Well, I assume I did follow some of his/his camel’s footsteps in the Wadi Rum in my recent trip to Jordan. My visit to the Wadi Rum was an amazing experience as I had never had been in such a landscape before. In an earlier post, I shared how I found color everywhere I went in Jordan. It is now time to focus on one of the places I explored during my trip.
The visit began at the well-set-up Visitor Center which has great information, a surprisingly good restaurant and an excellent view of the rock/mountain Lawrence himself called the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, a reference from the Book of Proverbs.
T.E. Lawrence, his real name, became involved in the Arab Revolt in the late 1910s when the Arab peoples were revolting against the Ottoman Empire. Lawrence fell in love with the Wadi Rum area and now I can understand why. I hope sharing this adventure will also do the same for you and that you get inspired to see it in person some day!
Spending the afternoon exploring the Wadi Rum desert
We left the Visitor Center to find the vehicles that would take the group to explore the Wadi Rum well into the evening, prior to arriving at the Captain’s Camp where we would spend the night (and I will write about this in another post coming up soon).
Soon we got deep in the incredible mountains/rocks formations characteristic of the Wadi Rum as well as have fun running up dunes and actually witnessing a rare rainstorm in the area (mercifully not over us!)
And then dusk began in the desert!
I thought we’d be done exploring as soon as it started getting dark and, while that was close to reality, we still got to enjoy dusk driving around – which made me appreciate the Wadi Rum in a different light, so to speak.
And the method of exploring changes the next morning!
And to finish this, a shot taken by a fellow traveler about ilivetotravel in action!
During this trip, I was a guest of the Jordan Tourism Board. That notwithstanding, the stories I share were my real experiences and nothing else. As they always are!
Thanks for sharing those amazing pictures. Was the camel ride comfortable? Like riding a horse? How fast do they go?
@Luly, it was sort of uncomfortable to be honest. For me, it was the handle on the back of the saddle that you have available to hold on to – it kept hitting my lower back! But I am sure, like many things, it is about getting used to good posture. They can gallop and it was both scary and fun when they did – but only when controlled by the camel guide. Without the guide it would be scary because I wouldn’t know how to tell the camel to stop! Otherwise, they were just like walking. Great questions!
How very different. Amazing rock formations! . Barrah Siq seems like a huge protective wall, quite impressive. I imagine being surrounded by these humungous rocks would make you feel quite insignificant. The galloping camels must have been quite an experience.
Can’t wait to go back to that area of the world. We miss the sand desert, mountains and most of all the camales 🙂 Great post and lovely photos.
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@2DigitalNomads, thanks for stopping by and the feedback! I also enjoy the Middle East and it was about time I returned!
I love the laser focus on the last shot! Nice work Raul!!!
Thanks, Mr. Payne. I do have a picture coming in a future post that I think you will like…
Jealous…great shots. Looks awesome. The desert is a great place..always different.
Thanks, Eric. Having seen your own amazing photography, I take it as a big compliment!!
How bad was the camel riding? I ended up not doing it in Qatar!
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It was not smooth but I enjoyed it. I do wish I had knew how to control the camel more (when I rode a mule, at least the guys taught me how to steer it, how to stop it, how to get it going – made me felt safer, more in control!). Some in the group enjoyed it, some did not like it at all!
Amazing photos, Raul! I believe you caught the camels smiling, or it at least it looks that way. 🙂 Makes me want to plan a return trip to Jordan. On my previous visit, I only had time to visit Petra, but there is obviously so much else to see!
Very impressive place — seems like a whole different world. Love all of your pictures! It does look like the camel is smiling — what a happy tour guide!
Many people made comments about how the California canyons resembled Jordan. Now I can see why. I will have to watch Lawrence of Arabia next time I have ten hours to spare and enjoy the scenery.
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I love going to places that are totally other worldly from Atlanta – looks like you totally found that in Jordan. I’m thinking I have to see that Lawrence of Arabia carving for myself.
You are not helping my mini obsession for Jordan! Love the photos – I can see that it was such an amazing experience! Top of the bucket list for sure!
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camels are so doofy and cute, but they’re REAL assholes when you try and board one. most awkward experience of my life.
obsessed with these photos!
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The photos and posts from your trip have all been amazing. Dusk in the desert is particularly beautiful. You’re adding to my places to consider on my next trips!
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LOVE the carving of Lawrence of Arabia & the photo of you!! seems like such an amazing trip!
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Awesome! Looks like you had a blast in Jordan. Aren’t camels so fun to ride? Getting on and off is always such an awkward experience!
More beautiful Jordan photos, Raul. Not that I’m surprised. Jordan has been on my list of places to visit for some time now, mostly due to scenes like this. What a spectacular journey!
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Did it rain on you? I guess I’d see photos if it did… I think Wadi Rum is moving up on the list… thanks for sharing.
stay adventurous, Craig
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@Craig, it rained but it was in the distance. We even saw a couple of lightning bolts. Yes, you would have seen pictures had it rained… in National Geographic! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! definitely worth the trip.