March 3rd- Aqaba

After a candlelit breakfast, we packed up and were picked up for the short drive to Aqaba. It is the major beach destination in Jordan and it is the only seaport in the country, so along with dozens of resort hotels, there are numerous areas in the port designated for specific cargos: containers, phosphate, passengers, etc. Aqaba has its own airport, and many international visitors fly in for a short seaside holiday.

Across the Red Sea, you can see the town and small port of Eliat in Israel.

Our hotel was a stark contrast to the ecolodge of the previous night. The resort had numerous pools, restaurants, and 306 rooms, perhaps all occupied. Still, there were ample loungers by each pool and on the beach. We didn't swim in the Red Sea- just got our feet wet. The water was clear but it was a bit slimy underfoot- and cold!

We enjoyed a walk down the beach to a nearby marina with some huge yachts

and surrounded by restaurants and luxury apartments.  

 

It was a great people watching spot, and the beverages were delicious. Many restaurants in Jordan are not licensed to sell alcohol and even some big hotels aren't, either. When beer is available, it seems to be Amstel on tap and sometimes Corona in a bottle. 

It was a good place to rest after the unfortunate day before.





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