Feynan Ecolodge: A Sustainable Oasis in Jordan

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlik
  [min fad-lik]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorryAsef
  [a-sef]
• How are you?Kif halak?
  [keef ha-lak]
• Fine. And you?Mni7. O inta?
  [m-ni-ha o in-ta]
• Do you speak English?Betetkalam Englizi?
  [be-tet-ka-lam en-gli-zi]
• I don't understandMa fahimt
  [ma fa-himt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBiddi ashuf il menu, min fadlik
  [bid-di a-shuf il me-nu, min fad-lik]
• I don't eat meatMa bakkol lahme
  [ma bak-kol la-hme]
• Cheers!Saha
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBiddi adfa3, min fadlik
  [bid-di ad-fa-ta, min fad-lik]

• Help!Musaa3ada!
  [mu-sa-a-da]
• Go away!Ruh 3an hon!
  [ruh 3an hon]
• Call the Police!Idru bil shurta!
  [id-ru bil shur-ta]
• Call a doctor!Idru tabib!
  [id-ru ta-bib]
• I'm lostAna da3if
  [a-na da-if]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-ree-d]

• I'd like to buy...Biddi ashteri...
  [bid-di ash-te-ri...]
• I'm just lookingAna bas bidrus
  [a-na bas bid-rus]
• How much is it?Kam hada?
  [kam ha-da]
• That's too expensiveHada ghali kteer
  [ha-da gha-li kteer]
• Can you lower the price?Mumkin tinda7 il si3r?
  [mum-kin tin-da-ha il seer]

• What time is it?Kam el sa3a?
  [kam el sa-a]
• It's one o'clockHada wa7id
  [ha-da wa-hid]
• Half past (10)Nus sa3a (ashra)
  [nus sa-a (ash-ra)]
• MorningSabah
  [sa-bah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• EveningMasa
  [ma-sa]
• YesterdayImshee
  [im-shee]
• TodayLyawm
  [lya-wm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Wa7id
  [wa-hid]
• 2Itnayn
  [it-nayn]
• 3Thalatha
  [tha-la-tha]
• 4Arbaa
  [ar-baa]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sabaa
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• 8Thamania
  [tha-ma-ni-a]
• 9Tis3a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashra
  [ash-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Fein il...
  [fein il]
• What's the address?Shu il address?
  [shu il ad-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mumkin tureeni (3ala il khareeta)?
  [mum-kin tu-ree-ni (3a-la il kha-ree-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Emta il bas il taal?
  [em-ta il bas il ta-al]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ila ...)
  [ti-ket (ila)]

The region around Feynan Ecolodge has a rich history of copper mining dating back over 3,000 years. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, the area was one of the most important centers for copper extraction and smelting in the ancient Near East. Evidence of these ancient mining activities can still be seen today, including old mine shafts, slag heaps, and remnants of furnaces.

The Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people, left a significant mark on the region in the form of trade routes and settlements. They controlled the lucrative incense and spice trade routes that passed through the area. The remnants of their presence include water systems, caravanserais, and small settlements that hint at the once-thriving trade network.

During the Roman era, Feynan was part of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea. The Romans constructed the Via Nova Traiana, a road that linked the region to the rest of the empire. This road facilitated the movement of troops, trade, and communication. Ruins of Roman milestones and forts can still be found in the area, showcasing the strategic importance of this route.

In the Byzantine period, the region around Feynan became a center for monasticism. Byzantine monks established several monasteries and hermitages in the area, seeking solitude and spiritual enlightenment in the rugged landscape. The remains of these religious sites, including churches and hermit cells, provide a glimpse into the ascetic lifestyles of these early Christian communities.

During the Ottoman rule, the region of Feynan saw a decline in its earlier historical significance. However, it remained a part of the larger Ottoman administrative structure. The local population engaged in subsistence agriculture and pastoralism, maintaining a traditional lifestyle that persisted for centuries.

In recent history, Feynan Ecolodge was established in 2005 as a sustainable tourism initiative. Located in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the ecolodge was created to promote eco-friendly tourism and provide economic opportunities for local communities. The lodge is solar-powered and emphasizes the use of local materials and traditional building techniques, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.

Feynan Ecolodge is located in the Dana Biosphere Reserve in southern Jordan. The nearest international airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, approximately 230 kilometers away. From Amman, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Feynan. The drive typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the nearby town of Dana and arrange for a local taxi or a pre-booked transfer to the lodge.

Feynan Ecolodge is situated in a remote area, so transportation options are limited. It is advisable to pre-arrange your transportation to and from the lodge. If you are traveling by public transportation, you can take a bus to the nearby town of Dana and then arrange for a local taxi. Renting a car provides greater flexibility, but be prepared for off-road driving as the lodge is located in a rugged terrain. Ensure you have a reliable GPS or map, as signage can be sparse.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted at Feynan Ecolodge, but it is advisable to carry some cash for tips and small purchases in the surrounding areas. ATMs are available in major cities like Amman, but not in the remote area of Dana Biosphere Reserve. Ensure you withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to the lodge.

Feynan Ecolodge and the surrounding Dana Biosphere Reserve are generally safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant. The local community is friendly and hospitable, and incidents involving tourists are rare.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in the town of Tafila, approximately 50 kilometers away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Feynan Ecolodge staff are trained to handle basic first aid and can assist in arranging transport to the nearest medical facility if needed.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, as Jordan is a conservative country. Long sleeves and trousers or skirts below the knee are recommended. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Give up your seat to elderly passengers if needed. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Feynan Ecolodge like a local, engage with the Bedouin community nearby. Participate in traditional activities such as bread making, copper crafting, and guided nature walks. Take the time to learn about the local flora and fauna from the knowledgeable guides. Don't miss the opportunity to stargaze, as the remote location offers spectacular views of the night sky free from light pollution. Enjoy the unique experience of sustainable living at the ecolodge, which operates on solar power and emphasizes eco-friendly practices.