Aladdin's cave of wonders...and journeying with the travellers

Just a quick couple of photos {click to enlarge} & a note to tell you that I'm too busy to blog at the moment but will get back with the full story next week.  It has been an adventure this far...a wonderful one with some funny & engaging ladies.  This photo was taken at Al-Afghani Bazar in Amman, which was like an Aladdin's cave full of treasures-daggers, jewelled teapots & more.  The manager put this on my head {does anyone know what it is called?} while we were shopping for jewellery.  Julian snapped a quick picture of me.  It was agreed that with my dark skin & eyes I could pass easily for a Jordanian!

This man allowed me a photograph.  I got very close.  He kept looking away and not at me so it took awhile to get him to look directly at the camera.  Most people wave politely and smile with a shake of their head for no.  No photos! But that is mostly the women, and the men seem keen to ham it up occasionally.  The very traditional women in full hijab always refuse a photo.  So sneaking a profile or back of the head shot is the best you can manage, as you want to remain respectful if they say no.

 
This hennaed hand belongs to a Bedouin girl.  We visited the tribe today in the Bani Hamida mountains to learn about how they weave their beautiful carpets. It was very educational.  I will write more later and show more photos but for now I must go to bed as the morning will come early.  We leave first thing to make the three hour drive to Petra.  I'm so excited I feel like I could bust.  It will be the cherry on the cake.  Well, there have been many cherries come to think of it.  Tara has done an exceptional job of showing us the essential Jordan.  We have hit most of the highlights and there are still more to come.  It has truly been a magical experience.

Oh oh oh! Today we also visited Mount Nebo, for those of you familiar with the Bible.  It is the place where Moses was memorialized and they say his bones are buried in the valley.  From Mount Nebo you can see Jericho, the Jordan Valley & the Dead Sea.  It was incredible up there.  The sun was just going down when we piled back into the van, and in the distance you could see the shadows of goats being led down the mountain by a shephard.  That is it for now.  I could sit down and tell you more over mint tea but I'll save it.

xo

Comments

[selena]

FANTASTIC!!!!!

[Angie Muresan]

Love the photos, Gillian! I remember Mt. Nebo from Sunday school. Wishing that you have a beautiful and safe rest of the trip. Can't wait to see photos of the carpets and of Petra. Love and hugs to you!

[Steve]

Sounds like a wonderful journey so far. Looking forward to hearing more.

[Ily]

Look at you looking like a Jordanian princess! Love it!

I can't wait to hear more about your travels and everything you've learned on your journey. Thanks for the sneak peak with the beautiful photos. That man's expression is beautiful...I want to sketch him!!!

Enjoy the rest of your trip and I'll popping in to hear more soon!!

xoxo

Ily

[maggie may]

Beautiful, beautiful

[Heather]

wowowowow!!

[pam aries]

Love all your updates..and photos! Love you..you are sooo beautiful...and WEaLthy!

[Se'lah]

what an infusion of culture...love it.
your photos are awesome.
sending lots of love your way.
xo

[A Fanciful Twist]

Absolutely incredible journey!! Have a blast and stay safe ~ LOVE, Vanessa

[gemma]

Just MAGIC!

[Marilyn]

Magical and lovely! What a dream of a trip. I can't wait to hear about Petra.

[Dinners & Dreams]

What lovely hotos and what an incredible journey. Enjoy my dear!

Nisrine

[susanna]

What an experience you are having, Gillian! I like how you all are being considerate travelers through that country, asking before taking someone's photos. Of course I want to see everything you are seeing! Take lots of photos! Take lots of notes!

[somepinkflowers]

oh

this is all so exciting!

:-)

i do wish i were
there
and i am green with envy
in Only The Best Way
for you all!

loving these photos..................

[Lisa Swifka]

You are experiencing what most people only dream of....exploring a new land with your eyes and your senses all filled with daily wonder. I am enjoying the snippets from this amazing trip and await seeing more photos. Stay safe!

[Tara Bradford]

It was such a joy showing you many wonders of Jordan! Great photos, dahling. Am missing you already. xoxox

[Tracy]

Wonderful photos, Gillian...So glad you are having a magical time. Do pour some mint tea and share more stories & photos soon. :o) ((HUGS))

[Stephanie]

What an experience!! You do look like a Jordanian princess, just beautiful.

Thank you for these little bits, I am anxious to see MORE of your trip!!
x...x

[soeurs du jour]

i am looking forward to every single photo!!

[kath]

I see Margie posted above, I'm hot on her heels. I'm close enough that I'm tempted to get in the car and come to see all your photos in person!
Kath

[Swirly]

I can't wait to see your next posts about Jordan...I am so happy I got to share this journey with you!!

[Donna]

I am missing all of my newfound friends already. Thank you for being there.

[Rebecca in Switzerland]

Can't wait to see more of your shots -- and the Jordan room at the spa!
Ciao bella!
Rebecca in Switzerland
http://www.xpatadventures.com

[Jeaux]

Holy smoulder, Gilly’s a vamp! We Clara Bow to your exotitude. The eyes, Bleux, the eyes!

[Jeni]

You are wearing a "burqa" from the Sinai Desert :)

[Sherry]

Did you get a henna on your hands? You look very Jordanian in this photograph indeed!