Jordanian Getaway

• After several weeks in Jerusalem, we took the advice of seasoned residents and booked a getaway to Jordan.
• Our bus tour took us to the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, a massive archaeological site.
• The town was destroyed by earthquakes in the 8^th and 9^th centuries and discovered only in the 1800s.
• Jerash is highly walkable and Lena enjoyed scaling the various ruins, especially the amphitheatre.

 

• Next was a day in Petra, the Nabatean “Rose City” carved into sandstone valleys made famous by Indiana Jones.
• We walked over eight km past ancient tombs, caves, temples and a church, then hired mules for the trip back.
• We camped nearby Bedouin-style at a hotel with passing camels, starry skies, tea and – most importantly – puppies.

 

• Our last stop was Wadi Rum, site of King Abdullah I and T.E. Lawrence's 1916 Arabian revolt (and more films).
• We rode in pickup trucks around the Mars-like landscape, climbed a sand dune and Lena joined a camel caravan.
• The drive back was long and we were mostly fueled by Bamba, but the trip was unforgettable and Lena got a camel stuffie for her endurance.