Most Inspirational Moment
Not sure about inspired, but the most rewarding part was the climb up to the Monastery at Petra. It's a tough, sweaty walk and you have to be careful on your feet but it's absolutely worth it. It was sad to see donkeys trudging miserably up and down those steps all day, especially when carrying people who looked twice the size of the animal. I would please discourage anyone from hiring a donkey to take you up and down to the Monastery. For me, it just looked too cruel.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant group leader. Nuwar left us in no doubt that she knew an awful lot about the history of everywhere we visited and enthusiastically tried to share all of it with us. Might have been a bit much for some of us to take in but still, the enthusiasm was greatly appreciated. I always think that people overlook just how difficult a job it is to be a guide. We forget that not only do they soak up a huge amount of knowledge but they also do it in another language. Sometimes more than one. It is a tremendous skill which I think is often undervalued. Additionally, and like the best group leaders I've experienced before, Nuwar was on hand to offer advice on places to eat in the evenings and was also prepared to join in socially. At that point the leader becomes more than a guide and instead becomes a friend and it is that quality that makes the difference between a good trip and a great trip. Thank you Nuwar. I hope you bring happiness to many future groups.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I wish I'd have gone a day earlier to have a more in depth look around Ammam before the trip started and to avoid the extremely late arrival on day one. As it happened, I couldn't on this occasion but I would recommend others to do so if they can. Take waterproof shoes or slip-ons for when you go to Aqaba and the Dead Sea. The sand is very hot and the pebbles aren't designed for people with delicate feet. The trip will involve some quick stops for lunch. Try the local food. Our leader was all too happy to pull over at recommended stops for shawarma or falaffel. There are limited places (two, officially) to buy alcohol in Petra. One is at the Cave Bar down by the visitors centre. They promote themselves as the oldest bar in the world (although that's debatable). Just in case it is, drop in for a pint so you can say you drank at the oldest bar in the world but beware, beer is about £10 a pint. For budding photographers - take a tripod into the desert with you. I tried to do a hyperlapse of the sunset and had to balance my camera in my shoe. As expected, not the best result.