The Kings Highway

The Hotel in Amman found somebody else hoping to see some sights on the way to Petra and so we set off early with the promise of a full day infront of us. The first stop was a workshop where we got walked through the two processes for making mosaics. The workers are all disabled women from the area, some of whom to chose to work from home. Their work is superb and I had visions of one of the tables finding a home on back verandah. Those visions came to an abrupt halt however, when our guide mentioned the price of 2500JD (approx A$3750!).

After bidding farewell to the ladies we headed for Mt Nebo, where Moses first saw The Promised Land (before dying at the ripe old age of 120). The view is spectacular, but I hope for Moses sake he saw a different vision to that which befell me. As expansive as the views are, today they reveal a predominantly barren and desolate landscape.

With my Japanese companion keen on a visit to the Dead Sea, I readily agreed to visit Amman Beach for the second day in a row. This time I indulged in having my body fully caked in Dead Sea mud. I resisted the temptation to do the obvious Al Jolson impersonation (and I'm not sure that photo will make it to this blog!). After another sumptuous buffet lunch we headed past the impressive Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve on our way to Karak Castle. With more time I would happily got lost in the myriad of underground passages and levels built into this imposing structure.

Just when I was tempted to start thinking that I was tiring of the desert landscape, Jordan developed a habit of throwing up something spectacular. I stood in awe at the views granted us by Wadi Hasa and Wadi Finan (Dana Nature Reserve). Our last stop for the day was the seldom visited Shobak Castle (the two of us made 10 visitors for the day, and we had it to ourselves while we were there).

Relying on a recommendation from an Aussie guy I met in Amman, the driver took us straight to the Valentine Hotel. Before I got out of the car, I knew this would be home for the next few days. There is a wonderful outdoor area with spectacular views of the setting sun. Ten minutes after arriving I was sitting at a table with fellow travellers, chatting like we had been friends for ages. The place was almost full and it seemed that everyone was there to partake in the sensational buffet dinner that the hotel offers guests for $6.