Postcards from Jordan: An overlooked gem of the Middle East

I’m quite aware that Jordan isn’t your typical holiday destination. So, it wasn’t much of surprise when my plans to travel to the lesser-known Middle-Eastern country were met with a few raised eyebrows, comments and questions as to why someone like me (aka a solo female traveller) would travel there. I often got a kick out of answering the “Where is Jordan?” question (mostly because people have preconcieved ideas about the region and would not consider travelling there themselves). I was also surprised and enthused by the genuinely curious people who’d ask, “Oh, what’s there to see?” to which I would reply, “I’m not sure yet…”

In all honesty, Jordan was a country I knew very little about until I stumbled upon some very generous sales and said “why not” [to myself] as I secured a spot on the group tour with a non-refundable deposit. After booking my tour and doing some general research, I couldn’t wait to discover it all for myself. And let me tell you, now that I’ve been there I truly believe that Jordan is an INCREDIBLE – but certainly overlooked – country in a very overlooked part of the world. So here’s a selection of photos and a few notes from me to inspire you to visit Jordan for yourself…

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My first stop was Amman, which is Jordan’s capital city, arriving at the city’s airport mid-morning. After a bit of an unfriendly welcome from the airport staff (the only negative thing to note on my trip, by the way), I was then blasted by a very warm hello from the intense dry heat as soon as I stepped out of the air-conditioned airport.

The drive from the airport was about 45-minutes long, which was entertained with views of never-ending desert plains, wild camels and, as we entered the old city, clusters of multi-storey hummus-coloured buildings and ancient ruins. As we drove through the bustling, old city centre my senses ramped into overdrive with the wafting of so many different scents from the smell hot dirt to a variety of spices. All the while my ears were filled with the sounds of constant honking of horns (something my ears never really adjusted to).

As we headed away from the city a day later, I was in awe with each and every one of the places we visited next. From the Mars-like scenery of Wadi Rum to the scale and size of the Treasury in Petra (or the ancient city in general, it’s massive!!) to having the most bizarre experience floating in the Dead Sea, Jordan was more diverse than I expected and so much more beautiful than I could’ve ever imagined…

Overlooking the hummus-colouring buildings of the Old City of Amman from the Amman Citadel in Amman, Jordan.

This is the Temple of Hercules (or what’s left of it), a Roman structure located in Amman, Jordan.

One of the many lookout spots in Wadi Rum, Jordan, with the rocky outcrops framing the dunes below.

A Bedouin man and his camels await eager camel riders in Wadi Rum

Exploring the vastness of Wadi Rum by Jeep Safari.

A man walks his camels in Wadi Rum.

Our campsite in Wadi Rum (actually felt more like glamping than camping – there were actual beds with an ensuite in each “tent”)

Taking in the sheer vastness of Wadi Rum from one of the many vantage points (after a very steep climb up a very steep sand dune).

Watching the sunset in the middle of the desert in Wadi Rum

The ruins of a colonnaded street in Jerash, Jordan

This is the ancient Roman city of Gerasa (now Jerash) in Jordan, which is located about an hour by car from Amman.

Overlooking the Oval Forum in Jerash, Jordan. I never even knew about Roman history in Jordan until I visited Jerash.

More views of the Roman ruins in the city of Jerash, Jordan.

Welcome to the rose-coloured city – the ancient city of Petra.

Marvelling at (and posing in front of) some of the incredible facades carved out of the rose-coloured rock.

This canyon is called the Siq – you must walk through the windy canyon in order to reach the Treasury and the rest of the ancient city. the walk takes about twenty minutes.

More of the beautiful facades and ruins of the ancient city (and more posing).

A man and his camel walking through the ancient grounds of Petra.

The Treasury – one of the most iconic monuments in Jordan and the monument that encourages many tourists (and Indiana Jones fans) to visit the country. Pretty incredible to see firsthand let me tell you!

I made it (barely) to the Monastery in Petra! After a 4.5 kilometre walk and then 850 stairs, my jelly legs barely managed to land this celebratory jump. The Monastery looks pretty similar to the facade of the Treasury, however, it is far bigger and takes a little more effort to reach.

The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest water bodies in the world and is also the lowest point on Earth. Did you know that the Dead Sea is not actually a sea but a lake that is landlocked by Jordan, Israel and West Bank?

Floating in the Dead Sea – by far one of the most incredible and bizarre experiences I’ve managed to tick off my travel list. Not even a heavy salt rock could weigh me down!

 

Do you want to visit Jordan? Why/ why not? Or have you already been?

I always love to hear your thoughts and feedback on my posts and the places I feature. For Jordan, in particular, I’d really love to answer any questions or concerns you may have about travelling there. It’s a truly incredible country that I hope for anyone who wants to visit has the opportunity.