Wednesday, July 4
Founded: Around 1300BC
Region: Situated at the northern tip of the Red Sea. Borders Israel and Saudi Arabia and across from Egypt.
Population: 106,100 (2012)
Climate: has a typical desert climate with warm winters and hot dry summers.
Language: Arabic
The port of Aqaba is an important and strategic commercial centre. In the surrounding desert lies the lost city of Petra - a city that could date back to 6,000BC.
Aqaba is a blend of sun, sea and mountains that provides a unique backdrop with pleasant year long climate.... approximately 360 days a year of sunshine!!
We arrived at Aqaba around 7am which was the scheduled time. The ship operated free shuttles into the city centre as we were docked in the industrial part of the Port.
We had a private tour organised to the Dead Sea which was. 3.5 to 4 hour drive each way. Our tour guide Ashraf was there to meet us in a new mini bus. Our group of 16 were all ready and waiting to go.
On the way there our guide gave us a running commentary which was very good. We were driven to a viewing spot at the top of a very steep hill to view the Dead Sea. From this vantage point we could see Bethlehem and Jerusalem on the other side of the sea, Lake Jericho and the Jordan River.
From there we proceeded onto the Amman Hotel where we had 2 hours of free time for swimming in the Dead Sea and the resort pools.
Swimming in the Dead Sea was like swimming in pea soup.... very thick! We were advised not to get the water in our mouth, face or eyes because of its high salt content. When floating on your back it was very difficult to get your feet back on the bottom to stand up.... in fact some couldn't and had to be helped upright!! Our tour included being rubbed all over with the black Dead Sea mud which was supposed to be good for your skin.... this wasn't for me as it was very black!! Some partook and they looked hilarious and said the mud felt good on their skin but others said it was a gimmick and just a bit of fun. The water was not refreshing at all so after our antics we headed back to the hotel pool which was cooler.
Lunch at the Hotel was included in our tour which was a hearty buffet lunch of the local cuisine. To complement our meal we had a cold mint lemon drink which was very refreshing.
After lunch.... around 2pm we boarded our bus for our 4 hour drive back to the Port. We had a comfort stop at the halfway mark which was well utilised.... shopping, ice creams and washrooms.
We arrived back into Aqaba with enough time to walk around the shops..... some of the men negotiated a haircut for $10USD, some bought cinnamon tea, some bought roasted nuts, some bought dates and most bought beer! No problems taking the beer on board.
We were back on the ship at 8pm which gave us enough time to watch the late local Folkloric show have a quick bite to eat and be out on Deck for our Sailaway at 11pm.
All in all a great day was had by all.... certainly a recovery day tomorrow.
Three sea days now before our next port of Argostoli.
Founded: Around 1300BC
Region: Situated at the northern tip of the Red Sea. Borders Israel and Saudi Arabia and across from Egypt.
Population: 106,100 (2012)
Climate: has a typical desert climate with warm winters and hot dry summers.
Language: Arabic
The port of Aqaba is an important and strategic commercial centre. In the surrounding desert lies the lost city of Petra - a city that could date back to 6,000BC.
Aqaba is a blend of sun, sea and mountains that provides a unique backdrop with pleasant year long climate.... approximately 360 days a year of sunshine!!
We arrived at Aqaba around 7am which was the scheduled time. The ship operated free shuttles into the city centre as we were docked in the industrial part of the Port.
We had a private tour organised to the Dead Sea which was. 3.5 to 4 hour drive each way. Our tour guide Ashraf was there to meet us in a new mini bus. Our group of 16 were all ready and waiting to go.
On the way there our guide gave us a running commentary which was very good. We were driven to a viewing spot at the top of a very steep hill to view the Dead Sea. From this vantage point we could see Bethlehem and Jerusalem on the other side of the sea, Lake Jericho and the Jordan River.
From there we proceeded onto the Amman Hotel where we had 2 hours of free time for swimming in the Dead Sea and the resort pools.
Swimming in the Dead Sea was like swimming in pea soup.... very thick! We were advised not to get the water in our mouth, face or eyes because of its high salt content. When floating on your back it was very difficult to get your feet back on the bottom to stand up.... in fact some couldn't and had to be helped upright!! Our tour included being rubbed all over with the black Dead Sea mud which was supposed to be good for your skin.... this wasn't for me as it was very black!! Some partook and they looked hilarious and said the mud felt good on their skin but others said it was a gimmick and just a bit of fun. The water was not refreshing at all so after our antics we headed back to the hotel pool which was cooler.
Lunch at the Hotel was included in our tour which was a hearty buffet lunch of the local cuisine. To complement our meal we had a cold mint lemon drink which was very refreshing.
After lunch.... around 2pm we boarded our bus for our 4 hour drive back to the Port. We had a comfort stop at the halfway mark which was well utilised.... shopping, ice creams and washrooms.
We arrived back into Aqaba with enough time to walk around the shops..... some of the men negotiated a haircut for $10USD, some bought cinnamon tea, some bought roasted nuts, some bought dates and most bought beer! No problems taking the beer on board.
We were back on the ship at 8pm which gave us enough time to watch the late local Folkloric show have a quick bite to eat and be out on Deck for our Sailaway at 11pm.
All in all a great day was had by all.... certainly a recovery day tomorrow.
Three sea days now before our next port of Argostoli.
Photos:
1) Sunrise arriving into Aqaba
2) Aqaba Port
3) The big round about in the city centre
4) Halfway comfort stop
5) Salt, salt and more salt
6) Lot's Wife
7) Overlooking the Dead Sea
8) Wadi al Mujib Canyon
Sent from my iPad
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