AQABA-WADI RUM

Sunday, May 5th
     We are back in Aqaba today.  I really like Jordan.  Love the colorful sandstone mountains and interesting desert.  I say interesting because it has sandstone mountains and rock formations in it.  It's not just a huge sandbox.  Happy Cinco de Mayo back there in Texas.  After my afternoon workout I went up on pool deck to take a photo of Israel.  Eilat, Israel, is just across from our port.  We are scheduled to be in Jerusalem on Wednesday for two nights and Tel Aviv on Friday.  Now that Israelis are bombing Syria who knows if Regent will take us there.  This may be as close to it as we get.  Hoping not though.
     As you see in today's photos, I had a great time today in the desert.  Rebecca has been fighting a cold plus she has dust allergy issues so she decided to stay on ship and rest up.  She did some personal laundry also today.  I send all mine out since it is free for us.  It is 6pm and the view out our balcony is incredible.  Have to go get ready as meeting Bert and Lani for dinner.  It is their anniversary.

My tour for today.  Yes, Wadi Rum is where Lawrence of Arabia began his revolt against the Turks in 1917.  The movie "Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed in this scenic desert.  .

                                       In distance on other side of water is Elat, Israel.

                                                             This is Aqaba

Traveling same road we were on for our trip to Petra a couple of days ago.  Beautiful drive but not nearly as long this time.

                                         Some camels along the road and crossing the road.

                               Our friend from Australia, Carol, in front of Wadi Rum visitors center.

 These are out vehicles for the desert drive.  They are all pretty old and have no tread left on the tires.  These are actually the area bedouin's trucks and a way for them to make money.

In the truck with me are 3 other passengers whose spouses did not come on the tour.  Two Canadian guys who just got on the ship and the woman is from Nevada and is full cruiser like me.  All were very nice and we took each others photos using their cameras.

 Donna is sitting in front seat of this truck to escape some of the dust.  It really was not that dusty though.  Some folks even brought masks to wear.

                                       I was in the second truck.  Off we go into the desert.

 This is Lani and Bert, the anniversary couple from Tacoma we are having dinner with tonight.

The sand is a reddish color and not easy to walk in.  I heard our guide say to someone that it is illegal to take the sand out of the country.  First stop was at this sand dune for photos.

Me in my silly looking hat that we got in Machu Picchu last year.  I was very intense sun so served the purpose.  Don't want my dermatologist yelling at me when I get home.

                                                                  Our guide

                                                Some of the bedouin drivers

                                        Barbara, Noel, Bryan, and Linda--full cruiser friends.

                              Donna waving at me.  She is up front trying to stay out of the dust.

         Second stop was to see these ancient carvings in the sandstone and to ride a camel.

They wanted $10 for a 10 minute ride.  But our guide said the photo on the camel was free.  Lani was first aboard.

    My turn.  Just wanted the photo but gave the guy a couple of bucks for this trouble.  They guy using camera shot sequence of me boarding and the camel getting to its feet.  Wish I had a video and the camel coming up and down was interesting to say the least.  You had to hold on for your life!  I loved it.

                                             First you rock back as it extends its front legs.

                                           Then forward as he gets up on back legs.

                                                  I had just survived the mount.

                                                Now I can relax and look cool.

                       Isn't he (I guess it was a he) cute.  Camels are so ugly that they are cute.

                                                 Oh, no, now time to dismount.

                                        I bet John Wayne would not look any better doing this.

                                    Notice the nostrils.  During a sand storm it can close them.

                                                          Tuckered out guy

                                               Off we go again through desert.

                                      We stopped at these bedouin tents for some bedouin tea.

                                                 Lani and Roland having a chat.

                                             Donna, Phil, and Monica having a chat.

 The bedouins carve image of Lawrence of Arabia in this sandstone rock back in 1920's after the war.

                         Courtyard area with fire pit and U-shaped seating place.  Used in evenings.

                                               Seating area inside where we had out tea.

                                                               Inside the tent

                                                           Making the tea

                         The tea was pretty good.  They use black tea and add spices & herbs.

This is typical bedouin tent.  We did not go inside but would have liked to.  The make the tent out of goat's hair and camel hair.

                                                           Off we go again.

                                                Passing by some bedouin tents.

We stopped here for some coffee or tea and cookies.  The cookies never appeared though.  It is a "motel" of sorts for tourist to stay in on 2 or 3 day tours in the desert.  Rebecca would definitely not go for this!!!  Me either!

                                 Motel courtyard.  At other end is kitchen (well they cook the meats in a pit in ground) and dining area.

 In back is bathrooms.  Each "stall" in it has door concealing toilet and shower.  One side for men and other for women.  Friends, this is a VERY basic place.

                                       Small numbered tents for people staying here overnight.

 There are 4 beds in this tent.  It was mid day and very hot in the tent.  They say it cools of nicely in evenings.  Notice the "towel animal" on beds just like on cruise ships.  LOL

                                 I had a great time on this tour.  Now I can say I was on a camel.

https://goo.gl/photos/9gq8pYtNEcZK2ziG9