Three and a half months from now I'll be done with formal education. Forever.
That's quite the truth bomb isn't it? How an entire chapter of my life I've spent over twenty years writing will draw to a close in what feels like a millisecond. Classes, career decisions, thesis and a conundrum of other things have taken up much of my time, to the dismay of my creative outlets.
Yet life doesn't stop - it never stops, and we're ultimately responsible for how we react to any wrenches thrown our way.
That's why I decided to take break from studying and being sick (sometimes it does feel like I can kick my weak immune system on the butt) and talk a little bit about one of the most wonderful experiences I still can't believe I lived through.
This time last month I was gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime: Jordan, Israel and - unexpectedly in the best of ways - Palestine.
Nothing's quite as satisfying as knowing you found someone who shares your creative eye and takes perfect shots. This one was taken at the entrance of the Petra Treasury.
As a self-proclaimed chronic planner, I felt more responsible than usual for things to go off without a hitch since my aunt and her friend would be coming along.
1. Gentle reminder that booking activities with the same company will save your neck, especially in countries with stringent security. I reserved the Petra and Wadi Rum tour through Tourist Jordan, the Eilat - Jerusalem - Eilat buses via Tourist Israel, and the Jerusalem walking tours through Sandemans New Europe. On our way back from Petra, Tourist Israel contacted us informing that our next day bus from Eilat to Jerusalem had been cancelled, but since we were already traveling to Aqaba (right across the border from Eilat) that evening, they said we could head to Jerusalem with the rest of the group (shoutout to the lovely Madalena, whom I met in Petra and spent the whole bus ride talking with).
We had an efficient guide assist us with paperwork, and because we arrived with a tour we didn't have to pay any hefty border fees. I wish we'd had the same option coming back since the price to cross from Israel to Jordan is exorbitant, and quite a bit of misinformation goes around in terms of what you need to pay when. Bonus tip: I'd recommend going to Israel first and visiting Petra afterwards! Border fees are cheaper if you prove you'll be in Petra at least a day.
Riding along a caravan with my beloved Kuku under the blanket of a setting sun? Priceless.
2. Jordan can be expensive, but only if you don't do your research beforehand. Look into how much stuff is actually worth, and as usual I'd suggest seeing where locals enjoy eating. We avoided a fair amount of tourist traps and dodgy deals that way.
3. You will need two days to visit Petra - but prepare for tough hikes. My goal for the trip was to not only see the world-famous Petra Treasury, but the lesser known albeit equally impressive Monastery. Following a few misadventures with our hotel and a three and a half hour hike we eventually made it to the Monastery. To our delight the throng of tourists wasn't as prevalent as it was at the Treasury, allowing us to sit back, take multiple gorgeous shots and drink tea to recharge. My lifesavers were the two pairs of Skechers Go Walk sneakers I packed - they're light, feel akin to walking on clouds and provide reasonable arch support. Do note the pair I linked are different from the ones in the photos, since the latter correspond to the first models released.
Day 2: Getting creative after a gruelling hike to the Petra Monastery.
Nurturing my fledgling modelling career after feeling I was going to die during the uphill struggle.
4. Even if you are not religious, expect to adhere to a strict dress code when visiting Jerusalem. This is in reference to the Dome of the Rock. I wore a long sleeved maxi dress and thermal pants that reached just above my ankles. However, there are people inspecting if everyone was dressed decently, and if you weren't, expect to wear something akin to a potato sack that trails along the floor. Not fun when it's pouring and freezing outside! When in doubt, I'd say stick to jeans and boots. Similarly, we happened to arrive on Shabbat and decided to check out the Wailing Wall that day. There are clear signs stating no photos are allowed at Jewish holy sites, and if you so much as take your phone out to check the time, expect to be scolded by both young and old people.
Brisk winds notwithstanding, I was thrilled to visit one of the holiest sites not only for Muslims, but for followers of all Abrahamic religions.
5. Jordan has an ever-present tipping culture, so make sure you have your exchange rates sorted out and enough spare coins in a pouch. Having lived in Switzerland for a year and a half, I'd almost forgotten about tipping, but in Jordan they will chase you down if you don't leave something. Don't think about flashing your wallet or they will say you're being stingy with money and cause a scene. Keeping coins or small change in a pouch will help you be ready and avoid uncomfortable encounters. Likewise, the Jordanian Dinar is a stronger currency than the US dollar and the Swiss franc, and if you're not careful when tipping, you could end up giving way more than you should.
There was no shortage of silly poses throughout this trip, and it felt great!
6. Israel is windy and cold! Jordan in February is wonderful, with temperatures ranging between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius. Israel on the other hand was far less forgiving with daily rain and gusts that made you feel like you were in -2 degree weather. If you're traveling during the winter months, pack a wool cardigan and a waterproof layer to be on the safe side.
My beanie must've threatened to fall off at leas five times while visiting the Mount of Olives!
7. Treat prevailing beliefs as an opportunity to learn, grow and question your own spirituality. On our second day in Jerusalem, some people in my group had an issue with our guide spending a good chunk of the tour focusing on sites significant for the Jewish faith - to the extent that potential religious and Israel/Palestine debates threatened to break out. Fortunately, our guide managed everything tactfully and took it as a chance to give us one viewpoint on an issue that has dragged on for too long and caused immeasurable suffering throughout the entire Middle East. I will say though that the guide who accompanied us on day one was more inclusive, and a key phrase he continued repeating was: ''why is this place important? Depends on who you ask.'' The entire Israel leg of our trip reminded me of a powerful lesson from Black Panther: ''more connects us than separates us.''
It's also important to know the meaning of what something as simple as a scarf can have. Our group wore keffiyehs during most of the trip, and one day whilst eating at a Thai restaurant in Jerusalem, a Palestinian girl politely walked up to us, explained where she's from, and thanked us for showing solidarity for the Palestinian cause through our scarves. There are many things we take for granted, even in Latin America, and being in the Middle East reminded me of how powerful symbols can be.
That being said, I implore you to read about your destinations and approach them with an open heart.
Plaques containing the Lord's Prayer in 146 languages, built where Jesus Christ first uttered it.
8. You will eat the most incredible food in your life. The best hummus I've had was in the Al-Shami restaurant in Aqaba, Jordan, while the best customer service and most heavenly smoothies will grace you in Lebnani Snack, also in Aqaba. If you make it there, tell Amir the Dominican habibtis say hi!
Lebnani's insanely photogenic smoothies.
9. Never underestimate how far a good camera will take you. I have my GoPro Hero 8 to thank for some of my favorite shots - I'd heard amazing things about this powerful little fella from two of my favourite travel bloggers: The Blonde Abroad and My Life's a Movie, but I couldn't even begin to imagine how reliable it would be. Pack sufficient batteries and don't forget to charge them every night! I survived with three, since the GoPro's only downside is its limited battery life.
The magical result of combining a GoPro and the camera's mobile app.
10. You'll be hard-pressed to find yourself in places that meld street-smarts and hospitality so organically. I never thought I was capable of drinking so much tea in one day. Dashing gentlemen will welcome you and showcase their wares whilst serenading you with sharp mint tea. It's crucial, however, that you don't forget this is part of the hustle: show you know what something's actually worth and don't be afraid to haggle - threaten to walk away and purchase from ''someone who has better prices not far from here''. If you end up being treated well and genuinely love what you bought, then give fellow tourists positive references. This way, your uncompromising yet caring reputation will precede you - this is coming from someone who was called a tough negotiator in Aqaba, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
11. Jumpsuits will become your best friends. Stylish, hassle-free clothing that is discreet, stylish and comfortable? Sign me up!
Are there other tips you'd like to share? Have you been to Israel, Jordan and/or Palestine?