Isolated in the Desert

Entering the desert lands of the Bedouins in Wadi Rum was the start of experiencing the Jordan I knew. Fresh air never smelled so good until I was away from city smells. If it’s not smog, it’s cigarette smoke. If it’s not cigarette smoke, it’s perfume. This Jordanian experience began with a 3-hour camel ride in Wadi Rum. I had a nice camel so I was able to enjoy the majestic and endless desert scenery. The only way I can easily describe it is comparing it to Yosemite National Park, but without the greenery. Instead there was sand that ranged from yellow to red. Merely illustrating it doesn’t seem to do justice. Neither do pictures. There’s a difference between seeing it and actually being a part of it where where the grandeur mountains of rock are embracing. Apparently, Wadi Rum used to be under water; hence, the unique fossils and intricately carved mountains of rock that made it easy to climb. The mountains are flat on top, like plateaus, because of heavy rain and snow that press it. Once arriving to our Bedouin campsite, dinner was served. The food is not like any other. When people said that the food here was really good, they weren’t joking. It’s the absolute truth. I have tried and eaten everything I put on my plate without disappointment. During dinner, the Bedouins entertained us with music and afterwards, started a dance around the campfire. It was like Moses’ wedding scene in The Prince of Egypt. Funny reference, but it’s true. Also, it was no surprise how clear the sky was and how many stars shown. Reclining on big Bedouin couches below the night sky gets you thinking.

In the morning, we boarded on the back of Toyota trucks to basically go off-roading in the desert before reaching a paved road. It was fun to race through the red desert sand, pass Bedouin campsites, and random wild camels. But the smog and sand dust in my face agitated my allergies. It was still worth it, though. Once we reached the highway, we boarded the buses to go to Aqaba. Since this is a tourist city, it looked a lot like San Diego. No joke. Our time in Aqaba was spent snorkeling in the Red Sea. Yes, the same sea that Moses parted to cross with the Israelites in order to escape the Egyptians. Who knew it would be a tourist attraction in the future with CIEE students jumping off boats into it. Good times. The water was blue and clear, which made snorkeling an amazing site. Colorful corals and schools of fish were swimming right beneath me. It was a stunning, yet weird, knowing what was beneath. HaHa. I could only imagine what it was like to be walking on the ocean floor with Moses.

After spending one last night in a Bedouin camp, the last day of our excursion was an intense hike to Petra. The best aspect of this trip was being a part of nature and its history…away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It was like going back in time as we walked by homes carved in rocks with children coming out of these dwellings and following us with their goats. We got a first-hand experience of what traveling might have been like in ancient times. I’ve walked on and climbed on things I wouldn’t have dared if I was back home. Apparently, CIEE hiking means some intense rock climbing, as well. Speaking of ancient times, it was like stepping into some type of Biblical movie when we entered a narrow, dirt path between rock crevices that contained little handicraft tents on the sides. Just imagine a movie scene of Jesus walking in a market scene drawing in crowds. Bedouin women reclined against rocks watching out for possible customers while children were energized with getting our attention. Along with this image tied-up donkeys were making their lovely noises while men riding donkeys weaved in and around us. Talk about an ancient street scene.

Before reaching the Treasury, we toured some ancient tombs that were carved high in the rock mountains. It’s amazing how they just let us tourists go in and out of these ancient dwellings. In the U.S. and probably Europe, it wouldbe roped off, especially since climbing up there can be treacherous. But we were all over the place like it was a playground. Also, there were more Bedouin women and children selling handicrafts and I had my first successful haggle. Bumped 5 dinar down to 3. :)

We approached the Treasury of Petra from behind, so unfortunately, I didn’t get the dramatic entrance from the Siq. But it is still a great piece of work that must’ve been quite a site when it was first discovered. It was carved in a multicolored stone and the details and symbolism are intricate. There were little steps carved into the wall on the sides of the treasury that workers used instead of ladders. So they somehow positioned themselves not to fall off?! Pretty scary since it’s high up there, but that was the beauty of this place.

I'm at the bottom right!