Postcards from Jordan
Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Pete Heck
Alas, our time in Jordan sadly had to end.
What an incredible nine days we had – camel trekking, playing in the Dead Sea, crying at some sights and almost fainting on the way to others. We came away completely humbled by the intrigue of biblical stories, and even a little more in love (if that is even possible 🙂 ).
But the best part? We gained new perspective. On the country’s fascinating history and its role in a troubled region. We are so happy to be able to personally report on what an extraordinary kingdom it is, one that is easily explored without fear for safety (except for that of our bulging waistlines). One that should be soaring to the top of your must-see list.
If it isn’t already, that is. But just for added persuasion, we are bringing you our favorite photos, postcard-ready for you to send home when you get there.
The King Abdullah Mosque in Amman is easily recognizable with its blue domed top. Inside it also contains an Islamic museum.
Jabal al-Qal’a (the Hill of the Citadel), in the middle of the capital city Amman, was occupied as early as the Neolithic period. The ruins on the hill are largely Roman.
The ruins of Jerash, massive and sprawling in the northwest corner of Jordan, carry markers of civilization dating back 6,500 years, but (of course) are dominated by the remains of an ancient Roman city.
Just in case you haven’t had enough of Petra yet, there is always another vantage point…
Dramatic desert landscapes and cute fuzzy camels? Perhaps this was our favorite stop of them all…
Pete may have found happiness on the Dead Sea, but I kinda liked it as well. 🙂
Some sights will forever stay with us as hallmarks of Jordan.
This photo by Mary Chong of Umm Qais, Jordan, also has us aching to go back.
And in case you missed it, here is our summary of Jordan via video.
*****
Many, many thanks to the Jordan Tourism Board for this exceptional journey.
Wow… these are amazing. Seriously that word doesn’t even come close to how amazing these really are. They are beautiful. I love sending postcards home from most of the places I visit and always have a hard time finding good postcards. If visited Jordan and saw any of these I would snatch them up in a heart beat and send them home.
I’m in Egypt at the moment and debating if I should go to Jordan or not… and I think y’all may have just sold me. I have to think about it long and hard… ugh.
Thank you Jaime. We send postcards home as well to both of Dalene’s grandmothers. To date they have received every single one, except for the ones from Jordan :(.
Funny, it’s your posts and photos that have convinced us that we want to make it over to Egypt 🙂
Great photos! I never think of Roman ruins when I think of Jordan, but I guess it makes sense. Looks like a fascinating trip. Thanks for sharing your “postcards”.
Thanks Chad. All the Roman ruins in this region started to make sense to us when we were in Turkey. It’s quite amazing being able to touch them in person.
Stunning captures! I want to go. You have done your job well. 🙂
Thanks Amber! We want to go back 😉
Unreal! I especially like the thistle one…
Thanks Hogga. That thistle was growing everywhere. I thought it was such a beautiful, yet ugly and scary looking weed.
Very cool. This whole series made Jordan look like a good place for anyone to add to their list of travel wishes! Great pics, as always. 🙂
Thanks Cynthia. The kingdom of Jordan really has so many sights to see and things to meet any adventurer or vacationer’s demands. Such a wonderful country.
Fantastic photos! We will be visiting all of these sights next year in March (including a 4-day camel trek in the Wadi Rum) and this makes me even more excited about our upcoming adventure. Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂
I would have loved a 4 day camel excursion into Wadi Rum. I hope you love it as much as we did!!
Wow, just wow. AMAZING tilt-shift of Petra!
Thanks Marie. It’s my first time playing around with tilt-shift. I thought about doing it when I climbed up to get the shot and I’m happy it turned out.
My husband and I recently traveled to Jordan – and yes, we too fell in love with it. Such an amazing beauty and history it has and wonderful people, too. Your photos are incredible.
Thanks Marisol. You are absolutely right that it is such an amazing place.
Gahhh, LOVE. All of them. I can’t even choose a favorite.
Jordan has been high up on my list for quite some time now. I really do need to get there soon.
I’m in the same boat. It was tough to decide on a favorite, but mine had to be the silhouette of the camel. I hope you get there!
I love the chewing camel postcard! That makes me smile and want to squeeze him!
That camel was the best poser. He just kept chomping away and staring straight into the camera. It was especially funny when the baby tried to come and steal the food out of his mouth.
Great pictures, but you don’t really need me to say that. I really love the way you make your shots into postcards. It somehow gives a shot enough of a context to make even more of an impact.
Thanks Andrew!! I’m glad it gives it some added effect. It’s what we are going for 🙂
That 3rd pic took my breath away, just stunning!!!!
Thanks Andi!! I didn’t think it would turn out as it did. I’m glad you like 🙂
These are absolutely stunning! I especially live the shot at Jerash with the purple flower.
That seems to be a very popular photos. Thanks Jennifer. Looking forward to meeting you soon!
Great shots! Did I read somewhere that you kids are touching base back in cowtown?
Ssssshhhh. It’s a secret….
Just kidding. Yes, we are home for a rest mid-August for about a month or so, then the future is unknown… Will you be back in town?
Negative dude, will be rolling into Moncton around then after exploring Maine. Have fun!
All of your pictures have left me wanting to visit Jordan. I always enjoy your photography and these were no exception!
Thanks Debbie! Glad not to disappoint 🙂
Amazing as always. But, what is in the big pot? Spices?…but if so, what are the glass looking beads in there?
Hope that isn’t a nerdy question. 🙂
Not a nerdy question at all Kay. We believe it was a type of frankincense. It is used as incense and the aroma was so nice.
The Monastery at Petra picture is awesome, but it kind of looks like a model that you set up in your garage. Are you sure that those aren’t little green army men standing out front of it?
Uh oh. Somebody has outed us. We never went to Jordan. We built this model in a garage and hired some camels from the zoo. Shit, I knew it would be you Steve 😉
Gorgeous photos! I love postcards, and I still send them to friends and family when I travel. I always buy a couple for myself too, one of the few souvenirs I actually buy. I’d definitely buy these if I saw them there.
Thanks Ali! Yeah, I still like to send them too – I try to send some to my Grandma’s from every country!
I love your postcards series… do you ever get them printed out as postcard and send them out? I bet you could sell them to the tourism boards in each country!
Never looked into it, but I doubt there is much money in that game. 🙁
Gorgeous shots, as always! Definitely taking notes for our trip in September.
Thanks Bret! You will love it!
Completely enjoyed my virtual Jordan trip with you!! And this is a fantastic way to depict it, amazing shots.
Wish you a wonderful week ahead:)
Thanks so much for your kind comment Arti, as always. 🙂
I’m really impressed with these shots! Great work Pete and Dalene!
Thanks Samuel!! That reminds me, I have a shot to get to you for your Smiling Faces site. You accepting guest posts?
Well done Canucks, you make us proud!
Thanks guys!!
Beautiful photos, as always!
Yep, Jordan firmly on the to-do list 😀 Great shots, as always!
Awesome photos! I’d love to visit Jordan and these pictures have just made me even more desperate to go.