While vacationing in Israel, kimkim traveler Arnold Abelman set out on a two-day trip across the border to fulfill his dream of exploring and photographing the ancient city of Petra. He shares what he loved about the experience, what surprised him most, and why you should consider adding Jordan to your Israel itinerary.
**Tell us about yourself, and what led you to visit Jordan as a solo traveler with only two days to spend?**
Well, the impetus for my whirlwind adventure to Jordan stemmed from a family wedding I was attending in Israel. The wedding festivities were wonderful, but I knew that our family would have a few free days interspersed within the trip. I’m the kind of person who likes to maximize every opportunity to explore a new place, so I immediately began considering how I could best utilize that time. The idea of crossing the border into Jordan for a short, intensive trip quickly took root. As a photographer, I’ve always felt a strong draw toward the visual arts, and Jordan, with its rich history and landscapes, seemed like a great place to explore. My primary motivation was, of course, Petra. It’s an ancient wonder of the world, a place shrouded in history and breathtaking architecture, and its mystique has always captivated me. It seemed like the perfect subject for my lens. This wasn’t just a sightseeing trip; it was a chance to fulfill a long-held dream, a deep desire to witness and capture the magnificence of Petra. The thought of letting that opportunity pass me by was simply unbearable. So, despite the tight timeframe, I decided to embark on this Jordanian escapade.
**What was the most memorable part of your experience visiting Jordan, and Petra in particular?**
Of course, finally seeing the ruins of Petra with my own eyes was a moment I’ll never forget. It was a culmination of years of fascination and anticipation, and the reality surpassed all my expectations. However, perhaps the most memorable and certainly the most unexpected part of my visit was the arduous journey up to the Monastery. The Monastery is one of Petra’s largest and most impressive monuments, but reaching it requires a significant physical effort. It’s a steep climb involving approximately 800 stairs carved into the rock face, a daunting prospect, especially considering the heat of the day. I was initially quite wary of tackling such a strenuous hike under those conditions. Fortunately, there were local guides offering transportation via mules, and I decided to take advantage of that option. And what an experience that was! While it was definitely easier from an energy perspective, riding a mule that’s essentially navigating along the very edge of a cliff is… well, let’s just say it added an extra layer of excitement to the whole endeavor. It was thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, and ultimately a very unique and unforgettable part of the Petra experience.
Beyond the specific sights, another incredibly memorable element of my visit was the overwhelmingly welcoming attitude of the Jordanian people. From the moment I crossed the border, I was met with warmth and hospitality. Whether it was the friendly taxi driver who shared insights about local life, or the helpful individuals working within the Petra archaeological park, everyone I encountered seemed genuinely eager to make my visit as pleasant and enriching as possible. That genuine kindness and hospitality truly enhanced my overall experience and left a lasting positive impression. I’ve traveled to many places, and it’s not every day you encounter such warmth and genuine eagerness to help. The people of Jordan are something special.
**You stayed at the Fig Tree B&B in Wadi Musa. Was it a good choice for a solo traveler and/or visitors with limited time?**
Without a doubt, staying at the Fig Tree B&B in Wadi Musa was absolutely the perfect choice for me. In fact, I would heartily recommend it to any solo traveler, particularly those who are working with a limited timeframe. The ambiance of the B&B was wonderful; it truly felt like stepping into a charming European villa. But what really made the Fig Tree stand out was Yolanda, the owner. She is an incredibly accommodating and gracious host, going above and beyond to ensure that her guests have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. What was really appealing was that she even cooks with fresh vegetables that are grown right on the property itself!
Since I was traveling alone and had very little time to spare searching for restaurants, I found myself eating almost exclusively at the Fig Tree. Yolanda often joined me for meals, and those moments of conversation were truly special. She shared insights about the local culture, the history of the area, and her own experiences living in Jordan. It was so much more than just a meal; it was an opportunity to connect with a local and gain a deeper understanding of the place I was visiting. Yolanda was very generous with her time and experience, which made it easier to find my way. I also arranged with the kitchen to prepare a packed lunch the night before my day exploring Petra, which proved to be incredibly convenient. It allowed me to arrive at the park early in the morning, giving me the chance to capture some stunning photographs of the ruins bathed in the soft morning light, without the added stress of finding food on the go. I highly recommend the B&B for the convenience and overall hospitality.
**One of our local specialists worked with you to plan your time in Jordan. How did working with her enhance your experience?**
Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting Bianca, your local specialist, face-to-face, our communication before and during my trip was remarkably comprehensive and effective. She was incredibly helpful in so many ways. Perhaps the most valuable assistance she provided was sharing her in-depth knowledge and expertise about navigating the border crossing between Israel and Jordan. It’s a process that can be quite confusing and even a little daunting, especially when relying solely on the official information provided by embassies or the signage at the border itself.
Having a local expert like Bianca, who possessed accurate and up-to-date information, was truly invaluable. This was particularly crucial given the short duration of my trip; there simply wasn’t any time to waste trying to decipher confusing instructions or resolve unexpected issues. Bianca’s clear and concise guidance ensured a smooth and efficient border crossing, allowing me to maximize my precious time in Jordan. I also greatly appreciated the way our messaging was formatted and organized. Having a clear and easily accessible history of our conversations proved to be incredibly useful. When I needed a quick reference point later on, I could easily scroll back through our messages and find the information I was looking for without having to sift through multiple emails or documents. That level of organization and accessibility made a significant difference in streamlining my trip planning and execution.
**Do you feel like a quick, 2-day trip to Jordan is doable from Israel?**
Absolutely, I firmly believe that a quick, two-day trip to Jordan from Israel is entirely doable, but it’s contingent upon having the right information beforehand and receiving assistance with careful planning. When you’re working with such a limited timeframe, time is truly of the essence. You want every moment of your experience to be as seamless and efficient as possible. Having someone knowledgeable to help you craft a well-structured itinerary that maximizes your time and allows you to see and do as much as possible is absolutely essential.
Without proper planning, you risk wasting valuable time on logistics or missing out on key attractions. In my case, since I was traveling solo, I particularly benefitted from having a local expert available to me during my trip. Knowing that I could call Bianca with any questions or concerns that arose provided a sense of security and reassurance that was invaluable. She became my virtual concierge, providing me with personalized assistance and guidance whenever I needed it. Furthermore, I know that Bianca’s other area of expertise is Wadi Rum, and now I’m seriously considering incorporating another short trip to Jordan, specifically to explore Wadi Rum, into my next visit to Israel!
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