Yoga in Wadi Rum!

I've gotten in to the habit of seeing my dreams come into being this season.  It is a wonderful feeling to share new activities with guests.

Last week's yoga retreat with Yoli Maya Yeh was a fabulous example of this.  We spent an afternoon of meditation and yoga practice in the desert with a six lovely ladies from Aqaba.  Upon completion of the practice sessions, we traveled by camel out into the desert for a feast of zarb in Siq Um Al Tawaqi.  Yoli will return in the fall for more yoga fun in southern Jordan!

Zarb for dinner ... yum!

Yoli and Alena!

Enjoying the Full Moon Gathering!

As promised...

Full moon over Um Al Tawaqi (by M. Pennertz)

Abu Nizar telling stories around the fire (by K. Arnold)

More to follow!

Camel Races in Disi, 20 April 2011

Next Wednesday, April 20, the Disi Municipality will host a series of camel races at the race track outside Disi Village.  A truly spectacular event, camel races in Disi involve camels, remote control jockeys, jeeps and a great deal of fun!  To view a race from two years ago (it's quite long!), click here:



Looking forward to seeing you there!

Update on the Situation in Jordan

This past Friday, the opposition cancelled all protests as a means of reassessing and streamlining the conflicting demands of the different groups.  This is fantastic news for everyone working in the field of travel as we all hope that it will secure Jordan's reputation as a stable and welcoming nation whose population works towards reform through conversation instead of through chaos.  Meanwhile, I am happy to say that the season is picking up and you can look forward to stories of more adventures over the upcoming weeks!

As always, words work well when matched with images!

Al Ga and Um Nfoos

View from Um Al Bdoun

Camel House!

Photos Courtesy of Ms. Echo Tong

Our First Full Moon Gathering!

In mid-March, we held our first gathering under the full moon in Wadi Rum!  A wonderful evening was spent in the desert by moonlight, hearing stories and learning customs traditional to the area.  Pictures to follow shortly!  For more information or to register for April's event, please visit: http://wadirumfullmoongathering.com

Kids and Camels - King's Academy Comes to Disi!

This past weekend, I was visited by a group of students and teachers from King's Academy, the co-ed boarding school located in northern Jordan and based on Deerfield Academy. HMK Abdullah II's high school alma mater.  The King's Academy visit was a busy one - activities included a camel ride with Abu Motloq, a jeep tour of the desert and lunch with local students to plan a joint community service project to be carried out in Disi Village in April!  Photos courtesy of Ms. Joan Fox, King's Academy Faculty Member.

Evening at Um Al Bdoun Eco Camp

Ms. Joan and Stephen enjoy a camel trek!

Planning a service project for Disi Village

Abu Motloq prepares tea

Stephen gets up close and personal with the desert!

Another (albeit slower) Season Begins!

The current unrest facing many of Jordan's neighbors, unfortunately, has negative implications for tourism in the region as many people cancel their vacations due to concerns over possible instability.  Fortunately for us, Jordan remains the calm in the storm and the government is quick to address the requests of its people.

My first guests of the new season, Kato and Norihito, from Tokyo, spent the night in Wadi Rum and then enjoyed one of the special activities in the desert - a ride in the microlight!  A microlight is a small propeller run two-seated glider.  Soaring over the desert in the early morning allows for some amazing views - but don't forget to dress warmly!

Norihito, Kato, Jord - the pilot