Kayla Mahon

I have always been drawn to Israel and Jordan, the awe inspiring  landscapes and bustling markets captivated me. When I found airline tickets for an unheard of low price I grabbed my credit card and booked them a month out. When I excitedly told people I was travelling overseas to explore these countries, my enthusiasm was met with hesitation. I always knew that the media did not always portray other countries in the world accurately and I wanted to travel myself and curate my own opinions on how I felt. 

My parents learned long ago that I was an explorer, I craved the experience of throwing myself into new cultures and if I wanted to travel somewhere, nothing would stop me - and I wanted to see the world, good and bad. 

When I arrived in Tel Aviv, I could not believe how misinformed I was about life there. After wandering the winding cobblestone streets of Jaffa for hours, walking along the brown sand beach strip that lined the ocean and heading to the Carmel market it was clear to me that being in Tel Aviv was like being in Toronto. People were dressed in shorts and t-shirts, summer dresses and bathing suits, they were surfing the Mediterranean Sea, shopping for spices and delicious meals in the local markets and sipping cold drinks on the many patios that lined the blue sparkling ocean. The food was mouthwatering, the people were warm and friendly and after one day I felt at home, like I had been there before. I rented a condo through Airbnb and wandered one morning and stumbled upon a local coffee shop. I went there every morning and the kindhearted owner fed me savoury pastries, bitter coffee and local juices at no charge. We could barley communicate by speaking, it was mostly hand gestures but I felt as if I had made a lifelong friend. I learned my way around the city and spent hours devouring new foods, breathing in the different spices in the markets and exploring every nook and cranny of this stunning city. 

After I said goodbye to Tel Aviv I headed for the land border between Israel and Jordan. The landscapes outside of the cities are indescribable. I crossed into Jordan with ease and headed for the old Roman city of Jerash. I climbed the colossal Temple of Zeus and stood over the ruins of what was once known as city of Gerasa. It was incredibly moving to be silently standing over such a vast and historic place. I spent a lot of time in Jerash taking in the peace and beauty that surrounded me. 

The next day I headed out for a destination that I had been mesmerized by since I first laid eyes on it in a travel magazine, the “Rose City”. I remember walking through the winding Siq wondering when I would get my first glimpse of ancient Petra. When my heart would jump out of my chest at the sight. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the sun glistening off of one of the ancient sandstone columns that held up one of the seven world wonders. Being in the presence of the Treasury for the first time took my breath away. I could not believe that I was in the presence of something so magestic and full of life. I remember feeling a sense of happiness and peace wash over me as I explored the raw beauty of Petra. The Treasury is only the first of many alluring sights within the 60 square kilometre grounds of Petra. Tombs line the pink rock walls as you wander deeper into Petra and after a trek of 850 steps I was graced by the sight of the Monestary. I met a Jordanian man who put black eyeliner on my eyes and taught me about frankincense and other medicinal oils and herbs. One day in this unique and awe inspiring place is definitely not enough, with so much ground to cover I would recommend exploring for at least two days. 

My last adventure in Jordan took me in an open air truck, swerving through piping hot, mars like sand dunes as far as the eye could see. I spent a night under the black star lined sky huddled around a crackling bone fire with bedouin musicians playing and serving sugar tea throughout the night. I was in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert, surrounded by animals, star light and serenity. I closed my eyes and fell asleep to the sounds of the howling wind in the dead of night. 

The last week of my journey I was back in Israel and I discovered Jerusalem. The city is full of narrow, cobblestone streets where you can buy anything your heart desires. I roamed through small stalls of goods and watched families come together to eat, shop and enjoy each others company. 

I did not want to leave this part of the Middle East without exploring further but my ticket home was already set and I made my way to the airport for my journey home. I have journeyed to many places in the world but Israel and Jordan were two places that made me feel as though I was meant to be there. I left a piece of my heart there and I will one day make my way back to find that piece. 

If you ever have the opportunity to explore Israel and Jordan, take it! 

Seek adventure and explore - Kayla