By Xinhua,
Amman : Outside of display hall enticing aromas wafted in the open air while inside was a variety of non-food things including clothing, accessories and handicraft. From Indian curry, China’s silk, Ecuador’s flower to Swiss knife, you might find all the exotic things you’ve dreamed for in the Amman Exhibitions Park on Saturday.
It is a diplomatic charity sale held under the patron of Jordan’s Princess Basma. But it may be better to put it as an all-winners party as everyone seems far more satisfied with what they’ve gained and enjoys the bazaar.
“With the help of Princess Basma, we provide deprived kids basic life and education, which give them more chances to a better future,” said Jamal, a senior educator with Mabarrat Um Al Hussein, the destination of all funds collected on the bazaar.
Mabarrat Um Al Hussein is a shelter for orphaned and underprivileged boys set up in 1951 by late Queen Zein Al Sharaf. Every year, the princess holds a charity sale for embassies in Jordan to raise money for the institution. This year, the bazaar, which has grown in popularity over three decades, had successfully pooled over sixty stalls, mostly operated by embassies.
“We do have students who eventually go to universities,” Jamal said proudly, “As for those who failed, we will help them secure a job.” According to the educator, there are about 120 kids living in the orphanage, who are apparently the direct beneficiaries of the bazaar.
Ahamad, a 12-year-old boy in the orphanage, has the dream of “going to university,” though he seemed lost in confusion when referred to what he wants to study in university. However, for those deprived at the starting line, maybe nothing is more important than dreams for future.
The bazaar also has one of the most distinctive teams of sellers, as most of them are diplomats and their families. Standing behind stalls are diplomats who usually wear a face of solemnity, and elegant and graceful ambassadresses.
“This is special, you know, to be a salesman for one day,” saida Swiss diplomat, who was so absorbed in the new job that finished the answer in a rush and quickly picked up the topic of Swiss knife, which he tried hard to sell.
“What we bring here is the typical product of our country. Actually, what we want to sell is not a specific product, but our culture the products carry,” said a diplomat. “This is a good way to get close to Jordanians.”
Buyers are also satisfied with the bazaar. “The money goes to charity and we get exotic products we want. It’s a win-win game,” said Tukan, who has bought some flowers from Ecuador.
Other buyers take a different view of what they have gained from the bazaar. Laura, who brought two girls here, said, “They will benefit from this as they can reach things from all over the world. It is more of a cultural education for kids.”