The visa cost us JD10 (JD1 = $1.41, roughly) each. At least we didn't have to get the visa beforehand, so that was convenient. And the guy at the counter was pretty friendly.
Initially, we planned on moving around Jordan in a taxi. But as soon as we picked up our luggage, my wife and I felt a six day trip around the country in a cab would be too much of a hassle (and expensive).
So we checked out the Avis counter at the airport and the Avis guy of course said that it was easy to drive in Jordan and gave us a map of the whole country, and I said to myself, 'what the hell...' So we rented a Chevy Aveo from Avis for JD35 per day.
Avis parking lot about 10 minutes away from the airport.
That was one small ass car (made by GM Daewoo in Korea).
So off we went headed towards our first destination... Petra... but not before having to stop at a gas station to fill up the empty tank. Thank you Avis for giving me a car with empty tank to start my trip.
At least the guy at the gas station was helpful with directions. JD12 to fill up the tank.
Watch out for those camels crossing the highway!!!
Of course my wife needed her daily dose of chocolate bars, and so we stopped at a local supermarket (as the sign reads).
And after a few hours of driving through the desert, we finally arrived at the entrance of the town near Petra.
Movenpick Petra. This hotel is literally 2 minutes away from the entrance to Petra, and that turned out to be a big big plus.
After we checked into the hotel, we decided to explore the town before it got too dark.
This is a view from top of a hill overlooking the valley where Petra is located. Petra is inside those valleys... Quite amazing I must say...
After driving around the town, we went out to have dinner. We ended up in a place called Red Cave Restaurant, which we later found out was mentioned in a New York Times article we had printed out, but didn't really read to the end. Anyway, the food was fantastic, and we ended up going there again the next day for dinner.
Two dishes and two soft drinks: JD16
After dinner we decided to check out Petra by Night, which was advertised at the hotel as well as on the Visit Jordan website. The ticket cost JD12 per person, which wasn't cheap. The package includes walking through the candle-lit road up to the Treasury that take about 20-30 minutes, a traditional music performance in front of the Treasury with mint tea, and then back. It was pitch dark throughout, so we couldn't see much, and the whole experience didn't really feel all that romantic.
The candles in front of the Treasury. (without flash)
The candles in front of the Treasury. (with flash)
After a 30 minute walk back to the hotel, our first day in Jordan ends...
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