12/20/2013

Bike ride starts today or rather it starts tomorrow I'm just leaving to meet them today. I went a day early because I'm nervous about crossing the border into Jordan and being able to make it in time. I don't actually think that it is open tomorrow anyway. So I got up at 6:30 and finished getting the last things together. I had said goodbye to Estella and was out the door by 8. 

If you are looking for detailed instructions on getting from tel aviv to Amman these are perfect instructions: http://ingulfed.com/2011/01/08/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-to-take-buses-from-amman-to-tel-aviv/

My experience was getting a bus from Estella's to the central bus station(20minutes,6.6NIS) 

taking a bus from Tel Aviv to Jersulam. It is pretty simple you just go up to the ticketing level and either ask or look for a bus to jersulam. Knowing Hebrew as helpful as most of the signs are Hebrew only. 

The bus left at 9am and took just under an hour(18NIS) From the central bus station taking the #1 light rail to the Damascus gate(10minutes,6.6NIS) I stopped for cash on the way. The entire trip to Jordan and back is around 300NIS. I took out 400 to be safe.

I arrived and asked/followed signs for sheruit(shared taxi) to Allenby bridge. I found 2 other women looking to do the same thing. The taxi drivers hurried us along as the border crossing was closing early for Shabbat(30mimutes,80NIS) It is normally less expensive but not on Friday. 

I got to the border and they took my bags. I paid the 178NIS exit fee and went to customs to find that I was at the only border crossing where I needed a Jordanian Visa beforehand. There were some phone calls and they warned me about continuing but I went through anyway. I got my luggage back and got on a bus. The driver asked for tips for carrying luggage. I have him 10NIS that has been my standard when I don't know what to do. It's enough but not too much. Generally in Israel you tip 10%. 

Anyway on the bus drove for a minute or two. An inspector came on and got our passports. I didn't have a visa so they made me get off the bus and go into a office. I appogised and they said that they would try to help. I got back on the bus and continued to Jordan customs. I got my luggage scanned again and they sat me in an office while trying to find me a visa. About 15minutes later everything was sorted. I paid 20JD and was on my way. I went to change money and someone offered to trade. I know the exchange rate and he only took 2 for the transaction so a better rate than the bank. 

I took a taxi to my hotel in Madaba. It was 30JD. I was a little worried because it really was just a guy in his car. The ride was about 45 minutes on crazy windy roads that went up and down cliffs. My driver didn't speak much English and I speak no Arabic so it was a quiet but beautiful ride. It has amazed me how similar Hebrew and Arabic sound but I suppose they would. 

I got to my hotel, settled in and took a walk to get food. I came back, took a nap and went to the lobby for some brief internet access. I talked with the hotel staff ad his friend who works at the University of Madaba. I was semi-social in the lobby until about 9:30 when I decided to go upstairs. I watched The Social Network and V for Vendetta on the movie channel. I would feel like I'm missing out on Jordan but the Arabic sub-titles made me feel cultured. 

I won't have much, if any, internet access again until December 29th. Take care until then I will post when I can.