Most Inspirational Moment
Where to start? There were so many. Was it entering Jerash (Gerasa) through Hadrian's gate, arriving at the forum and walking down the seriously impressive colonnaded cardo maximus? No, but this was still right up there in terms of sights and moments! As was the view across the Jordan Valley and the West Bank from Mount Nebo where, according to the Bible, Moses saw the Promised Land.
Was it walking through the Siq, the narrow gorge that is the entrance to Petra, and, glimpsing the magnificent Treasury, lit up in the morning sun? Utterly beautiful and mesmerising - and almost the most inspirational!
The most stirring and sublime of moments (in a trip full of such moments), however, was the desert splendour of Wadi Rum. The extraordinarily beautiful rock formations, sand dunes and canyons; the ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs carved on boulders and cliffs; the glorious sunset; running down sand dunes; camel riding; camping in the desert; the silence of the desert night and the vast star-filled sky.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Muayad Mesmar was absolutely wonderful. So kind, so knowledgeable, such fun. His knowledge of Jordanian and regional history was so impressive - akin to that of a history professor! At every point in the trip, at every bend in road, Muayad had fascinating stories and information to share.. be it on the Hejaz railway during the Arab Revolt, olive pressing at Crusader castles, the health properties of the Dead Sea....as well as on chickpea plants and Jordan's horned hyenas!
In addition to being absolutely brilliant in his knowledge of Jordan's history, archeology, flora and fauna, landscapes and peoples, and sharing stories in such an engaging way, Muayad was also the most generous, kind and thoughtful of tour leaders. From buying us cardamon-infused coffees and Jordanian sweets on our first morning and falafels one lunchtime, to organising a picnic with a view over the Jordan Valley, replete with walnut-stuffed baby aubergines (never has there been, nor will there ever be, a more yummy picnic ingredient!), Muayad definitely went way above and beyond a tour leader's call of duty.
And when I realised half-way down the King's Highway, that I'd idiotically left my passport, some cash and my Kindle back in my hotel-room safe in Amman, Muayad worked wonders, made some phone calls and, less than 24-hours later, they were delivered safely, at no cost, to the hotel at our next stop, Petra. So, not only is Muayad the best tour leader, he's also a magician.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes, and it's simple! Do this trip!
