So I returned last month from an amazing tour of an amazing country that I had been dying to visit for years – The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, or otherwise known simply as Jordan!
I have read many a blog over the years where people wax lyrical about a travel destination being “life changing”. I’ve always scoffed at this… we go on holidays, we have a great time, our eyes have been opened, we learn so much, yet we still go back home and within a day of returning we are back at work, back making the school lunchbox that doesn’t get eaten, rushing off on the school run etc. Life hasn’t changed at all. The same thing happened this time upon my return from Jordan, but this time something was a bit different. Not insta-life changing-omg I’ve had a spiritual moment type of change, but I did return home re-energised. I returned home with a new found appreciation for the middle east, a region we are all quick to judge sometimes a bit negatively. I returned home truly loving a country. I mean, I’ve liked alot of countries I’ve visited over the years, but I actually feel a bit warm and fuzzy when I think of Jordan (and trust me I’m not a warm and fuzzy person, usually I’m a bit of a miserable cynical bitch lol).
Anyway Jordan was great, and I have soooo much to write about, but I still haven’t finished writing about our France/Spain trip from last year and I am lacking real motivation in writing lately as I am too busy exploring blogs and reading. So here are some photos of the places I visited and the rest of Jordan will come in the following year or so. 🙂
I wonder if our paths crossed at all as we went to most of the same places. Did you also go to Dana Reserve? If not a reason to go back. We plan to go back and hike with the Bedouin guide from Dana to Little Petra. It’s a 4 day three night walk cross country. I so agree with you that Jordan is a wonderful country and a good example of a friendly Middle Eastern country that is open to visitors and well organized. You are right to say that people make assumptions about the ME but traveling to Jordan shows you a country that is welcoming to all, respectful to women and a safe place to travel. Lovely post and photos.
I love your enthusiasm for Jordan and the feelings it produced. I look forward to hearing more, but I totally get the lack of motivation to sum it up in words right now – story of my recent life! We also had a great time in Jordan, but interestingly, we were there during Ramadan and really did not get the social experience we might have otherwise, so that’s another reason I am eager to hear about your time there.
You could be waiting a while! Lol. But I really should try while these thoughts are swirling in my head. I’m guessing Jordan in Ramadan would be a different experience. I am dying to go back with the family in tow now! Will wait a few more years for Miss A to get older (currently at 7 I think two days walking around Petra would be a bit too much).
It brings me delight to know that Jordan has had a lasting impact on you and has stayed with you long after departing. Your pictures are beautiful. The Citadel is my favorite spot in all of Amman, the perfect spot for beautiful lush views of Amman and some peace and quiet. I do hope you have the chance to visit again -I might make you alarge pot of mansaf!
Oh I absolutely loved your country! I wish I could have stayed longer! And Mansaf was a great dish – I will take up your offer and you can make me some when I return (which I will, as I want my daughter and husband to see this beautiful place)
How wonderful! I’m happy that you have a lasting pleasant feeling from a memorable trip. I’ve found it interesting reading about how the Hashemites came to rule Jordan. I have so many questions! I’ll limit myself to: who made the Mosaics of Madaba? It appears to be Greek writing?
yes, Greek writing is correct! the mosaics were inside a Byzantium church called St George’s.
Can you tell me something about the map that’s depicted in the mosaic?
My dear friend (which I just realised I don’t even know your name lol), if you can wait a few more days a new post about the mosaics will be up! Extra photos in the post too! 😀
Yay! I know it’s awkward that my blog is anonymous. I was paranoid when I was working in some particular countries with different approaches to liberty. Sorry!
Haha all good mystery woman! 😜
Glad you finally made it and it lived up to and it seems surpassed your expectations!
I agree. Jordan is a fascinating travel adventure!