WOW, Wow, wow! I don’t quite know how to describe the last week here in Jordan. Jam packed with antiquities, fantastic food, gracious people, bizarre landscapes, indescribable beauty and yet another item off our bucket list – Petra!

It is interesting and essential to note the effect of the conflict in Gaza on area tourism here over the past 15-16 months. This is the season of best weather, not too hot, not too cold and main sites are typically thronged with local and international travelers. Definitely NOT so at present! We have been alone or nearly so at every site of significance and in the hotels and restaurants.

We arrived a day before meeting with the six others in the O.A.T. group who we are touring with in the Middle East. We get along really well, and everyone is easy going and enjoyable. We toured Amman and every single significant (possibly a slight exaggeration) sight of antiquity there. We wandered through food, spice and meat markets. and sampled treats recommended by friends and our guide. Every meal was a delicious selection of breads, salads and a meat dish beautifully prepared.

We floated in the Dead Sea (perhaps a tad overrated,) saw amazing mosaic work, drove through the most barren desert and then up and over the mountains with stunning views of rock formations to arrive at Petra. They are in severe draught here and we brought rain with us. We wandered the 3.5 miles through the canyon in the rain, listening to our guide Mahmoud, a PHD archeologist, bring Petra to life – it was fascinating. One of the best days ever, ending with a local hammam experience.

We are off today to drive back to the airport in Amman and fly to Cairo to continue the adventure.