The Brightest City in the World: Baalbeck Jordan
Not yet published by Vanessa Boiser
Country: Lebanon 
The Experience
Today, Jordan is a spectacular mixture of modern, contemporary and ancient scenes and cultures. It is a country, though torn by conflicting issues of its neighbours, struggles to give its people freedom from war and hunger. Jordan is a progressive country, doing economically well. Its tourism is thriving and its people happy and contented with its current leadership regime.
Baalbek was a stunning place to behold. One can just imagine the splendour of the place before it went to ruins. Visitors can’t help but be in awe in what it is and what it meant to the ancient people of Jordan. Yes, it is true that there are already a lot of ancient ruins that can be found all over the world. But Baalbek was something different to tourists who knew the secrets and history. Its grandeur is unmatched and the way their people were able to preserve the city was very impressive. Baalbek carried with it the Roman Empire’s history along with pagan rituals that were sacred to natives during that time.
Baalbek came from the name of the Phoenicians’ sun god, baal. Its enormous temples, like the famous Temple of Jupiter is a real wonder. Imagine a structure twice the size of Athen’s Parthenon! Tourists wondered how such a massive building was built during that time and with such artistry and precision. There are evidences of religious clashes among religious defenders such as Emperor Constantine, Julian the Apostate and Theosidius, still echoed on its pillars and still evident on its walls.
The Temple of Venus, though considerably smaller in size is another sight of beauty. True to its name and the goddess to which it was dedicated, the Temple of Venus represented everything of beauty and grace.
When to Go
Ideally, because Jordan is a great part of the Middle East, September to November are the ideal months to visit this wonderful country. The heat of summer is almost over and the winter wind is just about to make its way through. February to May are also great months because the chilly air of winter is almost over and the summer coolness is just about to warm everything up. But if you want to witness the Baalbek festival, then it is celebrated aptly during summer season which is July to August. It is a magnificent celebration of Arts and Music and an impressive line up of artists and musicians grace this annual event.
Odds n' Ends
Just like what have been said early on, Jordan is place where tourists can choose from a mixture of modern and ancient sights they could possibly imagine. Its capital city Amman is a great example of a place where time and culture meet creating a timeless splendour of unforgettable customs and traditions.
Arabic food is both delectable to the nose as well as to the pallet. Humous, falafel, dates and other native delicacies will make anybody’s mouth water with delight. Then of course there is Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish. It is a lamb dish cooked in dried yogurt (Arabic: jameed) mixed with herbs and spices. Cooking and eating Mansaf is serious business in Jordan. Jordanians cook and eat this dish slowly and ceremoniously.
Arabic food is both delectable to the nose as well as to the pallet. Humous, falafel, dates and other native delicacies will make anybody’s mouth water with delight. Then of course there is Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish. It is a lamb dish cooked in dried yogurt (Arabic: jameed) mixed with herbs and spices. Cooking and eating Mansaf is serious business in Jordan. Jordanians cook and eat this dish slowly and ceremoniously.
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