Sixtieth Post From Türkiye: Christmas in Jordan Part 2

After our camping in the desert I thought I deserved to stay someplace a little bit nicer. So I booked us into the Marriott resort on the Dead Sea. We took a quick long-cut down to Aqaba to see the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba.  

Look! You can see Israel and Egypt!

Our long-cut also allowed for a stop in Shobak to see the crusader castle. Built in 1115 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem.

The place was lousy with artifacts. Like this little piece of a roman oil lamp. But as always, we were conscientious tourists and didn't fill our pockets with ancient souvenirs (but we wanted to!).

The smallest hotel in Jordan. It looks fun and comfortable and you can't beat the view. I am not sure about the bathroom though.

Another gorgeous sunset in Jordan.

Hey, guys! What's up?

A few of the swimming options at the resort with views of the Dead Sea. Since it was winter I only took advantage of the heated pool at the top. Trum swam with me and Jack was taking a nap. 

In the morning we decided that Trum needed to experience swimming in the Dead Sea. It was warm-ish, but not warm enough for his liking. Still, who knows if he will ever get the chance again. Jack and I both took a swim back in the olden days just after we were married and visited Israel.

So we trekked down to the water and forced the boy to take a dip.

Trepidatious to say the least! He got in but he didn't like it. It was cold and apparently if your legs are chafed from riding a camel for an hour the day before a salty sea doesn't make them feel better. Poor kid! He has a hard life.

 "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" the place along the Jordan River where they believe Jesus was baptized. Again, Jack and I had visited from the other side of the river but it was fascinating to visit again from Jordan.

Above is where the river used to flow and probably closer to the actual site but below is where it flows now and you can visit the river with lots of other tourists. 

Trum at the river, looking towards Israel.

Those are some good looking carrots!

Heading up to Mount Nebo. Passing some Bedouin camps in the hills.

Mount Nebo is the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land.

Byzantine Mosaics

Looking toward the Holy Land.

We spent a day in Amman as well. Mostly we just ate some of the best hummus ever and wandered around. But we stopped at the Roman Theater and shopped in this little shop before we flew home to Ankara.

I HATE it when Jack is right. But he nailed it with this one. We loved our trip to Jordan.

In other news: Trum turned 13 in February and he is still adorable!

Celebratory Brownie!

Fifty-ninth Post From Türkiye: Christmas in Jordan

I am not sure why I haven't learned by now that I should trust Jack when he suggests a vacation spot. We have recently been on two trips that beforehand I was for sure I wouldn't enjoy and then ended up loving. Jordan was one of those trips. It was amazing! People were so friendly and inviting. The food was fabulous. And the sights were so awesome. I am so glad we went! 

Hello, Jordan!

Looking over Wadi Musa from our hotel.

While walking to the entrance to Petra we passed this cute little donkey. I was super excited and took a picture not knowing that while touring Petra I would see literally hundreds of donkeys.
Oh-well he was sweet.

You can catch a ride on a horse to the entrance of the Siq. Trum really enjoyed it. Later, on the way out, Jack made me ride a horse as well, but I will NOT be posting a picture as I was wearing a hot-pink rain jacket and I looked ridiculous. So just use your imagination.

Entrance to the Siq and inside. It was so gorgeous wandering through this canyon!

Jack finally fulfills his dream of walking in Indiana Jones' shoes at the Al-Khazneh (the treasury) !!

Plenty of opportunities for a quick ride on a camel.

More rock cut buildings in the Street of Facades.

The colonnaded Roman street.

Thinking some thoughts inside the Great Temple (plus we ate our hotel provided lunch here, not too shabby!).

Hiking to the Monastery.

Donkey!

 We were hiking and hiking and hiking up to see the monastery and it was a bit cold and a bit steep and I was sort of taking my time as I am out of shape and I like to take lots of photos but I have to wait for all the other tourists to get out of my shot, so eventually Jack and Trum just forge ahead. Then Jack sends me a text and says, "It is still really far and steep and I don't think you will think it is worth it." So instead of finishing the hike I sat down to enjoy the view and then this kind woman invited me to share her fire. Frankly, I think I had a better experience. Luckily Jack got a pic of Trum at the top for me to enjoy!

View of the area around Petra. The valley is waaaaay down below.

From Petra we traveled to Wadi Rum. 

Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. It has amazing sandstone mountains, natural arches and prehistoric inscriptions and carvings line rocky caverns and steep chasms

But for Jack the coolest bit was that Lawrence of Arabia hung out in the area. And the movie was filmed here as well.

We booked with a camping place that arranges everything for your visit. We started out with a jeep tour of the desert. The first stop was the watering hole of Lawrence’s Spring is named after Lawrence of Arabia, who allegedly washed there. 

Some of those pre-historic carvings.

Jack and Trum hike to the watering hole. Just to get a sense of the size of this rock, Jack and Trum are in the circle.

Waaaay zoomed in, almost to the spring.

They made it! 

Plenty of opportunities to hang out and not drink tea in Bedouin tents.

Enjoying our jeep adventure.

Khazali Canyon

Burdah Arch

Fun on a sand dune! 

Lawrence's House (alleged)

Trum needed his own kafiya. They showed him how to wear it Bedouin style.

Back at Camp!

Snuggled into our tent.

Hiking up to enjoy the sunset from a ridge.

Enjoying the fire, conversation and dinner in the big tent.

Gorgeous desert morning!

Nothing makes Jack happier than forcing me to ride on various animals. So he arranged for us to take the hour long camel ride back into town. Wow! It was pretty fun for about 20 out of the 60 minute ride. The walking gait of a camel is not something we are accustomed to. We all had some chaffing and sore muscles at the end.

Camels snacking in a tomato field.

Awesome!

Fun stuff from Jordan.

More about the trip in Part 2.