Away from Amman: a couple of days at the Residence

We had the pleasure to spend two nights at the Residence Hotel in Mauritius. It was a pure pleasure, we had an amazing time. The hotel is located about 45minutes from Port Louis, on the East cost. Now the only real problem with that coast is the wind. There is always wind, all year around - during the summer month it doesn't matter, but the rest of the year it can get a bit chilly when the sun is not out and shinning. Having said that, it was still a fabulous stay.

The hotel has a lovely colony style and the feeling in the hotel is great. We were upgraded to a gorgeous junior suite and got some really nice amenities as well, including a bottle of Champagne, fresh fruit and some small almond muffins with banana compote. There is also a butler available, he can come an help you unpack your luggage, get your trouser pressed or anything else you can think of.

The pool and the beach now: the pictures speak for themselves. The beach is amazing, I guess it's about 1km long, and it is wonderful to walk by. The tides are quite strong and when it is low it is possible to walk really far out or stay by the rocks and find small crabs.

The sea...

And more sea...

The pool area is not so big and can get fairly crowded in the early afternoon. We were told it is heated, so the temperature of the pool should also be nice during the winter months. There is an outdoor jacuzzi as well. 

The pool area

The hotel as a very nice garden as well, as well as a kids club and of course a boat house where you can book snorkelling, glass bottom for free or scuba diving for a fee.

Kids Club

@ the boat house

I think the only thing the hotel is lacking is the sunset - but there isn't anything they can do about that, since they are on the wrong side of the island. But then, I love to walk on the beach at sunrise as well, so quiet. The service was terrific, all staff very helpful and friendly. We have stayed at quite a few hotels in Mauritius and I have to say that this one is one of our favourites so far.

Away from Amman: a view of Port Louis, Mauritius

When we are in Mauritius we live just north of the capital Port Louis. It is a very busy city, where Creoles, Chinese, Indians, Christians, Muslims or Buddhists live together.

There are a few things to look at in Port Louis, of course the Bazaar, the Waterfront, Aapravasit Ghat (world heristage site), the Citadel, to name a few.

Entrance to the Central Market, or Bazaar of Port Louis

The Bazaar: you will find everything here: Fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish; then there is the more "tourist" side with all kind of souvenirs (t-shirts, crafts...), but also vanilla, spices or herbs. All prices in the later part are discussed - one small tip for the vanilla pods : some not so honest sellers soak the pods in water so they look more attractive, but a pod should be more on the dry side. This time I paid 200 rupees for 10 pods - they are now in a glass with a bit of sugar waiting to be used in Christmas goodies or in other "canard a la vanille".

Some examples of the different religions present on the island: the entrance to a Chinese Temple, the Mosque, the Cathedral and a Hindi temple. I admit the temple is from another city, not far from Port Louis. 

 And some other views of Port Louis...

Packed, ready to go and the fishmonger!

Once again, it seems I have succeeded: the suitcases are nearly closed, we are checked in on our flight and the passport are in my handbag. So my next post will be from Mauritius and am so excited about it. There are so many things that I am looking forward to sharing about this lovely island.

Just wanted to tell you quickly about a great fishmonger I have been recommended. Just off the 7th circle in the direction of Mecca Street. Lots of fresh fish, got mine very nicely clean and the prices are very reasonable as well: a had 2 beautiful sea-breams (about 1.3kg) for 10JD.

Sorry this is a short one, but am tired and off to bed before a long day tomorrow!

A visit to the Blue Mosque

View of the Blue Mosque

This week I visited the Mosque of the Martyr King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein, also known as the Blue Mosque because of the beautiful blue dome.

As tourist (non-Muslim), you are not allowed in through the main gate. There is a complete separate entrance, located "underneath" the Mosque. You have big signs so you cannot really miss it. We went through a typical bazaar (also doind charity work) with all kind of Jordanian souvenirs and handcrafts. This is where you pay the entrance fee (2JD - resident or not) and where women can borrow and put on the Abaya (traditional black clothing that women wear over their clothes). Note that this is not optional - as women (I was with other female friends) we needed to put it on. I will also say that it is synthetic and it's very very hot to wear - so I cannot imagine what it is like in the summer. 

 

We went up the stairs and arrive in the Gallery.

Main Entrance to the Mosque

This is an open yeard that has a capacity of 6000 worshippers. The floor is covered with octogonal tiles forming lines that direct worshippers toward the Kiblah (direction of Mecca, towards which Muslims turn in prayer). Engraved as well on the external walls are Quranic Verses.

We first visited the Women's Place of Worship - we were not sure that we were allowed into the Men's, but yes we were. The Women's area is quite small and can house 500 worshippers.

 To the right the Mihrab - niche that turns toward Mecca

We then went to the Mosque's Nave (Men's area). It can host 3000 worshippers and is very impressive. 

I could't take many pictures, because there were men praying, sleeping, sitting and talking and there was also a lecture going on. I didn't want to seem intrusive. You can notice the same kind of patern on the carpet that shows the prayer direction as outside.

Sorry about the quality of some of the pictures, but I was taking without flash (to not disturbe) and with Bibs wanting to run around it wasn't that easy!

When we bought our ticket we were given a very nice booklet that explains all there is to know about the Mosque and its construction (that is where I have taken most of the info from).

The last thing we visited was the Islamic Museum. There are other places to see like the Conference Hall or the Library, but Bibs was a bit fed up and hungry so we had to hurry.

 

 

Can anybody tell me what this is??

 It is a small museum, where there are antics, coins, stone engravings etc. all in relation to Islam.

It is an interesting visit to make, and I believe the only Mosque in Amman that can be visited by non-muslims. As usual I have more things to visit - a trend in Jordan for me - so I'll go back and look out for some more.  I hope I haven't made any mistakes with the translations and meanings - if I have please let me know!

One last thing, opening times: we visited between 12:30 and 2pm, and I know it opens in the morning (8am-11am, if not mistaken) - but I don't know if this changes during the year, as I doubt that one can visit during prayer times. Not really sure of this.