A DIWALI VACATION IN JORDAN – IMPRESSIONS 26 OCTOBER 2025

1. "A place is only as good as the people in it." Nothing can describe Jordan better. It is not a rich country by any economic indices like the GDP or per capita income. But the people are rich. By this I mean that it is the warmest and friendliest country I have been among the 64 I have been to. Every person you meet, be it from any walk of life, a taxi driver, a policeman, hotel staff, shopkeepers, random people on the road, they all wish you warmly and say, Welcome to Jordan, enjoy. I heard it a countless time during the 8 days I was there. It comes from their hearts, is spontaneous and they mean it. Most of them ask for your impression of their country. When you tell them that it is a fantastic country with awesome people, they are thrilled to bits.

2. People make the best ambassadors of their country. No country that has polite and hospitable citizens have to advertise their greatness. Jordan is a country one will feel like coming back to again and again.

3. For the reasons mentioned above Jordan is one of the most tourism friendly countries I can remember going to. There are amazing historical, biblical and natural sites to visit, be it Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dead Sea, Madaba, Mt Nebo, Jerash, Umm Qais and Amman itself. Jordan is one of the oldest inhabitations in the history of mankind, and therefore, there's plenty to explore.

4. Littering is virtually non-existent. People don't discard anything wantonly. Trash bins and cans are available in most places and people take care to use them. The local administration also ensures that trash is cleared regularly; I didn't see a single overflowing trash can or bin, even in the most crowded areas. Warning signs are prominently placed warning people from littering. An act of littering will invite a fine between 59 and 500 JD!

5. Of course, one exception to the rule of littering is discarding cigarette buts. In this land of 'devout' smokers neither can smoking in public be banned nor casting away its leftover. When I asked the taxi driver in Wadi Musa why Jordanians smoke so much, he said that they don't feel the ill effects of smoking as they are neutralized by the liberal use of olive oil!

6. The roads and pavement, especially in commercial areas, are cleaned regularly. I found many establishments water washing the pavement and roads near their shops. The municipal workers are visible, and their work is ample evident.

7. Next to Australia, surely Jordan has the largest population of common house flies. It is everywhere and was especially severe in the Dead Sea area. It is a major nuisance, and it even affects peaceful exploration of tourist attractions. I was given to understand that the government has initiated steps to stem this menace.

8. The Police department is truly a friend in need. The presence of their personnel, whether traffic or tourism police, can be termed omnipresent. You don't have to look far to locate them. They are either on their feet or patrolling in vehicles. The way they carry out their functions is exemplary. One thing must be said of the Jordanian police force - they are civil, polite and extremely friendly. They start with a "How are you, my friend?" to put you at ease. Then they ask, "Where are you from?" and their response to "India" is "Very good". The next query is, "How do you find Jordan, my friend?". When I told them that I found it fascinating, he quickly said, "Thank you. Enjoy, my friend. Be safe".

9.  Even though Jordan has not been in an armed conflict directly since the 1967 war, it is a country that has been affected time and again by regional conflicts. Countries issue travel advisories when there is strife in countries neighboring Jordan or in the Middle East region. This affects the Jordanian economy that thrives primarily on tourism. Entrepreneurs and businesses related to the tourism and hospitality industry get affected, as has been the case in 2025. It is sad to hear stories related to an emasculated economy. Nevertheless, the people are cheerful and friendly. They have no bones to pick with anyone. They keeps saying, Welcome to Jordan, my friend. When elephants fight it's the ants that get hurt.

10.  Jordan is one of the countries besides Turkey that has an open-door policy with regard to refugees. So much so that nearly 3.8 million of the 11.5 million inhabitants of Jordan are refugees from Palestine, Syria and even Egypt. I broached this subject with one of the taxi drivers, expecting to hear something negative, especially about the government policy. I was wrong, drastically wrong. The humble taxi driver taught me a lesson in tolerance. He said God created this earth for people to live. When fellow human beings are in trouble who has to help them? Besides, the refugees also contribute to nation building by working hard in fields and jobs that require labour. Wow, wasn't I floored? Wish we all, as one, could accept this wisdom and live peacefully.

11.  For anyone who has personal safety in their mind, let me tell you that Jordan is one of the few countries in the world where one can feel perfectly safe, even in the dead of night. Because of the people, for sure. But, most importantly, systems work. Police are there, especially the Tourism Police, to handle any distress you may have. By and large, people are law abiding, and the law is strictly enforced. Nobody has any latitude with the law.

12. The Souqs, markets, are mostly busy. But they are clean and odor free, even the sections that sells fish and meat. Garbage is discarded appropriately and the Souqs are washed regularly. Bargaining does take place, but amicably. The range of products available in the Souqs is extraordinary.

13. Most attractions in Jordan have a visitor center. The visitors' center in all the attractions I went to were extremely informative, peopled by dedicated, friendly and hospitable staff and has well maintained amenities for visitors.

14. There are people who drive like maniacs in the downtown area of Amman, mostly taxi drivers. They are the only ones who normally honk, too. However, when it comes to the other places and highways the road rules are a hundred percent followed. The speed limits are, by and large, observed because any violation invites a fine starting with 20 JD; it goes up to over 200 JD, I was told, for severe violations. Cameras ensure that the prescribed speed limits are observed. The speed limits are reinforced through road signs at frequent intervals, be it on the highways or in a city or town.

15. The roads are well maintained; I didn't see a single pothole during the 1300 km drive in the country in 6 days. The Desert Highway and the King's Highway, two roads that connect Amman and Aqaba are exceptional. The only irritant while driving in Jordan are the speed bumps that creep upon you without a warning. Most of them aren't pre-warned or suitably painted for visibility.

16. The Jordan Valley is fertile and produces a wide variety of vegetable sand fruits. Its agricultural produce is exported all over the Middle East. Cucumber, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, mint, leafy vegetables, carrots and fruits like peach, fig, grapes, watermelon, etc. are raised in plenty. I was told by a couple of sources that the farmers are adequately compensated. The availability of cheap refugee labor increases their 'take home'.

17. The new generation farmers have also become more enterprising. They are even making the desert lands bloom. I heard of a place called Mafrooq, north of Jerash, where enterprising farmers have started planting olive trees using groundwater and drop irrigation.

18. Jordan has its own brand of beer, named, what else, Petra. It comes in three strengths, 8, 10 and 12 per cent alcohol. The price in Aqaba is almost 49 percent less than in Amman and elsewhere. This is due to the duty free status of Aqaba.

19. Fuel in the whole country has a single price, across companies. Jo Petroleum is the star owned entity. The other major oil company is Mansreef. Jordan does not figure among the countries rich in oil and gas. Hence, most of its crude and products are imported. While Octane 90 is priced at 0.855 JD a liter (₹ 107), diesel is 0.650 JD per liter (₹ 81.30)

20. Food is diverse and wholesome. Kuboos, pita bread and numerous other flatbreads are common. They don't have to be ordered separately; they come along with the main dish ordered. Besides, the portions are huge and impossible to be finished in one sitting. Even a portion of shawarma or falafel took me at least two sittings to finish. Considering the size of the portions, it can be said that the food is affordable. Bakery products like bread, bun and biscuits are very cheap.

21. The currency exchange rate vis-à-vis USD is fixed for every transaction in the currency, be it in money exchange centers, banks or hotels. At the airport, however, they charge a commission. The currency exchange rate in force is 0.7080 USD for 1 Jordanian Dinar. When credit cards are used in fuel stations and for taxi rides, a surcharge is payable.

A DIWALI VACATION IN JORDAN – AMMAN TO DEAD SEA 25 OCTOBER 2025

After a decent breakfast at the Olive Hotel, where I am staying, I took the route to the Dead Sea, which is about an hour's drive from Amman. The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt lake between Israel and Jordan in southwestern Asia. Its eastern shore belongs to Jordan, and the southern half of its western shore belongs to Israel. The northern half of the western shore lies within the Palestinian West Bank and has been under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The Jordan River, from which the Dead Sea receives nearly all its water, flows from the north into the lake.

The Dead Sea is famous for being the lowest point on Earth at over 400 meters below sea level. It’s extremely high salinity, about ten times saltier than the ocean, prevents most life from living in it, hence its name. The region is a popular tourist destination because of its mineral-rich waters and mud, which are believed to have health benefits, and for its unique floating sensation. It is approximately 50 kilometers long and 15 kilometer wide at its widest point.

The warm, mineral-rich water and mud are popular for therapeutic mud baths. The Dead Sea area has a higher atmospheric oxygen concentration than many other places on Earth. Visitors can cover themselves in the mineral-rich, black mud for therapeutic benefits. The nearby area is home to historical sites like the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and the baptism site of Jesus.

The area is studded by prized properties belonging to international chains such as Crowne Plaza, Movenpick, Ramada, etc. For the budget friendly too there are a few 'free' bathing locations. I went to one of them, not with the idea of bathing, but to 'experience' the Dead Sea. The descent from the main road was tricky and the return was exhausting. I met a few interesting boys from Saudi Arabia who tried their best to coax me to get into the water. They covered themselves in the clayey mud and waited for it to dry on them. After more than 30 minutes of vicarious 'excursions' into the Dead Sea and rubbing in the therapeutic mud I walked back to complete the rest of the day's itinerary.

I drove back to Amman and stopped at one of the leftover attractions. An example of contemporary Islamic architecture, the King Abdullah Mosque, aka Blue Mosque, commemorates the founder of the dynasty that rules Jordan to this day. The cavernous blue dome, 35 meters in diameter, is decorated with Quranic inscriptions. The prayer hall can accommodate 3,000 worshipers and the complex can hold over 10,000 people at once. Publicly this is known as the only mosque in Amman that openly welcomes non-Muslim visitors. However, I had visited the Grand Husseini Mosque downtown, too.

On the opposite side of the road from the Blue Mosque is the Coptic Church. The person I met at the gate told me that it was closed and suggested that I go to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation a few hundred meters down the road. I was disappointed to see that that church was closed too. The person cleaning the compound told me to come back the next day. However, a priest came out from the office and asked the person to let me in for prayer. A miracle, indeed. The ornate interior was an additional bonus. When I was asked to leave the church after a few minutes in worship the person who let me in gave me two candles to take back as remembrance of the visit!

The time had come to return the car and that signaled the end of the Jordan experience. The AutoNation car rental had been most supportive, and the return process was completed smoothly. Most documents to file the insurance claim with Discover Cars were given to me including an invoice, payment receipt and the damage depiction diagram. From the car rental I took an Uber to downtown to buy some dates and dry fruits, which I did without too much fuse. I walked to the hotel I stayed in on my arrival in Amman and wished the staff and thanked them for their support during my acclimatization period in the country.

While waiting for the uber ride back to Olive Hotel I picked up a shawarma from Shawarma Amman, the best I have rates to date. Uber drivers kept refusing the ride and I was getting late. I requested a traffic policeman to hail me a taxi, which he did. I told him my destination hotel. The policeman told me to pay only by the meter.

On the way I noticed that the driver was not on the correct route to the hotel. After a while I stopped him and showed him the route to the hotel. The driver then told me that the policeman had told him to drop me in Olive Tree hotel near the airport. I told him to follow google map on my phone and reroute the ride. A ride that should have cost me less than 2 JD finally cost me 7 by the meter! The lesson I learnt was never to trust the taxi and depend on Uber, whatever the delay.

A DIWALI VACATION IN JORDAN – AMMAN TO BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN, MT. NEBO AND MADABA 24 OCTOBER 2025

From the original itinerary planned for the last two days of sightseeing and visits in Jordan, I recast this day's program. Originally, the plan was only to do Mt. Nebo and Madaba. However, considering that I would be able to fit in Bethany Beyond the Jordan also at the start of the day, the plan was changed. That would also give me more time to explore the Dead Sea area, check out Abdali Mall and visit the Blue Mosque.

In keeping with the changed program for the day, I left for Bethany Beyond the Jordan, after a sumptuous breakfast of scrambled eggs, potato wedges, olives, falafel and a hot cup of coffee. There was plenty more on offer in the buffet. The drive to the visitors' center of Bethany Beyond the Jordan took me about 50 minutes, a distance of 50 km, via the Dead Sea route. The visitors' center in all the attractions I have been to in Jordan have been extremely informative, peopled by dedicated, friendly and hospitable staff and has well maintained amenities for visitors. It was so with Bethany Beyond the Jordan too.

Included in the ticket price for entrance is a free shuttle bus ride and a guide. The site tours are organized by the Baptism Site Commission. The number of tourists, at the time of day, was not many. About 20 of us, from various parts of the world, got into a small sized bus with the guide. At the outset we were told that since it was a sensitive militarized zone, we should stick together as a group and not wander. River Jordan demarcates the territorial jurisdiction of Jordan and Israel.

In 1994 the Israel-Jordan peace treaty was signed, which allowed for tourism to flourish on both sides of the narrow Jordan River. Archaeological excavations safely resumed, as well as the conservation and important restoration of the site. What followed was a resurgence of Christian pilgrimages, and in 2000, Pope John Paul II became the first Pope to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Today, the site remains calm with a serene setting and is a model of peace between the nations where visitors of all faiths can come and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

We first disembarked for a few minutes at Elijah Hill, which is supposed to be the place where Prophet Elijah was taken to the heavens in flaming chariot drawn by horses of fire. A symbolic arch depicts the location and is the first station in the tour. Foundations of dwellings can also be seen there indicating pastoral community life from over 3500 years ago.

The next stop was at a souvenir shop. Before disembarking there, the guide told us that, on epiphany day, the peoples of Palestine and Jordan meet at the river border and exchange gifts. The rite includes the "Great Blessing of the Waters," performed by priests at the river. Worshipers collect the sanctified water in bottles to take home for personal use and to bless their houses.

Some pilgrims participate in immersion rituals in the Jordan River, reenacting Jesus' baptism. Therefore, the guide said people could buy
crosses and other religious articles at the shop to immerse in the river for blessings. Those wishing to renew their Baptismal vows could also rent a gown for a dip in the River Jordan.

We went on a board walk from then on. The Jordan River has changed course over the centuries, evidenced by the dry channels and overgrown bushes. The first stop on the board walk was for the first sighting of the River. The place was manned by a Jordanian soldier. The river could just about be seen though the bushes and didn't look very clean. When I tried to get a bit closer for better pictures, the soldier told me strictly to follow the group. Of course, across the river is what is called by Jordanians as "Occupied Palestine".

Then came the most important place, in fact the raison d'etre of the visit, the Baptismal site. Immediately close to the board platform were four square pillar foundations. There was some bit of water in the middle of it, which is supposedly the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Apparently, when there is enough water at the site it takes the form of a cross. I thought it was natural because of the four square foundations. The guide said that during high water the foundations get submerged. One of the pieces of evidence cited in favor of the Baptismal site are the five temples that were constructed to celebrate the baptism of Jesus.

From there we walked to the Greek Orthodox Church overlooking the River Jordan, the St. John the Baptist Church located on the east bank of the River Jordan. This church, built in 2003, is situated on the Jordanian side of the river and features a separate bell tower, Byzantine-Greek frescoes, and a ceiling painting of Jesus Christ. The floors have mosaic patterns in the ancient Greek and Roman style.

We were now ready for the River Jordan. While the Jordanian flag flies on the east bank of the river, the Israeli flag can be seen on the west bank. While none in our group opted for a dip in the river, there was a group of about 15 people on the Israeli side who were renewing their Baptismal vows. The river itself is quite dirty, with clear demarcation of how far pilgrims from either side could go. A few in our group dipped their feet in the water.

The tour ended with a visit to the Greek orthodox museum and souvenir shop. The round trip took about 75 minutes. Some of the places like John the Baptist cave and spring were not part of the itinerary, though it is mentioned in your brochures. Nevertheless, a blessing to have been there.

Next on the agenda was Mt. Nebo, about 30 km away from Bethany Beyond the Jordan, through steep and winding, but well-maintained road. The entrance to Mt. Nebo is not part of the Jordan Pass; an entrance fee of 3 JD has to be paid separately. Mt Nebo is a highly revered religious site from which the prophet Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land before his death. The site features a church with impressive mosaics and a bronze serpent monument, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even Jerusalem on clear days.

The memorial church of Moses is on an elevated ridge approximately 2,630 feet high. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the holy site is believed to be the burial place of Moses. The church was built in 597 AD on 4th century foundations and subsequently reworked many times. However, the church was abandoned in the 16th century. The Franciscans bought the site in 1932 and have been engaged in excavations and reconstruction of the church and The Monastery. I could gather that the church has undergone reconstruction.

The church has spectacular mosaic floor, including pastoral and hunting scenes, geometric designs, and depictions of animals. The church has a modern altar. Visitors had to be constantly reminded to keep silence and be mindful that it is a place of worship. Pope John Paul II visited the Mt Nebo on 20 March 2000, his first stop in Amman on his pilgrim tour, looked upon the Promised Land and planted an olive tree as a symbol of peace amongst the people living on both sides.

Outside the church, overlooking the "Promised Land" is a modern sculpture of a bronze serpent on a cross, symbolizing the serpent Moses made for the Israelites in the wilderness and the crucifixion of Jesus. The Brazen Serpent Monument is a bronze sculpture by artist Giovanni Fantoni.

Madaba is about 10 km from Mt Nebo and is known worldwide for its amazing mosaic finds in archaeological digs. The history of the city goes back 4500 years and was referred to as the Moabite town of Madaba in the Bible. On the way to Madaba are numerous workshops and retail shops offering lessons on mosaic work and opportunities to take back a small portion of this part of the world with you. At the visitors' centre, a lady explained the most important sites to visit and those attractions that required a separate entrance ticket from the Jordan Pass.

The Madaba archaeological park has some of the incredible mosaic art in the whole of Jordan, and right at the entrance is the oldest piece in the whole country. The floor of the Hippolytus Hall depicts the tragic Hippolytus story vividly. It is housed in a special shelter along with the round church of the Virgin Mary. The Burnt Palace is the remains of a Byzantine residence of the 6th entity that was destroyed by the earthquake of 747 AD.

The entrance to St George's Church is priced at 3 JD and is not included in the Jordan Pass. The central feature of the church is the Madaba Map, a Byzantine-era mosaic map depicting the Holy Land and surrounding regions, created in the 6th century AD, likely by local artisans, for the floor of a Byzantine church. The map originally contained over two million tesserae (small mosaic tiles) in vibrant colors, providing a detailed representation of cities, towns, mountains, rivers, and other geographical features. The map’s most famous feature is its depiction of Jerusalem, showcasing its major landmarks. It offers valuable insights into the historical geography, religious beliefs, and artistic skills of the Byzantine era. The map was rediscovered in 1884 during the construction of the modern Church of St. George. The Madaba Map is by no means a precise topographical representation in the modern sense. Its primary purpose was to convey a religious and symbolic understanding of the Holy Land.

The St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church charges and entrance fee of 1 JD. At the time of my visit a church function was on with a few members, apparently celebrating the Confirmation Sacrament of a boy. The church was built in 1913 and was declared as a shrine of St John the Baptist in 1966 by the Vatican and since then a large number of pilgrim shave been visiting the church. The showpiece of the church is the Acropolis museum where on exam see a Moabite well dating back 3000 years and is still functional. The museum holds the replica of St John's severed head. Climbing the belfry is only for the study of heart.

The Apostle's church was discovered in 1902, and inscriptions date the church back to 578 AD. Systematic excavations were done by the German Evangelical Institute in 1967. The mosaic floor of the Apostles Church is well preserved and is one of the most interesting pieces in Madaba. By the time I was done with this it was time for me to return to Amman. The entire morning and the better part of the afternoon had been a pilgrimage and a walk down history lane.

A DIWALI VACATION IN JORDAN – JERASH TO AJLOUN TO UMM QAIS TO AMMAN 23 OCTOBER 2025

It was cold in the morning, and a cup of coffee was in order. The so-called kitchenette had a hot plate that had seen better times, no spoons or any cutlery and crockery thoughtfully provided for a homestay experience. To top it all, there was no light in the bathroom, and the antediluvian heater was fit for the Jerash archaeological site.

I was forced to shower in cold water for lack of an alternative. The accommodation was inclusive of breakfast. But the host deducted some amount for the breakfast, and I was asked to pay the rest. To make the payment I kept calling the host, as I didn't have change to leave it in the room, as was instructed. Calls to the host went unanswered; that is the standard. Thus, the Jerash Gate accommodation was way below expectations.

Just before leaving for the Jerash archaeological site, I sought directions from Google Maps, which mentioned that the site opens only at 9.30 am. However, when I reached the visitors' center a bit after 8 am I found it open. The parking lot was empty, and I was the first visitor for the day. I am glad to have chosen to be there at that time as I could tour the site and take photographs without any interference. In about an hour or more, busloads of people had arrived, mostly loud school children on a historical study tour.

Ancient Jerash has been variously known as Jeraso, Gerasa, Antioch, and Pompei of the East. It is one of the important cities established by the Romans and was their seat of power for the region. The City was originally founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. It saw its golden period during the Roman Empire from 63 BC for about 400 years. The 1000 columned city stood at 576 meters above mean sea level.

The visitors' center opens out into the crafts bazaar, where local handicrafts, textiles and food are on sale. The most important parts of the ancient city are its two main colonnaded streets, Cardio Maximus and Bycamanos, the south and north theatre, the temples of Zeus and Artemis, the West and East baths, the Oval Forum, the Hippodrome, the Cathedral Complex, Souqs, cemeteries, drainage channels, the South and North gates, the Nymphaeum and the triumphal arch, the Hadrian’s Arch. It had become quite hot by the time I finished the tour in a little over 2 hours of leisurely viewing.

After going back to Jerash Gate to pay the host I left for Ajloun, which is about 20 km from Jerash. The majestic Islamic castle can be seen from miles away and it is on a steep mountain top. From a distance it looked as if one has to get to the castle using a ropeway. At the visitors' center, where the elaborate history of the castle is displayed, I was told that I could drive right up to the gate of the castle, which I did.

The castle is located 1123 meters above mean sea level and was commissioned to be built in 1184 AD under the reign of Salahuddin. The purpose of building the castle was to protect the trading and communication routes and establish a pigeon post. It was expanded under various regimes, and the Ottomans used it as a garrison post. Two earthquakes in the early 19th and early 20th centuries destroyed parts of the castle. However, it is now under the diligent care and protection of the Department of Antiquities that restored the castle.

From the Ajloun castle I drove to the Umm Qais archaeological site, which is near Jordan's borders with Israel and Syria. Visitors normally come to Umm Qais on a day trip from Amman to see its extensive ruins and enjoy panoramic views. The Sea of Galilee, aka Tiberias (the lowest freshwater lake in the world), Israel, are visible, and just across the valley of the Yarmouk River is the southern end of the Golan Heights, Syria, under Israeli occupation since the Six-Day War in 1967. Mount Hermon bordering Lebanon is said to be visible in the distance on clear days. Having spent so many days exploring ruins, I did not spend much time exploring the Umm Qais ruins, except walking past some of the important landmarks.

Umm Qais is said to be the place where Jesus worked the Gadarene Swine miracle. Jesus heals two demon-possessed men by casting the demons into a herd of pigs, which then run into a lake and drown. This event is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and is notable for the violent exorcism, the large number of demons, and the destruction of the pigs, which were considered unclean by Jewish law. The exact place where it happened is debated. A guide I met there told me that there is ample evidence that Jesus lived in Umm Qais for nearly six months. What that evidence is, he could not say, though.

Google maps offered me a route to Amman from Umm Qais archaeological site which led me to a check post. Two young army officials examined my passport and told me politely that I could not take that route. I surmised that it was only meant for local people staying the area, as it was a border post. I turned around and took the alternative route to Amman. Till I was 5 km short of my hotel in Amman, everything was fine. Then I hit a traffic snarl and closed roads that led to a longer route to the hotel. The last five km took me about an hour. The traffic congestion in downtown Amman is unimaginable.

After checking in to the hotel, I went out in search of chilled beer. The hotel didn't serve liquor, and I walked nearly an hour back and forth to buy two cans of chilled beer. That's desperation for you. The name of the liquor shop I went to was 'Shadi'. I was surprised to be told that the beer cost 3.25 JD, which I had purchased in Aqaba for 1.75 JD. The shopkeeper calmly explained that the price difference was because Aqaba is a duty-free city. I wished I had stocked up in Aqaba! It would have saved me the walk and the extra money.