MIDDLE EAST
Female Solo travels in the Middle East
JORDAN - AMMAN
Jordan is in the Middle East near Israel, Amman is the capital of Jordan. Firstly, I must say, Jordan is a country I would love to revisit and spend some more quality time. It is in my heart to see Madaba and Petra – definite must see.
On arrival at Amman airport, what a beautiful welcome!! I will say Amman immigration officers were the friendliest, coolest and most pleasant immigration officers I have ever met in any visited country. I have noted that in most cases, the reception you receive at immigration, is a clear indication as to how the people in the country are and how they will treat you.
On visiting the city of Amman, I felt special…everyone was so nice to me, what a lovely and friendly people, from the people in the stores, on the streets were all pleasant and warm. Amman in my view is also very expensive, their currency is almost equal to the $USD. Recommended sites to visit would be Petra, Al Balad – Downtown Amman, The Citadel and for sure the Roman Amphitheatre.
Currency used – Jordanian Shekel. Language spoken – Jordanian Arabic and English.
ISRAEL - JERUSALEM
Israel is in the Middle East, some may argue geographically it’s in Asia. When I visited, I arrived at Tel Aviv airport, but my main stay was in Jerusalem. Tel Aviv is also quite lovely and has the night life, there is where the real action spot lies (for any lifestyles). The perception I had in my head when I visited Jerusalem was quickly dispelled at the airport and later during my stay.
On exiting the airport to get a taxi, a female officer outside the exit door stopped me and wanted to search my bags, she then asked where I am coming from I said Dubai and Jordan, immediately she asked what was I doing in Dubai, she never asked what I was doing in Jordan, then proceeded to search my handbag and asking if I have a knife or weapon, thought to myself how silly was that question, would I have a knife if I just came off a plane, through immigration and customs and now exiting the airport to be asked this!?!. It was apparent that there is some sort of issues between both countries.
Another point to note, when you get to Israel immigration, your passport is never stamped, instead you are given a piece of paper on entry and same when leaving (I heard from others, that visitors in the past who had Israeli immigration stamps in their passports, had problems gaining entry into other countries).
My perception of the men in Jerusalem were that of men walking around holy and pious…boy was I wrong, the men in this city were the most lustful men I have met in all my travels the “cat calling” etc left me bit shocked and disappointed. no lie!!
Nonetheless, Israel is a beautiful place, the feeling you get being in the Holy land, nothing like it, on visit you need comfy shoes because to see most of the sites, it’s a lot of walking on cobble stone roads and inclines.
Definite must visit sites 1. Jericho, nothing like the experience of bathing in the Dead sea, your skin feels baby’s butt soft for days, 2. Garden of Gethsemane to see the olive trees that are hundreds of years old 3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre, there lays the Tomb of Jesus, (the line is very long just to go into the tomb). Many of the attractions were a bit of a drive, some as much as 4 and 5 hours’ drive from Jerusalem, like Galilee and others. Jerusalem is very expensive, hotel, food transport.
Currency used – Israeli Shekel. Language spoken – Hebrew (Arabic, Yiddish and English to a lesser extent).
PALESTINE
Palestine is located in the Middle East and borders East Jerusalem and Jordan. It may be a bit confusing for me to explain, because before visiting Israel, I actually thought it was part of Israel, however after visiting I am still a bit confused because it’s practically joined to Jerusalem with just a border stop in between the two.
If you visit Israel, you will more than likely want to visit the birth place of Jesus in Bethlehem, which is situated in the West Bank south of Jerusalem in Palestinian territory…who knew!! I thought it was in Jerusalem.
Anyhow, if you are visiting you don’t go with a Jew to this area, a Jewish taxi driver will not take you there either. Just take note of this. The first thing you notice when visiting this area is the Palestinian wall with lots of graffiti and messages.
When you get Bethlehem, your first stop at the Church of the Nativity is more than likely, be prepared to line for as much as 2 hours just to be able to go to the Grotto at the exact spot where Jesus was born (seem very popular with visitors).
Other than this, is the cave of the Patriarchs, thought to be the burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob can be found in Bethlehem. Visitors could have been seen everywhere taking photos and enjoying the area. It was quite safe to visit. Currency used – Israeli Shekel and Jordanian dinar. Language spoken – Arabic.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) and the largest state/emirate in all United Arab Emirates. It occupies almost 87% of the land mass in the U.A.E, it is a bit less touristy than Dubai, more laid-back and very beautiful as well with some very pristine beaches.
The Corniche is the most popular place to visit with its lovely surrounding beaches, perfect for biking or strolling. Abu Dhabi is known for hosting sports, and even the formula 1 racing. The beautiful Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is one of largest in the world, and very beautiful, a note to women; (if you visit the mosque, you will receive a robe with head cover to wear or you will not be allowed to enter the premises, you can also take your own).
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest places in the world and like Dubai, very expensive. Currency used – Dirham (AED dirham). Language spoken – Arabic and English.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI
United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) is located in the Middle East. It is a country consisting of seven states well maybe not states but emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest city in the U.A.E.. Many people are only familiar with Abu Dhabi and Dubai, some even think that Dubai is the name of the country, no its not, and neither is it the biggest of the seven emirates. Arrival at Dubai int’l airport was smooth, immigration at airport was quick and thorough, it was a nice surprise to see the garbs the immigration officers wore, not the immigration type uniform as other countries, I found this to be very sexy… yes I love the head wear, in fact the whole thing, head to toe, lol!!
Now you exit the airport and feel the heat, you know you are in the desert! it is that hot!! However, not humid, big difference!!… so be prepared with your sun block and water. Eventually your body will adjust to the heat in a few days. Dubai can boast of its Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and Burj Al Arab the only 7 star hotel in the world. Dubai has lots to offer, forgetting its most exotic Palm Island. Never a dull moment in the U.A.E.
My main recommendations and must do in Dubai are No.1 Dunes bashing in the desert. coolest thrill ride ever… really enjoyed this. Lots of lovely beaches are there to enjoy and many other attractions to see and enjoy.
One thing I must point out, unlike what some may think or have heard, No!! visitors don’t have to cover up. I visited twice and never had an issue with what I wore, everything went smoothly, my advice would be to first time visitors, dress moderately out of respect, as it is a Muslim country. Also note that April onward are the hottest months, with August being the hottest and January the coolest.
Dubai is a very safe, clean and beautiful but very expensive. Currency used – Dirham (AED dirham). Language spoken – Arabic and English.
Many of these countries can be within your reach with careful planning and learning how to save to travel. You don’t have to be rich to travel, just be willing to sacrifice and cut back on spending of non-essentials and you can reach your goals.
Along with good booking agents like Booking.com, you can plan an excellent vacation.
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