A March 1996 trip to Jordan by sulli
Quote: While living in Israel, I took the opportunity to visit the neighboring countries. I have to admit that Jordan is my favorite country to visit. I spent a week touring Jordan with my boyfriend (now husband), and two friends from school. It was a fantastic week.
Overview
Next stop Petra. This is definitely worth a visit. The whole experience is breath taking. Walking through the Sic, seeing the unbelievable buildings all carved from stone. It is truly an amazing site. The Indiana Jones theme tune came to mind a few times!
Last stop Amman and the surrounding towns of Jerash, Madaba and of course the Desert Castles! Amman is an amazing capital city with all the nightlife and sheep as well! Last stop Aqaba once again for a quick dip in the Red Sea before heading back across the boarder to Israel.
You can secure private taxis but they are more expensive. Make sure you agree on a price before you enter the taxi as some drivers may try and over charge the unknowing tourist!
Hotel | "Al Shula"
The staff are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. You really get the feel like you are staying in a five star hotel. One day on our return from our travels, room service had decorated our room with stunning sculptures made from towels!
Breakfast took some getting used, especially if you are not used to eating salad first thing on a morning. It is a buffet style breakfast and guests help themselves.
Room service is available for a small charge.
The only downside is that the hotel is opposite a Mosque. While the view is remarkable, the call to prayer at 5am is loud! Be prepared for the early wake up call.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 3, 2001
Fairfield Nashville 2415 McGavock Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37214 (615) 871-4666
Hotel | "Nefertiti"
The Nefertiti has very clean spacious rooms. There is a restaurant next to the hotel but we did not eat there. Again, the staff is very friendly and will help you out with any questions. (That is if you can make yourself understood.) I recommend this hotel if you can find it!
Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort 901 Ski Run Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 (530) 541-6122
Attraction
If you are in Aqaba, take the time to hire a boat and take a trip out into the Red Sea. You will not be disappointed.
We hired a glass bottomed boat for about 10 dinars (roughly $15) to take the four of us out swimming and snorkling. This was an entertaining experience. The snorkeling was excellent. The Red Sea is a must for any avid divers/snorkelers. The coral reefs are unbelievable and the fishes come in every color!
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 3, 2001
Attraction | "Wadi Rum"
We arrived at the tourist centre and immediately were approached by small boys to ride their camels. The tourist has the choice to either walk out to Wadi Rum or take a camal ride. We chose the latter, especially as one of my favorite things to do is ride camels!
The camel ride out to Wadi Rum is breathtaking. The desert landscape seems to stretch for miles. The horizon is filled with mountains of red sand and the silence is broken by whoops of joy as the Arab boys command the camals to run and leave the confused rider hanging on for dear life!
After riding for about an hour your sore bottom is glad to descend from the camel and you are greeted by a friendly man who offers you tea (for a small charge)! If you are feeling up to it, climb the hill that leads to the desert oasis. This is a spectacular site. In the middle of the dry desert, a fertile spot of land covered in greenery. Wonders will never cease to amaze me!
Wadi Rum Protected Area Southern Jordan near Saudia Arabia border Jordan
sulli Winsted, Connecticut
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