A sense of Jordan

Just to see the temples in Petra, alone, would be reason enough to visit Jordan. With its carved out rock, bedouins, and mythical sculptures, it is definitely an awesome place to visit.

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Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Jordan Video_2:-

To view the video select:-    https://youtu.be/h2Pel9GJhHA

 

 

Our observations and tips from our trip to Jordan

• The main must-see attractions in Jordan are Jerash, the Amman acropolis or Roman theatre, Wadi Rum, Petra, Red Sea, Dead Sea and the famous movie making locations in-between.

• The country itself  only covers about 90,000 square kilometres, so you can do and see most of the attractions within a seven day trip.

• If you are only visiting Jordan as a day trip to see Petra and skip the other historical and cultural sights scattered around the country, we truly believe you are missing out

• With the Middle East being in the headlines daily, Jordan’s commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East is well recognised worldwide.

• Public transport in Jordan overall is very limited, we wouldn’t recommend it. Best to hire a car or take a tour bus. Jordan is generally very manageable and the highways are in good condition, however, no one seems to follow speed limits. There are also lots of hidden speed bumps and the occasional pothole so you will want to stay focused when driving in Jordan.

• Petra is a historical site but not a religious one that will require you to cover up shoulders, head or legs. So wear comfortable walking shoes and  clothes as there is a lot of walking involved when visiting there.

• Jordan is often perceived as a dangerous destination due to its location in the Middle East, neighbouring Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel. We personally never felt unsafe,  anywhere in Jordan during our 10 day trip.

• Buy a Jordan Pass, it is an initiative by the Jordanian government to improve the tourist experience in Jordan. There are different types of passes but generally speaking it will cover your tourist visa to Jordan and entry to a number of attractions throughout the country.

• Yes, you can travel around Jordan during Ramadan. Alcohol is not sold (except in some larger hotels and restaurants), and some places may switch to a special Ramadan menu or buffet. As a sign of respect, you should also try to avoid eating and drinking (even water) or smoking in public during the month of Ramadan.

• Jordan is a primarily Muslim country, so conservative dress is advisable for men and women travelling in Jordan. Low-cut or crop tops are a no-no, and shorts are fairly out-of-place (even though you will find that many tourists wear shorts and sleeveless tops in public). We would recommend that you cover up your knees and shoulders (at the very least) in Jordan.

• Luxury is not hard to find in Jordan. However, it also comes with a serious price tag, and most hotels also tack on an additional 17% in tax and service charge so be aware of this when booking hotels in Jordan.

• Jordan has one of the lowest levels of water resource availability, per capita, in the world. While you are traveling to Jordan, be conscious of how much water you use as it is a precious resource.

• In the Dead Sea, do not dunk your head, do not wear jewellery, do not shave as every knick or cut or razor burn will hurt. Also, keep all your electronics away from the water.

 

 

 

Petra

Petra is a huge archaeological site in Jordan, it’s one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is the rock-cut city and cave system that is famous for its architecture and water canal system. It is also famous today for being the location of the filming of the ‘Indiana Jones' movie series. Known as the ‘Rose Red City’ due to the colour of the stones, there is no limit as to what to see or to do, from the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre to the stone caves, carved burial sites, and the many ancient columns. 

It was established in 312BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans, Arab people who inhabited the area, until 100AD Romans invaded it and took over Petra. In the 12th Century it was abandoned and left to the local people. Petra remained unknown to the western world until 1812 when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found it. For this reason it became known as the “Lost City of Petra”. Al-Kazneh (the Treasury),

is the most famous attraction in Petra. It’s a 40m tall, symmetrical building carved directly into the rock face with detailed ornaments. The name is actually misleading, as this wasn’t a treasury but a tomb for a Nabatean king. As of December 2018 you can’t go inside the Treasury. The ‘Siq' is a 1.2km long canyon that starts just after the Visitor Centre and leads all the way to the Treasury.

 

 

Jerash

Not far from Amman, about 30 minutes North of the city centre. It was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and here since the 16th century. It is the site of the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa, also referred to as ‘Antioch on the Golden River.’ This ancient Greco-Roman city was once entirely buried in sand, which has contributed to its fairly pristine preservation and outstanding condition. Who would have thought that one of the best preserved Roman archaeological ruins in the world would be found in the Middle East?

 

Mount Nebu

From your vantage point on Mount Nebu you are standing where Moses first saw the ‘Promised Land’. It has been the site of Christian churches for centuries.

 

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest and saltiest spot on earth. There is nothing quite like floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Have a Dead Sea Mud Wrap treatment and massage. They will cover you in mud from head to toe, allow you to dry and then you will go back into the Dead Sea for a rinse. Despite its name, the Dead Sea is not a sea. It’s actually a salt lake that lies 398m below sea level, bordering Jordan, Israel and Palestine’s West Bank.

 

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is in the far south of Jordan and is best accessed by your own car. It is only one hour from Aqaba, 1.5 hours from Petra and about 4 hours from Amman. Overnight out in the desert, four-wheeling and looking at petroglyphs from the past. Make sure you enjoy a desert sunset. You can even follow the path of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Take a camel ride in the desert at sunset, as there is nothing quite like getting up at pitch-black 5 am in the Arabian Desert on a camel’s back lead by a Beduion to watch the sunrise.

 

 

The train from the ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ movie

The Jordan Heritage Revival Company offer an historical re-enactment experience. Visit the antique train used in scenes from “Lawrence of Arabia,” where they were celebrating their win of the ‘Arab Revolt’ led by Sharif Hussein against the Ottoman Empire. The enactment group simulate a train attack by Arab horsemen and a re-enactment of the historical peace negotiations in a Bedouin tent.

 

Aqaba on the Red Sea

This beach town is about a three hour drive south on the Saddam Hussein built highway from Amman. On a sunny day, the breeze is cool and the crystal clear water is just perfect for a dip. It is the perfect location to go out on the Red Sea, either to scuba dive or snorkel. If you scan the horizon you can see Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Saudia Arabia from Aqaba.