Jordan

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Jordan#

Jordan is a country rich in history and natural beauty, located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe. During our family trip, we explored three of its most iconic sites — the ancient city of Petra, the vast desert of Wadirum, and the Roman ruins of Jerash.

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Trip type: Family (Anthony, Ilse, Kim, Niels, Anke)

  • 🗓️ Duration: 2 weeks (2022)

  • 📍 Highlights: Petra, Wadirum, Jerash

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Fig. 34 Me with my sisters
in Petra#

Petra#

Petra, the “Rose City,” was built by the Nabateans in the 4th century BCE and became a thriving trade center. Its architecture is carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, with elaborate facades and tombs.

We entered through the narrow Siq and were greeted by the breathtaking Treasury. Beyond it, the ancient city stretches into rocky hills, temples, and caves. Hiking to the Monastery offered panoramic views and a real sense of scale. It’s a place that merges engineering, nature, and mystery all in one.

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Fig. 35 Me riding a camel in the
Wadirum desert#

Wadirum#

Wadirum is a desert region known for its massive rock formations and red sand. Its name, “Valley of the Moon,” fits the otherworldly landscape perfectly. The area holds thousands of years of history, including ancient petroglyphs.

We explored by camel and jeep, stopping at natural rock bridges and canyons. In the evening, we stayed in a Bedouin camp, enjoyed zarb for dinner, and slept under a clear, star-filled sky. The silence and scale of the desert left a lasting impression.

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Fig. 36 Me with my sister Anke at
the temples of Jerash#

Jerash#

Jerash, or ancient Gerasa, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Located in northern Jordan, it features wide stone streets, temples, arches, and theaters dating back to the 1st century CE.

We visited the Oval Plaza, the amphitheater, and the Temple of Artemis. The sound quality in the theater was surprisingly good, even by today’s standards. Walking through Jerash felt like stepping into the daily life of a Roman city — orderly, majestic, and still very much alive through its ruins.

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