Journey to Jordan

If it is not already on your bucket list, add Petra!  Petra does not disappoint and I swear you will feel like Indiana Jones as you walk through the Siq and discover the Treasury for the first time.  I thought Petra would be over rated.  I thought I would be done after a few hours.  But it wasn’t and I wasn’t.  I had an awesome day discovering the tombs, climbing the cliffs, hiking to the High Place of Sacrifice (a great hike) and wheezing my way to the Monastery (a harder hike but worth it).  I spent one full (very full) day at Petra but next time I think I would like to spend 2 or even 3 days so I can do some additional exploring.  Tradition says the grave of Aaron, Moses’ brother, is in Petra and I would love to hike to it.   Even if you only have the time or resources for a 48 hour stop in Jordan, Petra is worth it and you should definitely consider it. 

That said, if you have more time, Jordan has lots to offer every visitor.  While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Aqaba as a destination, if you happen to be there (I fought a great deal on a flight through there) I recommend a boat trip.  It won’t be the most scenic or adventurous boat trip of your life; but it will inspire your wanderlust as you are out on the Northeastern Tip of the Red Sea and able to see Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan!

Wadi Rum is a popular spot to stop.  You can stop for an hour or two or arrange an overnight tour and camp out in the dessert.  I was only there for a few hours.  And even though it was not my favorite stop, it does excite the imagination to know you are in the same place that the Israelites wandered and Lawrence of Arabia staged his battles during WWI.

What I loved most in Jordan were the quick but historical stops:  Madaba to see the first map of the Holy Land; Bethany-Beyond-The Jordan where Jesus was baptized and where Elijah ascended into heaven; Herod’s Castle; Lot’s Cave; the Spring of Moses where Moses brought water out of the rock with his staff; and Mt Nebo where Moses was able to see the promised land before he died. 

Other sights include the Roman ruins of Jerash and Umm Qais; castles from the Crusades and of course spa resorts along the Dead Sea. 

Travel Tips:  Check flights into Aqaba as it may be cheaper than Amman.  While there, Aqaba is a good place to stock up on water or other supplies before venturing on to more expensive locations (it is a duty free zone) .  If you want to spend some time at the Dead Sea, I thought the resorts on the Jordan side appeared more “luxurious” and accessible than those in Israel. 

Books/TV/Movies:  The Old Testament about the Israelites wandering the desert, Ruth from Moab, and stories of Elijah and Elisha.  Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite Van Geldermalsen is the true story of a traveler who met and fell in love with a Bedouin while in Petra.   Queen Nor is an autobiography of the American born wife of King Hussein.  I’ll only list one movie – Indian Jones and the Last Crusade.