The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

A few weeks ago we returned from a quick trip to Jordan.                         

Time and toddler limitations put some restrictions on what we were able to do.          

Jordan has many options for outdoorsy travelers. We opted to visit the city of Petra and the Dead Sea.

Eating good food is one of the things we love about living in the Middle East. A selection of Mezzes, like the one above, is never a bad snack choice. Cata also indulged in one of her favorite things - eating any kind of food.

 Scarves for sale in Petra and olives growing around the city buildings.

Ancient Petra lies in a canyon below modern Petra which exists mainly to cater to tourists. Petra was the center of the Nabatean civilization which dates to 300 BCE. Many tombs and temples are carved into the sandstone.

Kristi and Cata pose by an old olive press.

The drive from Petra over the Jordanian Highlands was especially scenic.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth (about 430 meters below sea level) and is really a lake with no natural outlet. The fine silt that accumulates is thought to remedy all manner of aliments. Most impressively, the high salinity makes if possible to float effortlessly on the surface.