Take a trip to Turkey

Everyone seems to be heading to Turkey. Why Turkey? And why now? Turkey provides the ideal blend of relaxing beaches, unique culture, historical buildings and party atmosphere: everything you would want for the ultimate summer holiday. Turkey has wonderful countryside of unspoilt beauty and cultural treats as well as cosmopolitan resorts, crumbling ruins and natural wonders. Whether you’re wandering around bazaars, relaxing in a Turkish bath or enjoying the nightlife, you’ll find your own way to enjoy this varied country. Turkey provides us with a window in which to view the Middle East, with the on goings throughout the area, Turkey is a safer holiday option.

Did you know?

The famous Trojan War took place in Western Turkey; around the site where the Trojan horse rests today. Tradition in Turkey states that a stranger at one’s doorstep is considered "God’s guest" for at least three days. Wait, there’s more! Istanbul has the historical building of Sirkeci Train Station. This was the last stop of the Simplon-Orient Express – “kings of trains and train of kings" - between Paris and Constantinople (Istanbul) 1883 to 1977. Agatha Christie was one of the passengers of this famous train.

What’s the weather like in Turkey?

The coast of Turkey is temperate, warm, and humid in the summer. Eastern Turkey has short summers and bitterly cold winters. Central Anatolia is dry and hot in the summer, rainy and snowy in the winter. If you plan to visit beaches, June through to September is the best time to travel. Southeastern Turkey is very dry and extremely hot in the summer. If you already know which area in Turkey you are going you can read more specific weather information here.

What should I wear in Turkey?

The best way to see the Old City of Istanbul is on foot so the advice is comfy walking attire that can be removed easily when visiting any of the many mosques. Istanbul is very cosmopolitan and stylish city but if you don't want to stand out on the street, wear modest clothing. Short shorts or short skirts are not a great idea. Smart casual for daytime and evenings works really well.

In the evenings, Turkish women tend to dress up, but bare arms and plunging necklines are seldom seen as they're covered in public (even in the dining rooms of the grandest 5-star hotels) with lightweight evening scarves or shawls.The 4 and 5 star hotels can be extremely sophisticated and glamorous and you may want to pack a smarter outfit to fit right in.

Even in warm weather when you're wearing sleeveless tops, carry a lightweight shawl to put over your bare shoulders. This is great to cover up for modesty when visiting any mosques.

In the winter months it gets really cold (and it snows) so wrap up – take a coat, hat and gloves. In rural Turkey, women tend to dress much more modestly, dark coloured head scarves, long skirts or trekking trousers and long sleeved shirts will help you to blend in a little more.

The dress code is much more relaxed in the coastal resorts, because they exist predominantly for the tourist trade. However, you'll be far more welcome if you still bear in mind the Muslim customs. For instance, don't go topless, however comfortable you are with it – the Turkish are not. Shorts, T-shirts and swimwear are all perfectly fine for use in your resort. If you know you're going to stay put, then this is the only type of clothing you'll need.

What items should I shop for in Turkey?

The best items to shop for in Turkey are handwoven rugs and kilims, leather goods, silk, alabaster, copperware and brassware, ceramics, Iznik tiles, brass samovars, and meerschaum pipes. A smile and a polite no thank you to any over eager shop keepers is a great way of not feeling pressured. Prices in Turkey are generally significantly lower than in other EU countries And, at a time when the financial protection offered by package holidays is an important reassurance, the range of accommodation, tours and activities in tour operators’ brochures looks particularly attractive. 

Getting around in the Turkey Countryside

Turkey’s roads aren’t always well-maintained and speeding is common. Don’t expect indicators to always be used. It can be expensive to hire cars. But if you do want to drive, your best bet is to book through an agent such as Holiday Autos.

Ensure that all key aspects of your holiday are organised prior to departure to avoid any unwanted complications while abroad.

Skyscanner helps millions of users a month find the cheapest flights around the world by searching over 600 airlines – budget and scheduled – and 6000 routes.

Hotelopia is one of the world’s leading travel companies offering reduced-rate accommodation to holiday makers with 25,000 properties, in over 900 global destinations in the UK, Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Australia. They offer great value for money and service to all their customers, including instant hotel confirmation, a lowest price guarantee, fully inclusive quoted rates, with no additional credit card fees. 

You should follow me on twitter here
Make the most of London with a Guided Tour - scheduled & private tours available

Top 5 Winter City Breaks from the UK

Paris
Two of the most famous cities in Europe are Paris and Berlin; both attracting a number of visitors during winter. The best way to explore arguably the most romantic city in Europe is to wander along the River Seine and around the different quarters. There are so many famous landmarks and museums to visit in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre and Notre Dame, but it’s not all sightseeing, with numerous bohemian cafes, stunning eateries and fantastic wine ensuring many opportunities for leisure.

Berlin

Berlin is one of the cities in Europe offering the most history for visitors to immerse themselves in with the Berlin wall being one of the most iconic sites in Europe. A large stretch of the wall remains undamaged and is now covered in striking murals. Berlin is a city of art and is home to over 150 museums ensuring it offers one of the most intriguing cultural atmospheres in Europe. For those wishing to enjoy a livelier pace to their city break, Berlin is known to party harder than anywhere in Europe. Numerous clubs and parties occur all over the city, at any time of the year.

Istanbul

For stunning architecture and centuries worth of history Istanbul is a fantastic destination. The 2010 European Capital of Culture is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites leaving visitors in awe of the likes of Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. 

Barcelona

A classic city break in Barcelona is a great option for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in a distinctive culture. Spain’s most independent city enjoys a different style to the rest of the country whether it is language, culture or attitude. Winter temperatures are not as hot as in summer but do little to detract from the stunning architecture, the lively medieval quarter and the Port Vell waterfront area.

Budapest
Budapest is fast becoming one of the most popular city breaks for UK tourists. It consists of two separate cities; Buda and Pest. Buda is the more cultural offering being home to the majority of cafes, bars, music and the coffee house scene whereas Pest is more of the commercial centre. Budapest is famous for its thermal spa’s and bath houses and is also home to some fantastic attractions such as the Royal Palace and Buda Castle.

You should follow me on twitter here

Make the most of London with a Guided Tour - scheduled & private tours available

Holy Week in Rome

Holy Week in Rome

Holy Week began with Palm Sunday for Christians, while the Jewish community is observing Passover. These are among the most important days of the year for their respective religions. Passover marks the end of Jewish slavery under the Egyptian Pharaoh  Ramses II, more than 3,300 years ago, while Holy Week celebrates the final days of Jesus’ life, with his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection among the central tenets of the Christian faith.

Rome is connected to Christianity in many ways: it’s the official residence of Pope Frances, has over 900 cathedrals, churches and chapels, and is the reputed resting place of St Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles. As such, there are few places on Earth that celebrate Easter with the same gusto this Italian city. Here, there are many special services to mark the most important Christian festival, and in Holy Week the city is flooded with religious tourists.

The Vatican City

Situated within Rome is the Vatican City which is home to the Head of the Catholic Church, the Pope. The most popular place to visit at Easter time is St Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) and St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where many services are delivered by the Pope himself. The main event is Easter Sunday Mass, where huge crowds gather in the square to hear the Pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” message from the balcony of the papal apartments.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum also has a very strong connection to Christianity, with particular reference to the early Christians that were said to have been persecuted for their faith in God, by being thrown to the lions. On Good Friday an evening vigil called the ‘Stations of the Cross’ is presided over by the Pope in the Colosseum.

Scala Santa

A more unusual but no less popular destination for pilgrims is the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), reportedly the steps that led up to the official residence of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It is believed that they were transported to Rome in the 4th Century AD by St Helena, and are now encased by protective walnut boards to guard against damage.

Visiting Rome and the Vatican City Rome is a gorgeous city to visit the whole year round, but it is particularly attractive during holy week.

Rome Best European City for Hostels

Mumbai - a new addition

Mumbai is the newest addition to the league of world class cities. It has become unaffordable for many ordinary people. The basic pressure on space has pushed up the cost of accommodation for everyone.The pressures of growth and demand impinge on Mumbai in mush the same way they do on Hong Kong and Singapore.Mumbai is much the same way as Hong Kong and Singapore, it's physically constrained by being on a peninsula where significant infrastructure investment is required for the city to expand. Population: 20.5 million
Alternative honeymoon destinations - Darjeeling
Paris - an international and cultural centre

London - a forward thinking historial city
Hong Kong - a global financial centre
New York - the big cosmopolitan apple
Tokyo - a new city with old traditions

Get Married Abroad

A wedding abroad may once have been just fantasy, but with the cost of weddings in the UK continuing to soar it can actually end up being a cheaper option. With Valentines Day encouraging more couples to tie the know, why knot (sorry!) consider getting hitched overseas?

Here are some of top dream wedding destinations as voted by my girlfriends:

Barbados

No one does beach weddings quite like the Caribbean, with over 10,000 British couples getting married here every year. The most popular of the islands include St Lucia and Grenada, but the size and easy access of Barbados ensures it’s the favourite. Here you’ll be able to lap up the luxury in an all-inclusive resort for two weeks, and you can get a wedding packages costing in the region of £500 – including the planner and all legal fees.

Las Vegas

Getting married in Vegas is about the two of you...and Elvis if you want it to be. Vegas itself may be big, brash, glam and glitzy, but that doesn’t mean your wedding ceremony will be. The city is full of small wedding chapels catering for marriages 24 hours a day. You’ll both need to apply for a licence, but with the Marriage Licence Bureau open late and at weekends this couldn’t be easier. The cost in Vegas depends on what you’re after; you can do it for as cheap as $100 or you can opt for an all-inclusive to be arranged from the UK for a little more. Read a little more about Las Vegas as a destination.

Bali

Bali has a dramatic coastline with white sandy beaches creating the most picture perfect backdrop to your dream wedding. The weather is stunning most of the year round and you may even be able to get your entire wedding package for around £500. There is a little red tape to getting married in Bali as you’ll need to get an affidavit completed by the British Consulate and you’ll need to prove that you both belong to the same religion.

Italy

Italy continues to be a popular destination for weddings, with the regions of Tuscany and Umbria the stand out choices. You may dream to get married in an ancient Roman village or an elegant palazzo, with the evening spent enjoying an Italian feast. To get married in Italy, couples will need a Certificate of No Impediment in the UK, be resident in Italy for several days before the wedding and apply for a licence in person. Read my six most picturesque places in Italy.

New York - the big cosmopolitan apple

Population: 8.3 million
New York is a cosmopolitan, financial and cultural centre. Like Paris, NYC's characteristics of constrained space, little new development and burgeoning global demand has saved the City from the fate of continued falls but, although international purchasers are a growing presence, they are not on the scale of some cities such as London. 
The Big Apple is a rental town, and largely an American one. Overseas buyers are often looking for good student accommodation for their children.
Movie Moments in NYC
NYC, one of the top USA cities to visit
Read about other major cities:
Paris - an international and cultural centre
London - a forward thinking historial city
Hong Kong - a global financial centre
Tokyo - a new city with old traditions

You should follow me on twitter here

Tokyo - a new city with old traditions

Population: 13 million.Tokyo residential real estate is perhaps one of the most different of the World City markets in that it is the land that is valued, not the building. Think if it like buying a new car; the value will depreciate almost as soon as it's built. Housing is assumed to have a limited lifespan and generally replaced after 20 to 40 years. The recent earthquake cooled demand for housing property, particularly the luxury market, although the mid-market seems to be stable.
The types of properties rented are very different to the types of those for sale. Rental properties are purpose-built, located in and around the central business districts, targeted at employees of those areas, and command the higher prices. For purchase, inhabitants are more likely to choose detached houses in the suburbs.
Tokyo -  An alternate honeymoon destination 
Tokyo - 4 of the Best laces to Visit in North East Asia 

Read about other major cities:
Paris - an international and cultural centre

London - a forward thinking historial city
Hong Kong - a global financial centre
New York - the big cosmopolitan apple

Seeking some sun for your next holiday?

January is the time where we sit at our desks and dream of exotic lands with warm sundrenched days on the beach or besides the pool. And with the first pay day of the year looming turn your daydream to reality this weekend. Here are a few options you could consider for your escape.

By the pool in South Morocco

Sunseekers look no further!
Acapulco, Mexico - resort
Antigua
Australia
Barcelona, Spain
Cancun, Mexico - resort
Costa Rica
Dominica
Cairo, Egypt - Giza pyramids
Italy - the Top 6 most picturesque places in Italy
Jamaica
Jordan
Madrid, Spain
Morocco - henna hand painting, atlantic ocean, fesh fish
Puero Vallarta, Mexico - resort
Turkey
You should follow me on twitter here
Other useful posts:
Things you need to consider when going on holiday
Don't let sunburn ruin your holiday

Adventure Holidays over Christmas

Get away this Christmas
For many people, getting away over the Christmas holidays it’s about making the most of the time off and enjoying a sense of adventure in winter surroundings, often learning new skills and developing a new hobby/skill set in the process. The new skill I learned last year was how to clean a sheep skin rug – it’s a long story. This year I am determined to go away and escape the entrapment that is Christmas and its traditions.

Ice climbing in the Southern French Alps is becoming an increasingly popular adventure holiday. Those willing to face the cold can go on week long trip where all essential skills are taught, enabling individuals to progress in their own time from climbing frozen waterfalls to tackling obstacles further afield later on in the week. This may be an ideal trip for couples or groups with a head for heights, a love of extreme sports and who are slightly crazy. Basic Essentials of Climbing Ice (Basic Essentials (Globe Pequot)

Adventure holidays in winter are, however, not limited to couples or those without children with one of the most popular destinations being Finnish Lapland. The area may be ideal for visits with Santa Claus but there is much in the region to get the adrenaline flowing. Such wintry pastimes as a guided husky dog safari and sleigh rides with reindeers are available with higher octane options such as snowmobiling for those that that crave a rush. For individuals wishing to really push themselves there is the option of staying in an igloo for the night giving a real sense of adventure to the time there. Now, that’s my idea of outdoor comfort! Lapland (Bradt Travel Guides)

Another popular Christmas adventure holiday is a weekend trip to Norway exploring the region in search of killer whales. The area of Tysfjord in the north of the Scandinavian country is the whales’ destination in winter as they search for food, most notably herring. Tourists are required to view the whales from the safety of the boat but as the weekend progresses there is the option to join the whales in the water with the help of a dry suit and snorkel. This is a unique experience which would make any Christmas holiday a memorable one. Norway: Country Guide (Lonely Planet Country Guides)

All of these places, however, are a little too chilly for me and I shall dream of escaping to warmer climes and I shall let you know how I get on.

You should follow me on twitter here.

Germany, my favourite places

I first visited Germany in 1995 on an exchange with school. The trip enabled me for the first time stay in the country and see things in a less touristy way. Since then I have been back to Germany a number of times and seen the beautiful beaches of the Baltic Sea, visited the historic city of Hanover and seen Bach's home in Leipzig. There is so much to be explored in Germany for people with a number of interests whether you want your next holiday to be focused on partying, culture, nature, or history Germany has it all, it's just a matter of finding it.

Here are some of my top highlights in Germany: 
Rugen Island
Germany’s largest island, Rugen, boasts 574km of beautiful coastline that stretch through the blue waters of the Baltic. Connected to the mainland by the Rugendamm Bridge, Rugen Island is accessible by both rail and road and each summer Germans flock to the island to enjoy the dazzling beaches, lush foliage, national parks and nature reserves.
Leipzig
JS Bach worked in Leipzig from 1723 to 1750, conducting the St. Thomas Church Choir and the university church of Leipzig (destroyed in 1968). The composer Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig in 1813.Robert Schumann was also active in the Leipzig music scene in 1843. Gustav Mahler was second conductor at the Leipzig Theatre from June 1886 until May 1888. He completed his own 1st Symphony whilst living in Leipzig.
Dachau 
For many, Germany’s history is overshadowed by the events of the Second World War and it was at Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp that many of these horrific events occurred. History buff or not, a visit to Dachau is as disturbing and eye-opening as it is compelling and fascinating. From Munich, take the S-2 train to the centre of Dachau town, then take the free shuttle bus to the camp.
Cologne / KolnCologne is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland and has a vibrant arts scene. Cologne is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions range from local ancient Roman archeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture. Koln also has a fabulous medieval cathedral which reminds me very much of Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire, England.
Heidelberg
Romantic and picturesque, Heidelberg is at once a vibrant, lively university city and a charming baroque old town. Unless you’re here to study, make the most of beautiful Heidelberg and spend your days exploring the magnificent Castle, which dominates the city’s skyline and is the main draw for the tourists who flock here, as well as the Altstadt, which is home to spectacular architecture and fantastic views.
Rhine Valley
Often referred to as ‘The Romantic Rhine,’ the Rhine Valley is an area of breathtaking natural beauty which stretches to roughly 80km. The Valley is perhaps the most well known area of the Rhine River and it runs between the cities of Mainz and Bonn in western Germany. Best seen aboard a cruise, a trip along the Rhine is a truly magical experience, laden with lush mountains and stunning castles.

Alternative Honeymoon Destinations

For some, the decision of where to go on honeymoon is simple; a relaxing and secluded resort on the beaches of the Caribbean or an island in South East Asia. But if you’re hoping for something a little different for your first holiday as a married couple, check out our list of the top four alternative honeymoon destinations for inspiration. 

Rainforest retreat
Perfect for the eco-conscious, adventurous newlyweds, a stay in Borneo’s lush tropical rainforest will provide a truly unforgettable honeymoon. Get closer to the natural world by staying at a nature resort such as the Borneo Tropical Nature Resort, set alongside the Lambir Hills National Park and surrounded by breathtaking wildlife. To combine your eco-adventure with a little downtime, make sure you sample some of Sabah’s pristine beaches.

Japan

Tokyo tour

Get far removed from romantic resorts and fellow honeymooners with a trip to Japan’s Tokyo. This thriving metropolis provides the perfect backdrop for adrenaline junkies and urbanites thanks to its cutting edge lifestyle and modern trends. But underneath the action packed surface, there are plenty of opportunities for a little romance with your other half. Spend the day at the beautiful Temples of Asakusa, before making your way over to Tokyo’s riverside for an evening dinner cruise, complete with spectacular views of the city by night.

Road trip romance
Hit the road U.S.A style with an American road trip for two. There are plenty of routes to choose from, each offering their own unique adventure. Out on the open road you’ll certainly feel all the stresses and strains of life at home are miles away, giving you and your partner ample time to enjoy one another’s company in an exciting and beautiful location.

Darling Darjeeling
With the Himalayas as a backdrop and the Dooars Jungle in easy reach, Darjeeling in India offers one of the most varied and beautiful spots for a romantic break. If you’re hoping to get away from it all with just breathtaking nature for company, you’re sure to find the intimacy and seclusion you’re looking for in Darjeeling. Points of interest include Ghoom Buddhist Monastery, the Botanical Garden and the spectacular mountains, not to mention some truly magnificent sunsets.

You should follow me on twitter here.

Take a cruise from Florida

A cruise ship in the 21st century bears little relation to the vessels from the golden age of the liners. Once the preserve of the well-to-do today’s ships are affordable, modern and contemporary in design, catering specially for the family market. Ranging in size from the recently launched Oasis of the Seas with the world’s largest ship based in Florida. Of course, the Caribbean comprises stunning movie-set beauty, coconut-tree-clad mountains, verdant valleys of sugar cane and bananas, and seashore galore.
Jamaica

Depending on your budget and how much holiday time you have available, you can choose a cruise from Florida to Jamaica which lasts anything from four days to 2 weeks. Cruises usually dock in two port locations; Ocho Rios or Montego Bay. While in Jamaica, there are some fantastic sightseeing stops for you to visit. If you are a fan of reggae music, a trip to Bob Marley’s birthplace in the small village of Nine Mile is a must. You can see his childhood home plus the mausoleum in which he is buried.This being the Caribbean, there is of course lots of opportunity to get up close and personal with the tropical sea life. From scuba diving, to deep sea fishing and swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, you will be spoiled for choice. Jamaica, a romantic holiday destination.
Costa Rica
Located further south in Central America, is the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Famed for its diverse ecology, Costa Rica has 12 different tropical life zones categorized by the forest type and altitude. But that’s not all Costa Rica has to offer; there is also over 1,100 miles of coastline here, which ranges from rocky shores to palm tree lined white sand beaches, offering holidaymakers plenty of choice. Cruises typically depart from east coast cities, including Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Round Caribbean cruises
It’s no wonder that the Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations. This region of paradise islands has something to offer for everyone. Cruising to the Caribbean allows you to relax in the sun, ride the waves on a wave runner, soar through the sky on a parasail, swim with the dolphins and stingrays, and so much more!  On a round Caribbean cruise you can visit the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Belize, St Lucia, Jamaica and many other stunning locations besides. 

Some ships sailing from Florida may call at private islands owned by the cruise companies offering a wide range of beach based activities. It's worth noting that if you are taking a fly cruise then you will be limited by the airline’s policy. Most ships have facilities such as nappy changing, high chairs and baby products as well as games consoles, books, games and sporting equipment to keep you and your family and friends entertained and occupied!. So, go on, book that Caribbean cruise! 
You should follow me on twitter here.

My Jordan Diary: The Dead Sea

Day 7: Drive via the Desert Highway and the Dead Sea to Amman
Returning north I headed past the unique saline waters of the Dead Sea. At nearly 400m below sea level this is the lowest point on earth. Surrounded by barren hills, this unparalleled water body has an amazingly high salt content (33%) that means no animal life survives and that it is almost impossible to sink! We will have time here to enjoy the strange delights of floating on the Dead Sea and bathing in the skin soothing (and allegedly youth making) Dead Sea mud before heading back to Jordan's Capital, Amman.

The Dead Sea

As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals which gives its waters the renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities, and its buoyancy, recognized since the days of Herod the Great, more than 2000 years ago.

 Scientifically speaking, its water contains more than 35 different types of minerals that are essential for the health and care of the body skin including Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Bromine, Sulphur, and Iodine. They are well known for relieving pains and sufferings caused by arthritis, rheumatism, psoriasis, eczema, headache and foot-ache, while nourishing and softening the skin. They also provide the raw materials for the renowned Jordanian Dead Sea bath salts and cosmetic products marketed worldwide.

The salt content is four times that of most world's oceans which means you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying. It also makes swimming virtually impossible unless your count sculling. The dead sea is the only place in the world where you can recline on the water to read a newspaper. Just don't try and lie on your stomach or you will be tipped round the other way. Also, don't underestimate how difficult it is to put your feet on the ground. Well, I certainly had fun trying! In order to access the beach you need to go through one of the newly built hotels. After washing the mud off I enjoyed a couple of hours in the sunshine by the pool before driving 30 mins back to Amman for my last night in Jordan before an early flight home.
Read my diary of my trip to Jordan:

Day 1: My arrival in Amman
Day 2: In Amman, city tour; PM visit Ajlun and Jerash
Day 3: Drive to Petra, via Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak Castle

Day 4 & 5: Free days in Petra
Day 6: Drive to Wadi Rum; Optional Camel trek or 4x4 Drive in Wadi Rum
Day 7: Drive via the Desert Highway and the Dead Sea to Amman
You should follow me on twitter here.

My Jordan Diary: Drive to Petra, via Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak Castle

Day 3: Drive to Petra, via Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak Castle
After another disappointing breakfast I headed south to Madaba, a small Christian town with its collection of extraordinary mosaics, including the Great Map of Palestine (6th century). It was the first time where I had actually seen other tourists. The town was small with swarms of tourists, mostly Japanese, filling the streets and swarming round the church and visitors centre. The mosaic was discovered in 1896, and only fragmentary. It contains a picture of Jerusalem which is scarely quite accurate giving that there were no planes back then to map the country out like now. Even the fish in the river are swimming away from the dead sea.

Next stop: Jebel Neba (808m). Better known as Mount Nebo, which is a pilgrimage centre for Christians principally because Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land from this summit. There is a lot of development work going on here. The churches were closed and due to the rain the view of the promised land wasn't very clear. 

Then following the desert highway we reach Kerak, imposingly sited on a hilltop. Kerak became famous in the time of the Crusades as one of a chain of fortresses in the Holy War against Islam. The castle was built in 1132 by Baldwin of Jerusalem, a Crusader King.

After the castle was a 4 hour drive down to Petra where I was to spend 3 nights. The hotel, Beit Zaman, is a is a renovated authentic XIXth century village, known as Khirbet Al Nawafleh, in Wadi Musa which has been transformed into a village resort. The renovation of the houses was in keeping with the original housing design. The swimming pool here was great. The village contains 2 old olive presses as well as an old roman aqueduct in a small half-private courtyard. It is a unique experience that will add greatly to your stay in the Red Rose City.

This was yet another hotel where I needed to get a taxi into town. Petra high street consists of one road with a dozen or so restaurants and a few shops. For my first night in Petra I had a set meal at a local restaurant and had overcooked chicken, rice and salad.
Read my diary of my trip to Jordan:

Day 1: My arrival in Amman
Day 2: In Amman, city tour; PM visit Ajlun and Jerash
Day 3: Drive to Petra, via Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak Castle

Day 4 & 5: Free days in Petra
Day 6: Drive to Wadi Rum; Optional Camel trek or 4x4 Drive in Wadi Rum
Day 7: Drive via the Desert Highway and the Dead Sea to Amman
You should follow me on twitter here.

My Jordan Diary: Drive via Wadi Rum to Aqaba

Day 6: Drive via Wadi Rum to Aqaba
Leaving Petra this morning we drove south, crossing more of the rolling desert landscapes towards the haunting vistas of Wadi Rum. We managed to stop at a cafe and take in the views across Petra. I could even see the white stone at the top of one peak where Moses' brother is buried. 

During the drive I saw the remains of the Hejaz Railway, famously attacked by TE Lawrence and his Arab army during the turbulent days of WWI. This marked the world inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin for generations and steeped in the legend of Lawrence of Arabia, whose exploits have become the stuff of legend. Indeed scenes from the remarkable film of his life were shot on location, deep in the fabulous purple-black mountains that rise from the sand of the desert.

Once at the Wadi Rum I opted in for a 4x4 drive through the dramatic Siq al Barrah. The panoramas of what must surely be some of Jordan’s most dramatic wilderness are fabulously dramatic. Words struggle to adequately convey the beauty of this wondrous place. 

 

The drive continues onto Jordan's Red Sea town of Aqaba. Once a dusty, small town with an industrial port, Aqaba is quickly turning into a 21st century upscale travel destination.   There was a very nice ice cream salon by my hotel (Holiday Inn). Apparently it had a roof pool but I chose to walk along the beach to  Here you will have further options of relaxing by your roof top pool, soaking up the sunshine and taking a break to recap on your weeks adventure or enjoy a snorkelling trip.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), is a liberalized, low tax and duty free, multi-sector development zone which was established in 2001. The initiative is aimed at turning Aqaba into a world-class business hub and tourism destination. I did walk around the gold souk which consisted of half a dozen shops. The prices seemed inflated for the tourists so I didn't buy gold. I did buy some dead sea mud and am still working my way through it still. Shops closed at 9pm. The I headed to a local seafood restaurant which was the best meal I had in Jordan. Fresh lemon and mint drink was really refreshing.

My Jordan Diary: Petra

Abandoned centuries ago Petra was the rock cut stronghold of the Nabateans, a fortress city built to protect the lucrative levies its citizens imposed on the rich caravans heading north. Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks, known as the Siq, it is a unique and unforgettable place and, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. 

I walked down to the Siq on foot, following its towering sandstone walls towards the site of the captivating and iconic splendour of the beautiful Khazneh (The world famous Treasury). 

I joined a guided orientation tour which highlighted some of the key parts of this remarkable and ancient site, one of the most impressive and exciting anywhere in the world. I had realized my childhood dream. I enjoyed the Colonnaded Street and the Royal Tombs, walking off piste following a guide up into the rocks to enjoy the site of its amazing Roman theatre, with its 8,000 seats carved from the solid rock from above. I had taken some bread and cheese from the hotel at breakfast and sat at the bottom of the steps to the Monastery in the shade and took a look in the small museum there is there. 

800 steps of repentance

Once fed and rested I climbed the 800 steps of repentance, up to the Monastery. 

On my way up, on several occasions hugging the mountain's side as I walked by the cliffs' edges, taking high steps due to the steepness of the mountain, avoiding falls by prudently allowing people (mainly Americans) riding donkeys to bypass me on the narrowed path, trying not to loose my balance as I stepped on uneven rocks, all of these and even more were all well worth the climb due to the beauty of the landscape. I was glad to be climbing these in February rather then in the hot summer time. Temperatures have been known to reach the low 40s. 

As I climbed the steps Petra started disappearing from view by becoming smaller and smaller and the people walking around, starting to look like little ants.  More dazzling red-rose coloured mountains were added in the picture each one of them having a unique glow under the sun's vibrant rays.

Along the climb, several locals sitting on rocks were selling hand craft souvenirs whereas others, simply watching tourists walk by.  In several areas, middle aged women boiling water in huge silver kettles placed over camp fires, were offering cups of tea to people walking by with smiling faces, missing teeth and gold capped ones.   Donkeys tied up loosely around scarcely seen trees, baby camels sleeping in caved holes along the mountain. 

I headed down the same steps and back up to the entrance gates where there were female police officers guarding the gates. It was another taxi drive back up to the hotel where I enjoyed a swim before taxing back down to the Petra High Street for a cooking class at Petra Kitchen. 

High Place of Sacrifice
 My second day in Petra I took the route up to the High Place of Sacrifice. Far above Petra on a mountain summit, the Nabataeans carved out the High Place of Sacrifice, their most sacred open-air altar where they performed ritual killings of animals. The path to the altar includes obelisks dedicated to the kingdom's two main deities: Dushara, the god of strength, and al-Uzza, the goddess of water and fertility. 

Along with public worship, the Nabataeans also practiced private worship as evidenced by the shrines and niches cut into the surrounding rock face. They continued to practice this religion for hundreds of years, but by the early fourth century they had adopted Christianity as their main religion.

After taking in the views I headed back down other side down past the Roman soldier's tomb. For the rest of the afternoon I walked back up to the Royal tombs and then back up to the taxi rank at the entrance gates. A short taxi drive back up to the hotel and I was back in the swimming pool.
A night in was just what I needed even though there was an option to see Petra by night.
Read my diary of my trip to Jordan:

Day 1: My arrival in Amman
Day 2: In Amman, city tour; PM visit Ajlun and Jerash
Day 3: Drive to Petra, via Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak Castle

Day 4 & 5: Free days in Petra
Day 6: Drive to Wadi Rum; Optional Camel trek or 4x4 Drive in Wadi Rum
Day 7: Drive via the Desert Highway and the Dead Sea to Amman
You should follow me on twitter here.