Two days ago, after two unbelievable (albeit exhausting) days in Petra, we headed down south to Jordan's Wadi Rum National park. We were met in the local Bedouin village of Rum by our desert guide Zedane and a few of his friends. Once our things were packed into a jeep we enjoyed an incredible jeep ride from Rum village to the starting point of our first hike. I think its safe to say that we were all taken aback by the amount of energy that our guide exuded right from the beginning of our stay with them. Zedane started with a lasting first impression of climbing out of the window and sitting on the windshield of his moving jeep. Once the hike started we were all entertained by his antics throughout the hike.
We hiked all morning up one of the many sandy mountains that dominate the Wadi Rum landscape and were greeted by an incredible view at the top. once we were again on solid ground at the bottom of the mountain we stopped for a long siesta and lunch break that was much needed after a day of hiking. After our long break we were driven to a less rocky section of the desert where we ran, jumped and photographed our way through the dunes and were eventually met again by the jeeps who drove us to the Bedouin camp.
Many of us were excited to spend our night under the stars. without all the distracting lights of the city, the milky way looks incredible, it didn't go quite as we expected though. You wouldn't think it, but the desert gets quite cold at night. We were all ready to spend a peaceful night under the stars but many of us spent the night shivering under our blankets. That being said, the stars did look amazing. Once we got over our initial complaining about minimal sleep and the cold the next morning, the day was quite nice. We were all very excited, looking fore ward to both the hike to the infamous rock bridge and to riding camels.
I am proud to say that every single person on our trip managed to traverse the rock bridge without even the slightest of accidents. Even so, James did look pretty tense as he watched 17 teenagers cross a meter wide bridge over a terrifying drop. After the hike and another long relaxed siesta we were driven back to Rum Village to finally get to experience riding camels. In my opinion, riding a camel is a lot of fun and I wouldn't ever tell someone not to try it. That being said, I know that everyone, after a full 2 hours of camel riding was a little stiff. it was a good time though for sure. James would like you all to know that the handle to his saddle came off, its very important to him.
On arrival back to the camp we enjoyed a delicious supper and playing soccer around the dunes. Most of those who slept outside the night before were not perturbed by the restless night the had gotten the night before, simply making sure they were all bundled up before heading out under the stars. We woke up this morning packed up, and drove for four and a half hours to the dead sea.
As of this moment, I am writing from the 24 hour business centre of a 5 star resort located on the coast of the dead sea. the hotel hosts a grand total of 5 pools, four restaurants and a 24 hour gym. Every inch of this place is lighted, air conditioned and attended by what seems to be an army of hotel staff. I cant say I've ever been this impressed by a hotel but also so culture shocked. I guess after 2 days of living with the Bedouin that's to be expected though. out in the Wadi Rum desert when you think of transportation you think of a herd of grumpy shedding camels whereas here when i think of transportation i think of the jet black Lamborghini that is currently parked right outside of this hotel. Don't get me wrong, a little taste of western culture is a nice change, but I cant help but be a little shocked at the contrast I see when I compare where I woke up this morning and where i will go to bed tonight.
-Adam
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