Jordan Holidays 2012

Jordan, which used to be the most important trading centre during Roman rule, is now a desert kingdom filled with a rich history. While in Jordan head on over to Mount Nebo to experience the story of Moses firsthand, but the Dead Sea is also worth a closer look. Whether from near or afar the city of Petra will amaze you as the sun goes down.

Things to Do

With its rich history it seems that every stone and building in Jordan has a story to tell. From Mount Nebo you can look out over the land that was promised to Moses and then head on over to the Dead Sea.

In the Dead Sea anybody can float next to a pillar of slat, which is rumored to be that of Lot’s disobedient wife. Diving in the Red Sea is also something you won’t soon forget, the best place to go is Aqaba where the beauty of the fish is simple breathtaking. At the end of the day go some place that is up high so you can watch the sunset around the city of Petra, you will soon know why it was made one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Eating Out

One thing you will notice about the local cuisine is that it has a lot of the same characteristics of Middle Eastern cooking, but to add a small twist Jordanians have added local yogurt and cheeses to the dishes.

Meze is usually served before every main meal; it can include hummus, fool, moutabel, and tabouleh. Mensaf, which is stewed lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce and Makloubat, which is chicken with a variety of spices, are popular national dishes. If you opt for the Mensaf be sure to eat the dish with the fingertips of your right hand, which is customary for this dish.

Wildlife

While fossils tell us that Jordan used to be home to mammals such as zebras and elephants these animals are now extinct in the area. Jordan isn’t known for its abundance of wildlife, nor is it known for its variety, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find something interesting to look at. Some of the more interesting mammals in Jordan include the Crested Porcupine, Golden Jackal, Arabian Oryx, and Mongoose.

When to Go

The best time of year to visit Jordan is during the spring or fall because of the cooler temperatures, which enable you to participate in the numerous outdoor activities. Many popular festivals, including the Jerash Festival, take place during the spring and fall months. If you travel during the summer months, June through August, the heat is going to get to you. Whereas if you visit during the winter months you have to deal with the extreme cold temperatures that make going outside just as miserable as it is in the summer. If you are visiting between November through April you need to be prepared for rain, which can inhibit the activities that you partake in.