The Life Lesson I Learned in Jordan (+ 3-Day Itinerary)
Are you looking for a place to boost your radiance, magic, and happy vibes?
Consider Jordan where you can eat some of the most delectable meals, experience stunning desert sunsets, float in the healing Dead Sea, visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and ride a camel!
Everywhere I travel, I try to bring back something from the culture to infuse into my life as a memento of sorts.
TRAVEL RITUALS
“I bring back renewing rituals to infuse into life, allowing each travel journey to reset and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit for years to come.” From Radical Radiance: 12 Weeks of Self-Love Rituals
Here’s the piece of Jordan I bring back to NYC that hopefully inspires you, too:
While Jordanians work hard, they value and prioritize social connection. Hospitality, impromptu gatherings, and shared meals anywhere and everywhere are a way of life. They have a communal mindset and reciprocate giving gifts and hosting dinners.
They say that it takes about seven years for someone new to New York City, the place I call home, to feel at home with a healthy social life. It is arguably the most expensive city to live in in the United States so the hustle is real. More often than not, it seems that New Yorkers live to work, not the other way around.
Manhattan is an exciting city of enticement, but sometimes even the excitement is work with the traffic, the effort, and the expenses.
By the end of the week, most New Yorkers retreat from exhaustion and become social hermits.
Not in Jordan. Prioritizing heart over hustle is the lifestyle. My partner’s mom lives in Amman, and seeing the love and connection overflowing with hugs and laughter at all of the impromptu gatherings was so fulfilling and inspiring.
I’m grateful to bring this beautiful lesson of social wellness back with me from Jordan—I hope it inspires you to connect with friends and family as a weekly ritual. It’s good spiritual medicine!
And now…
The 3-day Jordan Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan
We landed in Amman, Jordan via Turkish Airlines and headed straight to Fakhreldin Restaurant for an unforgettable Lebanese feast! If you go, make sure to look for Salmandan for the best Arabic coffee.
Other recommended restaurants:
Zohoor AlShifa Restaurant (amazing Iraqi kebabs and authentic Jordanian food like Mansaf)
AlAwael Restaurant (best Iraqi food)
Still dreaming of these kebabs!
I confess: we ate every single one of these kebabs at Zohoor AlShifa Restaruant.
Other recommended activities:
Visit the famous archaeological attraction, Roman Theatre.
Walk downtown to experience Jordan city life.
Dancing in the Dark
This epic landmark in Amman, Jordan, the Roman Theatre, was built in the 2nd century and seats 6000 people.
Day 2: Petra + Wadi Rum
Amman → Petra: 3 hours → Wadi Rum: 1.5 hours
Hiking to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, was a fun adventure and a breathtaking experience.
It’s called the “Lost City” because after being a bustling trading city, it sat uninhabited for centuries until it was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer.
Note: You can hike for as long as you desire—if you get tired, there are carts and horses to take you to your desired destination.
Wadi Rum
Aicha Memories Luxury Camp
After Petra, we headed to the stunning Arabian desert where we were driven in a jeep to explore and tour the incredible Wadi Rum.
The desert sunset, traditional Bedouin dinner, and sleeping under the stars in this magical Mars colony were surreal.
Day 3: Dead Sea
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
There are many places to stay at the Dead Sea; this hotel has an incredible breakfast, private access to the Dead Sea, a beautiful spa, and breathtaking views.
Dead Sea Tips:
Float in the sea for 10 minutes
Put mud all over your body and rest for a few minutes
Take pics! :)
Go back into the sea to wash mud off
Shower for a more thorough cleansing
Thank you, stunning Jordan. We’ll be back to experience your radiant beauty soon. Until next time, xoXO!
