Amman Americana

A final observation from my recent Mideast stint: I challenge anyone to find a more American corner of the world than Terminal 2, Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, Jordan.

There, in the space of a few yards between the duty-free shops and the security check, you find the following outposts of Americana: Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits, Pizza Hut, Cinnabon. (The Starbucks is in the other terminal, a short walk away.) The saturated-fat-to-square-foot ratio may be the highest in the Middle East.

Such an agglomeration wouldn't be surprising most other places in the world, but I found it unusual for the Middle East. True, a lot of Americans pass through Amman. Jordan, with its dazzling sights and American-friendly regime, is sort of like the Middle East for beginners, and the country has made a lot of money by developing itself into a safe, slightly sanitized tourist destination, with all the five-star hotels you could want. Besides that, untold numbers of military contractors pass through on their way in and out of Iraq. Fried chicken is a good business to be in here.

Still, this particular fast-food collection gave me a lot to ponder as I waited for my flight back to Kenya. In Dubai's airport, you find McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts and Round Table Pizza (which I was surprised to learn was still in business). All seem to be doing steady business whenever I visit. The selection in Amman seemed a little more esoteric. Outside of Louisiana and parts of the South, Popeye's is a cult favorite in the United States at best. (A friend living in Santa Monica pointed out irately that he has to drive 30 min. to his nearest Popeye's.)

And, finally, I wouldn't necessarily think that hot, gooey cinnamon rolls would translate across cultures. Sure enough, I didn't see any patrons at Cinnabon.

Thanks for, um, indulging this admittedly less-than-serious post. I'm now back in Nairobi, where there are no such American chains. We get all our transfats from South Africa.

Comments

[Rob Crilly]

What are you on about, less than serious? That would have passed for in-depth social commentary in my parish. Welcome back

[Juliana]

welcome back!

"We get all our transfats from South Africa." - priceless :-)

When you get back to US you have to try Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream (Icecream specially made by Ben & Jerrys). Its as tasty as the show.

Was in KC last weekend, and i could kick myself for not eating at Gates Barbecue before leaving :(