After 20 hours of traveling, I finally touched back down in Memphis, Tennessee after exploring Jordan for six days during spring break. My father lives in Amman, the capital of the Middle Eastern country that borders Syria, Israel-Palestine, and Saudi Arabia. It's known to be one of the most stable countries in the region under the rule of King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania.
This trip I had the opportunity to visit some amazing historical sites around the country–places that I, like most, didn't even know existed. Jordan is rich with well-preserved points of interest that date back to the early BC years.
The three places I went to -
1. Mount Nebo
Approximately 815 meters above sea level, the picturesque site is mentioned in the Bible to be the place where Moses was shown the Promise Land. The panoramic views of the Holy Land allow onlookers to catch a glimpse of the West Bank to the North and the Dead Sea to the West. On top of the mountain is a modestly renovated church that holds original stained glass picturing Moses and mosaics lining the floors and walls.
2. Jerash
Located in the north of Jordan, Jerash contains Roman ruins making up a whole city. Although some areas were destroyed during the 748 Galilee earthquake multiple expansive pieces of the ruins were discovered in 1806. The site contains column-lined and stone-paved streets, larger-than-life gateway entrances, and mosaic lined churches. After a 200 year-long excavation the city revealed multiple archways, a hippodrome, the Temple of Artemis, the Agora (food market), the Nymphaeum (public fountain), and two theaters.
3. The Dead Sea
This was my favorite place that we traveled to during my time in Jordan. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. The Dead Sea is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel-Palestine to the west. Yet again I was able to see bits and pieces of the conflicted country across –it really puts things into perspective, literally and mentally. The body of water is located at the lowest point of elevation in the world. Because of its 34.2% salinity, the Dead Sea gets its name for its complete lack of any sign of life. After rubbing the healing mud all over your body you can sit back and float effortlessly in quiet serenity.
Jordan, like a lot of countries in the Middle East are, unfortunately, usually misunderstood and discredited. Being able to grow up with a dad living in the region has been to my advantage in that I have had the opportunity to travel to the region more than most. But it's a place that everyone should add to their bucket list.
Jordan is a unique and insightful experience and I can't wait to go back and explore all the other amazing sights that it has to offer.
