Jumping around in Jordan

We had a four day weekend on our hands and figured that we may as well check out Jordan with the Randalls.  What a great decision it ended up being.  There are lots of things to do in this amazing country, but knowing that we just had 72 hours of actual touring time we narrowed our itinerary to Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead sea, Macherus, and Bethany (Christ’s baptismal place).

First off was Wadi Rum.  We hopped off the plane, jumped into a rental van and drove 3 hours to our Bedouin camp.  

There we were greeted by Salem, fed a traditional meal and slept in a tent.

Because we arrived at night, we were blown away in the morning at the beauty and diversity of this wonderful Wadi. 

 Salem took us on a jeep tour and we saw every imaginable topography from canyons to sheer rock wall to dunes.  

We visited Lawarence of Arabia’s house (a bit disappointing), saw Nabitean petroglyphs and rainbow arches.

Wadi Rum really is a unique spot on earth an definitely worth every minute spent there.  

 Next up was Petra.  Words cannot describe the surroundings and spirit of this place.  There is so much to see and contemplate as we gazed upon all the handiwork chiseled out of pure rock.  

The walk into the main area is an experience by itself.  It is a narrow crevice just wide enough for horse and carriage to pass, yet it is best walked.  

 There are hidden treasures around each corner like dwellings, paintings and camel carvings.

 

Then just when you think it’s time for a break you are treated to the famous facade of the Roman Treasury.  

We were told by the locals to first walk all the way to the Monastery .  This meant we could only glance at the main attractions on the way up.  The Monastery is indescribable- the mass and girth of the structure coupled with its location.  It sits on top of the mountain which requires climbing 900 steps taking around 60mins. 

If you travel with Krishna add another hour as she talks with every single vendor along the trail.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

After descending down the mountain, we could take more time admiring the surroundings. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

We now pointed the van towards the Dead Sea and took the Kings highway to get there.  We were treated to spectacular vistas, steep mountain slopes and extemporaneous plantations.  

We visited a castle along the way that was once built by the Christians but later conquered by the Muslims.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Before arriving at the Dead sea, we plugged in coordinates for Macherus.  This is the place where John the Baptist was beheaded.  Fortunately, we unknowingly found a back road into the structure and were able to walk up to the site.




Because this all happened after sundown we have no pics of the place.  However, while we were standing there, we a given memorable night vista of the West bank, Jerico and other unknown towns.  It was a surreal experience to realize all the history that has taken place in this area.

Early the next day we stole away to the Dead sea via an unopened Crown plaza.  We had the beach to ourselves and enjoyed floating around getting muddy.         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

A quick check of our clock and we see that we have just enough time to tour Bethany – the baptismal site of Jesus (depending on who you listen to). 

Part of the tour included an opportunity to dip our finger in the Jordan River.  It was quite interesting to be on the Jordan side while watching several groups of people being baptized on the Israeli side.

After it is all added up, this trip will rank as one of our favorites due to the uniqueness and variety of sights, sounds and experiences!