Queen Rania of Jordan in New York!

Its not everyday that you can see royalty, well, not for me at least. So, as I was roaming around New York City taking photos of my beloved city, I happened to be at Borders when I noticed secret service wandering the aisles. I wondered who was here, and it was Queen Rania of Jordan. I knew nothing about her, well not until I got home, but like a paparazzi photographer (I am not, but I hunt for a photo like a photojournalist) I went to see who this person was. I was at first shocked by her beauty and her youth (she's turning 40 this year). Anytime I think of royalty, or a queen, I think of someone older. But, this is not what this blog posting is about (you can read more about her on my previous blog posting at www.simplyMEinNYC.blogspot.com -- its about how she reminded me of my trip to Jordan. I thought I would post a few photos from my trip that were most memorable but unfortunately I need to register them before posting them. (and yes, they are that good!).

So you will have to wait for the photos of my journey from Egypt to Jordan (via ferry to Aqaba - where the Queen enjoys to spend time w/ friends and family -- sadly I do not have pictures of the town), Petra (oh, i loved Petra), Petra at Night (a unique experience), The Dead Sea (you really can sit up in the water!), Bethany-Beyond Jordan (where Jesus was said to have been baptized), Amman/Jerash, and of course the fun times at Al Karak Castle (see the posting).

Having our "KICKS" at Kerak Castle, Jordan (NOT TO BE MISSED)

January 8, 2010

Al Karak Castle (or some people spell it Kerak Castle) was one of my favorite castles that we visited during my Middle East trip. There is a great sense of history here, but the reason why I loved it was because of the numerous passageways down below the ground level that was perfect for exploring and ... of course, for these hilarious photos I took with my brother. I saw him there and absolutely had to take some photos.

I asked him to do some ridiculous poses... He asked, "what should I do" and I responded -- "how about some Kung Fu moves"... he of course didn't see what I was seeing, not yet -- but after a few shots... this is what I got.

Wilson and his Kung Fu Poses ...

The Side stance ... the Death grab ... and the pouncing tiger kick! (my favorite)

and of course, after he laughed at what he saw, it was my turn to do my karate poses!

I do have to admit, the first two had incredible form... and the last -- how HIGH can my jumping jack be! My next calling in life -- karate workout videos! :D

Hope you enjoyed that string of kicks from Kerak Caslte in Jordan! This is what everyone should do in a Crusader Castle built in AD 1140's!


Here is some quick info on the castle:

The castle was once a Crusader stronghold, 1000 meters above sea level and surrounded by the valley and provided great views of the Dead Sea. Construction of the castle began in AD 1140's.

An Adventure I Don't Want to Relive in Jordan...

As you can see from the photos above, you can easily guess that I was in a car accident. Wilson was driving down the Dead Sea Highway when a car on the opposite side of the road decided to make a U-TURN. Of course, they didn't see the oncoming traffic (i.e. US) so they proceeded. Wilson of course saw the car and attempted to stop but had to swerve into the ditch to avoid hitting the car head-on. Luckily for us, Wilson continued to swerve left and right to avoid the wall and we ended up upon a slight incline in the ditch.

I am soooo thankful that a) we didn't collide with the other car -- they were an elderly couple -- cause they would have been toast; b) we didn't hit the wall because I would have been toast and c) we walked away without any injuries and were happy that we had "walk-away" insurance that says we have $0 liability for the car (which, in my opinion is a DEFINITE must when renting a car abroad; btw, just to make sure its "true" walk-away insurance ... you should also pay in cash too so they can't come after your credit card).

I'm still surprised that the elderly couple stopped to see that we were okay and then proceeded to point the finger at us as if it was our fault... but, we had the right of way, which perhaps, in this country means nothing. But, wow... they just left us with our car in the ditch!

Oh, well... Wilson and I are thankful that we survived to tell the tale.

Man, if I think back... the last 24 hours was a bit crazy...

-- we started the day with a flat tire and had to get that repaired
-- the night before I had my my point-and-shoot camera stolen
-- the day before Wilson was pulled over for speeding (but thankfully they couldn't read his HK International License Number and let us go)
-- and that same day we saw a cow tipped over on its side, potentially foreshadowing our situation.

hope tomorrow is a better day!