Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan

I have a confession to make. A year ago, everything I knew about Petra I had learned from Indiana Jones. I had visions of a narrow Siq and enclosed spaces. Those do exist, but there is more – so much more. The scale, and beauty, of Petra are stunning.

The Treasury is the most well known monument in Petra, but in some ways I think the Monastery is even more impressive. Especially if you make the effort to continue climbing past it, and view it from above.

This can be challenging. After a long hike to get to the base of the mountain, you are facing over 800 steps up to the Monastery. Donkeys are available to take you to the top, but you risk “traffic jams” like this one.

When you make it to the Monastery all you want to do is rest. It takes a lot of will power to muster the energy to continue higher. But if you do, you will be treated to views like this.

Of course, when I say the Monastery is best viewed from above, some people take this literally. I spotted someone climbing to the top of the monument. Apparently he decided it would be a cool place to have a smoke. I suspect the view was impressive as well, though I wasn’t tempted to check.

What a fantastic post of a great adventure!

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Wadi Mousa, Jordan

Good shot!

Amman, Jordan

Walking in the air

I took this picture while actually walking on the air above the Roman Theater in Amman. It felt kinda strange but it was rather pleasant. My feet felt a bit cold though. It was sort of an airy feeling..

Amazing place!

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Amman, Jordan

Nice shot!

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Aqaba, Jordan

Absolutely wonderful shot!

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The Dead Sea, Israel

“Ever wanted to walk on water? How about cover yourself head to toe in mud? The Dead Sea is a place where both of those things are possible (well maybe not actually walk, but probably the closest you will get). The Dead Sea, located with Jordan to the East and Israel to the West, is the Earth’s lowest elevation on land and one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. It is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean which can make for some fun floating. But, be careful for any open wounds as the high salt level can become painful.

Some Tips When Heading to The Dead Sea (feel free to add you own by leaving a comment):

• Do not shave in the 24 hours prior to entering

• Do not go in with open wounds.

• Buy some mud. Don’t ask why. Ask why not.

• If you do decide to be the person who thinks that it won’t be so bad to submerge your entire body… you are warned that it isn’t that minor salty taste and feel that you get after sticking your head in the Atlantic.

• If you get salt in your eyes and it burns, DO NOT rub your eyes with your hands that were just picking up salt from the ground!!!

• Rinse Well!

Yoga on the Water

Staying Hydrated “

What an experience and great shots!

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Aqaba, Jordan

Absolutely awesome shot!

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