Geared up and ready for adventure, we left the hustle of Amman and headed south for the desert. Wadi Rum, to be exact.
Also known as The Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for its expansive desert landscape and its mention by Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab revolt against the Turks and Germans back in 1917.
Before we got down and sandy, we made a quick stop for a dip in the Red Sea in Aqaba.
From the boat, we snorkeled around on the search for coral. The Jordanian government takes coral restoration quite seriously, and imposes heavy fines on anyone setting out to destroy its efforts.
Fed and relaxed from a few hours of sun and sea, we made our way to our desert camp for the evening.
Our accommodations were simple, which was fine since we were really only there for the views. Which did not disappoint.
Clearly.
We arrived just before sunset
and were greeted by every star in the heavens, it seemed.
Up early the next day to beat the heat, we got our sand legs in shape with a little stroll around the expanse.
Stopping, of course, for a few photo ops…
each background different, though equally breathtaking
….and a little spot of tea every once in a while – sage, cardamon and cinnamon – a surprising and amazing combo.
Best, as always, enjoyed with friends.
We even made a few new ones.
Just when the heat started to get to be a little too much, we called it a day to head back to camp before our ride around Wadi Rum in our 4×4.
To catch some more views.
LOOK WHERE WE ARE!
(our little mantra dating back to 2010, reminding us to look up every once in a while to take it all in)
The next day I took one last wild ride through the dessert before we were off to Petra.
Watch out, they spit.
This was my least favorite part of the entire trip. Camels are not comfortable. At all. Still, glad I did it!
