We made it to Jordan! It was last minute, but the approval to travel finally came through and Josh quickly purchased plane tickets/rental car and hotel rooms. After a 4:30 am wake up and 5 am trip to the airport, we were on our way.
The last time we were at this same spot in the Jordan airport the kids were 6 1/2 years younger, Calvin was with us, and they sat around playing cards while Josh picked up the rental car.
Jordan is always an experience. The rental car, from Avis, has certainly seen better days. As long as I’m not getting charged for it I don’t care that it has dings, scratches, and a little front end damage, but it’s funny that we are renting a car that would not even be able to be registered in Abu Dhabi. (Pretty looking car bodies are important and almost every car is 5 years old or newer. I’m actually a bit worried that my car will get flagged for repainting the next time we try to register it).
Beside the banged up body, it was missing a seatbelt in the back seat and the guy spent almost 10 minutes removing the seat to find it for us. And then the gas tank was on empty with a flashing warning signal and we were sent off with a “gas station is 5k up the road” instruction. Thankfully we found it as we passed a guy driving at half speed, probably because he had a silver sunshade blocking his entire driver side window.
The drive through the desert toward the Dead Sea. Even though the driving in Jordan is a bit of a free for all, I don’t mind it because the unexpected is expected. Someone might drive on the shoulder the wrong way down your side of the divided highway because it’s the most efficient way to get somewhere. No big deal. We’re always looking out for non-traditional driving maneuvers. It’s more irritating at home when there are specific and strict rules in place and a few special people break them — I’m looking at you, driver with Dubai plates, tailgating and flashing your brights at everyone.
We made it to our hotel at the Dead Sea, met up with Josh’s parents and caught up over dinner.
Happy to be here again and looking forward to a few days of relaxing and knitting by the pool.