Everybody is so incredibly nice in Wadi Rum. We spent the entire day in this amazing valley, exploring it by jeep, over a six hour span, from every angle; it is a sight to behold.
Sunrise at the camp
At 'The Martian' filming site
Our driver, Nail.
Mesmerizing...
Our companions on the tour were a Belgian father and daughter duo. The driver, Nail, a local Bedouin, spoke enough English to make the trek not only pleasing to the eye, but educational as well. If there was a drawback, it was the temperature, more nippy than expected, which made riding in the open bed of the truck a bit uncomfortable. However, there were enough stops so that, it became bearable.
Locals
Ancient Islamic rock writings
A strong disposition for survival
He followed our jeep
Then reached us.
As I said, we visited all the highlights, from the southern end (only 15 minutes from Saudi Arabia) to the northern tip. We saw where the movie The Martian was filmed; the house remnants of T. E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia); and so many canyons and rock formations to fill a photo book. The scenery is so dramatic.
Remnants of Lawrence of Arabia's house
He was just sitting there...
Making Turkish coffee in Bedouin tent. Rest stop.
Wadi Rum is home to a Bedouin colony. Bedouins, of course, are the nomadic tribe that used to travel the desert from Morocco to Mesopotamia. Many still choose the nomadic lifestyle, but since permanent country borders have been established, they are no longer able to roam freely, and most have now settled in one place. Everything in Wadi Rum is run by Bedouins.
A little oasis. Perfect for a lunch stop.
Very ancient rock drawings
Rock carving of T.E.Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia.
One of two dogs at the camp.
After dinner, being far from any city lights, we could see an incredibly lit starry sky. We have spent a memorable two days here, which will be difficult to top as we continue our journey. But stay tuned; surprises are always around the corner.
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