Eid Escapade: Journeying Through Jordan's Treasures

Eid Escapade: Journeying Through Jordan's Treasures

Seemab Ali

One fine day, amidst the monotony of office life, I found myself engrossed in mundane tasks when our safety officer approached me with an intriguing question. Eid was fast approaching, and he inquired about my plans for the holiday. Without much enthusiasm, I responded that I intended to sleep and catch up on my rest. Little did I know that this casual conversation would lead to an unexpected adventure in Jordan.

To my surprise, the safety officer proposed the idea of visiting Jordan for the Eid holiday. Initially, I brushed it off, assuming that obtaining an Exit Reentry Visa (ERE) from our company would be an impossible feat, as such vacations were uncommon in the kingdom. However, the safety officer was undeterred and suggested that we give it a try.

With newfound determination, he promptly applied for the ERE and reached out to the HR department, hoping they would support our endeavor. Meanwhile, I decided to take matters into my own hands and sent an email to HR as well, requesting the ERE. At first, they resisted, citing finance-related issues and staff vacations. However, I persisted and involved my manager in the process. Eventually, they relented and issued the ERE, albeit at our own expense.

Once the ERE hurdle was crossed, we faced another challenge: transportation. Renting a car for cross-border travel proved to be difficult, as it seemed nobody in our group had access to one. However, a stroke of luck intervened when we discovered that our friend Farhan owned a car. We asked him to apply for his own ERE through his company, and after a day of processing, he successfully secured it. Now, he had to make his way from Tabuk to Sharma, where my office was located.

With anticipation building, I eagerly awaited Farhan's arrival. As the late evening approached, he finally joined us, and our journey began in earnest. We set off from Sharma, making our way to the Haql border crossing—the gateway to our Jordanian adventure.

Crossing the border was an experience in itself. The immigration procedures were smooth, and our excitement grew as we entered Jordan. The country greeted us with open arms, ready to showcase its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality.

Our first destination was the vibrant city of Aqaba, the coastal city of Jordan. We explored its bustling streets, visited historical sites, and indulged in the local cuisine. The flavors of traditional dishes like mansaf and falafel left an indelible mark on our taste buds. Later we have booked a hotel to stay a night and it was located right in the middle of the city.

Next, we ventured to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mesmerizing rock-cut architecture. Walking through the narrow gorge known as the Siq, we were awestruck as the magnificent Treasury came into view, carved into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs. We spent hours exploring the intricacies of this archaeological wonder, amazed by the rich history that unfolded before our eyes.

Continuing our journey, we marveled at the surreal landscapes of Wadi Rum, known as the Valley of the Moon. The vast desert stretched before us, adorned with towering sandstone cliffs, captivating rock formations, and endless golden dunes. We embarked on a thrilling desert safari, riding camels, and witnessing the glorious sunset that painted the horizon in vibrant hues.

Finally, we made our way to the Dead Sea, a natural wonder that beckoned us to experience its unique buoyancy. Floating effortlessly in the saline waters, we couldn't help but marvel at the surreal sensation. Covered in the mineral-rich mud found along the shores, we embraced the therapeutic properties that the Dead Sea is renowned for.

As our time in Jordan drew to a close, we reflected on the serendipitous nature of our journey. What began as a casual conversation in the office transformed into a remarkable Eid adventure that exceeded all expectations. Jordan's diverse landscapes, historical treasures, and warm-hearted people had left an indelible mark on our souls.

With a sense of gratitude and a renewed spirit, we bid farewell to this enchanting country, carrying memories that would forever remain etched in our hearts. The impromptu trip to Jordan had taught us the value of seizing opportunities, embracing the unknown, and embarking on journeys that defy expectations.