Travel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Amman, Jordan
Friday, December 27th, 2013 and Saturday, December 28th, 2013
I mentioned in my Christmas posts that I had another week off work and was spending that time in Jordan. I decided a few months ago that I wasn't spending New Year's in Riyadh, and most people were heading home or had to work the holidays so I decided to find some place to go. Jordan has always been high on my list of places to visit while in the Middle East and I had looked at tours before, but they never seemed to fit into my schedule. But this time it fit perfectly so I quickly signed up for an 8 day highlights tour of Jordan with G-Adventures. Flights were not overly cooperative so I decided to fly in the night before the tour started and then I could relax all of the next day.
Jordan has always interested me. Of course like many people I wanted to recreate the scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when they first got a glimpse of the Treasury at Petra (you remember, where the holy grail was hidden). The history in this country is so interesting. There is such a combination of confirmed documented history, folklore and biblical tails. Regardless of what is true or not true or what you believe or don't believe the place is pretty amazing.
I was a little concerned about the weather on this trip. The whole middle east has been experiencing a cold spell and Jordan was experiencing more snow than they have seen in a good long time but it didn't stop me. I just made sure to pack more warm stuff than you would normally think about. Not to mention that fact that we would be spending a couple days/nights in the desert and even in the summer, it cools down a lot at night so I went prepared.
The trip to Jordan was pretty uneventful, just a short flight, quick run through the airport and then it was off to the hotel. It was dark by the time I arrived so didn't get a chance to look at much....although I could see the remains of what was a record snowfall. A quick walk around the block to find some water gave me a quick reminder that I was no longer in Saudi Arabia (they sell beer everywhere) and then I had a good nights sleep.
Saturday I slept in a bit as there was nothing I really needed to do.....like at all. When I did wander out of the hotel my first chore was to find some more Jordanian cash.....then shawarma. At 1800 (6pm) I met up with the rest of my tour group and our tour guide. We took care of all the initial introductions and paperwork and then we were off to find some dinner.
It didn't take long to figure out that our guide Ayman was going to make sure we experienced everything he thought was awesome in Jordan. The group of us hopped into a few cabs and what not and headed to Hashem Restaurant. Now the menu consists of nothing but bread, hummus, foul (usually fava beans, tahini, olive oil and such. Very middle eastern but a little different depending on what country you're in) and falafel but I assure you it is so good and really cheap. I have really developed a love for hummus but this is probably the best I've ever had.......and dinner cost like 1 USD so who can complain about that? It was then to another lively spot for a few drinks before heading back to the hotel. Sunday we would head out and start seeing the sights.
Julie
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