As Jordan's only sea access, Aqaba has played an important role in the country's history. Ayla the first Islamic city on the Arabian Pennisula was built here around the year 610 and served as a trading port between India and the Mediterranean. The city finally succumbed to earthquake damage and attacks by the Crusaders around 1116. It became a quiet fishing village only to be restored to prominence during World War 1 when T.E. Lawrence ( of Lawrence of Arabia fame) and the local forces he commanded took it back from the Ottomans. Now known for its temperate climate and dramatic landscape of desert cliffs meeting the sea. Aqaba is a very popular gateway for Jordanians from Amman in the north as well as other parts of the country. Diving and snorkeling are very popular activities here, with easy access to the Red Sea corals and wreck dives. Two hours away is Petra, Jordan's famous lost city lies hidden in a valley where it had been forgotten for 1,000 years. Built from the top down by the Nabatean people around 312 BCE. The city was carved into pinkish colored cliffs which led to its nickname "The Rose Red City. Bob and I did this excursion in 2012. A marvel of a Jem here. For me it was a WOW MOMENT.It was unknown to the westerners until 1812 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We also did the Wadi rum which is a oasis in the desert with a creek or river with lots of date palms and flowers. They eat a lot of chick peas and pita here. For breakfast they like to eat hummus bread and white cheese, veggies and fruit. So today we are exploring the port city of Aqaba
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