Arabian Nights

Lying in the sand outside our camp for the night, gazing up at the sky searching for shooting stars, I was handed a small stone-like object. This Wadi Rum rock is like something from space we agreed. It was the lightest little stone I’d ever touched and I handed it around the group. Rob was not convinced however and shone his torch on my pebble. ‘No, that’s definitely faecal matter’ Rob declared. It seemed we had been lying next to a pile of dried camel droppings.

After applying some handy anti-bac gel we were soon singing songs (top marks to the Welsh contingent) around the campfire enjoying the famous Bedouin hospitality, mint tea and lamb kebabs. We even did the Hokey Cokey at the special request of Ibrahim our guide. A fantastic, funny and extremely knowledgeable tour leader, who spoke perfect English in a range of regional accents. Despite comfortable traditional tents we all elected to sleep outside and through fits of sleep followed the progress of the full moon as it crossed the sky.

Wadi Rum is known to locals as the Valley of the Moon and is famous for it’s spectacular stars. It was a magical night and only topped in my estimation by Petra. This vast, beautiful city carved out of the rose coloured rock 2,000 years ago far exceeded my expectations. We spent a fascinating day climbing the High Place and up to the Monastery. We discovered ancient tombs, roman temples, an early Christian church, frescoes, mosaics, camels and lions carved into the rock and watched as the colours changed hue from pale yellow in the morning to rose as the sun began to set. I can highly recommend Petra by Night if you still have the energy. Hang back to avoid the crowds and you’ll have the candle lit walk through the Sique to the Treasury virtually to yourselves. The first glimpse of Petra’s most famous building peeping through the rock is unforgettable and truly stunning in the candle light.

Dana National Park is another gem and the conservation area is yet to be discovered by many travellers to Jordan. The guesthouse is extremely charming and has wonderful views over the giant canyon below. The diverse landscape of valleys, forests and mountains was created by the Rift Valley and the National Park is home to an array of plant, animal and birdlife including 45 endangered species. Don’t be put off by the multi-share description. You’d be hard pushed to get a sounder night’s sleep anywhere on earth!

Our captivating trip through Crusador castles, Roman ruins and Biblical sites rounded off in style at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. Free mud, floating and the mandatory newspaper shots were enjoyed by all! Of all the wonderful things I experienced, the kindness of the Jordanian people will be my abiding memory of this incredible country.

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Jerash