Dad and Lissa spent the better part of April with us in Jordan. It was so wonderful for them to see our lives and to experience Jordan first hand. They arrived while Andrew was in India and at the beginning of Charlie’s spring vacation. Because Lyman and I didn’t have vacation, we spent time showing them around Madaba and Amman, but then sent them off with a driver and Charlie for a 5 day adventure. Since I wasn’t with them for most of the photo taking excursions, I’ve borrowed their pictures and I’m breaking the post up by region. Enjoy!
Arrival: The new airport opened about a week before they landed. I was REALLY hoping they’d fly into the old terminal just to experience the complete and utter culture shock that we had. The new airport is beautiful and small enough to make it manageable. The old airport, well, let’s just say that when we arrived, the boys asked if we could turn around and get back on the plane…
Madaba:

Lissa almost had a heart attack when I pulled the car over to the side of the highway and jumped out to buy strawberries!

Mosaics. For more pictures of mosaics, click here.
Petra: The driver picked up the three intrepid travelers bright and early on a Sunday morning (the equivalent of Monday for us) and drove them to Petra via the Desert Highway. Because I’ve already posted lots of pictures of Petra, these ones focus more on the experience rather than the natural wonder of the region. If you’d like to see more pictures of the area, click here.
Wadi Rum: After two days in Petra, they made their way to Wadi Rum and stayed in a Bedouin camp in the protected part of the desert. The tour I set up included a jeep ride into the desert with stops at some pretty cool areas, some hiking, some climbing, eating and sleeping in the desert, and a three hour camel ride back out. All was wonderful except for the camel ride. Even my accomplished equestrian father said it was horribly uncomfortable. Everyone limped around for days after. Note to self: when we go, no camel ride. (It’s good to have guinea pigs…)
Dead Sea: After much walking, climbing, and exploring, I thought a quick trip for some pampering at the Dead Sea was in order. They stayed at the Kempinsky, which is, quite possibly, one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever seen. They slathered on dead sea mud, floated in the super salinated water, had some great meals, and generally relaxed. There are no pictures of Charlie posted because he barely left the hotel room. He was in heaven bundled up in a plush robe, lounging on a comfortable bed, reading. I’ve posted about the Dead Sea several times, so if you’d like to see more pictures, click here.
Amman, Jerash, Ajloun: Once they were back from the 5 day whirlwind tour, Charlie went back to school and Dad and Lissa explored on their own. They spent a lot of time in Madaba, wandered around Amman, and made a day trip to Jerash and Ajloun Castle. I don’t have pictures of those trips, so you’ll just have to use your imagination. They also visited Moses’ Spring, which, although not their trip, you can read about here.
I hope this post has inspired some of you to come visit us! There is much to do and see, and we’d love to show you around.
xo from Jordan
Truly, apples and trees, LOL. Dave and I are headed off to Europe next week. I’m sure I’m forgetting 10 different things I need to do. We’ll be going to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Florence, and Paris. With your blog as inspiration, I’m hoping to put up pics and comments later.
Rachel, we are thrilled with your pictures! Thank you so much. What a wonderful experience for all!
What a wonderful experience for all three of them! I think Charlie had the right idea lounging and reading!
Thanks for sharing these pics! It looks like a happy reunion and lots of fun, and just beautiful. Is the sand really that deep orange color, or is that just the camera?! It’s gorgeous!