Aqaba Day 1

 Sept 21

Today we are put on a bus with another group as we were the only ones on a tour that included 3 nights in Aqaba. Sad that we didn't get to say goodbye to everyone that we have spent the last week with sharing these amazing adventures. But now we are with a new group for our travel day, then 3 days on our own doing whatever we want in Aqaba.

Our guide on this bus says that he is arranging a glass bottom boat tour for whoever want to join. There are only 10 of us staying on in Aqaba, but since the entire bus drove us here he is setting up this tour. This is the only spot were Jordan is on the Red Sea.

The boat ride was good, nice to be out on the water, it is really hot here, but a nice breeze on the water keeps it bearable. The captain brings the boat as close to the Palestine border as he is allowed to. Amazing all the history here. They have sunk a plane and a tank for divers and hoping to bring more coral back. We also go by some very nice coral, it is very close to shore so hoping we can get some snorkeling in while we are here.

Back on the bus again, the driver has picked up take out shawarma sandwiches again so that those that are not staying here can hit the road without stopping as they have a 4 hour drive to get back to Amman today.

Checked into our hotel and it is beautiful. We have a fantastic view of the mountains and the hotel view, which we take no time to get into after a load of hand clothes washing is done to get us through the rest of vacation. We love doing carry on only, but it means at least one laundry at some point.

We have booked a snorkel tour for tomorrow, will see how that goes. Next day we may buy a pass at one of the beautiful resorts to use their facilities and have a beach day. I have read how dirty the local beach is, and one of the girls on our bus went for a swim there today and said it was really sad how much garbage was around. So, we'll be the spoiled tourists and splurge on a beach resort day we think.

Saying goodbye to our dome tent in Wadi Rum

Stopped for a visit at the train leaving Wadi Rum

, Hejaz Railway, refurbished cars

Aqaba marina

Glass bottom boat ride

Sunk a plane for diving

Local fisherman

View from our hotel room

Best meals so far on our trip