I've been!
19 months ago
Got back about three weeks ago. The most amazing place ever! Don’t be put off by what other people think or say; go to the ME and you will have your preconceptions blown away.
How to visit the Middle East
It made me
Foogoooooo 
"Amazing and worth every penny!!"
How I did it: Well, I started by saving a lot of money. This is usually the first step unless you have a sugar daddy or mummy.
In my case, I was my own sugar mummy so it took about 18 months because I also have a little 'bubble tea' habit that I don't wish to divulge to you lovely readers (or mention the costs of maintaining such a habit).
I read up a lot about where I was going and what I would like to do when I got there. I went on my own to Egypt, Jordan & UAE. Single, white, female. Hello boys.
Actually, I didn't realize until I went to Egypt how many Hollywood celebrities (and Ancient Egyptians) seem to look just like me! In fact, half of Egypt was mistaking me for Britney, JLO or Angie (and sometimes Brad)...
Good Times, I really recommend it!!
p.s - i am going back to Jordan in 2 months. Then another trip to Jordan, Syria & Lebanon in June 2010. That being said, I guess it's not for everyone. You be the judge of that :)
Lessons & tips: I believe people should be realistic about why they are going somewhere. Being privileged to be a guest in another country should be met with a simple respect for the local cultures and customs. I think when in Rome, do as the Romans would do. It's a really enriching experience to live a day (or 6 weeks) in another light.
I think reading, researching, meeting locals is really beneficial. Also, knowing what to watch out for, avoid being ripped off etc etc.
I have added some recommendations for websites you might like to check out. If you need any help with Egypt, Jordan, Syria. I have friends who can organize tours and I can recommend some places to stay, or visit. Just msg.
All the best :)
Resources: www.tripadvisor.com (hotel reviews etc etc)
the lonely planet forums
google :)
friend :)
People doing this are also doing these things:
Entries
Untitled
23 months ago
i need to get a job and start saving money so i can afford to do this sometime after graduation
i found a vacation package that tours jordan and syria for 15 days and sounds perfect
i wish i had money and could do this now!
Long Term
2 years ago
This is a long term goal again. I’ve decided to focus on staying in the Bay Area and with all these weddings I have to go to over the next 2 years and my desire to learn spanish, it probably doesn’t make sense to go to the Middle East this year or next.
Maybe soon?
2 years ago
This might happen sooner than I thought. I am talking to some people about jobs in Dubai
We spent about 3 months travelling through “middle eastern” countries – Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Turkey, before continuing through a few eastern European spots.
All I can say is…go. Egypt’s not the highlight, much as some people might expect it to be…mainly because the dominance of the tourism industry leads to being treated as a mobile cash dispenser instead of a guest. Jordan, Syria, and especially Turkey are much more interesting.
Riding camels in Wadi Rum, Jordan, lazing around in the mud and stone village of Dana, also in Jordan, wandering the maze that is Old Damascus, and hiking in Cappadocia are all experiences which will never be forgotten.
And nowhere else have a travelled where you get countless invitations to come home with random locals, and people just pleased that you’ve chosen to visit their country.
Go go go
3 years ago
It is amazing. Ever since I got back from Jordan I’ve wanted to go back again. If you go you will learn the true meaning of hospitality.
Untitled
4 years ago
It was a great time. Not sure it’s my first destination to get back to. But glad I visited.
Culture, history, and just generally fascinating
4 years ago
Some years ago, I took an ancient history course which focused largely on the earliest civilizations along the Nile, Euphrates, and Tigris rivers. At the time, I never thought much about travelling to places like that, travelling still meant going to Europe or Australia. And Arabs were scary people.
But in the last couple of years, as I’ve gotten to feel like, well, I’ve seen Europe, several times, maybe it’s time for something a bit more adventuresome, and I started thinking about all the ancient sites in the middle east.
Then I started reading, and that was the mistake…reading about the middle east just fascinated me…not just its history, but its present day culture as well. Every travel story I’ve read about Jordan and Syria has named them the friendliest, and safest countries the visitor had ever been to.
So I’ve got a trip generally planned, and a budget in the making. I’m leaving in late February or early March 2006 and flying to Cairo. From there, I will set out, one month in Egypt then take the ferry accross to Jordan. 3 weeks each in Jordan and Syria, and then take my time, maybe a month or more to cross Turkey, before eventually ending up in Athens.
If money allows, I’ll continue to overland up through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary making towards a flight home from London…hopefully I can make it all the way before money runs out.
