Close by and just over one hour from Amman by car is the amazing Dead Sea, whose waters bathe Jordan, the West Bank, and Israel. It is located 400 m below sea level and is therefore the lowest place on earth. It is a large saltwater lake where one does not sink due to its very high salinity level - about ten times saltier than seawater.
The first time I went to Artis was wintertime. Dry leaves, empty, rainy, a bit sad, and the restaurant was closed. But the flamingos lining around a lake warmed my soul and it was exactly what I needed on that cold Sunday afternoon. Flamingos: I never thought I was going to find these animals so gracious in person.