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
