Ruined Out - Commonly occurs in shallow, uninformed, Western travellers and is characterized by a total saturation point for any kind of ancient history - the mere mention of 'B.C.' can induce eyes glazing over and rolling back into the head ;)

Jerash - Remarkably Preserved Roman City, skipped it

Kings Highway - Connects historic cities, took a miss here

Desert Castle Loop - Built in 7th & 8th Centuries, passed

Mud Bath at the Wickaninnish - $145 Salt Glow at the Wick Spa - $95 versus

Relaxing and floating in the Dead Sea for hours while caked with fresh Dead Sea mud...priceless (and free)

Our trip to Petra didn't disappoint and even rejeuvinated us out of our 'Ruined Out' coma. We took in a sunset that seemed all our own and saw it all again in early morning light the next day. The facade of the Treasury (can be seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) was incredible.

In Aqaba, we met our Bedouin 4x4 desert driver who himself could have easily walked off a movie set, dressed in traditional Arab garb...only he was for real. The desert of Wadi Rum was spectacular (the setting for the book,"Lawerence of Arabia")with its dramatic colours at sunset, sand dunes, and incredible star show was a perfect way to finish off our visit to Jordan.