Why you should visit Saraya Aqaba next?

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Razan Masri

That is if you are in Jordan or around Jordan.

Saraya Aqaba is ready to be cruised. I was lucky enough to get an invitation, and go drop it a visit last weekend, was welcomed by a very friendly staff, who took me and a group of other bloggers and social media influencers around.

First We Indulged in its foremost design. Interior and exterior. It is like a new wonderland. Only the Arabian themed wonderland. So full of our own oriental culture, authentic yet very modern. It lavished us with infinite luxury and poetic rhythm.

Saraya-Aqaba-Jordan-Travel-Red-Sea-easgle-hills

Second we familiarized ourselves more on Aqaba. Got to know the Red Sea from the Saraya scenic view. Found the lagoon at the heart of the project with the mountains on one side and occupied Palestine on the other.

Third If you are an architect or an artists, the architecture will take you to a new experience. I personally felt I entered the land of Aladdin, with the details being focused on the arch doors and windows, with the dome-shaped roofs. The villas looks like tiny squared houses cocooned one on top of the other.

Forth Enjoyed the different patterns, rugs, and flooring. From under construction, to fully constructed, to beach sand, from seeing myself in a glamorous gown, to casual jeans, and bare feet bikini. All throughout with my polka dots Nike.

Fifth Go with friends, family, partner(s); go with a group of people you enjoy your time exploring with. I went with like-minded people, who care about sharing what they experience to the world. Bloggers, tweeps, food critics, fashion followers, and social butterflies. (Find them on twitter from right to left: @Mahoozz @Eakhaldi @ZaynaHamarneh @Bigullak @LHaddadin @HamzehQasem @HadeelNourddin and myself @RazanMasri also find @kawthershabani @sal3885 @Emaneh45 @SarayaAqabaJo)

Sixth Finally we met the space. Met the future. Once a dream now is coming into reality. We headed towards the Sale Center and asked for a tour, checked out the furnished space from town houses, to villas and of course rested a while by the beach.

Seventh I never want to miss the colors of the sunset. And especially when by the beach. The reflection, the changing colors, the serene sound and feel, we used the time for some meditation, reflection, romance, just getting hypnotized by the spell of the Red Sea.

sunset-Saraya-Aqaba-Jordan-Travel-Red-Sea-easgle-hills

Art Space, A Good Cup of Coffee & A Beautiful View Overlooking the City…

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Razan Masri

I found my new favorite place in Amman. It wasn’t my first time to visit The Khalid Shoman Foundation “Darrat Al Funun“, but it was my first time to enjoy a great cup of coffee, zaatar sandwich and tranquility there. I didn’t know they had a cafe running, this place is incredible. Seriously what more one can ask for?

A great location; in one of the oldest and most authentic areas in Amman. Al Webdeh, which I have previously written about and shared some photographs of my explorations. But seriously this area is the gem in Amman, you can never go wrong by just going there, exploring and discovering shops and exhibitions like Darat al Funun.

Beautiful architecture, large building, multiple gardens and exhibition rooms. This art gallery is like a dream land for all artists. all in one space to anyone seeking inspiration, and a close-by getaway from mental and physical traffic.

Art gallery and exhibition in Amman Jordan

Vintage retro window at an art gallery in Amman

Ornements at an art exhibition in old amman

Emily Jacir is one of the artists exhibiting until April 23 2015. The artist has shown extensively throughout Europe, the Americas and Arab world since 1994. She is the recipient of several awards, including a Golden Lionn ath the 52nd Venice Biennale (2007); a Prince Clause Award (2007); the Hugo Boss Prize (2008); and the Herb Alpert Award (2011). “Information is from the Darat al Funun program”.

The following are from Emily Jacir installation of photographs taken by cell phone. 2010-2012, ex libris addresses the looting, destruction, and restitution of books. This work pay homage to the approximately thirty thousand books, belonging to Palestinian homes, libraries, and institutions, that were looted by Israel in 1948, six thousand of these books are kept and catalogued in the Jewish National Library Jerusalem under “A.P.” (Abandoned Property).

Then, I discovered the library. What a world of its own. I can camp there in between the books, and just indulge in art, culture, and historic books. I started imaging myself going again to work, read, and fill my imagination with the goods and getting lost with where to start from.

And the best part about it all, is the cup of coffee, overlooking beautiful Amman, breathing the freshest air, listening to the sound of the water fountain, and enjoying the moments of life. It takes you back in time, back to the 40’s and the 50’s.

Where is my next best favorite place in Amman? Any recommendations?

If you enjoyed reading this post you will also enjoy: A day in Al Salt, Threads of Bethlehem, Cooking Class at Beit Siti

In the name of Muath… We should not give in to ISIS.

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Razan Masri

I don’t like to believe the media, or how it puts the news and try to deliver it. I don’t like to show the world that we can easily be followers, I don’t like to mix facts with what is difficult to prove. I believe no one in this world has the right to torture or take away the life of someone else. I believe ISIS are calling out for our attention, want us to share the video that was video tapped and shared by them, want us to circulate the horrific images between each other in their name to attract more attention and popularity for them. They want us to stop what we are doing, what ever it is, and give them our full attention, awareness, time and energy. They want us to sit and talk about them, what they are doing with a frown in our face and an energy below zero.

But then what? How will ISIS win? By us doing absolutely nothing? By hiding? Or by waiting for what is going to happen next? We can’t just sit and watch, applause or react without even knowing the basics of their own existence. We all feel sorry and upset for the death of Muath, Charlie, Kenji, we feel sorry and upset for all the Palestinians dying every day since 1948, the Iraqis, the Syrians, the Nigerians, the Americans, the Europeans, for anyone and everyone that is being murdered or killed. Most of us, most of human beings who do not care about power and money to the extent of killing one another for it, do not agree with what is happening to the world today and everyday since the beginning of humanity. The same people who agree to be against the violence in the world of today all agree to want to live in peace with their neighbors and all around. So who are we fighting?

Are they even reading or listening to what we have to say? We must work on ourselves, by ourselves, together unite, and fight this corruption with our own education and moving forward in life and spreading awareness and focus on the solution that must include being positive, spreading love and learning about peace. Let us together create the peace we wish to see between us, this is how we should fight, we should fight by going on, by growing stronger, not in violence and weapons, but grow in more peace, and love, learning better and newer ways to spread the right words, the right positive ways of living and create a safer and a more educated environment for the upcoming generations.

Don’t give in, is the strategy. Be aware of their existence but don’t assume you understand who they are, and don’t give them the power of your own energy and time. May all our victims who are dead rest in peace, and all the victims who are alive to be aware and work together for peace.

For Wadi Rum Click Here.

Who said camels aren’t romantic?

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Razan Masri

In a world like today, every body needs a little bit of love. Life is too short to live in solitude, and it is too short not to share it or give. Give in any form you can give, love in any language you can love, and live life as it is given to you with no battle and with no struggle.

My motto for the day today is: One day… We all will kneel down in defeat… So why fight? Freedom comes when you free yourself from the conscious battle. Just set yourself free, surrender to life, surrender to love.

It is mid january and feels as sunny as April in Amman, Jordan. How about Wadi Rum for the weekend with your loved ones if you are in Jordan? Read more on Wadi Rum – Jordan.

A beautiful desert view overlooking Palestine & the Dead Sea. Visit Mukawir.

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Razan Masri

For Detailed Page visit Mukawir, Machaerus

Mukawir is a historic attraction in Jordan that is about one hour and a half drive from Amman, around 30 to 40 minutes from Madaba.

I advice you wear something comfortable and somewhat conservative, comfortable sports shoes, and go by car or taxi. It is around 20 minutes walk up the hill or around 35 minutes if you are taking photographs on the way.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress The great wall of china

On the way to Machaerus Mukawir Jordan قلعة المشناقى الاردن

Mukawir Fortress was built by Alexander Jannaeus in the first century BC and is a religion biblical story of Salome the dancer who danced to Hadrian to get John the Baptist “Prophey Yahya bin Zakaria” beheaded. It was said the John the Baptist was imprisoned for 2 years and then beheaded. In 70 AD, the fortress was destroyed by the Romans while under the emperor of Titus.

There is not much to see, but it sure is worth the visit, the colors of nature, and the fresh air is just sensational, the walk up is very easy and takes very little time, it is not so busy and not visited much so usually serene and calm.

My favorite part of Mukawir is the view that over looks the Dead Sea and Palestine, it is breathtaking when the sky is clear, and I would defiantly advice you go right before sunset because the view is just magical and worth staying for.

Did you know that John the Baptist “Prophet Yahya bin Zakaria” was beheaded in Jordan? Learn more about Mukawir and the hilltop of Machaerus قلعة المشناقى

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Razan Masri

Mukawir, also known as the hilltop of Machaerus or in Arabic قلعة المشناقى

Sand, Neutral, Fresh Air, Nature, Desert, John the Baptist, Biblical, History, Ancient, Salome, Roman, Palace, Hadrian, Dead Sea

Mukawir is a historic attraction in Jordan that is about one hour and a half drive from Amman, around 30 to 40 minutes from Madaba.

Sheep and Lambs on the way to Mukawir in Madaba

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Olive Tree

Mukawir Fortress was built by Alexander Jannaeus in the first century BC and is a religion biblical story of Salome the dancer who danced to Hadrian to get John the Baptist “Prophet Yahya bin Zakaria” beheaded. It was said the John the Baptist was imprisoned for 2 years and then beheaded. In 70 AD, the fortress was destroyed by the Romans while under the emperor of Titus.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Sunset

I spent around 5 hours total including transportation and had a wonderful time taking photograph and meditating on the hilltop overlooking the sunset.

All photographs are unedited and taken with a Canon 70D

Photograph idea by my friend Mohammad AbdelLatif – Canon Timer

Why WadiRum is one of the most magical places on earth. Click here to learn more.

Why you should consider visiting AlSalt “السلط” ? An ancient town located in Jordan.

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Razan Masri

It truly is incredible, to feel the history speak to you through the architecture of the city. I read somewhere online that Al Salt City was built by Alexander the Great and was known as Saltus in Byzantine. I am not very familiar with the history of Al Salt, but while I was wandering around the city, I was able to learn some, and therefore, I plan to visit again, learn more and find all the historic attractions that I still haven’t located. But here, I will share with you how you can spend an awesome day enjoying what is beautiful and authentic. Read more and find more photos of what to do in Al Salt.

Most pictures are taken with a Canon 70D.

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan, A very old white Volkswagen car by the city, سيارة فوكس قديمه fox

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan, Nablus soap orange wall coloring of architecture of the 1900

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan stone wall

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan, Old town, old doors, vintage

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture وادي شعيب, eating Knafet Anabtawi is a must

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture, Tomatoes and coffee

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture, shoe maker, shoe fixer, an old antique shop

On the way to AL-Salt AsSalt AlSalt Jordan sitting on a cliff overlooking the city in Jordan

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture, Tabacco

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture, ancient church from Alexander the Great time, كنيسه قديمه في السلط

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan, Cloudy foggy mountains

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture radish vegetable open market

Al Salt, AsSalt, Al-Salt, AlSalt, Jordan، مدينة السلط الاردن, ancient city and architecture

Pray a little something for your magical inner self…

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Razan Masri

There is always magic within… From time to time we can sit, meditate, pray and listen to our inner self speak… How is my “inner self” feeling ? What does my “inner self” has to say. Sit somewhere isolated with the least noise & distraction, close your eyes, say a little prayer and direct your awareness inwards, at this moment do nothing and just listen. Try to isolate your self from your inner self, let your self observe while your inner self express. Stay there as much as you can, try not to judge your inner thoughts or feelings, don’t criticize or look for explanations or reasons… Just let your inner self be. Once your done just rest there, write or let your self express its judgements but don’t get attached to them just learn about your within and without. Most importantly trust that magic happens, that whatever seems to be impossible is only possible when you let go of your old thoughts & beliefs. Just let your self (thoughts & feelings) float across life & let your inner self speak louder for you. Have a beautiful start of the week, a beautiful morning, afternoon & evening. Express your love & learn about the love in everyone else.

Morning Diary Day 9 – Shmisani; and what used to be the happening area in Amman

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Razan Masri

Tuesday, September 23 2014

Shmisani – Amman – Jordan

A trip back into my childhood, when I used to go to the park run in circles and run to play games. Childhood memories are so innocent, pure and beautiful. They take you into the memory lane of nothingness, when life was all about wide open eyes of wonder, and laughter to anything that looks like fun. Around 20 years ago, Shmisani was the place to be. Today Shmisani’s atmosphere of full of life no longer exists, people live there but drive their cars to different areas to have coffee or chill… Memories always remain.

Here is one of my very favorite songs: Paper Aeroplane by Angus & Julia Stone

Fun fair Amman Jordan Street photography

Gas station Amman Jordan Street photography

Mary go round Amman Jordan Street photography

Jordanian man Amman Jordan Street photography

islamic art architectur Amman Jordan Street photography

Car fair Amman Jordan Street photography

architecture Amman Jordan Street photography

plants and flowers Amman Jordan Street photography

orange range jeep Amman Jordan Street photography

Morning Diary Day 8 – Jabal Amman; you are breathtaking

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Razan Masri

Sunday, September 21 2014

Amman – Jabal Amman – Part 2

From last Thursday’s diary I continue with this beautiful morning, stumbled upon beautiful places, and beautiful people. There is nothing more beautiful than art. Emphasizing on the natural beauty that exists, or beautifying your surroundings. Earth colors are welcoming, they are refreshing and warm. Our authenticity is our beauty and our weapon. Don’t let it fade, and don’t destroy it, instead be aware and proud of it. Here are my findings from Jabal Amman, beauty and art in everything I encounter. All my pictures are taken with my Canon 70D.

I have stumbled upon this awesome song that I would like to share with you; alec troniq, mind doodle.