The King and I

the King whizzes past me

There is much excitement as i arrive into Wadi Musa (Mousa) on Thursday – the town where Petra lies. The King is due to arrive in town. An army of street-cleaners are on the warpath, flags fly over the streets and festoons of posters and banners are spread along the road-side.

King Abdullah II took the throne in 1999 from his father King Hussain and is seen as a modern monarch, promoting economic and social reform, including women’s rights. The Jordanians are massive patriots, and the monarchy is held in the highest esteem.

There is huge disappointment when at the last moment as Abdullah’s visit is postponed. However, it is rescheduled for Sunday.

banners line the streets

Hoards line the streets, music blares from poor quality speakers and all the kids have been given the day off school to bolster numbers.

school-girls have the day off school, but still turn out in uniforms

The chefs and kitchen staff from the upmarket Movenpick Hotel are also out in force banging drums and dancing around. Security is intense with both police and army lining the street fronts and i’m man-handled as i try to make my way up to town.

chefs from the Movenpeck with heavy armed guards

Arriving some three hours late, the King positively whizzed through town in an open-topped vehicle. He stands on the top waving in a sharp grey suit and is gone with a blink of my melted chocolate brownies and long lashes. Both boys and young men follow charging behind; chanting and singing, Clearly Abdullah doesn’t get out to Wadi Musa very much – and probably just as well.

men and boys chase the King's entourage