Unforgettable Jordan

This historical country, which is officially called the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,  is home to the famous Jordan river and the archaeological site, Petra - one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Facade of the Famous Petra

I got one of my best travel experiences in this country. I personally arranged this tour last December 2017 and was joined by my friends.

We booked our flight via Qatar airways, flew early morning of December 29  from Oman to Doha, Qatar. Then flew from Doha to Jordan and arrived seven pm at Amman.

After checking in to Meneur Hotel, we went out as a group, walked in the streets of Amman city in that cold December night and dined in a local restaurant in downtown Amman. After dinner, we bought some groceries at Carrefour and returned to the hotel to rest, excited for the next day.

Our group in Petra

Our adventure started the next day. We left Amman right after our six am breakfast at the hotel and headed to Petra where we need to stay overnight as it is not practical to return to Amman at the same day. Petra is a three-hour drive from Amman and we started exploring the massive and amazingly beautiful site of Petra right after reaching the place.

Petra, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a historical and archaeological city in Jordan. It is also called the Rose city due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.(wikipedia)

Petra is also called the rose city

Mesmerized by the beauty of Petra, we did not mind the kilometers walk and we forgot to take lunch. After an hour of walking,  we tried donkey riding which rescued us from traversing the remaining kilometers left of the Petra trail. It was nice to see many Bedoins dressed like Jack Sparrow all over the place. From souvenir vendors, to donkey and camel owners and even restaurant staff, everyone looked like Johnny Depp. 

Riding the donkeys at Petra

It was late afternoon already when we decided to go out of the Petra site and headed to La Maison Hotel to check in, which is situated very near the gate of Petra. We had our dinner at the hotel.The plan to go out and see Petra at night did not happen as everyone is exhausted.

Traversing Petra

We had a good breakfast at the hotel the next day and started heading to the rest of our itineraries.

We went to Mount Nebo. This is one of Jordan's Christian holy site as this is the spot where Prophet Moses is believed to have first seen the promised Land.(Your Guide to Aqaba Jordan Website)

Going up Mount Nebo

We also went to the municipality of Madaba for some churches visit.

Madaba is located in central Jordan and is popular with the Madaba map that is part of a floor Mosaic of the St. George Church, a 19th century Greek Orthodox church that symbolizes early Christianity in Jordan. (Wikipedia)

Jordan River - Baptism Site
One highlights of our Jordan tour is the visit to the Jordan river, where Jesus Christ was baptized by Saint John the Baptist. The feeling was something I cannot explained when we were traversing the trail leading to Christ's Baptism site. Standing on the very place where Christ was baptized gave me a feeling of peace and tranquility.

At the baptism site of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River

After visiting the Baptism site, we went to the Dead Sea and reached the place late afternoon. Dead Sea is bordering Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. It is a salt lake whose banks are more than 400 meters below sea level, the lowest point on dry land. (Wikipedia)

Floating in the dead sea is real

Floating in the dead sea is real

After taking our lunch, we excitedly went to the sea to check whether we can really float and swim on our back. True enough, we floated in water. The cold temperature did not stop us from enjoying the water. The salt rock formation near the seashore amazed us more. We watched the sun set and waited for the night. We went back to our hotel ending the 3rd day tired but happy.

Amman City Tour
We spent the last day visiting the tourist attractions in the city of Amman. We visited Amman Citadel, The Roman ampitheather, King Abdullah Mosque, and the Royal automotive museum. We did not forget the suq/market in downtown Amman for cheap souvenirs.

Ruins of Citadel

Ruins of Citadel in Amman

Ruins of Citadel in Amman, Jordan

Inside King Abdullah Mosque

A night walk in downtown Amman

Thanks to the agency Trip500 Tours for giving us a good package tour. For inquiries, you may reach them at their email (trip500.tours@gmail.com) or you may visit their website.
Thanks also to the Jordanians who assisted us in our trip. Jordanians are one of the friendliest people on earth.

Tips:

• • Filipinos traveling to Jordan are required to obtain visas. Process your visa ahead of the travel time. Agency offering package tours also help in the visa processing.
  • Visit the suq or market area in Amman city for cheap souvenirs.
  • Do not forget to include wadi Rum in your itinerary.  Our group was not able to visit this spot.