Most Inspirational Moment
So many. Petra astounds, to quote my guide book. This is true. If your only knowledge of this site is glimpses of the Treasury on TV documentaries then prepare to be amazed, the immense scale of the ancient city is breathtaking. Spending two whole days in there allowed us to cover a lot of ground, but still left us wanting more. The old cliché of floating in the Dead Sea does not disappoint either, such an unusual experience, and very relaxing. Lunch in Pella (continuously occupied since Neolithic times ) looking across the Golan Heights to the Sea of Galilee, the borders of Syria, Israel and Palestine, with ancient Roman excavations scattered across the landscape.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wael was immediately likeable, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his country and its complex history, giving the group a huge amount of relevant information to absorb about the sites, but stopping short of statistic overload and allowing time for personal exploration. He responded well to group members’ individual needs, and did this with an ever present sense of humour. The only thing he lacks is a volume switch! :-)
Advice for Potential Travellers
If time allows ask for a little longer in the National Museum of Jordan, in Amman. The new location for the Dead Sea Scrolls in a dedicated, beautifully designed limestone building. There is so much to see here and everything is well presented and interpreted. It provides a great introduction for this trip and puts the history into perspective for the rest of the journey.
Walking in Petra requires a reasonable level of fitness. It is very hot in there, and to get the best of the site and discover the more remote spots will mean around 15 to 20 miles walking each day. The initial walk through The Siq to the Treasury is about 3 miles!
When changing money, don’t accept 50JD notes. Ask the bank to give you 20s, 10s and 5s. Nobody in Jordan seems to have any change, and small 1JD notes can be useful for tips, toilets and snacks.
Petra and Jerash are very exposed in the heat without much shade, so keep covered and keep drinking water.
Alcoholic drinks are limited in Jordan, but when available are very expensive. They always add service and tax onto the menu price.
The breakfasts in all the hotels were limited (apart from the 5* Dead Sea hotel) and considering throughout the land there are the sights and sounds and smells of roadside coffee brewing the use of instant sachets is unforgivable!
The hotel in Aqaba was particularly run down and unpleasant, and the long journeys too and from there just for a boat trip seemed excessive. Extra time at Wadi Rum with an overnight stay in one of the many camps would be preferable.
