Forgive us for slacking- I know this post is long overdue. No excuses. Here are some blurbs from the rest of our Christmas trip to Jordan...There is a history in the Middle East that is complicated, yet thoroughly interesting. It is the home to 3 of the most controversial religions in the world. Aside from being a predominately Muslim country, there are a significant amount of Biblical sites throughout Jordan. We stopped at Mt. Nebo and stood where it is said Moses stood before he died and saw the Promised Land. We visited the "exact spot" where John the Baptist laid his hand on Jesus Christ. Well, some people doubt the named location and apparently there are a few disputed sites, but nonetheless, we learn that he was baptized in the River Jordan, and so we went, and we saw, and it was pretty cool. In fact, we performed our own little baptism for Lily! While we were contemplating the truth of the story (and glaring at the Israel flag flying just across the river) there were some Russians who were actually getting into the river to be baptized.
A trip to Jordan wouldn't be complete without a dip (or should I say, float?) in the Dead Sea. We could do nothing but laugh when we discovered for ourselves that you really do float on top of the water because of the boiancy created by the high salt content. Being the end of Decemeber we didn't spend too much time in the water but it was a lot of fun to bounce in it for a little while. When you get out, you are covered in a pretty thick layer of salt. And watch out for cuts or scrapes on the body- they will sting!!
Lily drove to Dana. It was a very windy, beautiful drive until it got dark. Then it was a very windy, scary ride as we clung closely to the mountain side searching for the old Ottoman village of Dana. It's tucked secretly into the mountains and can't be seen from any roads. In fact, it can barely be seen from the road that brings you there, as the design of the buildings was meant to camouflage it. We had a lovely, albeit freezing cold, night at the Dana Eco-Lodge. There was a big group of Italian tourists there as well and so traditional entertainment was provided after dinner. Two Beduin men, playing traditional music on traditional instruments. In the morning we hiked down into the Dana valley and enjoyed beautiful views, a bright sun, and lots and lots of peace and quiet. Next stop: Petra.
Petra is a place that you can't imagine until you see it for yourself. It has become famous ever since 1989 when it was used in the final scenes of Indian Jones and the Last Crusade. It was built by an ancient tribe called the Nabataens about 2000 years ago. They were nomadic people historically, but settled in the vast canyon called Wadi Musa, (present day Petra). This canyon was the primary trade route between Africa and Europe. The Nabataens controlled the passage until the Romans got wind of their success and took it for themselves. The Nabataens carved into the red rock and created the most magnificent tombs, with Roman and Byzantine influences. So far, they have discovered 500 tombs. We explored the area for 2 days and hardly put a dent in it. And by the way, only 5% of the grounds have been excavated!
The first picture (above) is called the Monastery. Just a few steps up- 800 to be exact- and you arrive at this glorious structure, high into the mountains overlooking yet another canyon valley. It takes your breath away, both due to exhaustion and the incredible beauty of the temple.
Here is the famous location of the grail in Indian Jones. They call it the Treasury, which is actually a tomb but called the Treasury because supposedly a treasure was once hidden there. This view is from above. We hiked up, walking above the popular road and then ate lunch perched on the cliff overlooking the crowd of tourists as they came upon the famous view.
Here is Derek, riding a camel across the desert of Wadi Rum. After a very questionable agreement with a Beduin man in the small village at the border of the desert, the 3 of us set out on camels led by 2 teenage boys. When the sun was shining, it was pretty hot, but as soon as we passed into the shadows the temperature dropped drastically. After 3 hours on the slow and bumpy camels, we arrived at our humble abode for the evening- a tent made of wool blankets attached to poles with a fire pit in the middle, and cushions on the floor. As if traversing the Jordanian desert wasn't enough of an adventure already, this would surely put our endurance to the test. We were cold, but the experience was worth it. Our hosts- a variety of Beduin men- were gracious entertainers. We bonded over tea with the other 6 guests from Italy, Spain and Basque. One of the Italians was particularly funny and we passed the cold night with lots of laughs. We slept in all the clothes we had with us, and pulled the wool blankets over our hatted heads. Inside the blankets it was warm but the wind howled all night.
Wadi Rum was basically our last stop in Jordan. We returned the car and spent our final night in Amman. It was nice to come full circle. We left the country with a beautiful impression of the Jordanian people, their hospitality and their warm culture. If you ever have the opportunity, don't pass it up.
