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Published: October 15th 2009
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Mansour tries it for size
mansour offers a few riding tips Journal Entry: Monday, October 12, 2009
Time: 10:01 PM
Started the day with a very nice large leisurely breakfast, then went for a walk, didn't get lost but found myself at the gates of prince Hussein's residence on the Israeli border (its that close )the checkpoint phoned the gaffer and he invited me in for drinks as he likes England ! The captain was a very nice fellow and we had Arabian coffee, was almost clear and none to sure of the flavour and a glass of orange juice. Returned to the hotel via the market again, little else to do, called in at a diving center, liked the guy and booked a session for the afternoon.
Diving was fun, had 40 minutes at 12 meters me and two Aussies, my ears have almost returned to normal, full of water and keep popping, but not quite, that's several hours later, also caught the sun a bit more than i wanted too. Went and picked the pics up and had a nice chilled chat, later when the others had gone he told me a very sad tale that i dont want to repeat here,but my heart goes out to him.Wants
seven pillars of wisdom
This is a stupendous, timeless place, virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as âvast, echoing and god-likeâ.. me to take the bike around for some pics tomorrow morning, he is a bit of an adrenalin junkie, says he does it to forget......
Eating Lebanese tonight, lol this should be fun....
Food was good if not too Lebanesey, would sooner it be more authentic.But it tasted OK.
Tomorrow Petra and the sunset hotel if i can find it courtesy of Andre.
Journal Entry: Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time: 4:22 PM
Well I found the Hotel,hey who doubted me ??? is a little worn, but clean and friendly and has a good food so they say.
Settled in and go for a walk, it is hot.Should be getting used to it, but I'm not. Maybe I have spent too much time in northern Europe! The place is nice but small with not a lot going on, bit quite to be truthful. Lots of tourist, of which I am one, But I really don't want to be associated with them, give me the local dudes.
Woke at an incredibly silly hour, and staggered blearily 200 yards to the entrance to Petra valley. It is nice and cool and very dark. Pay my dues, a not inconsiderable
in all its glory
Full frontal, can you see me ? gives you an idea of the size of the place. 21 dinar, but you have got 35Sq Km to explore if you have the stamina.
It is a surreal experience to wander down through a tight and high gorge in silence, no one else silly enough to get up this early, but i don't want it spoilt by fat loud Americans.It takes about 30-40 mins to get to the treasury, as i approach first light breaks. IT IS STUNNING. The pink sandstone shimmers as the sun slowly rises, it is magnificent and there are a few others who join me, all awestruck I am sure. It is nice just to sit and think in the quite of the dawn, the atmosphere seems to change with the light.I wont forget this for a long long time. Beat the crowds and explore ! get to the monastery which is on a high plateau, leading to this are 700 odd high steps, too much for one lady who didn't quite make it and was waiting to be stretchered back down the mountain.
there are just so many facets to find, and i love the fact health and safety is none existent, when climbing to the top of a fort it is good to
Trinkets
Bits of tat that of course I was strong enough to resist buying,,,,not! know you could actually fall and die, gives it a bit of realism.
By the afternoon i have drank 3 lts of water but sweated out 5.lol.
I'm sure there is lots that i have not seen, but there is a lot that i have too, always have to leave something so you can come back again.
Returned to a lovely cool shower, relax and eat at the hotel, no menu you eat what your given, potato soup with nan bread, following by four plates of salad, and then a fish course. pudding was a disappointment after all that, a coffee and a banana!
but for 4.5 pounds you cant complain.
Today packed up and got off without drama, had a loose idea where to go, and found Al Karak, i must be finding my bearings for the country, but then its not hard there are only 3 main roads, the rest of the time they are little roads and mostly unsigned or in Arabic, so you just use the compass.
The Fort at Al Karak was a bit of a surprise, didn't look a lot, but underneath there was a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms. Had a great visit,
suicide ledge
Aptly named edge of the world, great last views should you succumb. and was nice to get away from the heat. Prep for the Israel crossing, will have to hide this laptop etc as they have a tendency to confiscate elec items according to the consulate.Once I am in, it should be my last really difficult middle eastern crossing, unless i get lost and find myself in Palestine!!!!
Wish me luck i may need it......this is what happens when it dont quite go to plan...http://essentialgeneva.com/Bad-Day-at-the-Israel-Jordan-Border.html
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