Time travel from modern city to ancient country: A ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ itinerary in Jordan

RICH. Jordan is a Middle Eastern country with an astounding heritage and rich history and tradition.

We will give you an escape—a break from city noise, overpopulated streets and towering buildings.

We will take you to a place somewhere in the Middle East Asia—a heritage for state-of-the art monuments and centuries-old art pieces.

We will give you a one-pass ticket to a Muslim country, approximately 8,754 away from your modern city. A place rich in tradition, art and history—that is Jordan.

Buckle up. Lean back. The final leg of ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ third anniversary special takes off.

How to get there

It would take roughly half a day aboard an airplane from Manila to its capital, Amman, but the long travel sure is paid off the moment you step on its land.

Truth be told, going on a vacation sometimes is a hassle. But planning it ahead of time sure will ease the burden. With Ephesus Travel & Tours, a hassle-free trip around this promising country is attainable. From air and bus fares to hotel accommodation and meals, they got your back.

Where to go

HIKE. Drew Arellano walks his way towards the peak of Mount Nebo.

HOW TO. A local teaches Drew Arellano how to make a mosaic out of natural stones and tiles

Mount Nebo
From Amman, it normally takes two hours to reach this landmark popular among Christians as the resting place of Moses, a biblical character known as a faithful servant of God. But the travel becomes faster via Pope road, the highway used by the late Pope John Paul II during his visit to the site 16 years ago. Atop the mountain, a breathtaking view is a sure reward. Ages-old mosaics featuring the art of the Byzantine period can also be found there.

The hike is not actually tough, as the path toward the peak is fully-cemented. For only 1 Jordanian Dinar or 65 pesos, another destination in your bucket list is crossed out.

Amman
Being the center of all trades, industry and government, the capital city of Jordan is marked with modernization. However, the country’s glitzy history and art are still omnipresent in almost every nook and cranny of the city; some locals just integrated a modern touch to it but the very essence of the traditional art is still dominant.

Mosaics are deemed to be the national art of the people of Jordan. Jordanians have been creating intricately–designed masterpieces out of natural stones and tiles since the Byzantine period.

Today, stalls are erected alongside the streets where vendors do not only sell made-products but also teach tourists how to actually make such.

LONG TRAIL. Drew Arellano savors every moment spent in Petra by walking his way up to the end.

Petra
A UNESCO Heritage site and second among the Seven New Wonders of the World, Petra or Rose City is a 264,000 square-meter archaeological park in Jordan’s southwestern desert that has been known for its tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs; thus its present name.

If travelling by land, approximately four hours are needed to get to the place.  The long trip though, is worth it, as the park offers Instagram-worthy sceneries in almost every angle-- views that will not only leave a mark in the social media but also in every tourist’s memories.­­

TO THE RESCUE. Tourists, who can no longer endure the long travel by foot, can ride in animals such as horses and camels.

TRY. Drew tries out riding a horse, too!

To enter the famed city, one needs to pass through a three-kilometer entrance called siq. From there, a long trail is a requirement. Those who cannot endure such can always ride a horse or a camel towards the main city for around 10-30 Jordanian Dollars.

FULFILLED. The feeling of having gone to the peak of one of the Seven Wonders of the World is simply ineffable.

A number of notable landmarks are present  therein. There is an amphitheater on the side, mountain carvings on the other, and facades, among other historic infrastructures. But on top of the mountain, the most-rewarding view awaits. A scenery of a city endowed with artistic architecture and ancient surroundings; something not even photoshop could possibly emulate, something unique and rare, something precious—a gift.

What to eat

ALL IN ONE. A traditional Jordanian food with ingredients such as rice, chicken, vegetables, herbs and spices that sure will live up to anyone’s insatiable cravings.

Maqluba
Proteins, carbohydrates and fibers all in one food. Maqluba is a traditional Jordanian delicacy which means upside down as it is basically served by turning the pot upside down. Its main ingredients are herbs and spices, chicken, rice and vegetables; indeed perfect for someone looking for something tasteful, healthy, and satisfying at the same time.

Mensaf
Food trip in Jordan will never be complete without having tasted the country’s national dish-- Mensaf. It is a traditional dish whose primary ingredient is lamb, cooked in a broth with a sauce of fermented dried yogurt also known as jameed  and is mainly served with rice or bulgur.

Kanafeh
If Mensaf is the national dish, then Kanafeh is the national desert! It is an Arabic pastry known for having that distinct fine combination of sweetness and stickiness that is not easy to find among the array of sweetened breads in the country. Shredded dough and a mix of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses are baked in a sweet cream butter. The result? Perfection.

Who to meet

Bedouin
An ethnic tribe wandering in many places in Jordan, Bedouin is a group of nomads typically seen in middle eastern countries. They don’t have permanent residences; some even live in caves. They just transfer from one place to another depending on their needs. They are not required to pay taxes to the government.

SOON. How about a next trip?

In the midst of globalization, when technology has partially eclipsed the era of old beliefs and practices, seeing a community whose history is still vividly preserved through its present surroundings and overall ambiance is rare. And Jordan is an existing example.

Until next trip, Biyaheros! ---Jules Garcia/BMS, GMA Public Affairs

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