Wadi Rum Tour with Ra'ad

After some confusion with Google maps, I met up just before 1 with my driver Ra'sd in Wadi Rum village where about 2,500 locals live. Ra'ad is a 22 year old local Bedouin who lives in the village orLæs mere
The Lawrence Spring

This first stop on the 4WD tour was to a watering hole written about by Lawrence of Arabia in his book, There is a hike up where you can see the source, but from below, you can see the tree where theLæs mere
The sand dunes

Just a stop to climb up a very steep sand dune of very fine sand. Whew. Hard slog. Panoramic view from the top.
Tea stop.
Al-Khazali Canyon

This is the opening to a very narrow canyon ( a siq) with some inscriptions on the walls. There are more inside, but for safety reason, the entry has been sealed with boulders. The inscriptions are inLæs mere
The "Small Arch"

Natural stone Bridge. Climbed up for the view. You can walk across the bridge if you wish -- only saw two guys do it as it was very windy,
Lawrence's house

TE Lawrence allegedly stayed here in during the Arab Revolt 1917. It was originally a water cistern built by the Nabateans a couple of millennia ago. Not much of it is left and there is not much ofLæs mere
Mushroom Rock

As the name says -- a natural rock formation that looks like a mushroom
🍄
From all angles.
It's big.
What else can I say.
Another tent. More tea.
Um Frouth Rock Arch

Another, larger natural bridge. Very busy with tourists. Difficult looking climb made more challenging because of the large numbers of people some going up and some coming down vying for the sameLæs mere
Sunset view point.

Arrived too early at 5:15. Just two trucks, the other one a group of three.. Each of us gingerly clambered up a rock to find a 'padded' spot and settle in. Ra'ab on the other hand, climbs up barefootLæs mere
Bedouin Camp

Arrived at our camp. Eight sleeping tents and a dining tent. Solar panels provide enough electricity for an LED light in each hut. There is a communal washroom with 'cold and cold' running water fromLæs mere
Aqaba Waterfront

Didn't spend much time in Aqaba. Thought I might briefly visit the museum , but wandered around the Great Arab Revolt Plaza which has a number of new buildings that are not open and an absolutelyLæs mere
Drive like a Jordanian

We left camp right after breakfast as two other guests were booked for a camel ride which was on the way back to the village. I got in the car and followed Ra'ad to a gas station which is the onlyLæs mere
Leaving Jordan

Jordan is a country of great beauty and variety. It is a very easy to visit and get around with uncrowded roads outside of Amman (don't even think of driving in central Amman) and English is fine toLæs mere
Arrival in Israel and Bus to Tel Aviv

So walked over the border, which is a painless, if lengthy process with four passport checks and a security screening on each side and a moderate number of people in line. The Israeli border guardsLæs mere
ANU - Museum of the Jewish People

This was formerly known as "The Diaspora House" or "Beit Hatfutsot" and was rebuilt and opened in 2021. It traces the history of the migration of the Jewish people around the world and the triumphs,Læs mere
The Yitzhak Rabin Center

This museum is dedicated to the life and times of Yitzhak Rabin who went from undergound freedom fighter with the Palmach to army general to two-time prime minister and driver of the peace processLæs mere
Hayarkon Park

Between the Rabin Center and waterfront, you can walk in a nice park along the river on part of the Israeli National Trail. Rowers and dragon boaters practicing on the river, families strolling,Læs mere
Tel Aviv Old Port and Promenade

At the northern end of Tel Aviv's famed beach promenade is the Old Port, a redeveloped complex of shops, restaurants and public spaces.
I arrived in time for sunset and found a waterfront restaurantLæs mere
Haganah Museum

Went to the Independence Hall first, but was being renovated so carried on to the Haganah (predecessor to the IDF) Museum and then the Lehi Museum nearby which is on a combo ticket,
Israel would notLæs mere
An Evening in Nachalat Binyamin

Took the afternoon off to rest and do laundry, then an evening walk took me back to the area around Allenby and King George an area called Nachalat Binyamin and the adjacent Carmel Market.
Had dinnerLæs mere
Jerusalem

Bus from the massive Tel Aviv Central Bus Station at 1140. Left TLV early as just didn't feel like storing my bag, dashing around town and getting in late. Scenic and relaxing trip, quick tram rideLæs mere
FOZ - The Friends of Zion Museum

Heard about this after I arrived earlier than expected in Jerusalem and found it just a couple of blocks from my hotel. This private museum has a fantastic and powerful series of exhibits that tellsLæs mere
The Walls of Jerusalem and Jaffa Gate

The walls of Jerusalem are brand new by local standards, having been built by Suleyman in 1542. The Jaffa Gate is one of the main entry points into the Old City.
Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation

This church was along the path to the Holy Sepulchre, so stopped in for a brief peek. It serves as the headquarters of the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchal Dependent Territory of Jerusalem This isLæs mere
Christian Quarter

The Christian Quarter is (obviously) one of the four sections of the Old City (Christian, Arab, Armenian and Jewish). For some reason, it feels even older than the other quarters with extremely narrowLæs mere