Jordan
Jordan may be small in size, but it’s absolutely mighty in history. This desert kingdom in the heart of the Middle East is a crossroads of civilizations, where ancient trade routes once carried spices, silk, and stories between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Today, Jordan is one of the most welcoming and stable countries in the region — a place where visitors are greeted with genuine hospitality and endless invitations for tea.
Geographically, Jordan is a land of striking contrasts. The fertile Jordan Valley and the biblical River Jordan give way to sweeping deserts, dramatic canyons, and rugged mountains. The jewel of the country, and a high point for us, was Petra, the fabled “Rose-Red City” carved by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago — one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. Then there’s Wadi Rum, which we did not have a chance to visit on this trip. It is apparently a vast, otherworldly desert where towering sandstone cliffs glow red in the setting sun, and where movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian were filmed.
Jordan’s history reads like an encyclopedia of the ancient world. It has seen the footsteps of the Israelites, Romans, Byzantines, and early Muslims — all of whom left their mark. The Roman ruins of Jerash rival anything in Italy, while Mount Nebo overlooks the Promised Land Moses once glimpsed. The old city of Amman, the modern capital, has evolved from a humble settlement into a lively urban center with ancient roots and a youthful, creative energy.
Culturally, Jordanians take pride in their Bedouin heritage — hospitality, generosity, and storytelling. We were a bit leery about going a day earlier than our group… and were pleasantly surprised by how safe and welcoming the country felt, even in a region often portrayed as volatile. Sharing a cup of mint tea or cardamom coffee is not just a courtesy — it’s a way of life.
No visit is complete without a float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where one can bob effortlessly in mineral-rich waters….which we did on the Israel portion of the trip. We did not get far enough south in Jordan, however, for a dip in Aqaba’s warm Red Sea, surrounded by coral reefs and sunshine. Our trip focused on tracing biblical history and exploring ancient ruins in Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.
Modern Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by King Abdullah II, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through the Hashemite line. His leadership has helped maintain stability in a turbulent region, balancing modernization with deep respect for tradition. The capital, Amman, is a bustling blend of old and new — ancient citadels and Roman theaters alongside art galleries, cafés, and cutting-edge technology startups.
Despite its limited natural resources, Jordan has carved out a role as a diplomatic and cultural bridge in the Middle East, offering both visitors like us and residents a sense of peace….like the desert landscapes that surround it.
📘. BOOK