Foto: The vast Wadi Rum desert is one of the most beautiful deserts (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Jordan - Despite the chilly wind in the open Jeep, the Wadi Rum desert looks stunning. Wadi Rum is a desert valley with sandstone and granite cliffs. It is considered the most beautiful desert plain in Jordan. We first head to the Khaz'ali Canyon. Just after getting out, we have to turn around quickly as a large sandstorm sweeps over us. Luckily, I managed to stash my camera just in time. My small camera struggles more with the sand. It spent the night outside. There’s probably sand stuck in the lens because it won’t fully open anymore. Inside the canyon are rock carvings made by early desert dwellers. People already lived here in prehistoric times. A little further, we stop at the “Little Bridge”—a stone bridge naturally formed in the rocks. Of course, we soon find ourselves standing atop the narrow opening, taking photos. The Um Frouth Rock Bridge in the south of Wadi Rum is a taller stone bridge—about fifteen meters high. The walls are too steep to climb directly. When our guide challenges me to climb up, I think he’s joking. I follow him a few meters up. It turns out we can traverse diagonally. There’s a gap between the rocks where we can continue climbing. Moments later, I’m standing atop the Rock Bridge. The way back isn’t too bad. Although it’s steep, I expected more difficulty. From the viewpoint at the Burdah Rock Bridge, we continue to our lunch spot.
Archaeological site of Jerash
Jordan - At Hadrian’s Gate, we enter the old city. Jerash is considered one of the most important Greco-Roman-Byzantine cities in the Middle East. Today, it’s a vast archaeological site. Through the old hippodrome, we walk into Jerash proper with Mohammed. ...
Enchanting Petra
Jordan - The gorge leading to Petra is lit with hundreds of candles. We walk toward the gorge in the dark. Above us, a beautiful starry sky. We decide to let the other participants go ahead and hang back. This makes the experience even more special. We walk into ...
Floating in the Dead Sea
Jordan - Along the way, I enjoy the daily life outside. Meanwhile, Mohammed gives commentary about the history through the microphone. It’s a bit hard to hear, and I let it pass me by. We get out at a resort by the Dead Sea, where lunch is already waiting for ...