Author: Kathleen

Posted on

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

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{Amman, Jordan}
{Roman ruins in Amman} {Roman theater in Amman}

After carefully reviewing a few travel-logs and perusing my notes on our journeys throughout the Kingdom of Jordan a rush of wonderfully vivid memories began flooding my mind in regards to this Middle Eastern state. So, I decided to continue the “silk road” series, and since our last write-up was about Dubai, will now move west as so many Nomadic tribes have done throughout the centuries, meandering the valleys and ruins left by past ancient civilizations.

We arrived in Amman around 5:05 pm and settled in at the Jordan Valley Marriott on the Dead Sea. Exploring the hotels spa-like compound was a fabulous experience and our first stop was to float … yes that is the correct verbiage {floating and not swimming} in the Dead Sea because of the extreme saltiness of the water. As we approached the sea, humidity levels rose sharply, and while dipping into the sea water it was very warm for early evening. Huge amounts of salt deposits lined the shore, which contained calcium; magnesium, bromine, sulfur and bitumen, and combined these properties are quite therapeutic for those who come to spa at the Dead Sea.

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{Canyon floor of Wadi Rum with camels}

Early the next day our guide took us on our first tour to Wadi Rum, which is located in the southern portion of the country. Our driver who was named Oman took us to a village outside of Aqaba where a family owned a quaint nut and spice shop. Oman always bought a few pounds of nuts for his son whenever he was in the area so; naturally I bought a 2-lb mixture of these fabulous tasting treats to have while we toured this open desert.

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{Rock carved drawings and ancient Thamudic inscriptions}

Wadi Rum is one of a sequence of parallel faults that form sandstone and granite rock valleys in the Shara Mountains. As we traveled into the canyon you could see a handful of modern villages dotted with tents and camels that belonged to semi-nomadic Bedouins.

As the sun began to set and our excursion ended for the day, the weather turned extremely cold so, our guide ushered us into a Bedouin tent at the bottom of a cliff for tea. Surprisingly the tent blocked the severe winds that whipped up across desert ravine. There was a fire that warmed us and the hot tea was absolutely delicious. You could taste cardamom, mint and sage leaves that were brewed to perfection. While warming up and sipping tea I realized this was a great beginning to a gorgeously beautiful country.

For additional adventures in traveling around the world, visit this YOAIR link:
TRAVEL GUIDE TO PHUKET, THAILAND: HISTORY AND CULTURE

Travel stylishly,
K

Posted on

Bonne Année 2014

IMG_2320{Quy’s battered chicken breast with flour and breadcrumb coating along with shrimp tempura and chocolate covered strawberries. The perfect New Year treats!}

There is something about ringing in a new year that signifies the strongest sense of hope in us all. Every expectation and desire that was not or could not be met in the previous year has the opportunity of resurfacing with plans of being attained as new goal. All that we have coveted, longed for or were not able to grasp in the past year may now be within our reach at the change of the calendar.

For the most part I am not overly superstitious, but have been known to cook a pot of black-eyed peas and collard greens at the start of the new year for good measure … one can never be too careful. A very dear friend stated today that we are still in the season for sharing, joy, eating and happiness not necessarily in that order, but it gives the end of the year a certain karmic vigor.

Instead of writing resolutions to use as a plan for the upcoming year, I have been reminiscing on a few basis pleasantries that I have enjoyed. Firstly, there is always the invite to my friend Quy’s home to sample her fabulous cooking. This is a woman who creates miracles while in the kitchen and each time you are in her home always has a delicious treat to share. She even preps lunch for her co-workers on a regular basis and should honestly start her own lunch-truck, as she would do extremely well.

My most indulgent pleasure by far is walking after sunset surrounded by the crisp cold winter nights looking up at the sky to see brightest of twinkling stars. As I have indicated in previous post I do my best thinking while enveloped by the night as if were a cozy blanket and find inspiration in each long stride while breathing deeply and viewing the constellations of the season.

IMG_3409{Collard greens to bring luck or rather money into the New Year}

Each year my neighbors and friends outdo each other with elaborate celebrations and parties, and trust me I would like to compete and be in there partying hearty along with them, but this year have decided on staying in with family and a few friends for a New Years Day lunch. And yes, you guessed the menu; Hoppin’ Johns better known as black-eyed peas, collard greens and corn bread which is a traditional southern meal.

However you decide to bring in the New Year; in front of roaring fire with a bottle of champagne, in Times Square or with neighbors, please stay safe and have fun stylishly!!
K