You see, when we left Jerash and travelled south west to Jordan Valley, we passed by Ajlun. There is a very significant castle in Ajlun called Ajlun Castle which was built by Saladin.
As a big fan of the Crusader history, obviously seeing this castle gives me goosebumps. I'm again seeing history not merely as a story book to read but the fact that it actually happens and it happens right here. But because we do not have the time, we did not make our way to the top of the hill so I just snap a picture from afar in my car.
Now, on my last day in Jordan, after leaving Petra to head back to Amman to catch our plane, we passed by Karak. Karak's ancient name is Moab. Sounds familiar? Yes it is mentioned countless times in the Bible. In Karak, there is also a very significant castle called Karak Castle. This time around, I just have to make a pit stop even if its only for 15 minutes.
Karak Castle is apparently the 2nd largest castle in the middle east. I cannot miss this because this is a truly genuine stronghold crusader! I’ve spent countless hours building castle on my computer screen and here I am now standing in one! 
This castle is built in 1140s by Baldwin which is the opponent of Saladin. The crusaders called this Crac des Moabites. As an ancient Crusader stronghold, it sits on the highest spot in Karak at about 900 metres above sea level.
Look at the spectacular view it offers from the castle. The Crusaders can spot the activities and enemies hundreds of miles away. Just totally speechless to be able to stand right here where the crusaders used to stand guard about 800 years ago. 
This is the stairway leading to the castle keep.
Inside the castle, there's huge dome like passageway with strategic openings for archers
This stopover in Karak has truly quenched my thirst to have a final journey into history itself for this trip. Everything seems true and real. In Jordan, I have a peep into the history of humankind, what we have build, what we have gone thru, what we have become. We reap what we sow. Truly the history of the civilization as we know it all started from the Middle East and then spread out into the world. p/s For someone that is a history buff and ruin gawker, a trip to Jordan is truly an experience of a lifetime. Truly what I have see and feel for a week's journey is worth so much more than what I have read in thousand of pages over the years. Jordan, I will come back.
Date of travel : May 2009
OK, so we reached Petra the night before and checked into Movenpick Nabateans near Petra city. Just a picture to show how Arabic the hotel is, very nice. Anyway, the next morning, we had an early breakfast to make sure we have a full day to spend in Petra. Normally, you need 2 to 3 days to fully explore the ruin, but we only have one day. 
The ancient city of Petra was build more than 2000 years ago. Evidence suggests that settlements had begun in and around Petra in the 18th dynasty of Egypt (1550-1292 BCE). Behind me is the Obelisk Tomb located just outside of Petra City. 
The attraction of Petra City actually begins even before you reached the city. The entrance or route leading to the city is a 2 kilometre long 'siq'. Siq means narrow pathway and this narrow pathway is surrounded by mountains as high like one hundred feet on both side. What a beautiful experience to walk thru it.
This picture doesn't do justice how beautiful the actual scene is. 
The first thing that greeted us right at the entrance to Petra ancient city is the Al-Khazneh. This is where the Indiana Jones and the last crusade’s scene was shot. Absolutely stunning as the suddenly open area provided a bright view of the structure. I was actually standing at this very spot for full 5 minutes just to absorb what I'm looking at. Can you imagine someone travelling to this city 2500 years ago and get to see this view? Absolutely is a "Wonder of the World".
Al-Khazneh also known as Treasury is one of the most significant structure or monument in Petra. Built in 100BC, or should I say, carved into the mountain in 100BC, this structure is about 40metres high and is believed to hold treasures from the ancient pharaohs. The tiny human at the main entrance clearly shows how majestic this structure is. 
And then, there is the Tomb Raider! OK, I'm standing in front of the Urn Tomb. Can you see the tiny little black dots behind me. Yeah, those are humans on the main street. This is how high the Urn Tomb is.
Some of the things I get to see while climbing up hill. Reminds me of the Flinestones ... Yabadaba Dooooo!
The 1 hour hike is rewarded with a really breathtaking view of the rocky mountains of Petra. No word could describe nor picture that could show exactly how beautiful it is … God’s creation! 
Still climbing ... gosh, gotta take a picture here.
YES, we are finally there! 
Can you spot the tiny minuscule human being on the left hand side of the door? What can I say, I just stand there, look at this man-made marvel with jaws dropped the entire time and just … WOWWWW! 
OK, you know I'll probably only come here once in my lifetime, so I gotta just pose and pose and pose.
After spending about 30 minutes here, we hike back down with an experience we will never forget in this lifetime
As I was walking back to the main street, I came upon this view which looks so much like the City of Kings in LOTR … nothingness and then a city from afar … ahhh … so beautiful.
The evening light makes Petra seems like glittering in gold. So beautiful!
Before I left, I couldn't help but capture more pictures of Al-Khazneh. It is even more beautiful now then it is in the morning because the evening sun has turned the entire place to 'red rose city'.
"Aesthetically, there is perhaps no more beautiful site in the world." (National Geographic Traveller)
There is supposed to be a very significant church in Madaba but as we are short of time, we skipped the church and head to Mount Nebo. 
When we stand at the summit of Mount Nebo at 817 metres above sea level, we can see the panoramic view of Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho and Jerusalem which is referred to as the 'Promised Land' as Moses see it. This is the biblical spot where Moses last stand to look at the promised land where he is supposed to led the Israelites for 40 years in the desert to reach. We all know he did not make it to the promised land and instead die at this very place. 
To honour this man of God, a serpentine cross was placed at the summit, It is a symbolic of the brass serpent created by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9) and the cross upon which Jesus was crucified (John 3:14).
In Mount Nebo there is also a church that was constructed in the second half of the 4th century to commemorate the place of Moses' death. While I was there, it was closed to public.
There is a lot of mosaic found in this church, such as this one. It was inscripted in Greek which reads, 'for the salvation and offering of Matrona.'
I know I probably will not make it to the highest point on earth which is the Mt Everest but guess what? I made it to the lowest point on earth and do it with style! 
I checked into the Marriot Hotel & Spa at Jordan Valley. It is one of the most beautiful resort I have been. Suddenly I forgot that I was in the Middle East. In the resort, we have guest wearing bikini, sunbathing and floating in the sea. I will get to how beautiful the resort is later cause there is something more important about Jordan Valley that I cannot wait to tell, the Dead Sea.
By far one of the most silliest act I have ever done in public is applying mud on my face and all over my body! OK, everybody else did that except my hubby otherwise I wouldn't have the chance to even have this picture taken. So why did we do this? Dead Sea Mud is rich with 35 minerals that is supposedly good for the skin. This mud is collected from certain spot at the Dead Sea beach, add in some fragrance and sell all over the world at high prices. So since I can get it the totally organic version and free at that, not going to pass that am I? 
Oh yes, the sunset view at Dead Sea is absolutely to die for. It is the most beautiful sunset I've ever witnessed. Beats Bali, beats Angkor Wat ... way way hands down.
And I get to watch the sunset while soaking in the jacuzzi. Hmmmm, life can never get better than this. OK, just ignore my sun burnt face and just look at the beautiful skyline. 
I have one of the best night sleep in this hotel in the entire Jordan trip ... zzzzzzz.
The next morning, we wake up and have one of the best breakfast experience. You see, having breakfast in this resort is just superbly pleasant ... early morning cool breeze, bird chirping, freshly baked pastries … ahhh, if only every morning's breakfast can be this nice.
While walking down the beach, I took the chance to shoot this signage. This is not the lowest point yet.
View of the Dead Sea in the morning when the sun is shining from the east. Notice we can see the other side of the sea, where Israel is. This is one big oasis, yes?
This place is one of the most memorable and beautiful place I've ever been. I shall come back one day.