My wake-up call was at 7 but I woke up at 6:35 as we were docking. I went to breakfast at 7. I returned to the cabin at 7:35 to get ready for my 9:00 tour. I went to the World Stage at 8:35. My tour was called at 9:05 and the bus left at 9:35. We arrived at a tourist area in the desert at 10:30 for a pit stop before going to the jeeps that would take us on a 2 hour journey through the Wadi Rum. I got on the wrong truck along with 5 others from our bus and we had to get out and board other truck in the first row. Climbing in and out of the beds of these was a chore, however, I got better later on since we ended up having to get out and back in several times. The first stop was to allow climbing a steep sand dune to the top of the rocks for a panoramic view. I opted to stay in the truck bed. Later, we stopped because one of the trucks had a flat and I took a picture of all of the other drivers giving advice to the one changing the tire. (How many drivers does it take to change a tire?) Next we drove some more to where the buses were and then to a village with a cafe and had tea/coffee and some local snacks. There were 2 dates, a sesame cookie and another cookie like shortbread. We then drove farther and finally stopped at a Bedouin Camp for souvenirs. I did not buy anything there as it was very crowded with 3 bus loads of people. We then rode back to the ship and I re-boarded at 2:30. The tour was described as:
Top 3 Reasons To Book
- Wadi Rum Valley - A UNESCO World Heritage and Natural Site
- Striking natural scenery and the film backdrop for Lawrence of Arabia
- Enjoy Arabian tea and delicacies served in a huge Bedouin tent
Take a majestic 1¼-hour motorcoach drive from Aqaba into a vast red moonscape. You'll experience Wadi Rum on a two-hour 4x4 journey through the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes.
Geologists believe that Wadi Rum resulted from a great crack on the surface of the earth caused by an enormous upheaval. Some of the ridges are a thousand feet tall and are topped with domes worn smooth by the desert winds. The Wadi Rum area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Throughout the valley, scattered slabs of rock feature inscriptions in early Talmudic writing. Freshwater springs made Wadi Rum a crossroads and oasis for caravans heading from Arabia towards Syria and Palestine. This was the stunning backdrop used in the film Lawrence of Arabia, an inspiration for T.E. Lawrence and the rallying point for the start of the Great Arab Revolt. It is also the home of several Bedouin tribes who maintain the warm hospitality that characterizes true Arab culture. Today, Wadi Rum is a protected natural reserve.
You will see the Seven Pillars of Wisdom Mountain -- the stunning formation after which T.E. Lawrence titled his philosophical memoir. The awe-inspiring Jebels are sandstone rock formations that rise from the Wadi floor -- some even bear ancient inscriptions and rock art.
Arriving at the Desert Camp, enjoy Arabian tea and delicacies served in a huge Bedouin tent furnished with authentic carpets.
Return to the ship by motorcoach at the conclusion of your visit.
Notes:
Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Ride will be bumpy. Pregnant women and guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed.
I downloaded my pictures. Forgive some of the pictures as some were taken from a fast moving bus or a bumpy ride in a truck bed. I went to the Crow's Nest for happy hour at 4. I went back to the cabin to get ready for dinner at 5:15. I added the pictures to the blog entry and went to dinner at 7:30. After dinner, I returned to the cabin at 8:45 to watch the Cowboy/Bears game which was early in the second quarter. I don't have plans to go ashore tomorrow, so I can watch til the end of the game.
