"Visiting the Farms in Jordan is a Must!" by Megan Awwad
Escape the hustle of Amman with a day or weekend trip to one of the surrounding cities. Grab a group of friends and book a day on one of the beautiful farms hidden away from the noise of the city. From villas to olive groves to swimming pools and BBQs (Arab Style), you can find it all in land of olive trees and zaatar.
During my time in Jordan, I have visited three very different farms, each offering unique experiences. The first one was an olive grove farm filled with all the indigenous plants to the Levant area in As-Salt. While visiting this farm, I got to experience hundreds year old trees, old well systems, and even enjoyed some figs and sabra (cactus) right from the trees. If you happen to be in Jordan during the fall, I highly recommend participating in the olive harvest on one of these farms.
The second farm, also in As-Salt, was transformed into a restaurant named Bait Shaker with gorgeous views and some farm animals. Order yourself a traditional Levant breakfast spread while you are here. Manakish (flatbread, either za’atar or cheese), with some labneh, hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, cheese, and falafel, cheese and end the meal with either a hot glass of tea or some strong Arabic coffee. After a satisfying meal, spend some time walking through As-Salt, as it is a cute, quaint town to walk through; I highly recommend stopping by and visiting one of the oldest churches built in the 1682 within a cave, the Al Khader Church.
The third farm was more of a villa and the type you rent with friends in Madaba. I suggest spending the day at one of these farms to cool off. Surrounded by palm trees and flowering plants, the pool was the highlight of the day as it felt like a refreshing oasis on a warm day. Plunging into the cold pool on a hot summer day is one of the best ways to cool down under the desert sun. I spent much of my visit lounging by the water, dipping in and out of the pool, and soaking up the sun. The cool water was the perfect antidote to the summer heat. In the cool temperatures of the afternoon, grilling up some kababs or burgers (if it’s easier) is the best way to end the day. As the sun began to set, I sat at one lookout point, which offered a stunning view of the surrounding landscape of the rolling hills and olive and palm trees. After a long day, sitting by the pool with a good group of friends is the best way to end the evening chatting, practicing your Arabic, and having a good time. Sometimes, escaping the sounds of the city and desert sun at a pool on a farm is the best thing for the soul.
The farm scene in Jordan, in my opinion, is a hidden gem that needs to be explored more. Witnessing the beauty of nature surrounding Amman is a must for any adventurous soul.
Megan Awwad was a graduate student who participated on the Summer Intensive Arabic program in summer 2024.
