Special Feature: Jordan tourist attractions (Petra, Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo and more) by CB

Hi to my dear readers! My apologies for having written few posts before 2009 ended. I guess we were all busy during the holidays, huh? Anyway, to make up for that, I’m starting off the new year with a special travel feature. This will actually be the first in a series of posts featuring travels by family and friends.

For this post, I’d like you to meet my good friend CB, an Architect based in Dubai, who recently had an unforgettable trip to Jordan. Learn more about this Arab country in Western Asia, where the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is situated. Other tourist attractions such as the Dead Sea, the baptism site of Jesus Christ at the Jordan River, the burial place of Moses at Mt. Nebo and other historical and Biblical sites can also be found in Jordan.

CB at the Petra Treasury, Jordan

Thanks to CB for allowing me to share his Jordan trip in this blog and for answering comprehensively the set of questions I’ve prepared. All photos in this post and the informative captions are also from him.

Q. How would you describe your stay in Jordan? Any personal experience that you would like to share regarding the history, culture and people?

CB: “My Jordan vacation was an unforgettable and awesome experience! It was definitely my first time in that country. It was like landing in a different planet because I have never been in a city with so many hills. The whole metropolis of Amman, the capital city, is literally erected on several hills of various shapes and sizes. I’d personally baptize this place as the “City of Hills“. If going up and down the road while in the car makes you feel dizzy, then Jordan should not be on your itinerary of tourist spots. However, I’m telling you, the street ride alone is fun and very much worth it. It’s also a place of historical and famous landmarks including ancient sites depicted in the Bible itself.”

“The people there are naturally hospitable and friendly especially to tourists. They do respect the mix of different nationalities. The English language is widely spoken there but it would also benefit you to learn Arabic if you fancy to be close with the locals. This is certainly one world destination that should be on everyone’s list of things to do.”

At Amman Jordan, the famous City of Hills. “There are also some historical landmarks here like the old roman theater and the ancient citadel perched on top of one of the hills. Nothing else like it in the world. Enjoy a drive around the city.”

At the Petra Monastery. “Petra is the famous “Rose Red City” built by the ancient Nabateans. These are works and masterpieces of art and architecture carved by human hands on the faces of mountains and rocks. You can explore this unique wonderland by foot, by horse, by camel or by donkey. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be mesmerized by the landscape. That’s why it’s also voted as one of the Natural Wonders of the World. It’s a journey back in time that you’ll never forget.”

Q. Any funny or unforgettable moments during your tour/trip?

CB: “I have tons of unforgettable experiences when I landed in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Enjoying the sites of the hills, walking in the trails of Petra, floating on the Dead Sea, visiting the baptism site of Jesus Christ and the burial place of Moses, are just a few of them. It’s like travelling back in time – to a time when our ancestors dominated the earth.”

Floating at the Dead Sea. “You cannot possibly submerge on the Dead Sea (the lowest and saltiest body of water on earth) because of its density and salinity. That’s why you can only float – you can also read the latest news while doing this. Be sure not to put water in your mouth as it is really unpleasant and distasteful. Also protect your eyes as the water here will create a very painful and irritating sensation.”

“The Dead Sea Mud is known for its therapeutic properties to those beauty-conscious people out there. Take a nice body and facial scrub, and then wash off the applied mud at the Dead Sea and you’ll know what I mean. The after-feeling is so refreshing and it’s as if you have been born with new skin!”

At the Baptism site of Jesus Christ. “This is the official landmark of the Baptism of Jesus where it was performed by St. John the Baptist. This exact place has been designated officially and is supported by testimonies from the Catholic Church.”

“At Mt. Nebo, the burial place of Moses. From this point, you can experience a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley, Jordan River, and the countries of Palestine and Israel. The late Pope John Paul II offered a mass for the Christian community when he was here.”

Q. Any travel tips for those planning to visit Jordan – trip preparation, itinerary/schedule, must-see places, things to do, etc.?

CB: “Nothing much to prepare aside from the typical stuff like visa applications, hotel bookings, and plane tickets. Make sure also that you have enough pocket money because there are lots of shopping places around. But what I strongly advise is to study and research all of Jordan’s historical landmarks before travelling there because it will really add to the total experience. There’s a lot to learn from this place which is full of history.”

Up next: Personal insights about travel by CB