October 25, 2023

マロのぐるぐるヨルダン巡り』

“Maro-go-round in Jordan”

In a captivating adventure that was sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board during September 2023,  and that blended cultural exploration and artistic inspiration, acclaimed Japanese animator Tasoyamaro recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to the historical and scenic wonders of Jordan.  (Twitter: @tasoyamaro)

Accompanied by the renowned Japanese kitchen explorer Misato Okaneya (twitter: m_okaneya), Tasoyamaro’s journey took them through a tapestry of iconic sites, from the ancient citadel and Roman theater in Amman to the tranquil shores of the Dead Sea.

The adventure of Jordan’s visitors  began at the heart of Jordan’s capital, Amman, where they first explored the Citadel and the Roman theater, marveling at the historical richness of the city. They wandered through the ancient ruins and gained insights into Jordan’s fascinating history.

Their itinerary then led them to Ajloun, located in the north of Jordan, where they explored the historic Ajloun Castle and soaked in the breathtaking views of the lush green landscape.

Tasoyamaro and Okaneya also delved into the vibrant culture of Madaba, known as the world’s capital of mosaics. Here, they visited the renowned Saint George Church and the Map Church, which features an exquisite mosaic map of the Holy Land. Additionally, they explored the Madaba Archaeological Park, uncovering even more historical treasures.

Jerash, often hailed as one of the most well-preserved Roman cities in the world, offered Tasoyamaro and Okaneya a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome. They wandered through the remarkable ruins, admiring the columns, theaters, and arches that have stood the test of time.

In Um Qais, located in the north of Jordan, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in local experiences  hadab making, and basket weaving. These hands-on encounters provided a deeper appreciation for Jordan’s rich cultural heritage.

A highlight of their journey was a visit to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Here, they indulged in the unique experience of floating effortlessly in the buoyant waters and applied the renowned therapeutic Dead Sea mud, known for its rejuvenating properties.

Tasoyamaro and Okaneya made sure to explore some of Jordan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Petra, where they marveled at the stunning rock-cut architecture; Wadi Rum, a desert of otherworldly beauty that has been featured in numerous films; the Baptism Site, where they walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and the place that witnessed the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist; and As-Salt City, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and enjoyed local experiences such as wearing the traditional Khalaga Saltiyyah traditional dress. They also got to enjoyJordan’s delicious traditional  food including the famous national dish MANSAF, recently inscribed as UNESCO Intangible World Heritage.

Their journey also took them to the coastal town of Aqaba, nestled along the shores of the Red Sea, where they enjoyed the scenic beauty of the underwater world while snorkeling.

Tasoyamaro documented their adventures in an animated short video through her unique animation style, bringing the beauty and history of Jordan to life in her own artistic way. Her journey was a testament to the power of travel to inspire creativity and open new horizons.  The lunch of the animated video coincided with Jordan’s participation at Japan Tourism Expo 2023 held in October in Osaka, Japan.  Jordan’s participation the Expo was partly themed by Tasoyamaro’s trip.  It also included a vibrant and energetic presentation of their journey in Jordan.

As they bid farewell to Jordan, Tasoyamaro and Misato Okaneya left with hearts full of memories and a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of culture, authentic hospitality and history that defines the joy of visiting Jordan. Their journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel and the boundless inspiration it can offer to artists and explorers alike.

To watch the video: https://youtu.be/4GndSDBHf4w?si=gqv74kTdAwFUoF3r

A special thanks to artist Tareq Al-Jundi for his permission to feature his music. (Twitter @alJundiT)