It was a relaxing 4 hour drive back to Amman. Lots to see with desert, rubbish strewn fields and camels riding in Ute trays!

Our guide told us a bit about Arabic (and in particular Bedouin) customs. In his example, he fell in love with an Italian girl and against his mothers wishes, married her. His mother and sisters made her life hell and he divorced her after 12 months. Eventually, (4 years later) he agreed to an arranged marriage. He described the process (very much like his mother and sisters shopping for his bride - making sure she looked nice, had good teeth, no defects etc). Whilst women must remain covered in front of men, they are allowed to wear short sleeves and skirts in front of other women so this made it easier for the mother and sisters to check for flaws! They have now been married for 30 years and have 3 sons. 

He told us a little more about their customs generally which was interesting. 

After this fascinating subject, we were back in the big city of Amman for our final night on this leg of the tour. We visited a few of the historical sites - namely the Citadel, the Hashemite Plaza, and the Roman Temple of Hercules. We were then back at the Marriott Amman - a nice hotel which we spent 2 nights in at the start of this leg of the tour. 

All exhausted from our days in the desert, we were all keen to shower and rest before regrouping for pre dinner drinks at the sports bar here. We then moved into the restaurant next door for our final dinner and then back to the sports bar. Unfortunately, one of our Aussie couples are not doing the Egypt tour so we are farewelling them. 

We did enjoy Jordan - the slower pace (compared to Israel) was enjoyable and the visit to Petra and Wadi Rum definitely the highlights of our visit and once in a lifetime experiences. 

The next day was a travel day. Our flight to Cairo was not until 3pm so we had a morning to relax with a transfer to Amman airport at midday. There were 22 of us heading onto the next leg of the tour. We had an escort through formalities at the airport - it really wasn’t difficult but perhaps some people might have struggled and I guess because Insight booked the flights they want to ensure that you actually make the flight as they are responsible for you. Amman Airport is actually very new and modern and we had a light snack before boarding our flight to Cairo. The aircraft was a new A320 fitted with entertainment screens so the one hour flight was pleasant.

On landing we were met with an escort again. Most of us had already organized our online e-visas (a couple did not so had to get theirs on arrival) and once we were past immigration and baggage we had to wait in the terminal for about 90 minutes (something to do with traffic and the President passing through). Our coach also had to be attended by a sniffer dog (explosives) before we could board.

Eventually, we were on our way and the traffic in Cairo was insane. It was so busy and even the occasional ambulance was not getting anywhere. Anyway, 3 hours after landing we arrived at our hotel at about 8pm. Our hotel is huge - absolutely massive. Lots of restaurants and bars (and even a casino!). We don’t really have time to explore (we will at the end of the tour as we return here) but as soon as we checked in, we (and another couple from Sydney) ate dinner in the courtyard restaurant with a couple of drinks. Our dinner and drinks was about $50 AUD - after the hugely expensive prices in Israel and Jordan - this was a welcome change! The temperature was perfect and it was lovely sitting out there (except for the cigarette smokers - they cannot be avoided)! 

As we ate, Joan’s friend Bernie walked past - coincidentally her tour is also staying at this hotel - so we have now run into her in Jordan and Egypt!

And then we headed to bed - we have a very early start in the morning (4am!!) so need some sleep!