A summer off and all I could think about boho paradise of sandy beaches and party scenes. What better way to live some more sunshine than to head to the raucous party destination of the world? Now imagine this – A small island getaway in the Mediterranean Sea with a population of – 132,367 but approximately 6 Million tourists visiting this place every year. Yes, Ibiza certainly had more alternative personalities than any other average holiday hotspot for me. Continue reading “Everyone needs a little bit of IBIZA in life!”
Author: globetrotting365days
Dreaming and living the wanderlust life at my early 20's, I have always thrived on my long bucket list. Yes a list that counts up to more than 75 odd countries, I have been lucky enough to witness the magic of 20 awe-inspiring countries already and it still keeps me yearning for more.
A city where everything is art: Barcelona the City Of Gaudi
Think about Barcelona and what exactly would pop in your head? Hands down Gaudi grabs the headlines when it comes to attractions in Barcelona for me! And that is what made me make a trip to this colorful and quirky city. The kind of sophistication this city is filed with will immerse you into its near-limitless cultural choices. Continue reading “A city where everything is art: Barcelona the City Of Gaudi”
Hola Madrid: Until we meet again!
Having lived abroad far away from home for a year during my graduation year and falling in love with the European culture all I wanted to do is explore more of it. And what best when you can make a thrifty trip to Spain on a student visa. My naïve wanderlust soul was craving for some further refinement, Spanish this time maybe! Continue reading “Hola Madrid: Until we meet again!”
Jordan a country of Wonders! Not just one of the 7 Wonders of the World but many more!
I have always loved rummaging about places that have stories to talk about when you make a trip there or go someplace your friends and family actually want to hear about! And a trip to Jordan surprised me to the very end!
From ancient, man-made phenomena to modern cities, soul-stirring desert landscapes to unforeseen seas, Jordan fell squarely into my bucket list category of bragging rights, a land of fascinating contrasts and history, all within a single country. On arriving to the Amman airport as the taxi inched closer to the Petra guesthouse hotel, my eyes began to light up. Making my onset at this city with the sun dipping behind the mountains, it turned out that I already was in all awe of monumental city. I couldn’t wait what was there in store for me next morning.
On my very first day at this city I visited the Mt.Nebo from where I had a boundless view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. As the weather was clear, the border of Jerusalem was in visibility range too.
Upon arrival at Madaba I was entranced by the Mosiac marvels. All the attributes depicting the Sea, these million pieces put together unveiled the largest mosaic art in the world that can ever exist. What was more fascinating was the detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the sixth century AD located centrally on this mosaic floor.
After being astounded with this artwork I reached my first stop nearby Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery; where Moses received the 10 Commandments. I spent a long time scrutinizing religious artifacts at the Monastery but soon it was time to take to the road again. Hitting the road the Bedouin way I found myself marveled at the beauty of the striking silhouette of the fortified town and castle of Kerak.
Known for the crusaders walking down this beautiful maze of stone vaulted halls and endless pass ways, one can only realize the primeval stories each of these stones and rock depict. How drenched they are into history. Just a simply walk down to this beautiful town of Jordan was enough to relive the agelessness it devoured.
Next on the plan was to make a move towards another milestone, visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A trip down the most anticipated rose-red city of Petra, covering an area of about 100 square km, where over 800 monuments can be found. This was one of the places I was really looking forward to on my trip to Jordan, and let me just say, it did not disenchant. I spent the day exploring the vast, ancient city, wandering along narrow canyons and exploring the famous Indiana Jones facades. My camera couldn’t stop flashing by as at every seam you can witness here steep valleys of limestone, sandstone, and granite with surreal colors.
Walking in deeper into The Colored Canyon, I was flabbergasted with the intricate swirls of blazing red entwined with stark yellows and deep purples. As the late afternoon sun began to set I could see the secrets this city had to unfold from a topmost viewpoint that overlooks the famous treasury. Every step deeper into this red carved limestone monument it felt I was in a word of my own. The stunning rock formations here are a true reminder of the fact that sometimes nature is really the utmost artist out there. The sights were spectacular but it was the opportunity of witnessing them so closely that made the place truly spellbinding, a journey meriting a story all on its own.
Some sunsets can set your path ablaze!
Another day was set for another adventure to the jagged mountain popularly known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Yes Visiting Wadi Rum was all about its immensity, color and awe-inspiring shapes creating an almost supernatural atmosphere. Upon arrival here you can feel the Bedouin regime and culture further. Walking along barefoot on the dark sand of this famous desert valley it is easy to imagine you are lost in some lunar landscape, unchanged for millennium. As the afternoon clouded over, the sun would peak here creating a perfect dramatic backdrop to the expedition.
After visiting the highs it was time to proceed towards the lowest point on Earth the Dead Sea. At 400 meter’s below sea level, the Dead Sea is infinite in what it has to offer. Parching straight under the sun, I tip-toed my way down to the water and eased my way in. As soon as you step into the Dead Sea, you float. Because of the high density of the super salty water, you can’t sink if you tried.
Minutes later I found the child in me awake smearing myself from head to toe with the mineral-enriched mud from the Dead Sea. And the mud playtime came in with many health benefits too! It was easy to float in the Sea watching the day wrap up in front of me and reflect back on my time in Jordan with nothing but delight and a feeling of triumph.
What a way to end my time in Jordan.
If this was not it, Amman’s capital city Jerash had me fascinated with its displays in the Archaeological Museum, and digs and ruins everywhere you step.
All in all, Jordan was amazing. No country has ever surprised me as much as this one did, and I mean it when I say I can’t wait to go back and spend more time there. This is one trip reading about it again and again still inspires me to pack my bags immediately and make another run for it.
Cannot Miss:
- Boundless view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel from Mt.Nebo
- A night stay at the Petra guest house in between the caved city
- Walking tour to the city of Petra and explore the famous treasury
- 4×4 ride to the Wadi Rum to see the Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- Dinning experience at the Bedouin camps
- Floating experience in the Dead Sea
GlobeTrotting365Days: JORDAN January 6th 2011.
SHARM- EL- SHEIKH: An unforgettable diving experience in the red coral reefs!
After spending a week exploring the ancient Egyptian history it was time to work off the exhaustion by the shores of Sharm- El-Sheikh, who would have imagined to find this hidden treasure between the desert and the deep blue sea. Known to have some of the best diving locations in the world I was all frenzied at the opportunity to explore the psychedelic marine life of the Red Sea’s coral reef!
After making a diligence research with over 400 different resorts available in Sharm, I lay my jaded self at Aloha Shores Sharm resort, which was extremely luxurious and boasted its own enticement. Continue reading “SHARM- EL- SHEIKH: An unforgettable diving experience in the red coral reefs!”
Why Travel Egypt? For the History Nerd in you!
On a cold wintery evening gazing right through my dorm window back when I was in Birmingham I pondered on what the coming 2011 had in store for me! While all my friends booked themselves to fly back home for thanksgiving and new years, my wanderlust soul had started churning plans of its own. Escaping from the freezing temperatures I very curiosuly booked onto my flight to the land of History, to the land of parching sun and desert.
Why EGYPT someone would ask, I would simply say, “Because the history nerd in me wanted to always see it.”
Continue reading “Why Travel Egypt? For the History Nerd in you!”
Dubai
Thailand
Malaysia
The Great Wall of China: If you haven’t climbed it, you haven’t seen it!
What do you do when you are yearning for some history? Pick up a history book? Check out the discovery news channel? Or may be if you are one of the kind like me it would make you book a ticket straight to that destination. That’s exactly what made me book my impromptu tickets to China or rather say Beijing. To visit the Great Wall of China, to discover this Wonder of the World. Continue reading “The Great Wall of China: If you haven’t climbed it, you haven’t seen it!”