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Marhaba
Marhaba is Arabic for hello or hi. Always shake hands. When they greet each other after a long absence it is customary for Arab to kiss symbolically on each cheek. An Arab may also keep hold of your hand while he is talking to you after shaking hands. This is a normal custom in Arabia and is a mark of friendship.
Jordan is one of the countries I wanted to see because maybe I'v seen parts of it in movies such as Indiana Jones, Transformers 2 and The Hurt Locker. At first I was hesitant to go because of some friends telling me that Jordan is not a good country to travel and people there are mean. The hell I care! I have to see it for myself!
Applying for a tourist visa is exhausting! I called the Jordanian Embassy everyday for follow up and after a month of waiting, finally, I got my visa! Flew to Jordan April 2010.
The concept is budget traveling. As much as possible, I have to stay in cheap hostels and see some significant at the same time, spending less amount of money. I even brought chicken adobo with me
Amman
Amman, is the capital and the largest city of Jordan. I stayed in Amman for 2 short nights only. Luckily, Adel and Mel, from CouchSurfing, hosted my 2 nights in Amman for free.
Adel and Melanie work in the morning and they can only join me in the evening where we went to some bars for happy hours and introduced me to some their friends. While they are working, I have the time to see Amman by myself. Finding a cab in Amman is easy and inexpensive.
I did some hiking and visited some ruins too.
Wadi Musa
Jordan is one of the countries I wanted to see because maybe I'v seen parts of it in movies such as Indiana Jones, Transformers 2 and The Hurt Locker. At first I was hesitant to go because of some friends telling me that Jordan is not a good country to travel and people there are mean. The hell I care! I have to see it for myself!
The concept is budget traveling. As much as possible, I have to stay in cheap hostels and see some significant at the same time, spending less amount of money. I even brought chicken adobo with me
Amman
Amman, is the capital and the largest city of Jordan. I stayed in Amman for 2 short nights only. Luckily, Adel and Mel, from CouchSurfing, hosted my 2 nights in Amman for free.
Adel and Melanie work in the morning and they can only join me in the evening where we went to some bars for happy hours and introduced me to some their friends. While they are working, I have the time to see Amman by myself. Finding a cab in Amman is easy and inexpensive.
Wadi Musa
After two nights in Amman, I woke up early and took the bus going to Wadi Musa. It is the nearest town to the archaeological site of Petra and hosts many hotels and restaurants for tourists and travelers visiting this place.
I stayed in Cleopatra Hostel. Had two beds in the room for a very reasonable price. Room is very basic. Clean sheets. Closets are bit old. Lounge is a bit dark and depressing. If I travel, I normally hangout in the lounge to meet travelers or speak with the people on the reception--except this hostel!
I arrange my Petra By Night tour with them.
After one night, I moved out.
I transfered to Petra Gate Hostel where they have a Filipina receptionist. I had fun staying in this hostel. I made friends with the owner and other travelers. The place is cozy. Room is simple and economical but people there treated me like a family member. I was home! If you're planning to spend your day hiking the Petra Ruins, they can arrange a lunch box for you.
I arranged my Wadi Rum trip with them for a fair price.
First day, we visited small Petra and witnessed the Petra By Night, an event everyone must see and not to be missed out while traveling in Wadi Musa.
I arrange my Petra By Night tour with them.
After one night, I moved out.
I transfered to Petra Gate Hostel where they have a Filipina receptionist. I had fun staying in this hostel. I made friends with the owner and other travelers. The place is cozy. Room is simple and economical but people there treated me like a family member. I was home! If you're planning to spend your day hiking the Petra Ruins, they can arrange a lunch box for you.
I arranged my Wadi Rum trip with them for a fair price.
They have dinner buffet also which is very very appetizing!
First day, we visited small Petra and witnessed the Petra By Night, an event everyone must see and not to be missed out while traveling in Wadi Musa.
The next day, we got up early and went to the infamous Petra Ruins. We hiked. Took a donkey ride for 30mins going up to the monastery which is very memorable experience.
After we explore the massive Petra, we went to the desert of Wadi Araba for some action.
Too bad our car was stuck in the sand and theres no way we can move it. We called a rescue from the town and it will take an hour for the rescue to come.
While waiting for the rescue, we had a bonfire and some tea in the desert.
Finally, we were rescued.
The night is still young to end. We went back to the hostel to freshen up and went back near Little Petra for barbeque by the moonlight.
I enjoyed my stay in Wadi Musa. Two nights is not enough. I will never forget the the people I met--travelers like me and locals who are very accomodating. Only problem I encountered during my travel in Amman and Wadi Musa are the taxi cabs. They refused to turn on the meter and overcharged the passengers. Jordanians are very very nice people and helpful. They are willing to help you and even greet you while walking on the street! An amazing experience I will always remember for the rest of my life.
