While our 2nd day was filled with Jordan's most amazing history in Petra, our third day showed us the unbelievable geography the Middle East has to offer. We first went to the Red Sea Beach which was about 5 miles away towards the border of Saudi Arabia. The beach area was called Berenice Beach and it reminded us of our Honeymoon Resort. With the time of year and tourism being at an all time low due to the conflicts in the neighboring countries, it was almost like having a beach resort to ourselves. We were the only ones in the large Infinity Pool and we were one of few on the beach. The beach is interesting as it is rocky sand (like the desert) with then some of the clearest water in the world. Many say the Red Sea is the best water to dive or snorkel in and I may have to agree after our experience in the morning. We rented snorkel gear for only 10 Jordanian Dinar and it might be the best deal we have had so far for the value. Though the water looked clear from the beach, it was a whole new world underwater. A sea of corral with lots of different fish welcomed us and we swam for an hour or so. Afterwards, we relaxed by the pool and beach- still figuring out what time it is in our bodies (Jordan is 7 hours ahead and it seems we are between time zones with our sleeping. i
From the beach we went back to our hotel for lunch time. Though we have experienced Ramadan the entire visit thus far, the Holy Month was evident more so at this time. We walked around Aqaba and almost every store was closed (sun is up). We then crept over to yes- McDonalds. It looked closed as well but there was music coming from the outside. As we opened the door, there was no one sitting at the tables but there were workers waiting to serve. We ordered to go and took our meal back to the hotel to eat away from the public (the right thing to do during Ramadan). By the way, the McDonalds had many different food items that the U.S. McDonalds including their special for the day- Chicken McWings. i
After a quick lunch, we were picked up to go to Wadi Rum. It was only about 45 minutes away and the amazing views started about 25 minutes in to the drive. Wadi Rum means "Moon Valley" and it is the place of Lawrence of Arabia. Transformers and Red Planet were also movies that were shot in this valley. We first stopped to see a train that was used back during WWII by the Arabs to travel to Turkey. The train was actually built by the Germans back in 1917. The train symbolized social hierarchy of the military with a car for the leaders, car for the guards (gun post), and cars for the typical soldiers. i
We then arrived at Wadi Rum and began our journey with camels. One of the Bedouins led us on a long trek and the camels were a blast. Mine was called Mercedes and he was a little feisty. Janell's was called Grand Cherokee and he continued to stop for grass. The white one that accompanied us we called Pita because he kept trying to steal Pita Bread from the Bedouin walking with us. From the camels we took a Jeep Tour through Wadi Rum. What makes Wadi Rum different than the rest of Jordan, and really the rest of the world, is the spread out giant rocks. They are separated by desert, not just mountains like in Petra. Our Bedouin driver was also the Picasso of sand art. Showing the true culture of the Bedouins, he described to us how he has never written or read in his life. However, he could draw anything in the sand with his hand. He drew portraits of us, animal tracks, and even a Gator. We then stopped to see the famous rock of Lawrence of Arabia and visit another Bedouin Camp. There are over 40 camps in Wadi Rum! This camp they served us another round of tea and we purchased a few scarves.
Finally, we watched the most amazing sunset we have seen over the rocks of Wadi Rum. Incredible view as the sun melted away! I now have to stop writing as we catch a shuttle to the Red Sea! I write about dinner later and how we are invited to eat with a Bedouin and his entire family at his camp tonight. Should be another great cultural experience!
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