In February 2010 I travelled to Jordan to visit the ancient Nabataean ruins at Petra. I had never been to any Middle Eastern country before so I had no idea what to expect in terms of physical landscape and local reception but I can say I was fully blown away by what a wonderful country Jordan is.
The first thing that really jumped out at me was during the cab journey from the airport to the hostel. We landed in Amman, late evening, and were driven through the desert down the main road to Wadi Musa. Looking out of the windows as we were driving and not seeing anything but pure darkness was a unique experience; I have never been anywhere in the world where there was such a vast expanse of nothingness, just a sea of stars and thentruly black oblivion.
I stayed at the Saba’a, hostel which was fantastic. The accommodation was extremely basic but the owners were the most helpful, friendly couple one could hope to meet travelling. If you are ever considering travelling to Jordan on a budget stay there! Trust me you’ll have such a fun time.
The ruins were just as magical as I had dreamed of them being since I was about 7 and read an article on places to see before you die, in which they featured. Anyone unfamiliar with the site may be surprised to learn the Treasury building was used as the location of the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I feel there is very little I can really say on the experience of visiting the ruins, no words can do it justice, all I can say is; it really is one of the places you must see before you die!
On a final note, having travelled quite a lot, Jordan is a wonderful country to visit. It felt very safe; I don’t recall getting hassled at all by street vendors, cab drivers or encountered anyone looking to con you out of your money. I know people who have travelled to Egypt and Morroco who have said these situations have been so bad they would not return to those countries but nothing like this exists in Jordan (at least in my experience) the people are friendly and very welcoming. It is very simply a wonderful country.
Below are a few photos from my trip.
Camels in front of the Treasury
The Siq, the long passage way leading through to Petra
Visiting Petra by candle light is absolutely unmissable. This was taken just before entering the Siq, the lighting in nothing but candle light and stars.
Wadi Musa
Desert at Sunset
Opening in a giant rock formation in the middle of the desert.
The Treasury by candle light.
