Wonders – My Aqaba Expedition in December 2023 🏜️🐠

1. From Amman to Aqaba: My Bus Odyssey through the Desert

Starting in December 2023, I set out to take the five-hour bus ride from Amman to Aqaba. Just the thought of this bus journey through the Jordanian desert was exciting. Would I see camels? A wanderer in the middle of nowhere? Spoiler: I saw… sand. Endless sand. 😂

I stayed awake, playing the famous game “I spy with my little eye… and it’s brown” – much to the annoyance of my seatmate. After two hours, I gave up. My plan to film the entire ride faded into doubt: Who would watch five hours of sand? But let me know – I’ll gladly upload it!

2. Welcome to Aqaba – Culinary Adventures & a Love for Shisha

Finally in Aqaba, I stumbled straight into a world of delights: delicious falafel, creamy hummus, fresh avocado dip, and black tea with mint – a feast for the senses. And of course: shisha in Jordan isn’t just decoration – it’s part of daily life. Everywhere, people talk, laugh, and smoke. It may not fit in your pocket, but it goes straight to your heart.

3. Family Beach Days: A Road Trip Packed with Luggage

I watched a family at the beach: The car was crammed full – with a gas cooker, kitchenware, food, speakers, a big carpet, and of course, shisha. Barely enough room for the people inside – yet they were happy. Sometimes life is like that: overloaded, yet full of heart and adventure.

4. Snorkeling Instead of Diving – A Deep Encounter with the Sea

Since the diving course seemed too expensive, I opted for snorkeling instead. One day, I happened to meet a diving instructor on the beach – a former competitive swimmer with many medals, but due to political tensions he barely had any work. Still, he was full of motivation.

We spent hours together in the water: he taught me freestyle, showed me hidden coves, colorful fish, and corals. And the best part: we’re still in contact today – a truly enriching friendship. It’s even more moving when you know how hard those times were for him – balancing hope and uncertainty without giving up.

5. Fishing Trash with the Pros – An Underwater Environmental Mission

The absolute highlight: professional divers clean Aqaba’s sea from trash – daily, with dedication. I was allowed to join them. One diver handed me a net and said: “If you like, you can collect trash.” And I did – proud, motivated, fascinated. It was actually fun to collect plastic and more alongside these ocean heroes. This action left a mark on my heart – truly worth an environmental shoutout.

6. Nights & the Promenade – An Atmosphere That Touches You

At night I strolled along the promenade – a sea of lights from lanterns, cafés, shisha tables, and the sound of the ocean. By day, I wandered through lively streets, stocked up on fresh spices, and enjoyed the oriental vibe. Every step felt magical – like life embracing you.

7. Reflection: Can You Really Know a Country?

“How can you truly know a place if you’ve only spent a few days there?”

After two months in Aqaba, I can say: you don’t fully understand a place. You get to know it anew, differently, intensely, through encounters and setbacks. Every place changes once you look closer – friendships emerge, stories form, perspectives shift.

For me, Aqaba became a chapter full of openness – spontaneous invitations, deep conversations, becoming part of a new daily rhythm. And even though I haven’t grasped all its facets: I have my Aqaba. My journey. My wooooow.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get to Aqaba cheaply?
   The bus from Amman costs about 6–10 JD (approx. €8–13). A great option for budget bus travel in Jordan.
2. How much does snorkeling in Aqaba cost?
   Starting from 10–20 JD (approx. €13–26), you’ll get equipment and an introduction – hardly more than a nice meal.
3. Is Aqaba safe?
   Yes – even if there are conflicts in the region, Aqaba itself is a peaceful port city.
4. Where is the best place to snorkel?
   Right at the promenade or on organized tours – with corals, fish, and sometimes even dolphins.
5. How does the underwater trash cleanup work?
   Locally based divers professionally clean the Red Sea. Visitors can join – often for free.
6. What should I definitely eat?
   Try falafel, hummus, mansaf, avocado dip – and don’t miss black tea with mint. A must!