If you are an Israeli citizen, the thought of going to Jordan usually doesn’t even cross your mind, however, if you are an American living in Israel, Jordan is a must see.  Close, convenient, and easy to access.

We traveled to the land of desert, lost cities, bustling city centers, call to prayer 5 times a day, and majestic mosques during Israeli Independence Day.

I learned:

  1. Driving in Jordan is extremely frustrating

  2. Traveling with a group of friends you haven’t traveled with creates interesting problems to solve

  3. Jordan although hot has numerous wonders to behold

Driving in Jordan is extremely frustrating

Cars are great, they are fast, some luxurious, they get you from point A to point B, but they are a bitch to park.  I would say transportation, in general, is better suited to busses for your venture within Jordan unless you are feeling adventurous and traveling outside of the main Jordanian travel destinations (Amman, Wadi Musa: Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba).

I had the privilege to travel to Jordan and rent a car with 4 others.  We were given a gorgeous new car with plenty of room, and we put in some good mileage on our shiny new toy.  However, in and around main centers in Amman, it is a nightmare to find parking, circling the block over and over and over again, we found a spot which was deemed suitable by a policeman, yes!  After an enjoyable afternoon however…we arrived back to a ticket!  Next, in Wadi Musa our car had the nerve to get scraped from a mysterious suitor, and this led to a fun return and a quality slap on the wrist and penalty for shits and giggles.

All and all…………..don’t get a car.

Traveling with a group of friends you haven’t traveled with creates interesting problems to solve

Our trip was orchestrated by the wonderful Judith Golz and we as a collective group did little to determine where we were going, how we were getting there, and what we were to do during our 5-day excursion.  Now I know most reading this, are saying,”that was very generous, but why didn’t anyone else help?” or “that was very generous, but why didn’t anyone else figure out where to go or have a back up plan?” or “that was very generous, but why didn’t anyone research what they wanted to do?”  Now all of these questions and statements are all fair game and very good questions.  My response…

The itinerary put together was great, it hit on all the main points for a person who has never been to Jordan.  However, due to our failed joint efforts, and aforementioned backup plans we had a few hiccups along the way.  Now, we get along just fine, but when communication is lacking even slightly on a trip abroad, all the pieces can come tumbling down very quickly.  This never happened, but we did have some navigation problems, thanks to yours truly.  We had some check-in issues and the occasional clashing of priorities along the way.

Just make sure you all plan out what you want to do the next time you travel.  Not doing anything is wonderful, and stress-free up front.  Although when you are in the thick of it, you quickly come to realize your laziness, in the beginning, was far dumber than you care to admit, and it would have taken only a small amount of effort to work together and make a great trip absolutely spectacular.  Be up front, don’t be afraid to speak up and make sure you know where you are going, what you are doing, and how all of it is going to happen beforehand.

Jordan although hot has numerous wonders to behold

With a temperature range of 44 degrees Fahrenheit to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, you have to pack strategically and understand that night and day are drastically different.  No matter what, the wonders you behold throughout this temperature roller coaster are stunning.  From the streets of Amman and the wondrous mosques to the lost city of Petra to the deserts of Wadi Rum each has their own wonder, and treasure to uncover.  In Amman, it’s the mosques, Roman theatre, citadel, and people.  In Wadi Musa it is Petra just a 15-minute walk away where you behold looming cliffs, treasuries, monasteries, and homes carved into the rock itself, and the incredible views from above.  In Wadi Rum it’s the breeze through your hair as you take off through the desert on the back of the jeep, sandboarding down a dune, crossing a rock bridge, climbing up treacherous rock formations, and camping underneath the stars.

Each and every locale and destination is breathtaking in its own right.

We had a rocky start, but my stay in Jordan was incredible, well worth the problems, setbacks, banter, and loss of sleep.  Jordan is a must see, and no matter how you plan, come to be there, or explore this amazing landscape you are bound to take away some memories, and even more, pictures to make your friends, family, acquaintances, and followers envious along the way.