April 13 we flew to Jordan. Experienced our first eye scan to get through customs and then meet our guide for the next week. Mohammed was his name so, pretty easy to remember as its as common as Smith. No offence to any Smiths.
We drove one hour to the Dea Sea Kempinski hotel and had a lovely surprise of it being stunning.
From the breakfast buffet the next morning we were seated over-looking Jersulam. It was picture perfect. The hotel had loads of pools. Below are just a few.
We spent the day doing what I do best (nothing) and soaked up some sun. Andrew and mum got covered in Mud. It was quite freaky looking at all the people completely covered in black mud. And "No" I wasn't tempted even for a second to try the mud out. Anyone who knows me well knows, I hate getting my hands dirty. The kids helped Andrew get all those hard to reach bits on his back, hence the black hands below.
Everyone except Jaime loved (its stinging while shrieking loudly) floating in the Dead Sea. Even Andrew, who goes on and on about his legs just sinking, which is why he can't swim fast, bobbed around like a cork. it really was just like sitting in an armchair.
In the afternon we went and sat on an enormous deck and played cards and drank cocktails. the temperature was perfect and it was very memorable.
We then had a lovely Thai meal where Jack fell asleep sitting upright at the table.
The following day sounded good on the itinerary but in reality was a complete waste of a day (for me). We visited Mt Nebo, the city of Madaba and saw the Mosiacs and some church. BORING!
We arrived at the Petra Movenpick (best of the worst hotels available) and once all the room changing was sorted we went out for a local meal. Mum was very brave and had the mensaf. I hope it tasted better than it looked. We got a early night ready for our huge day exploring Petra.
We had been told most people spend 6-7 hours in Petra and Andrew and I looked at each other and said "yeah right 1-2 tops". In reality it took us 7 hours total and 6 of those were solid walking. It was a massive day, one that a few of us thought would never end. Jack was a star and walked the whole way with no complaint, although the 800 m horse ride for the last bit caused a few tears when the horse was fast walking and not slow walking as Jack was screaming to the poor non-English speaking man guiding the horse. Jack got off after 100m and was back to walking with me.
We all rode the horses for the 800m first thing going in and then you walk a few kms through the narrow Siq until you come to the Treasury.
It was stunning and they have now discovered it goes down another floor also. We had a quick rest and then walked through the Bedouin City until you get to the bottom of the cliff. Another good hours walk. Now comes the tough part. About 800-900 steps to climb up to the Monastery and it is so worth it.
This is where Jaime got on her daddy's back and became a permanent fixture. There were a few "Oh my back complaints" the next day. The boys coped better with the climb on the whole than the girls did, but we all made it to the top. The Monastery was amazing.
There were lots of stalls along the way and the bedouin people were everywhere trying to get you to buy or to offer a donkey or camel ride. Most of the children were my kids' age working the donkeys.
We had a few overpriced drinks at the top and the Andrew Jack Dad and I climbed another 15 mins to the lookout point. We had loads of fun feeding the poor donkeys and watching a small boy of Jaime's age hearding about 20 odd goats. This poor kid with his sack of feed on his back took off and up a narrow hilly path with the goats happily following. It was amazing but heartbreaking to see. I told the kids so many times that day "You don't know how lucky you are".
Dad and Jack at the very top. It was worth every step. The view was great.
It was a quiet dinner that night as we were all completely stuffed and honestly wondered if we would ever be back at the hotel. Did it, done it and not doing it again would sum it up.
The next day we drove to the Red Sea, The hotel, another Kempinski was fab as well. The view from the hotel looked over Israel which was interesting.
We had a quiet afternoon swim in the sun. Have to watch the kids closely though as before I knew it they were at the swim up pool bar and had ordered a lemonade and a chocolate milkshake and had charged it back to the room.
We had another lazy day in the sun the following day. The weather was amazing. Andrew water skiied.
Maybe you should have put your skis on in the water honey? Instead of putting them on and the jumping in with out them?
He finally got up and going. Note from Andrew - makes it sound like it took me a long time to get up on the skis - not the case at all. Popped up out of the water straight away and did not fall off once. Fitness levels a different issue - last about 90 seconds at a go and then just had to let go. I am sure it was only an issue because I had carried Jaime on my back up to the Monastery....
Mum, Jaime, Jack and I tried to para sail however just as Mum and Jaime were all geared up and next to go the boat broke down and the couple up para sailing came plummeting down. Scary to think it could have been them. So we will have to do that another time as they didn't fix the boat while we were still there.
The family loved the Banana Boat.
We ate at two local restaurants which was nice. The hotel dinners were pricey.
Sadly the next day we flew home. the drive back to Amman was 4 hours and whilst some of us were trying to sleep some of us were quite chatty.
We travelled around and got very close to borders of countries you really wouldn't want to be in.
All in all it was a fantastic family holiday and we had so much fun and have to thank my parents so much for all the help they gave us. Especially having a child in their room every night. We are looking forward to the next family holiday already. Not sure when or where yet.
