Sitting as one does on the cafe balcony of the inspirational 'Wild Jordan' building one enjoys a breathtaking view of old Amman spread out beneath our feet. A carelessly flicked coffee grind could cause serious damage falling at 22 feet per second per second (repetition partof formula apparently) into the streets below . Actually no danger of that particular missile ingredient-the Latte Caramel Surprise is drained to the last dreg but the rather dry Carrot Cake is less enjoyable and might serve as a mini Cluster Bomb in the right circumstance. Here is Jordan at its most authentic and viewed from the HQ an organisation that serves conservation issues so well. Well done H (is)M. G.

The view to theleft(Images will follow, InSh'allah) is dominated by a huge Jordanian flag flying from the Palace complex a good mile away. It is highly visible because of the flag pole which is nearly 500 feet tall and the flag itself is 100 feet by over 200. Not big enough to cover a bog standard (npi) foot ball pitch butit could conceal, say, 3 routemaster buses and three conductors-if such an 0fficial still exists. According to the Rough Guide this is not the tallest flag pole and biggest standard in the world contrary to widespread local belief. No mention of where is-if not Texas it will be Dubai you can bet your last Starbuck

But I hope the magnificent banner is not a metaphor for the present state of the Hashemite Kingdom. The end away from the pole is torn and coming apart, a victim of strong winds in the near stratosphere-Royal Jordanian flights duck as they pass. The whole impression is no longer of overwhelming magnificence. But a bit, er,

Tatty.  ¶ 9:00 AM