After five great months in Phuket, it was time to leave my home and friends once again and head back towards Europe. After all, summer is waiting. This time, however, I am making a stop on the way to Germany, exploring the countries of Jordan and Israel. I can’t wait. I have tried to visit them already when I was in Egypt a few years back, but the timing and the climate didn’t really work well. It was January and a little bit too cold to fully enjoy it. This time however I had to do it.
So, starting my Middle Eastern Trip with Jordan, I decided to begin my journey with Amman, Jerash and the Dead Sea. Of course Petra and Wadi Rum are not too miss as well and my blog post will follow soon. This trip is going to be so amazing and very unique.
Was I ready? Let’s do it..
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Traveling to Jordan
Countries like Jordan and Israel require a little bit more planning than the other, common countries, I usually travel to. Although I tend to do some research no matter where I go, for Jordan however, I had a lot of reading to do. From getting around, hiring cars, organising bus trips, booking hotels and making sure I am in line with the culture. There is lots to read up on about this country. Especially as a woman I have to be extra aware of the culture, not stand out too much and cover up accordingly. Luckily it was cold enough for long pants and tops. So, I was keen and ready to explore Jordan. Starting with Amman.
Very important tip before heading to Jordan. Get yourself the Jordan Pass (here)! It acts as a visa and an entry ticket to Petra and other small sites.
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Amman City
It was exiting to finally arrive in Jordan. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was ready to enjoy my 10 days here. Amman, the capital city of Jordan was my base for the first three days to explore Jerash and the Dead Sea. It is actually quite a nice city. The Rainbow street has some urban coffee shops, the houses are sitting on various hills and the cars drive chaotically. I quite like it. Amman has a nice feel.
I was planning to hire a car in Amman and find my way around. But, sometimes, you can plan as much as you want, it still doesn’t work the way you plan. Read more below..
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From Amman to the Jerash ruins
The town of Jerash and its Roman Ruins sit approx 44 km north of Amman and only a short bus ride away. Well, usually.
I decided to take the local bus (from Tabarbour bus station), as it seemed easy enough and the distance was short. However, Jordan has no time tables. You just turn up, find the bus and wait for the bus to leave. And they only leave when the bus is full. It took almost two hours to fill the mini bus I was in. But, given that I only paid 1 JID, it was worth the wait. It added to the adventure.
The Archaeological Site of Jerash is certainly worth the visit. I have seen many roman ruins – as you know – and this site is certainly one of the top ruins I visited. I admit, the sunny day, blue sky and the modern Amman city in the background, certainly added to the magnificent scenery and great experience. What a great start into my Jordan trip. Let’s go back to the bus..
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From Amman to the Dead Sea
On day two I wanted to hire a car and visit Madaba, Mt Nebo and the Dead Sea, and go swimming of course! However, after trying a few car rental places, without success, I realised I would have to catch the local bus once again, to take me at least to Madaba. From there I took a taxi to the Dead Sea, via a quick stop at the Mt Nebo viewpoint. Although I didn’t go inside, because they wanted an entry fee and the Jordan Pass did not cover it. Pay entry for the view?
Of course everybody is always trying to sell you something and the cab driver tried to convince me to go to a beach spot where he would get a commission. However I decided to go to the O Beach instead (after finding out that Amman beach was closed). The beach was small but idyllic and the turquoise water was beautiful. I couldn’t wait to go inside.
Be aware that most of the beaches on the Jordan side are connected to resorts and the entry fee to go for a swim is quite high. At O Beach I paid 20 JID + 10 JID more to have a buffet lunch. It was much cheaper than the other resorts and the lunch was actually delicious. And so I enjoyed a nice afternoon, swimming in the Dead Sea, lunching, and looking across to Israel. Perfect! I would highly recommend it.
P.S. Madaba, the old mosaic map of the Holy Land and Mt Nebo were a little bit underwhelming. I wouldn’t put them on the must see list in Jordan. Amman, Jerash and the Dead Sea, however, are certainly a must.
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Swimming in the Dead Sea
Swimming in the Dead Sea was amazing. Although, it should be called ‘floating in the Dead Sea‘ because you float more than swim. Due to the high level of salt (34% salinity and 9 times saltier than the ocean), the Dead Sea is considered one of the most ancient spas. And the temperature was quite pleasant as well, even for March. So let’s go in and float.
Before you enjoy swimming in the Dead Sea, there are a few things to know beforehand. It is called the Dead Sea for a reason after all. So..
- Don’t stay longer than 10-15 min in the water
- If you have, wear swimming shoes or walk very very carefully. The crystals on the ground are quite sharp. I have seen some people with cuts while I was there.
- Don’t get water into your eyes and think twice about getting your hair wet. It can make it very very dry.
- Don’t shave just before and avoid going in if you have open wounds. It might sting a bit.
- Shower as soon as you get out. Yes, the salty water is good for your skin but you don’t want it on your skin for too long.
- Just float in the water. There is no need to swim. Lie down and enjoy the feeling. You won’t regret it.
And so…
… back in Amman (this time I caught an Uber), my first few days in Jordan were amazing and very eventful. Although my plans on how I would get around didn’t quite work out, and I paid more for cabs and Ubers than I budgeted for, Amman, Jerash and the Dead Sea were a great start into my trip to Jordan.
Petra and Wadi Rum are next and I can’t wait. That said, I am not sure yet I will get to Petra, but I know I will enjoy the scenery on the way there. The landscape is so different. It reminded me a little bit of Oman. You won’t find much greenery here, that’s for sure.
(post 186)
