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

Photographic Interlude

Last week, I was visited by Ms. Echo Tong, a former photographer with Xinhua News Agency in China, who was passing through Jordan on her three year world tour.  Echo captured the essence of the desert in a way that I have not seen until now.

See for yourself!

Um Al Bdoun

En route to Siq Um Al Tawaqi

In the canyon

Tea time!

The Henna Cat

4WD

Echo's first encounter with a be-hatta-ed gentleman!

How to Ride a Camel - A Photo Tutorial in Five Easy Steps

A beautiful morning in Wadi Rum is best enjoyed from atop one of the local Diseh camels. No previous experience riding camels? Not to worry! This simple tutorial, courtesy of Ms. Becky Neil, San Francisco, CA and Mr. Hussein Abdullah, Diseh, Jordan, should allay the fears of even the most reluctant of camel passengers, while inspiring the excitement of every camel enthusiast!

Step 1: Meet Hussein Abdullah and your camel steeds. Hussein will assist you as you mount.

Step 2: Grip the knob at the front of the camel saddle (see Becky's left hand) and swing your leg over the saddle as though you were mounting a horse.

Step 3: Hold on tight as the camel stands up - raising her back legs first.  You are halfway there!

Step 4:  Whoops!  There go the front legs - don't let go of that knob just yet!

Step 5:  Smile for the camera as your stomach settles back into place...

... and you head off on your desert adventure!  

Extra special camel riders will receive a special camel kiss upon completion of their journeys!