Archives for 2011

We couldn’t resist.

After our hike, we were invited to return to the chalets for one last little dip in the Dead Sea. It’s such a novelty to float along…we couldn’t resist.

The salt deposits cover everything and are a bit sharp to walk over.

Molly wanted a little taste.

xo, jill

PS: I hear if you spend enough time together, you’ll eventually start to match. Hence, the purple.

Will we see one???

We woke up in the morning and were able to explore the grounds of the Wadi Mujib Chalets in daylight. Wow! What a place. We were right on the edge of the Dead Sea in our own little “chalet” complete with two hammocks.

Having heard wonderful things about Wadi Mujib, we knew we wanted to do some hiking here. Unfortunately, only one trail was open during the winter season… and it wasn’t the big wow-er.

All in all, the Ibex Trail hike was a pleasant uphill climb despite the flies. As we neared the crest we saw an ibex mother in the distance with her baby. Then, we reached the viewpoint.

Taking the trail that goes inside the wadi is still on my list of things to do!

xo, jill

…on Christmas Day!

After leaving Madaba, we took the scenic route to the Dead Sea. I’m quite proud of myself for keeping the car on the windy road when all I really wanted to do was stare at the gorgeous scenery. We stopped at the Dead Sea Overlook Visitor’s Center. We weren’t able to see over into Israel due to haze, but the exhibit provided some interesting information.

Another short drive and we arrived at the public beach. Because the sea is so salty, jumping in on the side of the road is not an option. You for sure need a good shower when you’re done.

After reading the instructions, we were ready to swim… or eh, float.

What a novelty to be floating in the Dead Sea on Christmas Day. Not to mention being treated to the famous Miss Molly’s “Jingle Bells” synchronized swimming routine. Now that’s a gift.

After our swim we talked our way into the business center at the Movenpick hotel. We had families at home who needed some Christmas well-wishes! Despite technical difficulties, we were able to make contact! Connecting with your family from afar on holidays is extra special.

As it had gotten quite late, we needed to continue down the road to our chalet for the evening. Navigating in the day in Jordan is difficult. Navigating in the night in Jordan is next to impossible. This is why we had a police escort (one in the passenger seat and a jeep full leading) to get us there. Special thanks to Molly for that one.

We had a little sparkly toast to recognize the day and hit the sheets.

xo, jill

or Driving in Circles.

Our second day in Jordan we climbed back in the rental car and headed in the direction of the Dead Sea. Our first stop? Mount Nebo. It was on this site that Moses viewed the promised land. On this day, we viewed brown hills and a lot haze.

The church at the top is currently undergoing restoration so there wasn’t much else to explore. Back in the car.

Next stop? Madaba.

Madaba, oh Madaba, your streets and signage are so irritating. It was quite the hunt for the Tourist Authority in Madaba. The streets were narrow. The signs were inconsistent. The map was backwards. The driver was annoyed. Molly was persistent. Just as we were about to forget our plans and head out of town, we found it. Hamdililah!

And we stayed approximately 5 minutes before walking down to a nearby church. In the floor of the church is a 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem.

After a pizza lunch, we hopped back in the car. I’d say our time driving around the city was nearly equal to the time spent at the sights.

Oh, Madaba.

xo, jill