Amman is an amazing city. Often called the white city because all the buildings are made out of limestone which is so readily available. The main export industries of Jordan are phosphorus and potash, and the other big focus is education.

We were checking out of Cham Palace Amman this morning by 8am and Rabi took us on a city tour, particularly to see some of the very well heeled suburbs. Houses there are excessively huge and quite palatial. We then went to the Citadel with fabulous ruins from several eras as well as magnificent views all across the city. We saw the Temple of Hercules and so many other interesting ruins. Quite awe-inspiring to consider the age we were viewing. There was a small museum there as well which housed some great archaeological artefacts.

We then made our way south west to Madaba and Mount Nebo where Moses looked across to the Promised Land. Our panorama included the north end of the Dead Sea, across the plains of Moab and the Jordan Valley. We also saw a huge floor mosaic.

Visiting a genuine Jordanian handcrafts workshop was a real insight into a NGO helping widows, orphans and the disabled. They are taught the ancient craft of mosaics, ceramic painting, weaving, embroidery, and the huge shop was a delight to wander around and view all the intricate products. They even offered free insurance and delivery to anywhere in the world. Prices though, unfortunately, were prohibitive. We would have loved to have bought a set of mugs to have sent home, but just one was the equivalent of $A60!!

We then had lunch in a fantastic restaurant quite near Nt Nebo and our tables had a wonderful view, again over the Jordan Valley. Quite a number of us are enjoying a tasty refreshing Jordanian drink of blended lemon and mint. Absolutely delicious!

Our drive south to Petra – wow what a contrast to the Nepali landscape!! Desert – and we even hit a sandstorm for part of our journey. Saw children riding donkeys down the side of the road, bedouin farmers herding sheep and goats, and a herd of camels on the side of the road. Things we will no doubt get used to over the next few days.

We stopped for a view of the Valley of Dana beside a crusader fortress, and heard the incredible stories of the travels of the crusaders through the surrounding deserts.

Arriving at our hotel was a real treat. It is a restored 300 yr old village now made into a 5 star hotel. All the rooms are different, and it is such a fun place to explore. And the views ….

Can’t wait till tomorrow when we journey through the Siq and see the Treasury and so much more!!