Monday 6 May 2013

A journey back in time...

...to the days of the Crusades.

Hello everyone, hope all is well with you and yours.  Sun is shining again this morning, which is such a bonus.

A few weeks ago, while I was on a bit of a break from blogging, I was lucky enough to return to what I think is one of the most amazing places on earth - the beautiful Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  I just love it so, so much.  The people are so welcoming, the hospitality offered to visitors is humbling.  And the places you can visit - it is like being in a history book!!  As a child I loved to read stories about the Crusades, Knights, etc and when in Jordan this time I insisted upon visiting this place:


The Crusader Castle of Kerak.

It is AWESOME - the sheer size of the place is staggering.  Have any of you seen the film Kingdom of Heaven starring Orlando Bloom?  Well, this is the real castle where a lot of the film is set. 

A few glimpses of the sheer majesty of the place:



I love this view through the archway.


So amazing to think that the people I have read about in history books would have looked through the same archway.  Imagine all the things that would have run through their minds...as a little girl I used to hear the stories about this part of the world and dreamed that one day I would be able to visit.

There are three layers of underground passages to explore, it is staggering how these were built over a thousand years ago.  And even more staggering that the building has survived so well.


Of course, all this adventuring makes for a healthy appetite, here is a little something I cooked up for us when we got back to base:


This is a dish called Maqloubeh, it is rice, chicken, aubergines and potatoes with loads of spices (I made my self a meat free version as I'm a vegetarian).  There were no leftovers so it must have been OK!

Hope to be back again soon with some more photos of my trip.

Helenxx

7 comments:

  1. Great to catch up with your news - your visit to Jordan looks impressive.

    S X

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  2. Such beautiful photos, thanks for taking us along.
    Meredith

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  3. I like the look of that dish, have you got a recipe?
    thanks for the comment on the overlocker, can you believe it? I am still reeling. I don't think the girl really knew what it was or I'm sure she wouldn't have let it go for that price, still I didn't mind. lol
    Briony
    x

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  4. What an ancient place.. how far is it from where you live? I'm still recuperating from our trip around the Hood River Valley... ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  5. Good to hear from you again! A long weekend is wonderful when you work full time, just an extra day off makes such a difference. Jordan looks amazing.

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  6. I have tried to imagine what it would be like to live in a castle and have concluded that I am more of a cave dweller or perhaps I would do well in a little nook in an underground passage. Thanks for sharing such an amazing place with us Helen!
    xx,
    Gracie

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  7. Sounds like an amazing trip - thank you so much for popping into my blog it's always lovely to have a new visitor. Hope you have a lovely sunny week.
    Sue x

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