We leave our hill side camp spot and sadly are not able to say good bye to our Bedouin sheep herder friend. He was already up before dawn taking his heard up to the precarious slope. We cleared away ensuring not to leave a mark and headed back up the mountain road toward Wadi Rum. We were in no rush and we pottered along leisurely. We did however, plan to stop for some provisions, milk, bread and oil. Passing a number of fuel stations, we actually stopped in a small village called Al-Hussayniyah. The shop had a good selection, but as we pack them in the car I am beckoned over by a group of older gentlemen for coffee. I join them and yes, the coffee is amazing. As I sit and exchange pleasantries, a number of young boys come and say hello.
As I sat there discussing the trip and Jordan with them, school had obviously finished and across the road, a large mob of young boys are now surrounding the Jeep and trailer, with Becky catching away from the window of the Jeep. I head over and show the excited boys around the trailer with cheers and gasps of amazements. It was only when one of the old gentlemen who was an ex-teacher came over issuing commands in Jordanian and a Police car slide alongside the boys then started to disperse. We said our goodbyes and set off on our way with waves and cheers. Later we got a message from the ex-teacher explaining and apologizing that this was not the normal for his country, village and boys. We responded that we absolutely were fine with it and it was amazing, we look forward to visiting again soon.
We head to Wadi Rum slightly unsure what awaits us. A number of friends and even Jordanian natives recommended Wadi Rum saying it was amazing.
As we turn off the main road and head into the nature park, we see why they said it was. The place if world renown for being epic and the location of many films and you can see why. Out plan was to head to a camp and there are plenty of them, but this one is recommended as Overland friendly. We off-road half a mile to the camp and pull up at a small but welcoming camp called Planet Rum. Initially we think we can park in the carpark but we can ushered around the corner next to the camels. This will be the perk of free parking. We do not mind at all and settle in for the night. The night is cool and we decide to have dinner in the camp as the price is super cheap and the buffet is amazing. There are a few people staying and they discuss star gazing. We find ourselves wondering outside with them and using a rather nifty app on the phone, we are pointing out planets and galazies far, far away that completely make you look at the sky differently. We love the stars anyhow and camping in the desert just brings them to life even more. Just a perfect way to spend the night.