Jordan and Egypt

[balzaccom]

I just spent almost three weeks there as a tourist. To answer the most basic questions:

1. Yes, I felt completely safe in both countries. Tourism was down 95% in Jordan, 60% in Egypt, and man, was everyone happy to see us!
2. Yes, we did this as part of an organized trip via Ama Waterways, so we were cared for to the point of coddling everywhere. Nice.
3. Yes, some people cancelled or postponed their trip, so instead of about 70 people on our ship, there were 31.
4. Yes, every archeology site, from Petra to the Pyramids, lived up to our expectations.
5. Yes, there were any number of sites that completely exceeded our expectations, such as Jerash in Jordan and the Qena temple of Hathor on the NIle.
6. No we didn't get even a little bit sick--although we did used bottled water exclusively.

Whew. So that out of the way, here is a link to our report on the first couple of days in Amman.

www.backpackthesierra.com/post/jordan

I will get the other days up soon--planning a post every day through the end of the month.

[The Other Tom]

glad you had a good time. I've read other reports of this trip and it's one I'd like to do. Bonus for you...the ship was less than half full.

[balzaccom]

glad you had a good time. I've read other reports of this trip and it's one I'd like to do. Bonus for you...the ship was less than half full.

Yep--we were really pampered...

Here's the third chapter: The Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, and Petra.

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/ ... 2a13289f5a

[balzaccom]

And the last part of Jordan, including Wadi Rum and the photo blog

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/wadi-rum

[windknot]

Neat photos and write-up -- thanks for sharing!

[Harlen]

That's fantastic Paul! Jordan especially looks like a great landscape to walk through. Thanks for all the fine images, and your usual engaging writing.
Cheers, Harlen.

[balzaccom]

OK--the first four Egypt sections:

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/ ... df0074e9df

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/ ... 6cdf171914

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/ ... 6cdf171a5a

https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/ ... c297bee9e5

[balzaccom]

The final episodes: Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Old Cairo

www.backpackthesierra.com/post/abu-simbel

www.backpackthesierra.com/post/luxor-and-more

www.backpackthesierra.com/post/old-cair ... 2a1329125f