Doubts - Is moving to Jordan something that you regret?

Sorry to hear your experience Moqu.  I do agree though on most points.  As far as the job hunt goes, you only can get a job by knowing someone.  Your credentials and experience don't matter much sadly.  On the upside spring is nearly here and it's the best season here.  Get out into the country pack a BBQ and have a picnic with the family when it's warm enough.  Outside of the city - away from the noise, trash, pollution, and blocks and blocks of apartments that look all the same - Jordan is a beautiful country.  Enjoy the good parts of it.  I couldn't live here indefinitely either like I planned to originally, but like you I still am grateful  I took the opportunity to do so.  I am very near the end of my time here and I feel unexpectedly sad at leaving.

Hey Moqu, I get what you mean about the smoking. I've lived in Australia where hardly anyone smokes (only 18% of the adult population) and the hostility to smokers is palpable. To me that's a good thing.

Yes the smoking is horrible.  I wanted to have a no smoking policy in my house, but was told that was rude.  Apparently smoking in someone else's house (who doesnt smoke) to the point where it smells for 2 days and dropping cigarette ashes everywhere isn't rude?   I've had people throw cigarette butts in my kitchen sink, nasty.

Of course not Kip here they think the opposite way according what we are used too.
Everything is allowed to comfort the guests.

Deb568, I think the reasons for the 18% smoker uptake rate you quote is that cigarettes are expensive in Australia (around 20JD a pack), under 18s cant purchase these easily and places to smoke are becoming more limited. Plus the impact to health and wellbeing are well known. For me this is a good combination for preventing people to smoke. However those who ignore the many reasons of why they should not smoke, dont often do it in the presence of others. My dad smokes, he never does it around my kids or in my house.

The weather is getting nice during the day so I am getting out more, still dont have much to do though. I spent the last two years back and forth mostly experiencing winter in Jordan and and Australia with only about a month of summer due to travel. If I go back home next month it will feel like one long winter.

Really, there isn't much to do on a daily basis here.  Sure there is petra, ajloun, citadel, dead sea, etc, but for normal daily things there really isn't much.  Seems like I just move from eating one thing to waiting for the next meal.  I think people smoke because of the boredom.  It's either eat or smoke, thats the entertainment. Unfortunately in my two years here I've gained 10 kilo and developed quite a liking to hookah.  I used to be a big runner before I came here.  I miss being outside and feeling sunshine.  Seems like most of the time I am stuck inside a cold, dark house.  I miss socializing, being active, being involved in the community, etc.  The lifestyle here is just so indoor and sedentary I feel like climbing the walls most days.  I do enjoy the times I've got to go in the country or the dead sea though.  Ok it still involves eating and mostly sitting but at least there was fresh air!

Moqu, it isn't just abut the price of cigarettes in Australia. It's the relentless television campaign by the government, showing truly gruesome stuff like the gunk in the arteries, and the colour of the lungs of a smoker, i.e. after he/she is opened up for the post mortem.

@Kip98

I feel very lonely here, too, I regret to say. Moreover, there is nothing to do and nowhere to go to in Amman.

I've been to Aqaba, The Dead Sea, Petra, what next. I go out for long walks when the weather permits, but that's about all. I get extremely bored, particularly in the very cold Winter. I get "stuck" at home till the sun pops up.

"Thank God, I have a laptop" I keep thinking. I do not like TV, making things twice as hard.

Hope to hear from you.

Best regards.

    You refer to low salary and expensive life(style)??? Ah, there you go. With all my respect to everyone, low salary doesn't necessarily  mean you have to be unhappy. It's the lifestyle you're after which you can't afford. You can read as much as you want about an country, it's economy, people, traditions, culture and so on but to know how it really is you have to experience it. Not visiting as a tourist or short term in a fancy area but to live as a local.
   

    -@Primadonna

I totally agree with you: reading about any country on the net is not enough. One has to live in it for quite long, unlike a visitor or a tourist: the two are welcome as they are not residents but visitors.

    Primadonna you so get it; I'd hug you right now if i could. I think living in Jordan as an expat and trying to live as a Jordanian so to speak as an expat are two different worlds.  They both have their ups and downs, just different experiences.
   

    -@Kip98

You are right: they are two completely different worlds. They have very different mentalities in the West (with all my respect to everyone), different lifestyle, different habits and traditions and so on.

    I just left Jordan after many years living there happily. I didn't have a family there as we were both expats.  The pull back to the UK comes from family ..... A new grandson and ageing parents.I understand how difficult it can be for expats on low incomes but the country is immensely beautiful and so are it's people. For me the major problem was getting out and about in the heat and a tendency to take little exercise in the summer but right now the weather in the UK is like winter so want to stay in the warm!!!I can sincerely say Jordan is a little gem .... Long may it remain so
   

    -@Brit in Jordan

I believe hat the people who say that Jordan is a lovely country are those who come voluntarily, unlike the Jordanian who lives here because he/she has no other choice. He/she would be struggling, believe me. He/she would have financial, social, economical issues and many more, I regret to say.

@Gillian Moore

Hello gillian ; its haya im jordainian ; i live in amman and maybe  i can help

    @Gillian Moore
Hello gillian ; its haya im jordainian ; i live in amman and maybe  i can help
   

    -@Muhaisinhaya

Good afternoon Haya. Glad to meet you.

I would be very thankful if you helped me. Please let me know how.

Thanks

    @Kip98
I feel very lonely here, too, I regret to say. Moreover, there is nothing to do and nowhere to go to in Amman.

I've been to Aqaba, The Dead Sea, Petra, what next. I go out for long walks when the weather permits, but that's about all. I get extremely bored, particularly in the very cold Winter. I get "stuck" at home till the sun pops up.

"Thank God, I have a laptop" I keep thinking. I do not like TV, making things twice as hard.

Hope to hear from you.

Best regards.
   

    -@Gillian Moore

First: welcome on board 🤗

Sorry to hear you're lonely and bored.

But it doesn't have to be!

Amman is full of activities, you just need to know where to go.

It depends on your interests and how big your wallet is.

Social networking is hard but not impossible.

Try to find some clubs that you like or search for expats groups on other socials.

@Gillian Moore Hi Gillian, I live in Jordan too and I don't have and don't like tv.

        @Kip98I feel very lonely here, too, I regret to say. Moreover, there is nothing to do and nowhere to go to in Amman.I've been to Aqaba, The Dead Sea, Petra, what next. I go out for long walks when the weather permits, but that's about all. I get extremely bored, particularly in the very cold Winter. I get "stuck" at home till the sun pops up."Thank God, I have a laptop" I keep thinking. I do not like TV, making things twice as hard.Hope to hear from you.Best regards.        -@Gillian Moore

First: welcome on board 🤗

Sorry to hear you're lonely and bored.
But it doesn't have to be!
Amman is full of activities, you just need to know where to go.
It depends on your interests and how big your wallet is.
Social networking is hard but not impossible.
Try to find some clubs that you like or search for expats groups on other socials.
   

    -@Primadonna

Hi, and many thanks for your advice.

The wallet is a big issue believe me. I went to see gym clubs, where I could do something different from walking and get to know females. However......they are extremely EXPENSIVE. Moreover, they are relatively FAR. The distance would make things twice as hard. Therefore, I had to forget them. It seems that they are "made for" the filthy rich, only. They are a luxury.

    @Gillian Moore Hi Gillian, I live in Jordan too and I don't have and don't like tv.
   

    -@Rhona1

Hi. I hope you have found something else to do, besides watching TV.

Personally, I have not. Mind you, I have not given up.

         

Hi, and many thanks for your advice.
The wallet is a big issue believe me. I went to see gym clubs, where I could do something different from walking and get to know females. However......they are extremely EXPENSIVE. Moreover, they are relatively FAR. The distance would make things twice as hard. Therefore, I had to forget them. It seems that they are "made for" the filthy rich, only. They are a luxury.
   

    -@Gillian Moore

Forget the overpriced gyms, go to a local one

I went and had some unique experiences.

Just out of curiosity: in which part of Amman you live in?

May I please know what do you mean by local gyms and where can I find one as all the gyms I know are pretty expensive!

    May I please know what do you mean by local gyms and where can I find one as all the gyms I know are pretty expensive!
   

    -@Sawsan2653

Welcome on board Sawsan 🤗

With a local gym I mean near you without big signs. Often located on the first floor above a supermarket or entrance. In the evening you see men sweating but at daytime it's for women. Usually you pay each month 25 JD but if you pay for three months you get discount.

        May I please know what do you mean by local gyms and where can I find one as all the gyms I know are pretty expensive!        -@Sawsan2653

Welcome on board Sawsan 🤗

With a local gym I mean near you without big signs. Often located on the first floor above a supermarket or entrance. In the evening you see men sweating but at daytime it's for women. Usually you pay each month 25 JD but if you pay for three months you get discount.
   

    -@Primadonna

Hi. Unfortunately there's nothing of the sort around me. They are all pretty expensive here and definitely NOT made for the middle class. Only the millionaires can afford them.

Hi. Unfortunately there's nothing of the sort around me. They are all pretty expensive here and definitely NOT made for the middle class. Only the millionaires can afford them.
   

    -@Gillian Moore

That's hardly impossible.

Every suburb has them.

Where do you live?

***

@Gillian Moore Yes I always find things to do. Actually we are developing a health group. I have found people who want to quit smoking and learn about health. And also I found people intrested in business and projects. And even found an amazing health product to reverse every disease and we have a team to learn and to network for this product.

There are possibilities and opportunities. It's a matter of mind set too and focusing your thoughts toward more positive things. Giving thanks and looking at what blessings you already have can help.

@Kip98

If you came to Jordan upon you own will (i.e: you were not obliged to come here), then you will definitely like and even love it. I noticed tourists love this place. Why? Simply because they are here for a tour, a visit. However when you are OBLIGED to stay here, it becomes tiring and extremely boring, I regret to say.

I go out for long walks when the weather permits, but that's about all. I went to Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum etc. but what next? During Winter I get "stuck" at home with my mother. This is extremely tiring and boring.

I did not come to Joran willingly, nor did I stay willingly, I very much regret to say.