traveller – #SASSYFUNKE

A few weeks ago, I took a plane out of London Heathrow and 5 hours later, landed in Amman (the capital of Jordan). I didn’t know what to expect and honestly didn’t do much research prior to landing and I am kind of glad I didn’t (there is something about exploring a land first-hand, not having pre-conceived ideas about it and taking it in day by day.

Jordan is an Arab kingdom in the middle east. The country is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west. It is a highly conservative country so I made sure I dressed in line (literally avoiding open shoulder outfits, short dresses etc) but I was relieved the dressing attire was more relaxed at hotels.

I spent just over a day in Amman relaxing and spending time with friends (one of which was Jordanian – nothing better that an exploring a country with a local) by the pool, experiencing city views of Amman over shisha and generally anticipating what the next few 5 days would be unearthing. We embarked on our journey of Jordan (below was our itinerary of Jordan which I employ to use when you plan your trip to jordan).

Day 1: Amman (city chill and exploring)

Day 2: Amman to Dead Sea

Day 3: Dead Sea

Day 4: Dead Sea to Petra

Day 5: Petra Visit – Wadi Rum 4×4 Tour

Day 6: Wadi Rum – Aqaba

Day 7: Aqaba – Home

Rather than bother describing every location to you (which I am sure wikipedia could possibly be useful for that), I will leave with you a gallery of what I got up to with the crew (with short descriptions) and hopefully leave you inspired to #ExploreJordan. I would add that we stayed in 5 star accommodations throughout and I am sure there are other options which would give a similar experience but for me, the quality of one’s accommodation always adds that’s extra touch to my holidays. I would say hands down, Jordan is certainly in the top 3 destinations I have explored this year.

Lowest point on earth @Dead Sea before and jumped in the sea and of course floated

Sassy with the Al-Khazneh (Treasury) monument

The steps to one of the highest points in Petra

Reaching one of the highest points in Petra with the beautiful Al Deir Monastery as my backdrop

Our experienced guide giving us a historical talk about Mount Nebo

Bronze serpent sculpture inspired by Moses lifting go the serpent in the wilderness.

Our guide showing us an illustration of the Madaba map

In front of the curch of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any tips about Jordan

“Don’t listen to what they say. GO see” – Chinese Proverb

#SassyFunke

So when my Lebanese friend and classmate told me about a trip being planned to Lebanon, my eyes lit because I was excited by the prospect of going to a new destination and exploring a new culture, a new way of life. On the other hand, when I mentioned this plan to other friends, they couldn’t understand why I would put myself at risk due to the conflict in the region. Also they couldn’t understand what there was to see in Lebanon and I got a few horrifying stories of how a black African girl would be treated in Lebanon.

All these negative stories/views left me with a little dilemma and I was close to cancelling my plans. My Lebanese friends re-assured me that I would be ok and that I shouldn’t absorb all the negativity and that I should look to the positives that Lebanon had to offer and that a single story isn’t a reflection of the whole.

I ended up going on the trip and had a truly amazing time from exploring cultural sites to eating WAY too much (i can’t resist good food) to partying it up at #WhiteBeirut and building and solidifying friendships.

I felt so much warmth in Lebanon from the immigration officer wishing me a belated birthday to friendly local Lebanese keen to know more about my heritage and culture (I felt a little bit of a mini celebrity tbh and who doesn’t like that?? #SassyDoes 🙂 ).

I guess I learnt a HUGE lesson from this trip and its simply that we can not let negativity, the media, the views of others take over choices, our beliefs etc or let them make us stay hidden from what the world has to offer. We need to make our own calculated choices/decisions to see the world through our OWN eyes and make our own judgement.

I leave with you with a taster of what I got up to in #MYLebanon with a mini gallery. #Indulge + #Enjoy + #ExploreLEBANON

SassyFact about Lebanon: Byblos (city in Lebanon) is the oldest continuously living city in the world.

#SassyFunke