Spice markets, downtown Amman, Jordan.
I grew up reading about frankincense and myrrh that the Three Kings brought to Mary and Joseph, to celebrate the birth of the Baby Jesus. But until this month at a Bedouin camp in Beidna, near Petra, I'd never actually smelled frankincense burning in its purest form. The delicious aroma was enough to convince me to bring some back to Paris.
This spice merchant told me his daughter lives in Michigan. Asked if he'd visited her in the United States, he replied, "No; the US is only for young people."
A big bag of dried chili peppers.
Another shop with bins filled with spices.
Beans, peas and popcorn.
Orange/red marigold.
Drawers and bins containing rare spices and pulses.
Bags of nuts, rice and beans.
Filling a special order.
Some spices are on special offer at this shop.
Since returning from Jordan a week ago, I've been busy being hostess to two sets of guests. I also escorted visiting American friends to the brocante and ham fair at Chatou (see next post). Check back soon for more photos and tales of our Journey to Jordan.
I love frankincense too although I don't know how pure my incense is. Thus is a lovely post and reminds me of a small shop I visit in Oakland.
Posted by: Princess Haiku | 21 March 2010 at 06:18
Tara, seriously, this is eden like. I can not contain myself!!!
xxooo
Posted by: a fanciful twist | 19 March 2010 at 22:43
Aaaaah, those colors! And love the spice vendor's comment about America.
Posted by: Karen Carter | 19 March 2010 at 20:48
I would want to bring many spices home with me if I were there. Even the marigold draws me in, it is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
Posted by: Marilyn | 19 March 2010 at 15:09
those photos of the beautiful spices make my hands itch to burrow themselves into them and feel the textures. and the smell must be amazing!
Posted by: leonie wise | 19 March 2010 at 09:37
When someone gave me Estee Lauder's Youth Dew perfume (which I hadn't even thought of in years -- I don't tend to use perfumes), I was struck by the heavy undertone of frankincense!
Posted by: Ann | 19 March 2010 at 06:34
What is marigold used for? Beautiful shots. I also love the smell of pure frankincense (bought some in Jerusalem when I was there 12 years ago!). It's a sap, did they tell you that? Leaks out of some shrub. I hope you got a LOT of it. You also need that special charcoal that keeps it lit for a while -- shaped like a big tablet. If you didn't get some there, church supply houses often have it.
Posted by: Ann | 19 March 2010 at 06:33
I have such a weakness for spices.....well, really anything in bins sold by bulk! I love the colors and smells. Your photos are works of art.
Posted by: Theresa Cheek | 18 March 2010 at 23:29
Oh and now finally when reading your posts I don't have to imagine being there...I was there!
Julian brought some frankincense home too, and smelling it the way we did on that starry night up in the mountains was a highlight of the trip. Your photos are gorgeous.
Posted by: gillian went to Petra! and shopped...and shopped....and ate! | 18 March 2010 at 23:02