Nancy and Doug Trips
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Our lifelong travel bug has given us our most prized ‘possessions’ - the many memories from business and especially family trips.
 “Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
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🇨🇦British Columbia
  • The Siq

    15 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    What a way to enter the site. The walk from the entrance to Petra is first along a gravel road, then through the awe inspiring Siq, a narrow cleft through the red rock that almost closes together at the top. It still has original cobblestone flooring in some places, but modern aggregate has been laid to handle the tourist hordes. I got there by 6:30 both days, so got to experience this almost alone at times.

    Then, at the end, you get this tiny glimpse ahead of some sculpture -- yes, it is the Treasury, then all of a sudden you're out and there it is in front of you.

    It's easy footing as mentioned, and a downhill 3,000 steps in, and an uphill 3,000 out.

    Along the route there are several man-made features with niches and monuments and the engineering marvels such as the dams and the channels along the side to bring water in.
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  • Dana Nature Preserve

    14 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Leaving Kerak, took a scenic drive through the countryside and desert on the way to Wadi Musa (Petra). There were a number of prosperous looking villages with nicer villas, many of which seem to be built with a plan to expand upwards. Most building around here is of reinforced concrete with standard concrete block walls.

    Stopped at a viewpoint over the Dana Nature Reserve, a hiking and camping destination. Jordan is pitching a lot of opportunities for adventure tourism.

    After that, I ran across a huge windfarm that took fifteen minutes to drive through and judging by the lean to the trees, may be located in a very good spot!
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  • Kerak Castle

    14 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    From the rather sad and sadly named Potash City, I turned inland for another spectaclular and steep climb (I reckon an average 10% grade) up to the plateau..

    The hill at Kerak, having such a command over the countryside has been fortified and used by successive peoples going back to prehistory, but it was the Crusaders who built the massive Kerak Castle as one in a string of castles running from south to north to provide an outer line of defense and control the access and trade routes.. It was started in 1144 and took 20 years to build which is quick given the size, isolated location and the fact the Crusaders were outsiders with no access to a large labour force. In the end, the Crusaders only held the site for a little over 40 years, falling to a months-long siege by the Muslims in 1188. After, it continued as an important fort for the Ayyubids, Mamluks and Ottomans.

    It is a massive structure with 6m thick walls and multiple levels under the castle with tunnels and passages connecting dozens of rooms you can wander around..
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  • Wadi Mujib

    14 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Halfway along the drive along the Dead Sea is the outlet of Wadi Mujib "Jordan's Grand Canyon ". They have set up an Adventure Centre and it was busy with young people getting kitted up in bathing suits and life jackets to go canyoning.

    The Dead Sea Highway is one of the three major national highways that run from the north to Aqaba. Stone cliffs running down to the vista of the Sea with its salt encrusted shoreline.
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  • My Madaba stay

    13 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Madaba is a small town with everything you need and nicely located to the sites I was visiting. The centre of town is, of course, difficult to drive in but is only a few blocks.

    Stayed at the most marvelous little hotel. Tell Madaba is run by Edward and his mother and father who welcome you like family and are a wealth of advice and conversation. It was renovated in 2019 and is fabulous.

    Had dinner at the Adonis Restaurant and it was very nice. A dish called Sajyeh or Sagiat. Upscale sort of place

    Second night dinner was a takeaway shawarma for 1JD.
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  • Dead Sea Panoramic Complex

    13 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Drove along the Dead Sea, seeing the beaches where you can pay to access the 'public' beaches and a large number of large international resorts.

    Then a climb up to the complex where there is a restaurant, viewpoints and an interpretive centre.

    Started with an overpriced lunch of a mixed grill, but a priceless view.

    The small museum showed the origins and history of the Dead Sea and also the unique ecosystem in the valley.

    I learned that the valley was not created by glaciation or floods, but is actually part of the Great Rift Valley that runs from Ethiopia to Turkey. Humans evolved in the Great Rift Valley in Africa, and they migrated along the land bridge, entering Asia and Europe via what is now Jordan, hence the rich archaeological history which I saw in the Amman museums.

    A large part of the exhibit was about how the Dead Sea is shrinking fast due to the diversion of water from the Jordan River to the north for domestic and agricultural uses.

    After leaving the Complex, and its much-appreciated covered parking, the road climbed up to the Madaba plateau along a spectacular canyon.
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  • Bethany Beyond the Jordan

    13 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Bethany Beyond the Jordan (al-Maghtas) is of immense religious significance to the majority of denominations of Christian faith, who have accepted this site as the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptised by John the Baptist. This has led generations of monks, hermits, pilgrims and priests to reside in and visit the site, and to leave behind testimonies of their devotion and religious activities, dating to between the 4th and the 15th century CE. The site has popular status as pilgrimage destination for Christians, who engage in baptism rituals on site. It is also where Elijah is believed to have ascended to heaven and where Mary the Egyptian is believed to have lived as well as the place through which the Israelites are thought to have crossed into the Holy Land for the first time.

    Before going down to the river, we stopped in at a little museum with lots of Orthodox artifacts, but no explanations.

    The site where the Baptism took place is now far from the current river, as the river has changed course several times. There was a shrine built over the site and they have excavated down to the level of the old channel. The current river is now a site of Christian pilgrimage with people coming down to both sides to participate in baptism ceremonies. The river is actually the international boundary between Jordan and the occupied West Bank.

    You know you are in a different place when as you are leaving the parking lot, there is a travel disruption caused by camels crossing the road.
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  • Mount Nebo

    13 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today will be a driving tour from Madaba. First stop out of Madaba was the pilgrimage site of Mt. Nebo.

    According to the Bible, Moses ascended Mount Nebo, and from there he saw the Promised Land. Moses died there, and his burial place is nearby, but the exact location is unknown. A monument atop Mount Nebo commemorates Moses' death after seeing Canaan, across the Jordan valley. Mount Nebo is then mentioned again in the Bible when the prophet Jeremiah hid the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant in a cave there.

    A Christian church from Byzantine times stands on the top of Mount Nebo. There is a very interesting mosaic there.

    In 2000, Pope John Paul II visited the summit of Mount Nebo during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. During his visit, he planted an olive tree next to the Byzantine chapel, as a symbol of peace.

    A serpentine cross sculpture atop Mount Nebo was created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni. It is symbolic of the miracle of the bronze serpent invoked by Moses in the wilderness and the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.

    The views are very dramatic, but the skies were very hazy, so much of the effect is lost, but it is something to contemplate the historical significance of the site.
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  • St. George Greek Orthodox Church

    12 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    A short walk through an uber touristy pedestrian mall is the still active St. George Church with Madaba's most famous attraction.

    This is the huge mosaic map of the Middle East from Lebanon to the Nile Delta and is the oldest map of the Holy Land, being crsfted between 542 and 570. When Madaba was destroyed, it was covered, and was found when a new church was being constructed in 1884.The original map would have been 21 by 7m and had over 2 million pieces.

    The interior of the church is a beautiful and elaborate Orthodox church and all the "paintings" normal to churches are actually mosaics.
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  • Madaba Archaeological Park

    12 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Took a car booked by the hotel to the airport and rented a Chinese Trumpchi small SUV from Avis. Quick drive to Madaba and found the Visitors Centre free parking in the middle of the city.

    This is an open air museum that has within it two churches a Roman road and a private Byzantine villa..

    As you first enter is an exhibition of some of the oldest mosaics found relocated from other sites in the Madaba area. The mosaics from the Ma'in, church of the Acropolis date back to 719 AD.

    Moving on to the Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the 6th century and discovered beneath the floor of a private house in 1887. The central mosaic, which is from 767, has a great geometric design.

    Crossing the Roman road which cut straight (of course -- it's Roman) through the area is the Church of the Prophet Elias (built AD 607), with a crypt (built AD 595). One beautiful small mosaic of the Tree of Life is in an alcove to the side.

    Finally under a protective roof are a number of Byzantine ruins, including the Hippolyte Hall with another large floor mosaic of the four seasons and depicting the myth of Hippolytus. Enjoyed the details (such as the fine green bird).
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  • Amman

    12 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Stayed at the Khan Khediwe Hotel. Perfectly located in downtown and walking distance to the old downtown, Roman Theatre and Jordan Museum. Hotel is new and very comfortable.

    Amman is interesting. First impressions are that it is dirty and run down and it is, but at the same time it is pretty exciting. If you want adventure, just be a pedestrian here. Sidewalks are non-existent or broken and the only thing rarer than pedestrian crossings are unicorns. Crossing the street is a game of stepping in front of a car and daring it to hit you.

    The city is built on seven hills (Question: Why do these ancient cities always have SEVEN hills - Rome, Istanbul, Amman, Jerusalem?) and they are pretty serious. Streets go back and forth in switchbacks and houses are terraced up cliffs.

    Everywhere downtown including the alleys either side of the hotel is one giant street market. Unlike some of the bazaars in Istanbul, these are not for tourists. Seems that sometimes for a block or two all the shops are in the same sector. All shoes, then small appliances, or fans, or tools and hardware. Locals just know where to head to do the shopping.

    Had dinner at a takeaway joint up a back lane a block from the hotel (convenience was more important to me than Michelin stars). I noticed a staircase at the back and went up to find a dining room of plastic furniture. Ordered from the menu a lamb with vegetable stew. Came with a big pita and it was a fantastic flavour. With a bottle of water bill was 3.50 JD. Beat the iced tea on Rainbow Street for value.

    Very short visit of course, with Day 1 being the main walking tour as shown on the map. I just did what is called 'downtown' and did not get out to the mosques and museums that are recommended. Weather was mostly clear and warm and a moderate 13,176 steps walked.

    Day 2 was morning only as I was headed to pick up the rental car at noon, so a short walk to the Jordan Museum and back.
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  • The Jordan Museum

    12 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    The Jordan Museum, built in 2014, is the biggest museum in Jordan The building itself combines the old and the new rough stones representing the past, smooth stones the present, and glass showing a view to the future.

    The museum, laid out in chronological order, ranges from prehistoric times through to the modern day. Start with pre-history, and history, then move on to the Islamic Period, the Classical Period, and end at the modern day with a vision to the future.

    There is a 9,500-year-old plaster statue from Ain Ghazal. Another important item is the Mesha stele, from 840 BC with Canaanite writing describing the victory of the king of Moab (now Al-Karak) over the Israelites. Other interesting exhibits include archaeological items from Petra, and Jordan’s Dead Sea Scrolls made of copper. These were on display, but photos not allowed inside the room.

    I enjoyed this museum, although it had a lot of overlap with the Archaeological Museum, it had the same advantage of the clear and educational layout. I would say the artefacts are fewer in number, but perhaps more high quality and, of course, more impressively present and I would suggest this is the better choice of the two. It was very educational -- this is the place to come to learn about all the ages in prehistory ass well as get the more recent history and culture of Jordan and the Bedu.
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  • Rainbow Street

    11 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We'll see if it was worth the climb.

    This street is touted as the trendy street to see and be seen. To me it had more of a shopping than cafe or club vibe It was rather quiet, but it was the smoothest and cleanest street in Amman. Did find one corner cafe that was very inviting looking so I had an iced tea. Lived dangerously as I have only been drinking water I sterilize myself, so hope the ice is good! What wasn't good was the price -- 4 JDLäs mer

  • The Duke's Diwan

    11 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    The word ‘diwan’ means ‘the guest’s place,’ a fitting name for this restored Levantine house. The Duke's Diwan is an old townhouse built in 1924 that was originally the first post office in Amman. It later housed the Ministry of Finance, and was then used as a hotel. The doors and windows are the originals from the early 1900s. Locally known as the Duke of Mukhaybeh, Mamdouh Bisharat, who is a notable businessman in Jordan, undertook the restoration. The house is the oldest residence in Amman, and is located near the downtown area.

    It is a restored house with furnishings from the 1920s and there are a number of items from the period when it was the Haifa Hotel. Although retored, the surfaces and walls certainly show their age. It is interesting that the oldest house in this ancient city was built in 1924. Testament to the observation that each civilization- Greek, Roman, Byzantine Ottoman etc just builds on top of their predecessor.

    Out front is a balcony with a view over the busy shopping street below.

    On entering, you are offered a tea to enjoy as you contemplate the surroundings.
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  • Hashem Restaurant

    11 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The place is mentioned in every single guidebook and is even shown on the sign that points out landmarks in the view from the Citadel. A street vendor has become the biggest attraction in the city.

    Busiest place in town and although it is a tourist attraction, the vast majority of the customers were locals. . Barely got a table. Order by filling out a form. Bought too much as I didn't knew 1 falafel gives you 3 pieces, and trying two kinds of hummus, (regular and mixed). Certainly did not need the extra order of filled falafel. The lunch also came with 3 pitas. Glass of tea, and there was fresh mint on the pickle plate to add to the tea. Delicious

    4.5 JOD
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  • Museums of Popular Tradition & Folklore

    11 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    These two small museums are inside the entrance to the Roman Theatre.

    The Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions showcases traditional items from Jordanians and Palestinians in order to preserve their heritage for the future. and was opened in 1971. There are displays with traditional costumes and mannequins, masks, and jewelry, cooking utensils and vessels, brides’ dresses, and jewelry from the West Bank are found in the fourth hall. One room contains 6th century mosaics from Jerash and Madaba’s Byzantine churches. It was all very colourful and attractive.

    The Jordan Folklore Museum is divided into different facts of life in the country. Various sections show exhibits including work, home life, farming, professions, markets, housing, and more. The museum exhibits cover the 19th and early 20th centuries.
    I learned a little about the desert, Bedu culture, and culture in towns and cities from seeing the clothes, jewelry, old household utensils, tools, traditional daggers, and a mosaics section. The Bedouin section of the museum shows a tent made of goat hair, and various tools used by Bedouins. Also see looms, coffee grinders, costumes, tea-making utensils, and the rababa, a Bedouin instrument that uses only one string.
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  • Jordan Archaeological Museum

    11 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    This museum, located inside the Citadel, was an unexpected bonus as I had read it was closed Tuesdays, but found it open as I walked by.

    It was opened in 1951 and is an old-fashioned sort of place, but the artefacts inside were numerous and interesting. I also liked that they did the history by era with descriptions for each age of the climate, political organization, tools and technology, arts, etc. so that one could trace how things evolved.

    One thing I had never seen before was a display of clay anthropoid coffins which were a burial practice from the 13th to the 7th century BC and rarely seen. Some of the coffins have arms and the face of the deceased sculpted on the outside,
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  • Amman Citadel

    11 oktober 2022, Jordanien ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Started off the day at the highest point in the city, wisely taking an Uber up (JD 1.50). Evidence has been found of occupation going back to the Bronze Age, but the remains seen today are from the Romans and and Umayyads. The Romans conquered the city in 30 BC and named the city Philadelphia. The Muslims conquered it in 681 CE.

    The impressive Temple of Hercules has just a few of the 10m tall columns left. (The same height as the Parthenon on Athens).

    The cave tomb is from the early Bronze Age, 23rd century BC

    The Umayyad section is further back and has the remains of the large palace, of which the domed entrance hall is still standing.

    Also worth going up to the site for are the 360 degree views of Amman.
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  • Turkiye departure

    10 oktober 2022, Turkiet ⋅ ⛅ -36 °C

    After a lovely week in this fantastic country, it's time to move on to another destination. After the morning tour of the Basilica and Castle, retrieved my luggage from the guesthouse and it was just a 10 minute walk to the train station. Got there an hour before the train figuring to buy it and then chill with a tea at one of the nice sidewalk cafes. A pleasant station attendant helped with the ticket machine then waved me through. I said I was going to come back but she said the train was leaving now and showed a timetable. I had researched the schedule and was fairly certain my train left later, but deferred to local knowledge and jumped on as the door was closing, After pulling out I looked at the stops on the car poster vs Google Maps and determined we were at least headed in the right direction. After 3 or 4 stops, however, an announcement was made to 'get off the train'. I was then standing on the platform looking confused when a young man asked if I was going to the airport, and pointed to the train on the other side. Got on and off we went to continue the milk run.

    Still got to the airport so early I asked if there was an earlier flight and the agent put me on one leaving in 30 minutes then struggled to be sure I had a visa for Jordan. By the time we sorted that out, it was 15 minutes to departure and I still had security. Still made it to the gate and when I boarded, they announced "Boarding Complete". Travel is always an adventure.

    So have 6 hours to kill at IST. Spent a bit of time in a very nice high quality museum right in the international departure area that gives a pretty complete history of the various peoples and empires who came and went in Anatolia.

    Turkey is a worthwhile destination. Have just scratched Istanbul, and the two destinations I added were only a few of the places worth seeing. There are many more scenic areas, the Aegean coast with islands and resorts and of course much more history. Some travelers come here again and again, and maybe I'll be back.
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  • Basilica of St John

    10 oktober 2022, Turkiet ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    These are the ruins of massive church right in town a five minute walk from the guesthouse and it was almost deserted at 9 in the morning.

    It was built from 548 to 565 by the emperor Justinian who also built the Hagia Sophia. It was built on top of St. John's grave and an earlier mausoleum from the 2nd century

    The Apostle John traveled from Jerusalem Ephesus where he remained for the rest of his life. It was during his time there that Emperor Domitian exiled him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote Revelation (the Apocalypse). When Nerva became emperor John was pardoned and returned to Ephesus, where he lived the remainder of his days while he wrote the Gospel of John.

    Stopped for a coffee after coming down from the Citadel.
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  • Mehmet & Alibaba Kebab house

    9 oktober 2022, Turkiet ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Typical street cafe.

    Owner also owns the carpet shop next door and a wholesale operation in New Jersey. The population of Turkey is 85 mill. 50 mil own restaurants or shops.
    Oh... and 85 million cats. Three of them looking for a handout from me. Little do they know!

    Mixed kebab was best yet especially the spicy meat. Only 120TL. Large Efes 40 and of course a free tea. Great meal for $11.84 CAD.
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  • Selcuk

    9 oktober 2022, Turkiet ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Ephesus base was the farm market town of Selcuk. Stayed at Homeros Guesthouse which was in a peaceful lane just 2 blocks from the main highway. Like the other lodgings so far it shows its age but in this case far more charming. Quaint breakfast room where the owner served a nicer breakfast. Great views from the top terrace.

    Selcuk is a pleasant place that has got a slower pace of life and is friendly to tourists but still very much a local vibe. The town has lots of restaurants for locals as well as tourists and vendors with fresh squeezed pomegranate juice. The remains of the old Roman aqueduct to Ephesus run right through town by the railway station.
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  • Temple of Artemis

    9 oktober 2022, Turkiet ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    This was a few minutes walk up the road from the Museum. It is a field of ruins with only one column standing, and the bottoms of the rest showing the extent of the temple.

    The temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis (called Diana by Romans) who was goddess of many things it seems: the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, care of children, childbirth, and chastity. (not sure how those last two reconcile except for the one time!)

    Even viewing just the ruins you can get a sense of the vast size at 137 by 69 metres with 129 columns. In ancient times it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was started in 323BC on the site of two earlier temples.
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  • Ephesus Archaeological Museum

    9 oktober 2022, Turkiet ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    The Ephesus Museum is located just a few minutes from my guesthouse as the road from Ephesus itself enters town. It has exhibits from the Mycenaean, Archaic, Classic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Eras. Exhibits are mostly from the finds of the ancient city. They have some very nice sculptures from the Roman era of course. There is also a stunning statue of the goddess Artemis, namesake of the nearby Temple. The exhibit on the cults was also interesting.Läs mer

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