Just wonderin' - could I go to the Middle East and not be bombed, like the news is constantly telling us? I'd like to hear the side of the story from real people with experience.
Righty then.
I'd love to know whether I should run away from the Middle East like there was no tomorrow, or should I see it as a possibility to visit in my life?
Thanks,
smithy92
Reply to this My wife and I spent four days in Jordan last month.....the last week of the month. We had been in Egypt for two weeks and wanted to visit Jordan as an extension to this trip. We LOVED it!!!! Jordan is wonderful, very secure, and so much to see and do. DO go to Petra!!!! We were there one night and the next day......visiting Petra by candlelight the night we were there......what an incredible experience.
As to the other countries, we heard nothing but wonderful things about Syria......the friendliness, the great sites.....all positive. Other than that......I have no other personal experience or stories to tell. But my thoughts are that if you have the time and desire, do not miss Jordan!!
John
Reply to this Definitely go - I agree with John - I've also been to Jordan and Egypt and it was fantastic. My plans will take me to Syria and Lebanon in March 08, so I don't have any fear about that part of the world. Turkey is also a superb place, especially the eastern parts of the country.
However, be aware of the current situation in each country - if there is a bit of active internal strife or sabre rattling between neighboring countries just be cautious. I was in Jordan about 3 months before the US entered Iraq in early 03 and the only noticeable tensions were about the impact of any US action on tourism, however a couple of parts of the country (which I avoided) were supposed to be quite tense.
My personal opinion is that Middle Eastern countries are on average safer than Western nations. The reason is the much smaller presence of drugs and alcohol swilling around the community. Just exercise your usual common sense whilst travelling, dress modestly (even for males) and all should be fine.
Reply to this I'm a single woman, 62+years old. I just returned from 3 months in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and had absolutely no problem. I even took the horrendous Egyptian mini busses with all the working class men. They kept saying "Tourist (pointing to me)--Taxi" indicating tourists take taxies not buses.
I would just say "NO- tourist Bass (Bus)" and give them the thumbs up. They were so amazed to see a tourist on one of those buses they never charged me or someone else paid. (about 5cents US). This is not for the faint of heart, but just an example. I keep aware of where I am and don't go anyplace I don't see other women.
In Syria people on the street would go by and say "Welcome to Syria", and just keep walking. Children and a few adults would come to me and ask to have their photo taken!! My favorite was an old man who saw me with my camera. He just came to a dead halt in the middle of the sidewalk right in front of me, rigid and posed. It took me a second before it dawned on me he wanted me to take his photo.
Sorry for rambling on, but if you want really heart warming experiences travel independently, welcome these people into your heart and you will want to ramble on also.
Reply to this Hello Smithy 😊
I would think of the Middle East as a possibility rather than running away like there is no tomorrow.
I was in Iran last October. I was in Egypt around 10 years ago.
Of course take sensible precautions but dont be paranoid. Think seriously about how dangerous it actually is and how likely it is that something will happen to u. Pay close attention to what it says in the Lonely Planet, on the news and what travel fora and people u meet say. After listenting to all and reading everything make your decision.
Mell
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