Today's temp in the ity is expected to reach 40C, the advice is drink water, wear a hat and as it is the Muslim sacred period of Ramadan, we can not eat and drink in the streets, except water, have knees covered, no dancing, singing and intoxication, no smoking and chewing gum in public between sunrise and sunset.
I had chosen to tour the Wadi Rum but heard the vehicals used were simple old and open 4WD with no seats belts. We would be seated in the back on a plank-style seating. This in mind, I cancelled the drive and elected to catch the free shuttle into the town of Aqaba.
I noticed the effects of the GFC when visiting Greece and Italy and jordan was not immune from this financial crippling. A lot of buildings, be it resorts or city offices lay dormant, still under construction and vacant blocks which were cleared for development left empty. No longer is the potential vibrancy I felt in 2011.
The shuttle bus drop off area in the near heart of the town is close to one of Aqaba's beautiful mosques, Masjid Al-Hussein Bin Ali. I walked north past the early Islamin Ayla (city ruins) to the ruis of the oldest Roman Catholic Church, then back to the main street to the Hilton Hotel. There I bought a latte and water which enabled me access to their 'free' wifi. Wahoo.....2 hours updating my internte blog and emails. Whilst in the cafe I had to endure the cigarette smoke from several smokers enjoying the cafe's wifi as well. It is amazing how I have become used to living in smoke free public areas at home.
Ayla, site of first Islamic City
Site of First Roman Catholic Church
Ladies Only Internet Site
View over Ayla, across the gulf to Israel
View of buildings in Aqaba with mountains in background
Fourth largest flagpole in whole and Majestic Princess in background
again, view of Israel
Hooker Pipes
Mural on brick wall
I loved the jewelry purchased here, but found the heat oppressive. We look forward to your photos. Could you take them?
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