Wadi Rum Tour

During our 2nd day in Wadi Rum, we went on a five hour circuit tour of the main sites. We started at our camp site and ended at the visitor’s center. The pictures are roughly in the order that we visited them.

Wadi Rum

On day 3 (October 14, 2007), two friends an I got a taxi from Madaba to Wadi Rum. We traveled along the scenic King’s Highway, with stops to take pictures of the Wadi Mujib canyon and Kerak Castle. The views along the King’s highway are incredible. The winding, mountainous roads are awe-inspiring. At some points, you can look ahead and see what looks like ribbons of road threaded through various layers of the cliffs. At some point though, the novelty wore off and I drifted off to nap. I woke up when we arrived in Kerak.

Kerak Castle is a sprawling site. It was a fortress in its time with pathways and rooms built in/on a hill. I have a hard time imaging what the place would have looked like in its day but from the size and spread of the place, I would wager that it would be a grand sight.

From Kerak, we transfered from the King’s Highway to the less visually stimulating Desert Highway. From that point, I dozed most of the way to Wadi Rum.

On the last stretch of road, heading to the vistor’s center, you begin to get a feel for the area. There are huge rock hills on the side of the road. The one that stands out most is right behind the visitor’s center and is called “The Six Pillars of Wisdom”. You cannot help but stop, stare, and of course, count the pillars.

We arrived at the visitor center in Wadi Rum around 5:00 p.m. Our guide, Aodeh, was waiting to whisk us away into the desert.

We got to the campsite as the sun was setting. We walked a short distance away from the camp to watch the sunset. I couldn’t get over the incredible rocks all around me, such majesty.

Jordan in a Week

Since I stumbled upon the new 7 world wonders website last year, I’ve been determined to visit Petra. I finally had my chance.

I spent a week in Jordan from Oct. 12 – 19. I didn’t just go to Petra; I didn’t even go there first. I’m going to resist temptation and start with Madaba.

Madaba was a good starting point. I got there about 12 hours before my friend did so I spent the first day traveling with other guests at my hotel. The three of us got a taxi and spent four hours exploring the nearby attractions. The trip started off with a visit to Mount Nebo.

From there, we headed off to Bethany, the site of Jesus’ baptismal.

Then to the dead sea for a few hours before stopping at the Hammamat Ma’in Springs.

The circuit took about 9 hours. We were all exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel.