Jordan 2006 / German - Jordanian Youth Exchange
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Zaid Asfour wrote:
The Story Continues:
In summer 2006, a new German youth group visited Jordan. This time instead of being a participant, I was an organizer. I accompanied the group for the whole period.
Honestly, I have never known my country as I have known it in the 10 days of the exchange. We went to the most interesting places all over the country. Starting from our beloved capital Amman, where we visited the historical sites such as the Roman Theater, and The Citadel. Then our journey started north, we head to Jerash where we had a guided tour in the roman ruins. I hadn't visited Jerash since school, so it was really interesting as well as very tiring.
Hadrian Gate
We continued our way to Ajloun. And the other day we visited my university - Jordan University of Science & Technology. The university hosted the group officially in the campus, and arranged for us a full day activity. The university's president, Prof. Wajih Owais, sponsored the activities that day. We went to Om-Qais, where the astonishing view of Tabareyya Lake. In this day particularly I was so proud of my university that it accepted to sponsor the exchange.
Just Entrance
Then we headed to the baptism site, which is exactly on the borders of Jordan's River. The German was anxious for that visit since it has a religious importance for Christians. Directly afterwards, and after burning under the hot sun, we went to the Dead Sea where we swam until dawn.
Dead Sea Resort
Since the purpose of the exchange was mainly to exchange culture. Germans visited our families. I hosted my friend Andreas who joined us at the family's gathering at our farm in Jal'ad - Salt. It was just a wonderful day where Andreas and my family talked together, played some sports, and exchanged gifts.
It was time then to start our four day journey to the South. The first target was Dana National Reserve. There we had a four hour hiking through the mountains of Dana. We were exhausted until we reached the camp and slept under the wonderful sky which was full of twinkling stars.
Hiking Through The Mountains of Dana
The other day we headed to Petra. It was my forth time to visit the Rosary City. But yet, every time I go there I see and discover new things. As soon as we finished our tour in Petra, we continued our way to Wadi Rum. I can't tell you how magnificent was the sunset in our way to Rum.
Sunset
In the night we had a walk through the dessert of Rum. Don't forget your sense of direction people; or you will just be lost in the wide dessert! In the morning the adventure started. 4x4 cars picked us from the camp and accelerated through the sands. What an experience was it!
The Desert Of Rum
Finally, and making it a surprise, we moved to the Pride of the South! Aqaba was our last destination in our journey. This visit to Aqaba was just different to all other visits to that great city. This time I went snorkeling in the Red Sea! It was my first time to have such a fantastic experience. I swam with fishes and besides the coral reefs.
One Of The Finest Pictures We Had For Aqaba
Its very hard for me to describe the emotions of the group when we were at Queen Alia International Airport saying goodbye to the Germans. But what I can tell you that we were certain that we will meet hopefully again!
If you are interested to see the whole schedule, you can click here...