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I am terrified that Amman will be boring...

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koutalakis

...although I know that is a negative statement to begin with. I am moving to Amman in August. I have lived in Greece for a year, Beirut for 6 years, Finland for 6 years, Spain for 5. I am English, but haven't even visited for about 12 years. I teach Philosophy.

Everyone I know and trust who has had experience of Amman tells me that (a) I will be spending a lot of time in front of my computer, (b) I will be escaping as often as I can, and (c) it is less like a city and more like a big village.

My experience in Beirut, which I liked, taught me that I hate shopping malls, get bored of chichi restaurants, and can't really stand coffee shops (Gloria Jeans? Starbucks? Don't get me started.. :D ).

I like...live music, non-mainstream culture (I know what that is, though it's impossible to describe).

So...I am terrified that Amman will be boring. Please let me know that it won't be, and that there will be things to do. Your suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks.

Daniya H

well it depends on how u define "boring" as everyone got his/her own definition, for some people they find Amman boring, for other's they find it amazing so we really cant help u in that...

I am a Jordanian girl living in Amman and I love my city, yet it can get boring sometimes, that's why I have lots of friends lol

but what distinguish Amman from all other Middle Eastern cities that it is SAFE! I mean I can walk down the street alone at 3 A.M without worrying that i might get kidnapped or Hijacked etc etc

but anyway good luck in your experience :)

kadarfayyad

I love Amman, it is a wonder full city that you can have a nice walk in it, find old nice houses and loads of cultural centers.
In Amman you can chose what life stile you want, Huge Malls or Down Town (not new like Beirut) but old buildings and small shops.
wait till you are her, you will chose what you like.
welcome :)

NouraAlkhazaleh

If you are terrified of malls, discount shops and name-brand coffee, the place to be in Amman to avoid that is Midtown near the old courthouse. Sadly they are trying to spruce it up, but I like it old, gritty, and only half touristy. Old Roman ruins to sit and eat lunch by, great hookah places and famous for Hashem of course. If you're feeling lonely for expats or other foreigners its also the place to find them! :)

Hypertyper

For tourists, Amman is only nice for a 1-2 weeks stay, (usually).

there is a poor nightlife here, Not as you have in Europe/America.

ddees

Look, I admire what you didn't like about Beirut. That is my exact reaction to such things. Unfortunately, you have to work hard in Amman to get past all the things you mentioned. I think Amman has fascinating things to offer, but they are more about the culture, history and politics of the city. In terms of day to day living, until you make friends ( and speaking arabic is a major plus in this area if you want to branch out from expats, or talk to people from the varied background here) you just may find yourself in the places you mentioned. But, saying that, people are very friendly, and has been one of the more open countries I've lived in.  One important thing to remember though is what the rest of Jordan, a small country, has to offer. If you like natural landscapes, you will be happy.

I'm a little dissatisfied with the lack of live music, but I still hold that it just may be that I haven't met the right people or places yet. event advertising in Amman may be more of an issue than purely the city itself. I honestly think Amman doesn't deserve the reputation it has developed. I think it just takes a more mature mind to seek things, rather than expect them always delivered in a 'time out' guide. But, trust me, I do understand what you mean about liking non mainstream culture and seeking it out. You may just struggle in Amman on that one.

all in all, I think its worth visiting and giving it a test before you decide to move here.

Shatha

Amman is a more family friendly environment, its not as hyper as beirut for young single people. but there are good activities and some nice places to visit.

imaduno

i was born in jordan that makes me jordanian but im not arabic in origin. im 42 lived most of my life here in jordan and im sad to say that you will be spending most of your time in front of your computer for many reasons , boring culture, high prices, nothing interesting unless u like coffee shops malls .

Poseidon13

Well i can't say amman is great for chilling out and yes it's kinda boring but to be fair amman still having some places with it's own style and spirit ! But if u r one of those who prefer to try new things and places in every outing then it's not going to work in amman in absolutely u'll find it boring ! Coz it's really limited city . In the other hand i u like being a casual customer at places u would admire and feel comfortable in then propably u can find couple of nice places . U just need to be wise where to chose ur place in amman coz driving isn't a positive thin to do and enjoy in amman so the location of the place u intend to stay in is really important for this and many other minor and major things like if u like jogging in the morning for example not all districts and suburbs could cope with jogging in amman !

Nim0

I must say, boring is as boring does. I enjoyed my last visit and i am looking foward to moving to Amman!  I hope you find your jump starter soon ;)

Nimo

koutalakis

Hello everyone

I would like to thank you all for your comments, suggestions, gentle 'chidings', and good wishes.

I have now completed my first week here; of course, most of that has been concerned with settling in to my new job, but as for the rest....well....

I have met one or two people in my new job (who are also new) who I feel can become very good friends, and together we have been trying to find our feet in Amman. You know what it's like probably, one arrives with two suitcases, and the apartment feels large, empty, and loneliness and self-pity sets in. Some time has been spent shopping (and, yes, I am already fed up with shopping malls ;) ), and some time has been spent exploring possible social venues, pubs, bars, cafes, and I have a sinking feeling that I have already discovered all such venues that there are. I know that I haven't, but at the moment it feels like that. At the same time, I am less pessimistic than I was before I arrived and, thanks in part to some of your suggestions, I am beginning to find my feet.

So, again, I thank you; it would be lovely to meet some of you some time.

David

Primadonna

Ahlan wa Sahlan David

It takes always time to settle.
Just take your time.
For me it feels like your moving to a new home: in the beginning you don't feel good at it but after a short time when you're enter you house it feels like if you are coming home...

AndaIoana

Guys, make a  NEW bar / club! FOR ALL THE EXPATS!!!!! OPENED ALL NIGHTS!

validoza

My family & I are new in Amman too. Not much to see after exploring the City Centre... driving around is not a pleasure as well as you probably know by now. However, making the most of our work-vacation adventure in Jordan. We do look forward to our weekend getaways in the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Petra... for as long as its outside Amman.

Hamory1

I am sorry to confirm your fear. Amman is a boring place, and the people in Jordan are not as kind and social  as you might have discovered so far.

I am of to the UK on this coming Thursad for a 12 days stay, then back to Amman.

We can meet after my return to Amman if you fancy to do so.


Best regards

Naser Hamory

Ps. I moved back to Jordan last year. I returned from Oslo-Norway after a lengthy stay of 25 years.

Hypertyper

Hamory! I am sorry that you've dealt with unkind people,I can't disagree with you, there are many rude people here who do NOT own their own business! but still, believe me you can find many amazing people here who would help you with their lives!

If you need anything! feel free to message me.
Regards.

Hyper.

duhaz77beatle
@koutalakis

Hi. I am a Jordanian who was obliged to return to Amman after I finished my studies abroad. (I had a British education). Unfortunately, I am not enjoying much, here:

a) there are no outlets in Amman

b) with all my respect to everyone, I have only managed to make a FEW friends

c) The laptop I have is a blessing: I read, listen to music and so on. I do not know what I would have done without it


I did not mean to demoralize you, therefore please do not misunderstand me.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
duhaz77beatle
@Daniya H



Hi. I used to walk at night during hot Summer days. However, I do not any more: I do not think that Amman is as safe as it once was. Don't forget that in the past there were only Jordanians here plus employees at different embassies. However, and with the uprisings in the Arab world the country is now full of different nationalities.
duhaz77beatle

For tourists, Amman is only nice for a 1-2 weeks stay, (usually).

there is a poor nightlife here, Not as you have in Europe/America.

- @Hypertyper

Well said: a poor nightlife, unlike the West.
duhaz77beatle

...although I know that is a negative statement to begin with. I am moving to Amman in August. I have lived in Greece for a year, Beirut for 6 years, Finland for 6 years, Spain for 5. I am English, but haven't even visited for about 12 years. I teach Philosophy.

Everyone I know and trust who has had experience of Amman tells me that (a) I will be spending a lot of time in front of my computer, (b) I will be escaping as often as I can, and (c) it is less like a city and more like a big village.

My experience in Beirut, which I liked, taught me that I hate shopping malls, get bored of chichi restaurants, and can't really stand coffee shops (Gloria Jeans? Starbucks? Don't get me started.. big_smile.png ).

I like...live music, non-mainstream culture (I know what that is, though it's impossible to describe).

So...I am terrified that Amman will be boring. Please let me know that it won't be, and that there will be things to do. Your suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks.


Hi and hope you are well. I'm Jordanian and I studied abroad. Once I finished my studies I was obliged to return to my homeland. To be honest to you, I have not been able to adapt: the West (Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand are another world). One thing I noticed here in Amman is that there are no outlets - not much to do. Personally speaking, I regret to say that I spend about 80% of the time behind my laptop. I haven't been able to make friends either. I go out for walks when the weather permits, listen to music (also on my laptop), watch a bit of TV  and that's about it. I love reading. However, books have been replaced by the net.

Am sorry for what came above and I do not mean to demoralize you. I'm only telling you the truth. If you need help please do not hesitate to contact me.

Good luck!
duhaz77beatle

i was born in jordan that makes me jordanian but im not arabic in origin. im 42 lived most of my life here in jordan and im sad to say that you will be spending most of your time in front of your computer for many reasons , boring culture, high prices, nothing interesting unless u like coffee shops malls .

- @imaduno

I studied abroad and what a difference between Europe and the Middle East there is! You are definitely right: sadly many people are spending their time behind their computers or with their cell phones. And I regret to say I am one of them.
duhaz77beatle

My family & I are new in Amman too. Not much to see after exploring the City Centre... driving around is not a pleasure as well as you probably know by now. However, making the most of our work-vacation adventure in Jordan. We do look forward to our weekend getaways in the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Petra... for as long as its outside Amman.

- @validoza

Once you visit Aqaba, the Dead Sea, Petra and so on, that's sadly the end....what next??
duhaz77beatle

I am sorry to confirm your fear. Amman is a boring place, and the people in Jordan are not as kind and social  as you might have discovered so far.

I am of to the UK on this coming Thursad for a 12 days stay, then back to Amman.

We can meet after my return to Amman if you fancy to do so.


Best regards

Naser Hamory

Ps. I moved back to Jordan last year. I returned from Oslo-Norway after a lengthy stay of 25 years.

- @Hamory1

Welcome back to Jordan.

True : Amman is a very boring place. Let alone that, it is terribly expensive. I believe that only the filthy rich live well here.
Primadonna
Amman doesn't have to be bored, it's just depends if your interests are compatible with what Amman has to offer.
I do agree most activities are expensive but there are still things you can consider to do which you don't need a sack of money 💰.
It's also depends on how well (or not) you know the city.

Keep in mind that a lot of expats are leaving and coming and they are able to find mind like people or with similar interests. If they can, you can.
Think out of the box and join several expats group via Facebook.

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