(^20) 29 February-7 March – Read Sea -Suwayma – Amman – 174
km
The road climbed steeply out of the Dead Sea valley to Amman,
located on a plateau at 1,000 metres above sea level, a slow process
on a bicycle. In the process, we met Peter and Jill who recognised the
South African sticker on Ernest’s bags and stopped to inquire about
our trip. They promptly invited us to a braai, and we spent the
following evening at their home, enjoying a great meal and plenty of
red wine before being dropped off at our abode.
I spent two days searching for a new rim but to no avail. There
wasn’t a great deal one could do but order a new one. Thanks to my
sister Amanda, Leon, and Jaco at Cycle Maintenance Centre in Cape
Town, the parts were packed and sent to Jordan.
Ordering the spares made kicking back in a room until the parcel
arrived easy. The best part of any accommodation was it usually had
a bathroom. I considered this heaven. The freezing weather resulted
in us biking and sleeping much in the same outfit, and you can thus
understand my delight.
I should’ve used the time to do something regarding my appearance,
as I was shrivelled up like an old prune. Instead, we did the tourist
thing and visited Madaba and Mt Nebo, where Moses reportedly saw
the promised land and died at 120. The world is clearly going
backwards as the life expectancy in Jordan, at the time of our visit,
was only 74. The place was a tad disappointing, and there was
nowhere to place your feet and say, “Beam me up, Scotty”.
leana
(Leana)
#1