We stayed last night in a hotel on the banks of the Dead Sea, which borders Jordan and Israel and is located 50 km away from the Jordanian capital, Amman. From our balcony, we could see Israel. When we checked in at night, the young man at the counter informed us of the procedures and rules to be followed there. He also inquired if we had a music player with us and asked if we were using telephoto lenses on our camera.
Dea Sea. Though the beach was a short walk away, we took the shuttle bus from the hotel. The first step was the âmud pack therapyâ where we took the mud from the area and rubbed it on our bodies. As the hotel had a private beach, they had filled a large ring with mud for the tourists. After 10 to 15 minutes, the mud dries up and we can dive into the sea. Walking into the water, covered in mud, I realized that I was walking at the lowest point on Earthâs sea level. As soon as I walked into the water, I could lift up my legs, I can turn around, and do everything while lying in the water. It was one of those few moments when I felt the journey was complete.
Traveling to other countries and experiencing their history and culture is a great way to take a break from our current life situations and thoughts and assimilate new experiences that bring joy to our lives. Even if it is a journey from oneâs own village to the next, experiencing it makes for a complete journey and the success of a traveler.
After bathing in the beach shower, we jumped into the hotelâs swimming pool, had a free breakfast, checked out of our room, and headed straight to Amman City.
Our return flight was from Aqaba airport the next day, and we had to drive the same distance back as we did the previous night. Hence, we planned the trip in a way that we could return the rental car to their office in Amman City and take a bus back to Aqaba. Accordingly, I went to the office of Jet Bus and booked the bus ticket for the return journey.
After lunch, we went to see the Amman Citadel, which is located at an altitude of 850 meters on the highest hill of the city, Jebel Al Qala, where ten different dynasties ruled.
The main sights there were the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Museum. We could enjoy a 360-degree view of Amman city from there. You can see the Roman theater built in stone by the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius in AD 138.
Down the hill from the Citadel, we found parking right next to the theater. In the past, theaters were built like our stadiums, and only movies like Gladiator were shown there. I sat in the center seat and looked at the stage for a long time. The construction was such that everyone could enjoy the sound, sight, wind, and light in the same proportion and equality. There were two small museums on either side of the stage.
Afterward, we walked a little through the nearby Amman market. Wherever you go, you must see the local market. There, we could see many views of life.
The bus to Aqaba was at 9 pm. We returned the rental car and reached the Jet Bus office at exactly 8:30. We grabbed shawarma rolls from a nearby cafeteria and walked through the city for half an hour. I wasnât very hungry as I had bought a lot of food from the market. The bus arrived at 9 oâclock.
We reached Aqaba at 4 am. I took a small room to freshen up. After sleeping for a while, I ate some food and left for King Hussain International Airport in an old taxi with an old driver.
Feeling excited about my experience in Jordan and already planning my next adventure, I finally landed in Abu Dhabi after a two-hour delayed flight.
Part 1: Wadi Rum Travel Memmories
Part 2: Petra - The Rose City