Jordan Egypt Dispatch Part I – The Rose City of Petra

Just Back from Jordan

I love our Dispatch Series, as it is a firsthand account from the ground. So far, in 2024, we have done dispatch reports from Kenya, Uganda, Ecuador, and Colombia, with more to come. Our latest is a dispatch from Jordan and Egypt. My colleague Tatiana Johnston recently traveled to Jordan and Egypt with her son Carstenz, Big Five’s intern and proud recent graduate. Below is the first part of Tatiana’s trip report, capturing her experience in a capsule.

When my teenage son and I arrived in Jordan, we had no idea just how profoundly this adventure would touch our hearts. This journey not only gifted us with incredible memories but also strengthened our bond in ways we never imagined. Every day was epic, and each adventure was as amazing as the previous one.

Our journey began in Amman, where, after our long flight, we were delighted to see our names on a sign as we approached immigration. The Big Five airport agent greeted us warmly and efficiently and assisted us through the process, making our arrival seamless and stress-free. As we transferred to our hotel, we marveled at the city’s charm, passing by numerous white limestone houses that give Amman its nickname, the White City.

Our first adventure was north of Amman, where we visited the ancient city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman towns in the world. We walked through the grand streets, surrounded by giant columns. We were amazed at the impressive ruins of temples, theaters, and plazas, but I was more impressed by how much my son was interested in ancient history, asking all kinds of questions.

We continued to Wadi Rum, known as the Valley of the Moon. Here, we knew it was time for some adrenaline-pumping action with a desert safari. Riding in the back of a 4×4 truck, we drove the rugged terrain of Wadi Rum, exploring hidden canyons, ancient rock inscriptions, and dramatic rock formations. Here is where we learned about the life of the Bedouins, the desert’s indigenous people, and their rich cultural heritage. We finished our adventure by making a fire and drinking tea while watching the sun setting on the horizon. We spent that night in Martian domes, which are tents with huge windows that offer breathtaking views of the starry sky and the silhouettes of rock formations in the dark.

Early the next morning, we were transferred to the hot air balloon launch site, where we watched as the crew prepared the balloon for the flight. Once everything was ready, we gently ascended into the sky and floated. The panoramic views of the vast desert, with its towering sandstone mountains and endless stretches of red sand, were just magical.

We then continued to the Rose City of Petra and began our hike to see the famous Treasury. The one-mile trail to the Treasury is flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk. You pass through a natural sandstone gorge, and at the end, you are surprised by the stunning facade of this Nabatean tomb known as the Treasury. But Petra has much more to offer beyond the Treasury, we hiked everywhere, climbing up to the ancient caves, exploring the Roman area of Petra and taking the 850 steps to the Monastery, another monumental structure. The journey to the Monastery was challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views that made every step worth it. One of the best parts of this hike, besides the views of the course, was making different stops along the way for water or for resting and conversing with the Bedouins. We bonded, talking about politics, about family, and about the future. They wanted to keep my son so he could become a Bedouin guide and work for them (spoiler alert: my son didn’t accept the offer).

So many Jordanians are waiting for more people to come and see their beautiful country, as many of them are related to the tourist industry, and the industry is suffering. They wanted me to convey a message to all of you that it is safe to visit Jordan and you will not regret it. Their hospitality added a unique and memorable dimension to our adventure.

We concluded the adventure with a visit to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where you can effortlessly float in the mineral-rich waters. You can just lay there and read a newspaper. The mud has many therapeutic properties, enhancing the whole experience, and seeing the sunset by the Dead Sea was one of my favorite moments.

We have countless pictures documenting our journey, but what truly stayed in our hearts was the kindness and hospitality of the Jordanians. We traveled during the low season, so this meant fewer tourists, highlighting the need for tourism in this region despite their geographical challenges, which are unrelated to the current situation in the country. They genuinely miss their visitors, and their stories and smiles left a lasting impression on us. We are already planning our return to Jordan.