Staff Choice:
David Explores Jordan
Our staff are bursting to tell you about their own favourite Archers Direct holidays. This month our E- Commerce Marketing Manager David Lyall reflects on his recent jaunt to the Middle Eastern kingdom of Jordan.
David's Quick Guide to Jordan
Steeped in a rich blend of Roman and Arab history, the kingdom of Jordan offers contrasts between the old and new worlds; alongside such ancient wonders as the Temple of Artemis at Jerash, the lost city of Petra and the seemingly endless Wadi Rum desert you will find first-class restaurants, hotels and other leisure facilities that are on the cutting edge of modern service – an intriguing mix that seems to work with friendly smiles wherever you go.
David Sights a Citadel
After flying into Amman and getting acquainted with the luxurious Radisson SAS hotel, I decided to take a trip into the ‘Downtown’ area, where I anticipated seeing some truly stunning pieces of ancient architecture, and believe me, I was not disappointed.
First was the magnificent Roman theatre and odeon, two structures that really emphasised the Roman influence on the region, with their robust columns and beautiful design. Just standing on the steps of the theatre conjured up images of theatrical performances and vast crowds from years ago – quite spooky, but at the same time romantic.
Then I headed up Citadel Hill just opposite, to explore the fascinating Islamic palace complex on top – the views from on high, right over the whole city, were truly spectacular.
The splendid Roman city of Jerash, just north of Amman, was next, for a fascinating stroll up the Cardo street – still showing deep chariot-ruts worn into the stone flags – to the awe-inspiring Temple of Artemis. Nearby, the Arab fortress of Ajlun was the stuff of fantasy. Built to protect against invasion from the Christian Crusaders, it is perched atop a hill, with breathtaking views out over the rolling, surprisingly fertile countryside of northern Jordan. We loved it!
David Seas the surreal
After lunch I headed with my family down to a place that I had always wanted to visit – the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea.
Just looking out across the eerie lake with its glistening white salt deposits and rounded rocky shore gave me a thrill – it really is like no other seascape you can encounter. After wrestling with my young baby boy (Ziggy) to get his swimming trunks and armbands on, I finally got him into the sea. To my utter amazement, he took to it like a duck to water – quite literally, in fact; he bobbed on the surface of the famous salty waters, and couldn’t have sunk if he’d tried! I cannot recommend this enough – it’s a fantastic experience, with people choosing to float on the waters, while others smother the mineral-rich black mud (which collects in pools on the beach) all over themselves.
Nearby, Bethany-beyond-the Jordan, I was told, has been identified as the place where John the Baptist baptised Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.
David Discovers Petra
Waking to a soothed body and mind thanks to the previous day’s aquatic antics, it was time to head south. Our first stop was at the friendly small town of Madaba, famous for its elaborate Byzantine mosaics, including the incredible Madaba Map, an intricate representation of the Holy Land which curators informed us was originally created from over two million mosaic pieces – truly a labour of love.
Then we headed to Mount Nebo, the spot from where Moses looked out over the Promised Land. The views are still sensational from up here, and the Moses Memorial Church on the summit holds some of Jordan’s most beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Further south, we wondered at the astonishing architecture of Karak Castle, built by the Crusader armies more than 850 years ago – a poignant reminder of an eventful past.
Finally, to close the day, we travelled to the ‘lost city’ of Petra, adorned with an incredible range of facades carved from the rose-red mountains. Our approach was on horseback to the entrance of the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by tall, weirdly eroded cliffs. Although only a short journey, my anticipation and eagerness for seeing these carvings, which are approximately 2,000 years old, grew immeasurably with every passing second. My expectation was justified; the ornate carvings and the incredible Treasury carved out of solid rock are like nothing I have ever seen. This, coupled with the nearby amphitheatre, many temples and tombs and the majestic Monastery facade, made for a fascinating few days’ exploration.
David's Last Crusade
The next day was spent in the glorious Wadi Rum desert, setting for the famous film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Being driven across the sand plains and dunes by Jeep was an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience; with the sun beating down and the long shadows of nearby mountains interjecting whilst the air refreshes your face, you really feel like you’re on an exploratory adventure.
The hospitality of the Bedouin of Wadi Rum is as legendary as Lawrence – at sunset, we were welcomed in to traditional black goat-hair tents by our Bedouin hosts, plied with deliciously refreshing hot, sweet tea and told tales of the desert that captivated us as much as the view.
But then, unfortunately for me, my time in this magical, mystical country was at an end. Memories of golden sands, friendly faces wherever I went and sublime architecture will live with me forever. I can’t recommend the place enough – Jordan is amazing!
Got a Question for David?
If you would like to ask David a question about this destination email him at dlyall@cosmos.co.uk and he will get back to as soon as possible.
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