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JordanVacations, March 2001
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Yes, Jordan is as magical as all you have heard of. But it is not just Petra (remember 'Indiana Jonce and Crusaders'). Although, Petra was my no 1 destination there is much, much more to Jordan. Jordan's importance was largely due to its position. It is located right in the middle of the Middle East (bit like Poland, right in the middle of Europe). Just about anything that happened here had to 'run' thought this mostly desert country. It is here where Homo Sapience walked in Palaeolithic Era (1.500.00 - 17.500 BC). The Hyksos (Leaders from the foreign land) come from here to rule Egypt (Middle Bronze 1.950-1.550 BC). The magnificent civilization of Nabataeans (who build Petra) 400-106 BC. Then very important period of Romans overlooked creations of such cities like Philadelphia (capital, Amman today), Gerasa (Jerash), Gadara, Pela or Dion. Christianity was introduced in Byzantine period here very rapidly. Then Islam swept Jordan around 633 AD. Crusaders were here in vast numbers building lots of strategically placed castles (Kerek, Shaubak) till they were bitten by Saladin who took over Jerusalem in 1187 AD. Then came Mamluks in XXIII century until Ottoman Empire took over till I World War. At the moment the kingdom is ruled by King Abdullah II son of the great political lieder and great peace maker King Hussein bin Talal (still dearly loved by all Jordanians). I have enjoyed the journey throughout the country tremendously. The surroundings, history and the most beautiful and friendly people. The Petra visit was a real highlight (read our Petra scare report that made world news). And the swim in the Dead Sea (it is really salty... yaak). Well... I liked it so much that I am planning another visit on the way to Europe. Look at the photographs and juge for yourself. I highly recommend the visit.
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