While I'm feeling generous (and also have free Wi-Fi), have another photo of Petra.
This was the view from my hotel balcony which overlooked Petra.
I feel very humble that I have been able too visit this amazing place.
With next wishes,
Matt the Elder
Here's a little treat for you; a photo of me at Petra!
I promise to write a longer blog post about this wondrous city when I return home. In the meantime, here I am reading Agatha Christie's Appointment with Death. A Poirot whodunit set in Petra!
I think I may be a little bit enchanted by this lost city!
With best wishes,
Matt the Elder
Ps the butler didn't do it!
For the last two days we have been an hour late for everything. Breakfast. Dinner. Tea. We didn't know this, of course. We were blissfully going about our holiday completely unaware that we hadn't set our clocks correctly.
The first we knew of it was when the hotel receptionist called our room at what our clock said was 0500 to inform us that our coach for the Jordan Highlights Tour was waiting outside! Turns out it was really 0600!
After a frantic wash and pack we were on the bus and on our way to Jordan.
Getting there
The excitement started at Israel and Jordan boarder control. Visas, taxes and two different currency later we were through!
I've never experienced land boarder control, only at airport and Eurostar. This this was completely new to me. It took up to 2 hours to cross the boarder into Jordan. Sadly we didn't have time to pick up a few bargains in the duty free shop!
I've really struggled to find anywhere with inclusive Wi-Fi and the price our hotels are asking for even one hour is surprisingly expensive. Quite frankly, 5 Jordanian Dinars for an hour is a rip off.
So I'm afraid I'll be giving you edited highlights of our tour and I'll wait to upload until we are in Tel Aviv for the free Wi-Fi!
Jordan Day 1
We traveled through Jordan to the Greco Roman remains at Jerash. Wow! The remains were incredibly well preserved and among the best I have ever seen. We spent about 3 hours here but you could easily spend a day exploring.
Our hotel was in downtown Amman. I was quite surprised at how modern Jordan's capital was. The tour guide informed us that it was very safe and we could explore Amman by night without any hassle. Considering we were up at 0600 and traveling all day we had food, some local wine and went to bed.
Jordan Day 2
Petra. Lonely Planet and Rough Guide could sum up Petra more eloquently than I. However, here's my opinion.
OMG! WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE!
I was overwhelmed with the beauty of Petra. Everywhere you turn you are confronted with such beautiful structures. Nothing could have prepared me for The Treasury or the Monastery. Wonderful sights!
Petra deserves a blog all of its own so I shall wait until I get home and share this trip in more detail.
Jordan Day 3
Our tour guide informs us that Day 3 is a Holy Day because we are visiting two holy sites. First up was St George's Church in Madaba, famous for the oldest mosaic map of The Holy Land. This was followed by a visit to Mount Nebo, resting place of Moses. The views of the Promised Land were breathtaking!
I absolutely loved our three days in Jordan. But three days is not enough. I think you would need about a week or so to truly do this country justice.
Until next time,
Matt the Elder
Ps I'm blogging from my smartphone. Excuse the brevity of writing!
Not wanting to make you jealous our anything but I'm currently on the beach drinking a delicious glass of cold white wine while reading Rhyming Life and Death by Israeli author Amos Oz.
It's also about 27 degrees. It's hot. It's gorgeous weather here.
Lekhayim!
Matt the Elder.
Two years after our first visit, I have fallen in love with Tel Aviv all over again!
The arrival
When we left Cardiff and arrived at London Heathrow for our El Al flight to Tel Aviv, it was cold and wet. When we arrived at our destination it was 22 degrees! The best time to visit Israel is between October and April. Neither too hot nor too cold. Just perfect sightseeing weather.
We actually flew on my birthday. I was delighted to receive a Happy Birthday Tweet from El Al airlines. I had tweeted them previously to say how excited I was to be flying with them.
If you have flown with El Al before you will know how thorough their check in is. You can expect lots of security questions and, personally speaking, I find this very reassuring. They take passenger safety seriously.
The check in staff at Heathrow were so friendly! The one guy offered us some tourist advice about what to see and do on our travels. So, a wonderful start to the holiday.
The hotel
A very friendly taxi driver took us to our hotel. Base Camp is Herod Hotel, a 1930's inspired hotel which overlooks the beach and promenade. The hotel receptionist was lovely.
Our room is spacious and even has a balcony! However, we arrived late and all we wanted to do was go to bed!
The next day
The first thing I did upon waking up was phone reception. I had no idea what the time was. Neither myself nor The Big Fella (aka the other half) could remember the time difference. It was 0740 local time which meant it was 0540 back home! It seemed far too early to be awake while on holiday! But we were far too excited to go back to bed and both eager to start sightseeing.
Admittedly, we've been to Tel Aviv before. Two years ago we did a pilgrimage tour of Israel. It was one of our favorite holidays. And memories of Tel Aviv have stayed with us.
We have such a fondness for this city. Could it be the laid back atmosphere? Or the energetic nightlife? The gorgeous beaches teaming with water sport activities, sun bathers and people just kicking back and relaxing? Perhaps it the food?
Oh, it is most certainly the food!
The food
Speaking as a vegan who follows a gluten and wheat free diet, I am spoilt for choice! The vegetarian and vegan restaurants here are among the the best I have ever eaten at. Take Mezze, for example. The owner clearly has a passion for good healthy and tasty food. And the staff do all they can to ensure you have a great time.
Exploring Jaffa
We spent the morning walking along the beach side promenade to Jaffa. This historic port is a must-see. With its sea views, cafes and galleries - not too mention St Peter's Church, which houses The Vatican Consulate, this is a pleasant area to spend a few hours.
We decided to splash out on the exciting sounding multi sensory tour of Old Jaffa. Honestly, at 30 NIS, it was holiday money well spent!
The English speaking tour guide with charming. Upon hearing we were from Cardiff, she delighted in telling us of her love of Doctor Who and plans on visiting the Doctor Who Experience!
The tour was indeed multi sensory. Hilarious and well acted videos told the history of Jaffa while the tour guide showed us excavations and exhibits of the old port. The tour guide clearly loved her job; she was entertaining - and hugely knowledgeable about Jaffa past and present - throughout the 45 minute tour.
Not only was it audio and visual, it was also wet and windy! During the story of Jonah the audience was treated to gusts of wind and sea spray much to our surprise! A multi sensory experience indeed!
The delights of Carmel Market
We then headed to the wonderful Carmel Market. I love this place. It's endlessly fascinating and packed with shoppers, bargain hunters and tourists all coming to experience the frenetic atmosphere. It's worth visiting just to hear the traders banter with customers and each other! Much of it in Hebrew, granted, but who needs translation when everyone is having this much fun?!
Once again, it's all about the food! Name a fruit or vegetable and you'll find it here, looking nothing like the uniform produce of Britain's boring supermarkets. It really has inspired me to shop at my local market.
Friday evening - Sabbath
It's Sabbath. The streets may be quiet but the beach and promenade are still busy. Families and friends are enjoying spending time with each other. The beach-side cafes and restaurants are bustling and still people are playing sport or relaxing on the beach.
I'm sat on my hotel balcony, sipping the local wine and writing my blog. It's warm. I feel blessed. And it's only the first day.
Shalom, my friends.
Matt the Elder.
It's fair to say I've completely dropped off the radar lately. I haven't blogged for over a month. My attendance at City Church had been sporadic. And the last elders meeting I went to I didn't say a word.
It's been a tough month. I've been feeling really unwell for ages. Completely wiped out and lacking energy. Turns out I've been fighting a nasty infection. It all came to light after an emergency dash to the dentist!
Anyway, you'll be pleased to know that I'm feeling much better. In fact, I feel like the old me once again!
Apologies for not keeping you up to date with the goings on at City Church but now things are back to normal the blogging continues apace!
Starting with my trip to The Holy Land! Stay tuned for regular updates about my holiday to Tel Aviv, Jordan and Eilat!
With very best wishes,
Matt the Elder
