Yesterday and today; I had the pleasure of meeting and entertaining foreign guests who happen to be visiting Jordan for business purposes. These guests come from the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. Of course; the first thing I said when I met them was: “welcome to Jordan” and spent some time just asking them how they are enjoying their stay and if they have some time for sightseeing.

They all gave almost the same feedback; they have enjoyed their stay dearly and they are planning to come back and plan their schedules in a way that will allow them to see more of our country. They want to go to the Dead Sea, Petra, Mount Nibo, Jerash … etc.

You might be wondering now why I am telling you this; why am I blogging about such a normal encounter in any line of business?

Well; the reason I am talking about this is to share with you the lovely feeling I had when I heard them talk about our beautiful country. They have been around and they have given me a brief comparison from their tours and how Jordan really stood out and was and still is a pleasurable experience for them.

They said that people are so friendly; whenever they come across one Jordanian; the first thing they hear is “Welcome to Jordan” with smiling faces here and there. They also said that the weather was extremely nice and that they enjoyed sitting in their hotel room terrace late at night, just enjoying the breeze and sights.

Hearing all this has made me really happy and proud of Jordan and Jordanians. I have always loved this country beyond explanation or imagination. I was born and raised here and there is a special strong connection that ties me to the heart of Jordan. Even when I tried to stay away and thought that I was doing the right thing; I only came back more passionate and in need for being here.

Our country is an open museum; wherever you go; there is something to see or explore. In every corner; there was a king or a prince who loved a spot and decided to glorify it by building a magnificent castle or a palace to make it eternal and famous.

Back at school; we learned that this area was of a paramount geographical strategic importance which caused a lot of outer nations to want to control it and be its one and only ruler. They realized that this area is a connection between the east and west, north and south; that’s why the famous Petra was founded.

I am always surprised at people who undervalue this great country; how they do not live and breathe its love when it is the place that gave us the chance to live and be free; the only place that we call home, the only place that tolerates our mistakes and misconceptions; the only place that gave us our identity and gave us a sense of belonging we never ever find anywhere else in this world regardless of how much we made or how happy we think we are.

To Jordan

With love!!