One August afternoon, exactly two years ago, I found myself preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Jordan — my dream destination for ages — was finally happening.
It was 5:30 PM, I was in a taxi on my way to the airport, and as always, the tiny camera that acts as an extension of my hands while traveling started rolling.
As with all my trips, there was no grand preparation. My mission to set foot in every country in the world is very much alive — and now it was Jordan’s turn.
As a Philippine passport holder, I needed a visa, but thankfully, the process was straightforward online. A few days later, it arrived. I had a rough idea of when I wanted to go, but nothing was fixed. I only had two official days off — which is, let’s be honest, way too short for a country as magnificent as Jordan. I had to come up with an excuse to get an extra day. So, I booked three days and figured I’d deal with the absence at work later.
What made this trip even easier was having a former coworker and good friend who is Jordanian. The information he gave me was incredibly helpful, and he even arranged the entire tour for me. Huge thanks to my bro, Ahmad Taha.
Arrival in Jordan
We boarded an Embraer plane and soon took off from Kuwait. Jordan was only a short flight away, and we landed in Amman around 10 PM.
Waiting for me at the airport was Laith, my driver — arranged by Ahmad. Cool name, right?
As I stepped out of the airport, excitement started to build. I was now in a new country — a historic one — and about to explore some of its best sites in just a few days. But I won’t lie: I was also a little anxious. It was almost midnight. First time in the country, first time meeting this person. But I trusted the process — and I felt safe.
The plan was to drive directly from Amman to Petra, which would take several hours. The drive passed through long stretches of dark desert. It felt endless. But when city lights started to appear in the distance, I knew we were getting close.
We reached Petra around 2 AM. Laith dropped me off at my hotel, and he went to the accommodation arranged for him by his company. I didn’t waste a single minute — I set my alarm and went straight to sleep.
Daylight in Petra
I woke up at 6 AM to a view that felt like a dream. The hotel’s breakfast area overlooked surrounding hills, and the early sunlight slowly creeping over them was breathtaking. It was my first glimpse of Jordan in daylight, and it was magical.
After a quick breakfast, I stepped outside. The entrance to Petra was just a few hundred meters from my hotel. It was early, peaceful, and quiet. Not many people were around yet. I walked past international hotel chains as I made my way to the ticket counter.
Once inside, the journey toward the Treasury began. I passed through the Siq, a narrow gorge framed by massive rocks and cliffs. Walking between them, I felt so small — in awe of nature and history all at once. It was peaceful, even as the crowd slowly grew behind me.
Then, there it was — the Treasury.
Stunning. Majestic. Unreal. I couldn’t believe I was standing in front of one of the world’s wonders. I snapped a few photos and selfies, then continued exploring. There’s so much more beyond the Treasury. I didn’t have a guide, so I explored freely, guessing what each ancient structure might be. I found a Roman-style amphitheater that reminded me of similar ruins in Libya.
Eventually, I attempted the hike to the tomb at the top of the mountain, but I couldn’t complete it — time was limited. I returned to the hotel, checked out, and messaged Laith.
From Petra to Wadi Rum
After a hearty lunch at a well-known restaurant in Petra, we hit the road to Wadi Rum — a place that felt like a different world entirely.
We arrived around 3 PM. The desert camp had some of the best facilities I’ve seen. Luxury in the middle of nowhere. After settling into our tents and taking a short rest, it was time for the much-anticipated jeep tour at sunset.
If you visit Wadi Rum, this tour is a must.
We explored film locations where Hollywood blockbusters were shot. The desert is dotted with rock formations that resemble various figures — one even looked like an elephant. We also saw ancient inscriptions used for navigation.
But the highlight?
The sunset.
It felt heavenly. I got emotional just watching it — standing in the middle of one of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world.
That night, we enjoyed a delicious dinner, and I had the chance to socialize with locals and fellow travelers. A perfect end to a surreal day.
Floating in the Dead Sea
The next morning, despite still being sore from the previous day’s activities, we drove to the Dead Sea. It was another long ride, but totally worth it.
Seeing it for the first time made me shout with joy. I’d only ever seen it in videos — now I was here, floating in its salty, mineral-rich water, where sinking is impossible. It was one of those “bucket list” moments I’ll never forget.
After a few hours of swimming and relaxing, we had lunch and picked up some souvenirs on the way to the airport.
Final Thoughts
This trip was short — only three days — but it felt full. Jordan gave me unforgettable moments, deep emotions, and stories I’ll tell forever. From the rose-red stone of Petra to the glowing sands of Wadi Rum, and the healing waters of the Dead Sea…
Jordan, you were truly one of the best countries I’ve ever visited.
thenightingaleexplorer 