicles, and four classic maps — Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Wake Island, and Sharqi Peninsula. Reason to go play it: Low-budget traveler? Fight through about half the Middle East in this game!

Season’s Greedings Gaming Occasion: Christmas 2010 Best part: The 25 levels, which opened advent calendar style, with one per day.

Ham’o’ween Gaming Occasion: Halloween 2011 Best part: Welcoming the newest member of the gang — the new inflating orange angry bird!

Fortune Street

Platform: Wii Developer: Square Enix Genre: Board Release Date: 5 Dec. Somewhat of a mix of the classic Monopoly and a real time strategy game, this Japanese title is more than just your regular board game. Reason to go play it: This is the first of this game series to include characters that we all love from the Mario universe.

Go Green, Get Lucky Gaming Occasion: St. Patrick’s Day 2011 Best part: The additional objects — like pots of gold — to smash and get more points.

Mooncake Festival Gaming Occasion: Chinese Zhongqiu Festival 2011 Best part: The Chinathemed backdrop and the Golden Mooncakes.

Mario Kart 7 Platform: 3DS Developer: Nintendo Genre: : Racing Release Date: 30 Dec. The classic wacky racing game returns on Nintendo’s revolutionary new handheld. Don’t expect too much originality here, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Reason to go play it: Some of the new additions include hang gliders and driving underwater.

Corpse Party: Blood Covered Repeated Fear Platform: PSP Developer: Team GrisGris Genre: Adventure Release Date: 30 Dec. A hobby project put together by gaming enthusiasts, this horror title lets you play as five chillingly terrifying characters. Reason to go play it: Support the growing home-brewed video game movement.

Infinity Blade II Platform: IPhone/iPad Developer: Chair Ent. Genre: Fighting Release Date: 1 Dec. Another Apple demonstration of the iPhone 4S’s outstanding graphics capabilities, IB2 promises stunning visuals and some sick sword fighting moves. Reason to go play it: Because you’ll ask yourself, “Am I really playing this on a phone!?”

READ

December

Book Releases Go’s choice books for this month Words by: Brandon Barron

Young Adult: Darth Vader & the Lost Command Haden Blackman

December

Book Releases

76 | DEC. 2011

Dark Horse Release Date: 13 Dec. t’s true, George Lucas is milking the Star Wars franchise, but so what!? The vast universe of “a galaxy far, far away” offers seemingly endless narrative potential. Darth Vader & the Lost Command is riveting from start to finish. Haunted by his past life as Anakin Skywalker and his lost love, Padme, Lord Vader looks to secure his future by venturing into the Ghost Nebula to hunt down his newest rival, rogue Imperialist, Moff Tarkin.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Release Date: 6 Dec. light read, Desai’s new work is a set of three independent novellas bound in one collection. Although each story is a standalone, they share a similar world, time, and theme. Desai reflects on her own Indian culture, its unique beauties, and its unfortunate drawbacks. She bears the uncanny and rare ability to take on the persona and perspective of each of her characters, and explain that, although all people differ at first glance, we share the same needs.

Locked On Tom Clancy Putnam Adult Release Date: 13 Dec. Clancy’s go-to character Jack Ryan is back for another pageturning adventure, and this time he’s running for President (again), making him all the more of a threat to his dark, powerful adversaries. Meanwhile, Jack’s old crew sets out to undertake a top-secret mission to discover why the Pakistani military is having covert meetings with a terrorist group. It turns out that the two seemingly disparate stories collide in a massive, worldthreatening conspiracy. Reason to go read it: There’s a reason why Tom Clancy is so famous. His writing is suspenseful and his characters timeless.

77 Shadow Street Dean Koontz Bantam Release Date: 27 Dec. Much like in Poe’s “Fall of the House of Usher,” Koontz’s story’s most detailed, enthralling character is a building — a luxurious mansion with deadly secrets. Rumors of a haunted past have all but ceased, and the Pendleton has been transformed into luxury apartments. But while the living souls that inhabit the Pendleton are well-to-do and well intentioned, it’s the establishment’s ghosts that plan and act out sinister deeds. It isn’t blind evil that drives such inexplicable events, but revenge. Reason to go read it: This book isn’t just meant to spook and scare. The reader really has the opportunity to empathize with sincere (and seriously frightened) characters.

Choose to Lose: The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution Chris Powell Hyperion Release Date: 27 Dec. Even though diets like South Beach and Atkin’s help you lose weight, the lack of sugar and carbs can leave a person in a solemn, slovenly state. The 7-Day Carb Cycle, put together by the weight loss expert from Extreme Makeover, promises to do away with such stringent regiments. Dieters will enjoy the benefits of eating more carbs, easy recipes, the option to cheat every other day, and, of course, less fat and more muscle. Reason to go read it: This diet isn’t meant to be a quick fix. It’s intended to be a longterm diet change for the better!

Kindle Book of the Month

Red Mist

Patricia Cornwell Putnam Adult

Release Date: 6 Dec.

Who would believe a prisoner on death row, especially one with outlandish stories of an international massmurderer? Inspector Kay Scarpetta’s newest quest is much more personal than usual, as it involves her close friend and colleague Jack Fielding. On her desk sit seemingly unrelated murder cases, and none of them have enough evidence to peg someone with the crime. Scarpetta might just be desperate enough to listen to that inmate... Reason to go read it: Cornwell tweaks the average conspiracy novel with a healthy dose of butt-kicking girl power.

What Go’s Reading

Adult: The Artist of Disappearance Anita Desai

The Warning (Book 1, The Prophecies of Karma) Nael Gharzeddine As the first science fiction to come out of the Middle East there’s been a lot of buzz about The Prophecies of Karma and their Lebanese author. Charged with environmental, political, and cultural commentary, we’re delighted to see the genre interpreted for this region. Available at Virgin Megastore (City Mall)

LISTEN

Listen to Greg weekday mornings on HD FM 104.2

December

CD Releases Go’s music savant, Greg Dukeson, gives us the lowdown — from indie to r&b to ambient — on the hot new albums out this month

What Go’s Listening to Right Now

Under Your Spell Desire II

Black Flies (Nixon Remix) Ben Howard Every Kingdom

GLEE

The 3D Concert Movie It’s one of those love it or hate it TV shows, and if you’re the former, then you’re going love this! Glee in 3D gives you behind the scenes footage from their 13-day live concert tour performed across the US and Europe, and since the Glee troop couldn’t be everywhere, this DVD will make it up to the disappointed fans that didn’t see them! You totally know someone who wants this for Christmas. 78 | DEC. 2011

Independent rock can throw up music unheard on mainstream sources. The Black Keys got their name from a crazy-artist that used to call Dan and Patrick (vocals and drums) and leave monotone incoherent messages when he was mad at them; his voice resembling a D-Flat tone, one of the black piano keys. The first single, “Lonely Boy” has an instant gotta’-listen rhythm that’ll leave you hooked! Their last album Brothers won a Grammy for “Best Alternative Music Album” and they haven’t let the standards drop on this one! Release Date: 6 Dec. Reason to go listen to it: Because it’s awesome.

The Roots Undun Def Jam

Hip-hop and neo-soul, that’s the umbrella that The Roots found themselves placed under in 1987 when they first formed. Since then, they’ve collaborated with a wide variety of artists from different genres and for that, and their own talent, they’ve received critical acclaim. The Roots took up residency as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’s house band in 2009, but haven’t sold-out to their roots. Undun had its first track leaked and it’s fantastic. “Make My” deserves to be a massive hit in its own right, and with that setting the standard, this hip-hop/soul album isn’t going to disappoint. Release Date: 6 Dec. Reason to go listen to it: Two words: production and lyrics.

Korn The Path of Totality Roadrunner

Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures island records

Whatever your opinion about her status as a so-called musiclegend may be, Amy Winehouse definitely had something and perhaps she was taken from us before her time. She managed to cross over to mainstream from a largely jazz-style and worked in collaboration with some fantastic producers, the result of which can be found on this collection. The songs on this album were never released while she was still with us and have been handpicked by the two men that shaped her career — Mark Ronson (Back To Black) and Salaam Remi (Frank). The track “Wake Up Alone” is particularly haunting and somehow poignant given her demise. Release Date: 5 Dec. Reason to go listen to it: Because perhaps you didn’t really get to hear her at her best; this is worth owning and enjoying.

The Black Keys El Camino Nonesuch

Romeo & Juliet The Killers Sawdust

We Found Love Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris Talk That Talk

Yellow Coldplay Parachutes

Into heavy and dark music? This is the album for you. The new album from rockers Korn, The Path of Totality doesn’t hold back. The first single released, “Narcissistic Cannibal,” starts rockin’ the second it starts! The supporting tour for this album had Korn filling venues and boosting sales of black clothes and piercings, but you don’t need that look to appreciate the work on this. It might be heavy, but when you hit your tenth album, you know what you’re doing. If you’re a fan of cross-genre music, you’ll love this! Release Date: 6 Dec. Reason to go listen to it: Because sometimes you need something that’s going to rock your world and Korn can do just that!

The Cure Bestival Live 2011 Sunday Best

This British rock band, formed in 1976, are still loved 36 years later. The Cure know exactly what it takes to get a crowd excited! Their line up hasn’t exactly been consistent over the years and some key members have been notably absent, but this year all but one reunited to perform as the headline act at Bestival. They’re working on a new album which is going to be an iTunes exclusive, but this album proves they’ve still kept in touch with their alternative rock roots. Not to mention it also coincides with their nomination for the 2012 Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Release Date: 5 Dec. Reason to go listen: It’d be rude not to own something this cool!

Local Beats

Ayah

MARAR

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Go got a chance to sit down with the awesome Ayah Marar when she performed live in Amman last month

Go: How did your music career get started? Ayah Marar: I’ve always been involved in music. I learned to play the piano at a young age, as well as ballet, and when I moved to the UK at the age of 17, I joined a couple of drama groups and helped run a Drum & Bass night. My big break came when a couple of DJ/producers called Loxy & Ink asked me to write and sing on one of their tracks; it all snowballed from there! Go: Who are your musical influences? AM: I’m in awe of strong women like Erykah Badu, Robyn, Keli, Aaliyah… But I’ve also always been a massive fan of old jazz, soul, and reggae. So people like Prince, Stevie, Donnie Hathaway, Ella, Billie. Hip-hop MCs have also played a part in my musical education; Black Thought, Method Man, Pharoahe Monch, the list goes on! I try to use these people for inspiration, but I morph it into something that fits the music mould that I’ve found myself in, so I also look to electronic/underground artists for inspiration. Go: How does performing in Amman compare to performing in the UK? AM: I was so taken aback with all the love and sincerity here in Amman, especially at the AMMUN show. The kids surprised me with their knowledge of underground music and their enthusiasm. England is very different because

To keep up-todate with Ayah’s latest tracks, head to her Website @ ayahmarar.com.

they are used to things like this, so you have to work harder to win over the crowd, but I can’t say I prefer one to the other. It’s all a rush to me!

Name the top 5 tracks you’re currently obsessed with

Go: How do you think Jordan’s music scene has evolved in the past decade? AM: It has moved towards dance music in a big way, especially house and techno. I was also surprised at the amount of hip-hop and R&B on the radio; we seem to be pretty much into the same things as they are in the UK, to be honest.

Go: Tell us about your debut album, The Real. AM: The Real is basically a sensationalized autobiography. It was my way of striking a balance between the underground that made me, and the mainstream that has embraced me. Using big, dark sounds coupled with catchy pop choruses, I like to call it “Epic Doom Pop.” It’s called The Real because it was finally my time to show people what I was thinking and feeling, 1. Everyday - El Crisis & both musically and emotionally. Thunder

2. Bad Tonight – Russo (Shock One Remix) 3. Super Bass - Nicki Minaj 4. This Place Hotel - The Jacksons 5. The Cause and The Cure – Chemo ft. Jareth

Go: What’s next for you? AM: I’m now on tour with Camo & Krooked (Hospital Records) and loving it. I wrote two tracks on their album Cross The Line. I’m also still constantly in the studio and writing. I’ll be releasing singles soon, plus the album, and hopefully a Middle East tour in April 2012!

Winter Albums

Some great albums to put on, sit back, and chill to… literally

Coldplay

Parachutes 2000

Sigur Rós Takk… 2005

Portishead Dummy

Elvis Costello: The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook It’s a cool concept for any artist — a huge game show wheel that you invite someone at your concert to spin, and wherever it stops, that’s what they perform. Well, you can’t have it, that wheel belongs to Elvis Costello, but he won’t mind you having a listen! You won’t have to enter Costello’s “Hostage to Fortune Go-Go Cage” to listen to this either, but it won’t hurt to pretend!

GSQUARED PRODUCTIONS TOP 5 RHYTHMIC TRACKS 1. Drake ft. Rihanna Take Care 2.Snoop Dogg Young, Wild & Free 3. Red Cafe ft. Rick Ross & Ryan Leslie Fly Together 4. Rihanna You Da One 5. David Guetta ft. Jessie J. Repeat

1994

Find them online at www. facebook.com/ GSquaredProd or twitter.com/ GSquaredProd

Interpol

Turn on the Bright Lights Scan Here for Facebook

2002

DEC. 2011 | 79

WATCH

December

Readers’ Picks

DVD/Blu-Ray Releases The top movies to own this month

Words by: Brandon Barron

Apollo 18 Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego Cast: Warren Christie, Ryan Robbins, Ali Liebert Release Date: 27 Dec. Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller MPAA Rating: PG-13 Much like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity, Apollo 18 takes a fascinating mockumentary approach to scaring the living daylights out of its audience. The movie is presented as a collection of lost footage from a top-secret NASA mission, dubbed to be the reason why man never again went to the moon after Apollo 11. An inexplicable evil lurks in the craters of the moon’s tranquil surface, and two unfortunate astronauts are about to receive its wrath. The disc(s) will include: An audio commentary with Director Gonzalo López-Gallego and Editor Patrick Lussier, and a collection of alternate endings.

The Help Director: Tate Taylor Cast: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer Release Date: 6 Dec. Genre: : Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 The Help follows the shared narrative of three women in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi. Skeeter (Stone) is a well-to-do young white woman with strong convictions about the mistreatment of black housemaids, who, with two maids take it upon themselves to anonymously write the stories Jackson’s maids are willing to candidly contribute. A must-see for those concerned with the plight of Jordan’s domestic workers. The disc(s) will include: The “Making of” The Help: From Friendship To Film, and In Their Own Words: A Tribute To the Maids Of Mississippi.

Friends With Benefits Director: Will Gluck Cast: Cast: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson Release Date: 2 Dec. Genre: Comedy/Romance MPAA Rating: R Jamie (Kunis) is given the task of recruiting a hesitant Dylan (Timberlake) to move from LA to New York and write for GQ magazine. Quickly, their relationship goes from strictly professional to very personal. The two agree to remain platonic friends sentimentally, with the “benefits” of a romantic relationship. Although they try to avoid the deep emotional bond that comes with a physical relationship, the two inevitably find it difficult to ignore their true feelings for one another. The disc(s) will include: Commentary with Writer/ Director Will Gluck, Justin Timberlake, and Mila Kunis.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Director: Rupert Wyatt Cast: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto Release Date: 13 Dec. Genre: Action/Sci-Fi MPAA Rating: PG-13 Planet of the Apes originated in an era in film that was too lacking in technology for the genre. Not so with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, a prequel to the series set in present day. Will (Franco) is a young, ethics-bound scientist with the lofty goal of curing Alzheimer’s disease, testing his treatment on his pet chimpanzee, Caesar (Sekis, known for portraying Gollum in LOTR). What Will unwittingly starts is a race of intelligent, elite apes out for revenge. The disc(s) will include: Deleted scenes and Breaking New Sound Barriers: The Music and Sound Design of Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

WINTER FLICKS March of the Penguins (2005) Director: Luc Jacquet Cast: Morgan Freeman A look at the journey of Emperor penguins as they march, single file, to their traditional breeding ground. Why? An incredible documentary tracking the lives of the most amazing creatures living in the worst conditions. 30 Days of Night (2007) Director: David Slade Cast: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George An Alaskan town is plunged into darkness for a month, and attacked by a gang of bloodthirsty vampires. Why? When it’s cold and dark outside, a good scary movie is always a good option. Look no further than this flick. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005) Director: Andrew Adamson Cast: Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy Four kids travel through a wardrobe to Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion. Why? Narnia hasn’t seen Christmas since before the White Witch’s reign! Fargo (1996) Director: Joel & Ethan Coen Cast: William H. Macy Jerry Lundegaard’s inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen’s bungling and the persistent police work of pregnant Marge Gunderson. Why? Set in winter-racked North Dakota, this dark comedy is one of the all-time bests.

TV Series

Releases If you miss out on episodes because of your busy schedule, or are planning to catch up on TV’s most talked about shows, check out this month’s releases

80 | DEC. 2011

Shameless: The Complete First Season

The Simpsons: The 14th Season

The Borgias: The Complete First Season

Studio: Showtime Ent. Release Date: 27 Dec. Reason to go get it: Laugh and cry with the Gallagher family, who turn universal realities into riveting entertainment. Do it fast... Season two airs in January.

Studio: 20th Century Fox Release Date: 6 Dec. Reason to go get it: Has it really been 14 seasons? Homer, Bart, and the rest of the family are so in touch with pop culture that The Simpsons still seems brand new.

Studio: Showtime Ent. Release Date: 27 Dec. Reason to go get it: See the darker side of the Vatican as this Renaissanceera drama follows the story of a backstabbing, power-hungry, ultrawealthy Pope Alexander and his family.

Local Scenes

Hazem Alagha Go’s Kinzi Jones chatted with SAE graduate Hazem Alagha, the writer and co-director of The Exiled, a new upcoming feature film Go: Tell us Hazem, you are the initiator, co-writer, and co-producer of The Exiled. Introduce us to your story. Hazem Alagha: The story follows a young vagrant gypsy boy named Ghazi and his struggle to reconcile his father with his uncle’s family so he can marry their daughter Fardos. After Ghazi’s uncle Sabir was found murdered by a dormant and almost forgotten brotherhood of gypsy slayers, Fardos and her mother run away from the tribe, fearing for their lives. As Ghazi and Fardos overcome the obstacles stopping them from marrying, the secret of Sabir’s mysterious murder begins to unravel, revealing a twisted truth. Go: Where did the story come from? And what sparked your interest in the secret lives of gypsies? HA: I have always been fascinated by the mystery and almost magical element that surround the gypsy community. Here in the Middle East, gypsies are regarded as beggars and thieves with no identity. This is different than my experience growing up in the UK; I have known gypsies to be entrepreneurs who know, and are very proud of, their heritage. I used this as a foundation to develop a script. After meeting with several tribes and learning more about their way of life, I wanted to find a way to showcase a sample of their lifestyle and also bring to the table a subtle statement about the society we live in. Go: The Exiled is a team effort, who are the other players in this production? HA: “Filmmaking” and “team effort” go hand in hand. There is no way a film can be made if the entire crew does not work in harmony. Without a crew, the film is just words on paper. Without a producer, you only have a director’s vision. Without a camera department, it’s called theater. Without an art department, your actors will be walking around an empty studio wearing nothing but their birthday suits. Each department has its purpose and is just as crucial as the rest. The main crew included: myself, Elias AbuAta, Hanan Khlaif, Bassel Mawlawi, Janek Holoubek, Yazeed Abu-Khadair, Haitham Matouk, Samuel Adli, Hiba Tahir, Mustafa AbuDhais, Nada Alagha, Hasan Mahmoud, Ghassan Al-Zabri, Salih Al-Jumaili, Yazan Assad, and a whole team of production assistants. Some of us

had already worked in the film industry, others in theater, management, and others have not had any professional experience. This diversity helps keep the project interesting and fresh. It would be unfair not to mention the cast of The Exiled too. We were fortunate enough to work with some well-established names in Jordan and the Middle East. I remember meeting each of the senior cast members and them telling me, they would be more than happy to help a group of young, up-and-coming filmmakers to fulfill their dreams of working in the industry. They gave us a big friendly push in the right direction.

Go: How Was the initial contact with the GYPSIES? HA: During the development stage, co-director Elias AbuAta, producer Bassel Mawlawi, and I went to Al Ramtha to meet with the tribe elder. As we drove up, we could see upwards of 30 tents; I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little uncomfortable, and let’s face it, scared. The elder welcomed us in and we began to ask about their way of life. Because gypsies travel so much and their past is full of hardship, they intentionally forgot where they’re from. That’s why they adopt the traditions, values, and even religion of their host country — hence, “The Exiled.”

Go: What are you, and the gypsies that you’ve featured, hoping to accomplish by this chronicle? HA: The gypsies we featured asked us to showcase their living conditions. I think we were successful in doing so. However, while writing the script, I wanted to show them, and the general viewing public, how important education (in the broadest sense) is. The underlying message of the film is that everyone is a “diamond in the rough” and with hard work, perseverance, and a good sense of right and wrong, anyone can achieve greatness. Go: When should we look for a first trailer? HA: We are currently in post-production and the first trailer will be out mid-December so keep a close eye out. Go: Anything else you like to tell Go readers? HA: We are seeing a rapid growth in the region for the film industry. I believe that it is our generation that will nurture it to be a force to be reckoned with. This field is in constant need of fresh ideas, new faces, and real passion. It may seem that the Middle East is a harsh place for young filmmakers, but things will change because we are the future. Let’s make it a future worth having.

To keep up-to-date with The Exiled, look for their Facebook page “The Exiled” Scan Here for Facebook

DEC. 2011 | 81

Home

Emergency Numbers

Airport: (06) 455 2000 Civil Defense: 199 Electricity: (06) 469 6000 Highway Patrol: 194 International Information, 1322 Municipality: (06) 535 9970 Police: 911 Police (Capital): 192 Police (Rescue): 191 Police (Traffic): 190 Public Security: 196 Telephone Directory: 1212 Telephone Problems: 1214 Water: (06) 567 9141

americana-group.net Kebab Express, Swefieh, (06) 585 1741, www.kebabexpress-jo.com Luigi’s Pizza, 4th Circle, (06) 593 1932 McDonalds, (06) 582 0000, www. mcdonaldsarabia.com Noodasia, Abdoun, (06) 5936999 Pizza Hut, 7th Circle, (06) 585 5555, www. pizzahut-me.com Sbarro, (06) 582 2244, www.sbarro.com.jo Subway, Abdoun Circle, Abdoun, (06) 554 1700, jor.subway.com Sugar Daddy’s, Kurdi Plaza, Abdoun, (06) 593 3032, www.sugardaddysbakery.com Tche Tche, Abu Taweeleh Plaza, Mecca St., (06) 588 5837, www.tchetchecafe.com WOX, Abdoun, (06) 582 7440 Zee Diner, Abdoun, (06) 593 9995

Interior Decorators

Artech Architecture & Interior Design, T’la Al Ali, (0) 79 557 7885 Artigo Furniture & Interior Design, Abdoun, (06) 592 4787 Contempo, (06) 569 5566, www.1stjordan. net/contempo Dovetail for Interior Design & Cleaning Services Landscaping, Wadi Saqra, (06) 464 Anas Al-Ma'ayta Est., Shmeisani, 7334 (079) 547 8105 Elite, Mecca St., (06) 586 Clean Master, Khalda, (06) 5557, www.1stjordan. 552 6367 Ju3an.com net/elite Al Ghad Est., Rabieh, (06) Interior Design Studio, is a soon-to-open 556 2844 (06) 568 1872, www. online food ordering Al-Hafnawi ids-jo.com service out of Amman. Find International, Um Al Jallad & Hamad them on Facebook at www. Summaq, (06) 552 Co. Interior Design, 9545 facebook.com/ju3an, share Wadi Saqra, (06) 463 Golden Torch a photo of your favorite 2463 Est., Sweifieh, (06) meal, and get the chance 5814382 to win prizes from Newspapers Jordanian American them! Alanbat, University St., Services Center, T’la Al Ali, (06) 520 0100, www. (06) 553 4365 alanbat.net Perfect Clean, T’la Al Ali, (06) Amlak, (06) 568 4868, www. 552 4035 amlak.jo Sahar Hindawi Est., Abdoun, (06) 592 5800 Al Arab Al Yawm, Queen Rania St., (06) 568 Steam Clean, Jabal Amman, (06) 461 9075 3333, www.alarabalyawm.net United Co. For General Services, Jabal Al Diyar, University St., (06) 516 6588, Amman, (06) 593 1456 www.aldiyarjo.net

Argeeleh Delivery

Alo Argeeleh, (06) 554 4694 Argeeleh Express, (06) 582 8287 Wheels Express, (06) 551 5150, www. wheels-express.com

ED TO KNOW NE

Courier services

Aramex, Khaleel Al Saleem St., Khalda, (06) 535 8855, www.aramex.com DHL, Shohada’a El Haram El Ibrahimi St., (06) 580 0800, www.dhl.com.jo FedEx, Shareef Jamil Bin Nasser St., Shmeisani, (06) 551 1460, www.fedex. com.jo Fils International Packing and Removals, (06) 562 5836 Scooter Express, (06) 553 5249 Sky Net, Abdul Hamid Sharaf St., Shmeisani, (06) 563 9539, www.1stjordan.net/skynet UPS, Abdul Hameed Shouman St., (06) 569 7030, www.ups.com

Dry Cleaners

Eve Dry Clean, Sweifieh, (06) 582 4689 Al Fakher Dry Clean, Khalda, (06) 552 5410 Horizon Dry Clean, Um Uthaina, (06) 552 4242 Martinizing, Abdoun, (06) 592 2594 Shine and Fine Dry Clean, Shmeisani, (06) 566 2927 Spot Out Dry Clean, Abdoun, (06) 593 2268

Fast Food Delivery

Chili Ways, 8th Circle, (06) 582 1953, www. chiliways.com.jo Daya'a Restaurant, (06) 554 0400 Hardees, Swefieh, (06) 580 8080, www. americana-group.net KFC, Swefieh, (06) 580 0000, www. 82 DEC. 2011

Ad-Dustoor, Queen Rania St., (06) 560 8000, www.addustour.com Al Ghad, Um Soummaq, (06) 554 4000, www.alghad.com Jordan Times, Queen Rania Al Abdullah St., (06) 560 0800, www.jordantimes.com Al Mumtaz, 7th Circle, (06) 585 5674, www. almumtaz.jo Al Oula, Shmeisani, (06) 566 6360, www. al-oula-leading.com Al Rai, University St., (06) 560 0800, www. alrai.com The Star, University St., (06) 565 3325, www.star.com.jo Al Waseet, Um Soummaq, (06) 552 2554, www.ewaseet.jo

Satellite Providers

A.R.T. (06) 515 1414, www.allied-media. com M.B.C. (06) 462 3437, www.mbc.net Jordan Satellite Channel, Mkablein, (06) 477 3111, www.jrtv.jo OSN Orbit Showtime Network, Wadi Saqra, (06) 551 1615, www.osnetwork.com Shoo Fee TV, Jabal Amman, (06) 461 0070, www.shoofeetv.com Watan TV, T’la Al Ali, (06) 551 7908, www. wtv.jo

Telecom Providers

Cyberia, Madina Munawara St., (06) 551 5333, cyberia.jo Jordan Telecom, Al Rabieh, (06) 460 6666,

www.jordantelecomgroup.jo Kulacom, King Abdullah II St., (06) 250 2222, kulacom.jo Mada, Um Uthaina, (06) 400 0200, www. mada.jo Orange, 7th Circle, (06) 563 0090, www. orange.jo Umniah, Shmeisani, (06) 500 5000, www. batelco.jo Wi-Tribe, Dijlah Complex, Paris Street, Sweifieh, (06) 577 7111, www.wi-tribe.jo Xpress, Mecca St., (06) 550 6666, www. xpress.jo Zain, 7th Circle, (06) 580 3000, www.zain. com

Tent Rental

Al Adwan for Events Est., Madina Munawara Street, (06) 551 4975 Arabian Tent, T’la Al Ali, (06) 553 4109 Bedwein Event Management, Madina Munawara Street, (06) 554 4580, www. bedwein-a-plus.com Al Deen Tabaza, Wadi Al Seer, Bayader, (0) 79 592 9827 Golden Touch for Occasions & Events, Wadi Al Seer, Bayader, (06) 585 1695 The Indian Tent Setting, Shmeisani, (06) 556 0960 Al Jawad Al Arabi Tents, (06) 515 8223 Jordan Tent for Occasions & Weddings, Wadi Al Seer, Bayader, (06) 581 7110 Khalda Palace for Occasions, Khalda, (06) 553 5661 Khaymat Al Salam, Athletic City, (06) 569 8200

Listings Nader Al Junidey for Occasions, Wadi Al Seer, Bayader, (0) 79 568 7115 Al Osemi Est for Tents and More, Khalda, 06 553 9180 Al Qaser for Occasions and Events, Wadi Al Seer, Bayader, (06) 581 2570 Al Qusoor Tents, (06) 462 0265 Rawat Al Kheam Center for Occasions and Events, T’la Al Ali, (06) 534 3426 Al Salam Tents, (06) 569 8200 Al Sultan Tents, (06) 586 3563 Al Waleed Tent for Occasions, Um Soummaq, (06) 582 5993 World Tents, Bayader-Wadi Al Seer, (06) 585 9114, world-tents.com

Gu id e

GO RADIO GO CINEMA

84 86

Jordan's Radio Guide HD

104.2

Sunday 08:00 - 11:00 Scrambled Greg with Greg Dukeson 14:00 - 16:00 Benzine with Sasha Rabadi Monday 08:00 - 11:00 Scrambled Greg with Greg Dukeson 14:00 - 16:00 Benzine with Sasha Rabadi Tuesday 08:00 - 11:00 Scrambled Greg with Greg Dukeson 14:00 - 16:00 Benzine with Sasha Rabadi Wednesday 08:00 - 11:00 Scrambled Greg with Greg Dukeson 14:00 - 16:00 Benzine with Sasha Rabadi Thursday 08:00 - 11:00 Scrambled Greg with Greg Dukeson 14:00 - 16:00 Benzine with Sasha Rabadi Friday 16:00 - 19:30 American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest 22:00 - 00:00 B Line with DJ Yaz Saturday 11:00 - 14:30 American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest (repeat)

play 99.6

SUNDAY 06:00 - 10:00 The Big Breakfast Show with Lee McGrath 06:30 - 06:45, The Movie Quiz 06:55, 7:45, 09:45 Yes/No Game 09:15 - 0930 The Movie Quiz 10:00 - 15:00 Daytime Hours Hit Music 15:00 - 19:00 The Driveback with Zein Hannoun 16:00 Hot 4 @ 4

84 DEC. 2011

MONDAY 06:00 - 10:00 The Big Breakfast Show with Lee McGrath 06:30 - 06:45, The Movie Quiz 06:55, 7:45, 09:45 Yes/No Game 09:15 - 0930 The Movie Quiz 10:00 - 15:00 Daytime Hours Hit Music 15:00 - 19:00 The Driveback with Zein Hannoun 16:00 Hot 4 @ 4 TUESDAY 06:00 - 10:00 The Big Breakfast Show with Lee McGrath 06:30 - 06:45, The Movie Quiz 06:55, 7:45, 09:45 Yes/No Game 09:15 - 0930 The Movie Quiz 10:00 - 15:00 Daytime Hours Hit Music 15:00 - 19:00 The Driveback with Zein Hannoun 16:00 Hot 4 @ 4 WEDNESDAY 06:00 - 10:00 The Big Breakfast Show with Lee McGrath 06:30 - 06:45, The Movie Quiz 06:55, 7:45, 09:45 Yes/No Game 09:15 - 0930 The Movie Quiz 10:00 - 15:00 Daytime Hours Hit Music 15:00 - 19:00 The Driveback with Zein Hannoun 16:00 Hot 4 @ 4 THURSDAY 06:00 - 10:00 The Big Breakfast Show with Lee McGrath 06:30 - 06:45, The Movie Quiz 06:55, 7:45, 09:45 Yes/No Game 09:15 - 0930 The Movie Quiz 10:00 - 15:00 Daytime Hours Hit Music 15:00 - 19:00 The Driveback with Zein Hannoun 16:00 Hot 4 @ 4 21:00 - 00:00 Nonstop Play with DJ Flava FRIDAY 19:00 - 21:00 Top 20 with Lee McGrath 21:00 - 00:00 Nonstop Play with DJ Flava

spin

94.1

Sunday 06:30 - 10:30 The Breakfast Espresso with Luma 10:30 - 16:00 100 SPIN Hits in a Row 16:00 - 19:00 The Zoo Crew Big Drive Home with Diana & Ibrahim 19:00 - 21:00 The Hot 30 with Luma

19:00 - 21:00 The Weekend Warm-Up Mix with DJ Exoda 21:00 - 00:00 The Fix with DJ BeeBee 00:00 - 02:00 VONYC Sessions with Paul van Dyk Friday 20:00 - 00:00 The Juice with Hasan H 00:00 - 01:00 Corsten's Countdown with Ferry Corsten Saturday 19:00 - 22:00 Rock Out with Ibrahim

Monday 06:30 - 10:30 The Breakfast Espresso with Luma 10:30 - 16:00 100 SPIN Hits in a Row 16:00 - 19:00 The Zoo Crew Big Drive Home with Diana & Ibrahim 19:00 - 21:00 The Hot 30 with Luma 22:00 - 02:00 The Juice with Hasan H

105.1

Sunday 06:00 - 10:00 Sunny Morning Show with Hanna Ali 09:00 90s at 9

Wednesday 06:30 - 10:30 The Breakfast Espresso with Luma 10:30 - 16:00 100 SPIN Hits in a Row 16:00 - 19:00 The Zoo Crew Big Drive Home with Diana & Ibrahim 19:00 - 21:00 The Hot 30 with Luma 22:00 - 00:00 The Indie Show with Diana Thursday 06:30 - 10:30 The Breakfast Espresso with Luma 10:30 - 16:00 100 SPIN Hits in a Row 16:00 - 19:00 The Zoo Crew Big Drive Home with Diana & Ibrahim

102.5

Sunday 07:00 - 11:00 Rob Stevens 11:00 - 15:00 Callie 15:00 - 19:00 Scott Phillips 19:00 - 20:00 The Mix with DJ Godfather 22:00 - 00:00 Triple Dee with David Dunne & Andy Daniels Monday 07:00 - 11:00 Rob Stevens 11:00 - 15:00 Callie 15:00 - 19:00 Scott Phillips 19:00 - 20:00 The Mix with DJ Godfather 22:00 - 00:00 Global Dance Sessions with Brian Cheetam

sunny

Tuesday 06:30 - 10:30 The Breakfast Espresso with Luma 10:30 - 16:00 100 SPIN Hits in a Row 16:00 - 19:00 The Zoo Crew Big Drive Home with Diana & Ibrahim 19:00 - 21:00 The Hot 30 with Luma 22:00 - 01:00 The Rock Out with Ibrahim

Beat

Monday 06:00 - 10:00 Sunny Morning Show with Hanna Ali 09:00 90s at 9 Tuesday 06:00 - 10:00 Sunny Morning Show with Hanna Ali 09:00 90s at 9 Wednesday 06:00 - 10:00 Sunny Morning Show with Hanna Ali 09:00 90s at 9 Thursday 06:00 - 10:00 Sunny Morning Show with Hanna Ali 09:00 90s at 9 20:00 - 00:00 The Sunny Feel Good Party Friday 10:00 - 13:00 The Lazy Friday Show 20:00 - 00:00 The Sunny Feel Good Party

Tuesday 07:00 - 11:00 Rob Stevens 11:00 - 15:00 Callie 15:00 - 19:00 Scott Phillips 19:00 - 20:00 The Mix with DJ Godfather 22:00 - 00:00 Rock N’ Jordan 00:00 - 02:00 The Core with DJ Shukx Wednesday 07:00 - 11:00 Rob Stevens 11:00 - 15:00 Callie 15:00 - 19:00 Scott Phillips 19:00 - 20:00 The Mix with DJ Godfather 22:00 - 00:00 Urban Beats with DJ Sotusura

Thursday 07:00 - 11:00 Rob Stevens 11:00 - 15:00 Callie 15:00 - 19:00 Scott Phillips 19:00 - 21:00 Weekend Warmup 21:00 - 22:00 The Dorm Sessions with DJ Fuzz 22:00 - 00:00 A State of Trance with Armin van Buuren 00:00 - 02:00 Anjuna Beats World Wide

Friday 12:00 - 18:00 Scott Phillips 18:00 - 21:00 Godfather’s Mix reloaded 21:00 - 23:00 Trance Around the World 23:00 - 01:00 Global DJ Broadcast with Marcus Schultz 01:00 - 04:00 Late Night Show with DJ Moh

14:00 - 15:00 Golden Hour 15:00 - 19:00 Jean-Paul Hansford 19:00 - 20:00 Golden Hour 20:00 - 22:00 Simply 70s with Jean-Paul Hansford 22:00 - 01:00 Mood After Dark 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop

Saturday 12:00 - 18:00 Callie 22:00 - 00:00 Smooth Grooves

Wednesday 06:00 - 07:00 Non Stop 07:00 - 10:00 Nic Foster 10:00 - 14:00 Lee Moulsdale with the Time Machine 14:00 - 15:00 Golden Hour 15:00 - 19:00 Jean-Paul Hansford 19:00 - 20:00 Golden Hour 20:00 - 22:00 Totally 80s with Gary King 22:00 - 01:00 Mood After Dark 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop

Mood 92.0

Sunday 06:00 - 07:00 Non Stop 07:00 - 10:00 Nic Foster 10:00 - 14:00 Lee Moulsdale with the Time Machine 14:00 - 15:00 Golden Hour 15:00 - 19:00 Jean-Paul Hansford 19:00 - 20:00 Golden Hour 20:00 - 22:00 Classic Rock with Jean-Paul Hansford 22:00 - 01:00 Mood After Dark 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop

Monday 06:00 - 07:00 Non Stop 07:00 - 10:00 Nic Foster 10:00 - 14:00 Lee Moulsdale with the Time Machine 14:00 - 15:00 Golden Hour 15:00 - 19:00 Jean-Paul Hansford 19:00 - 20:00 Golden Hour 20:00 - 22:00 Nostalgia with Nic Foster 22:00 - 01:00 Mood After Dark 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop Tuesday 06:00 - 07:00 Non Stop 07:00 - 10:00 Nic Foster 10:00 - 14:00 Lee Moulsdale with the Time Machine

Thursday 06:00 - 07:00 Non Stop 07:00 - 10:00 Nic Foster 10:00 - 14:00 Lee Moulsdale with the Time Machine 14:00 - 15:00 Golden Hour 15:00 - 19:00 Jean-Paul Hansford 19:00 - 20:00 Golden Hour 20:00 - 22:00 Disco with Lee Moulsdale 22:00 - 01:00 Non Stop Party, including Godfather’s Retro Mix 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop Friday 06:00 - 14:00 Non Stop 14:00 - 18:00 Tiiu Shelley 18:00 - 22:00 Guilty Pleasures with JeanPaul Hansford 22:00 - 01:00 Mood After Dark 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop Saturday 06:00 - 14:00 Non Stop 14:00 - 18:00 Tiiu Shelley 18:00 - 22:00 Soul on Saturday with Nic Foster 22:00 - 01:00 Mood After Dark 01:00 - 02:00 Non Stop

Hey DJ! Go sat down with Mood 92’s Jean-Paul Hansford (a.k.a. J-P) to discuss all things music

Go: How long have you been a radio DJ for? And how did you get into it? Jean-Paul Hansford: I was 16 when I knew I wanted to be on the radio. I was born on the Isle of Wight, a beautiful island in the very south of England and was inspired by listening to the “pirate radio” stations like Radio Caroline and Radio London who broadcast in international waters off the coast of England. The energy and fun they created on the airwaves was magical. (Watch The Boat that Rocked and you’ll get a good idea of pirate radio’s immense influence on the pop radio we hear all over the world today!) It took me ten years to get my first job in professional radio. I sent countless demo-tapes to every radio station in Britain, but always received letters back saying I needed more experience. Eventually, a radio friend of mine suggested I take the “Radio Journalism” route and spent a further two years aiming to be accepted as a student at the renowned London College of Communication, for a post graduate diploma in Radio Journalism. I didn’t even have an A-Level, let alone a degree, and they kept turning me down. But this is where polite persistence and belief in yourself is so important. I kept sitting in the reception area insisting for them to take me seriously. As I said, it took me two years until they finally offered me a place. And guess what? I showed them by becoming their student of the year! My radio career really began in 1985 with a job offer from the BBC in York, as a broadcast assistant. For the first time I was on real radio, helping produce radio programs and broadcasting from the radio-car, driving all over North Yorkshire. Plus, I was learning from an amazing team with passion in their hearts.

Play 99.6

Name 5 tracks you’re currently listening to - Neil Diamond’s “He Ain’t heavy, He’s My Brother” - Manic Street Preachers’ “This is the day” - Master-Stroke, ”Funny How Love Is” - Elvis Presley’s “An American Trilogy” - Van Morrison’s “In the Garden” Scan Here for facebook

Mood 92 Airtimes: Weekdays 3:00pm – 7:00pm www.mood.fm

Within three years, I had joined the south of England’s newest radio station called Ocean Sound and then I won the radio license to set-up and launch Isle of Wight Radio, broadcasting to and from my homeland. That was such an amazing feeling! The lesson about all the above is if you want to do something, try not to get disheartened. People who succeed never give up. Go: What is your opinion on the music scene here in Jordan? JPH: I adore live music of all kinds. I especially really like to watch local live bands performing as their energy and passion is clear. Personally, I would like to see more opportunities for local musicians to be given more exposure from the local media. This is always something radio stations like ours consider, but we’ve yet to come up with a practical way of doing it. It’s not simply a matter of playing “demo-tapes” on-air. We’re still thinking of a way to be able to incorporate and support this, and any ideas for Mood 92 will always be welcome.

Join Lee McGrath this New Year’s Eve, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, counting down the Top 40 songs of 2011. Correctly guess the “Number One” song of the year and get the chance to win the coolest prizes and the hottest gadgets. Register by logging on to www.play. jo, or send an sms to (079) 640 0996 to enter the draw to win!

Go: What kind of music do you mostly listen to during your downtime? JPH: I always try and listen to music that “tests” me. I remember what my music teacher, Tom Taylor, told me in middle school: “Don’t say you don’t like that piece of music; work out why you don’t like it.” But to answer your question — I love rock. Go: What do you think about the free downloading of music from applications like LimeWire, eMule, and BitTorrent? JPH: Copyright protectors and royalty collectors will have to rethink. The Internet and such technology are moving faster than any of us can grab hold of. Go: Which singer/band/DJ would you love to see perform live here in the Kingdom? JPH: The Rolling Stones. Go: Who would you like to give a shout out to right now? JPH: My mum, dad, and family in the UK. And my listeners, who it’s all for.

Beat FM 102.5

Don’t miss Beat FM’s winner announcement of the “Can You Beat This” celebrity look alike competition at City Mall (King Abdullah II St.) on 3 December! Also, Beat FM is giving away VVIP tickets to Armin Van Buuren’s NYE party in Beirut, as well as giving away Christmas gifts with their “Christmas Beats” competition starting two weeks before Christmas. Tune into 102.5 to find out how to win! DEC. 2011 | 85

Grand CINEMAs Guide Grand Cinemas’ movie releases for the month of December.* Visit www.grandcinemas.com or call (06) 581 8808 for movie times.

30 November

Jack and Jill

Director: Dennis Dugan Cast: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Jack and Jill is a comedy focusing on Jack Sadelstein (Sandler), a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Sandler). Jill’s neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down Katie Homes plays Erin, Jack’s wife.

Happy Feet 2 in 3D

Director: George Miller Cast: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink Genre: Animation Rating: PG Mumble, the Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mightly Sven — a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with his charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures — from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals — to put things right.

Shark Night 3D

Director: David R. Ellis Cast: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Chris Carmack Williams, Pink Genre: Horror Rating: PG-13 A summer weekend turns into a blood-soaked nightmare for a group of college students trapped on an island surrounded by voracious underwater predators in Shark Night 3D, a terrifying ride from director David Ellis (The Final Destination, Snakes on a Plane). Arriving by boat at her family’s Louisiana lake island cabin, Sara (Paxton) and her friends are ready for a weekend of fun in the sun. But when star football player Malik stumbles from the salt-water lake with his arm torn off, the party mood quickly evaporates. Assuming the injury was caused by a freak wake-boarding accident, the group realizes they have to get Malik to the hospital on the other side of the lake, and fast. But as they set out in a speedboat, the friends discover the lake has been stocked with massive, flesh-eating sharks! 86 DEC. 2011

The ChangeUp

Director: David Dobkin Cast: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde Genre: Comedy Rating: R Growing up together Mitch (Reynolds) and Dave (Bateman) were inseparable best friends, but as the years have passed, they slowly drifted apart. While Dave is an overworked lawyer, husband, and father of three, Mitch has remained a single, quasi-employed man-child who has never met a responsibility he liked. To Mitch, Dave has it all: a beautiful wife, kids who adore him, and a good job at a prestigious firm. To Dave, living Mitch’s stress-free existence without obligation or consequence would be a dream come true. Following a drunken night out together, Mitch’s and Dave’s worlds are turned upside down when they wake up in each other’s bodies and proceed to freak out. Despite the freedom from their normal routines and habits, the guys soon discover that each other’s lives are nowhere near as rosy as they once seemed.

7 December

New Year’s Eve

Director: Garry Marshall Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher Genre: Comedy/Romance Rating: PG-13 New Year’s Eve celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances, and fresh starts, in intertwining stories told amid the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year. The film’s all-star cast includes Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank, and Sofia Vergara. New Year’s Eve is shot entirely on location in and around New York City.

he realizes his parents are not his own and his life is a lie, carefully fabricated to hide something more mysterious and dangerous than he could have ever imagined. Just as he begins to piece together his true identity, Nathan is targeting by a team of trained killers, forcing him on the run with the only person he can trust, his neighbor, Karen (Collins). Every second counts as Nathan and Karen race to evade an army of assassins and federal operatives. But as his opponents close in, Nathan realizes that the only way he’ll survive — and solve the mystery of his elusive biological father — is to stop running and take matters into his own hands.

14 December

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Director:Brad Bird Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton Genre: Action Rating: N/A Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, IMF operative Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the President initiates “Ghost Protocol.” Left without any resources or backup, Ethan must find a way to clear his agency’s name and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know.

* These movie releases are correct at the time of print. Please make sure to double check the releases with Grand Cinemas in case any scheduling changes occur during the month.

Abduction

Director: John Singleton Cast: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina Genre: Action Rating: PG-13 For as long as he can remember, Nathan Harper (Lautner) has had the uneasy feeling that he’s living someone else’s life. When he stumbles upon an image of himself as a little boy on a missing persons Website, all of Nathan’s darkest fears come true:

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Before we go...

Blogger of the Month

Q&A by: Kinzi Jones

Hana Faouri Age: 28 Nationality: Jordanian Blog Name: “My Upcycled Life” Blog URL: myupcycledlife.blogspot.com

Go: How long have you been blogging for? Hana Faouri: I’ve been blogging for almost a year now.

Go: If you were stuck on a desert island and could access only one social media site, which one would it be and why? HF: Probably Facebook only because all the important people in my life have an account, including my parents! I’d also want to upload a photo album called, “Help! I’m stranded on a desert island!”

Go: What got you into the blogosphere? HF: I wanted a place where I could share my ideas and thoughts with others who were not only in Amman, but all over the world. Go: How did you come up with the title of your blog, “My Upcycled Life”? HF: Upcycling is the process of creating something new from something that is no longer of use. When I create something and I write a blog post about it, I always think of the process and the time it took me to work on that piece in my workshop while listening to my music, and then I take all that process and share it with the world. It’s like sharing a part of my life with others and that’s my favorite part of blogging.

Ahead of the Game

Scan Here for Blog

88 DEC. 2011

Go: What are your favorite things to blog about? HF: I don’t really have a favorite thing to blog about, whenever I come up with new ideas I’m excited to share them so every blog post was at some point a favorite thing. It has always been a challenge for me to know who loves my work, especially when I was writing my business plan and I needed to know who my market was. I guess because it’s something new in

Quick Qs:

Blogger or WordPress? Blogger Copyright or copyleft? Copyleft Mac or PC? Mac Desktop or laptop? Laptop iPhone or BB? iPhone iPod or MP3? iPod Coke or Pepsi? Neither Na’meh wella khishneh? Na’meh

Amman it’s not always clear to me who the people interested in buying my products are, whether for environmental or artistic purposes. I think that part will remain unknown to me because even I don’t know which part of myself (environmental or artistic) I want to stand out more. For example, a lot of times I start by doing a sculpture and it gives me an idea to do something that has a function, like the window that I turned into a table. I actually wanted to make a sculpture and even use light but then my mind works differently sometimes. There’s just something about giving a used item a new function that really appeals to me; it’s not only nice to hang in your house, it’s also something that you use and need.

Go: How do you think social media in Jordan is faring today? HF: I don’t consider myself an expert in social media, but I do feel that today people in Jordan use it much more differently than they used to in the past. Now, people are sharing a lot of interesting content. There almost isn’t a single individual entrepreneur or business owener who doesn’t use social media to promote and share their work with others online. Go: What piece of advice would you give to someone who’s looking to enter into the blogosphere? HF: I guess it would be that they should blog about something they are passionate about, if it wasn’t for upcycling I wouldn’t have thought about blogging, I’m not the best writer in the world, I’m just really passionate about what I do. And people are attracted to that. If you’re genuine about what you want to share, there’s no way people wouldn’t be affected by it, and that’s what every blogger wants at the end of the day.

January may be a month away, but Go’s always looking ahead

New Year’s Day Brunch

On Saturday, 1 January 2012, treat yourself and your family to your first brunch of the New Year at the Four Seasons Amman (Kindi St., 5th Circle, Jabal Amman). Their popular restaurant, Seasons, will be serving up a mouthwatering brunch buffet with a vast selection of dishes that is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s appetite. The brunch is priced at 37 JOD for adults and 18 JOD for kids (from 6-12 years). Call (06) 550 5555 or visit www.fourseasons.com/amman for more information.

Be sure to pick up Go’s January issue,

which will be full of great ideas on how to start the New Year fresh!