The Chill Factor

Canvas tents offer little in the way of insulation during Jordanian winter....in the desert. Sleeping with 4 layers of clothing on, 2 pairs of socks & 5 thick blankets, I was as snug as a bug until nature required that I remove myself from hibernation! Arctic is the word that comes to mind. But, oh, how beautiful the early morning sun was over the red cliffs of Wadi Rum. Breakfast was around the camp fire in the main tent, where we gratefully began by wrapping numb fingers around cups of sage tea. Our guide, Jamilla, started making us a special type of toasted sandwich; pita bread lined inside with olive oil & a sprinkling of dukka, then placed to toast on both sides over hot coals. Scrumptious! It was a cosy little group that tucked into these, seated on low cushions, stunning rugs all over the floor and the fire absorbing our total attention! All good things must come to an end & any vestige of warmth was just about to. Our journey back to civilization was on the back of an open topped jeep! MAJOR CHILL FACTOR! The scenery was stunning & included patches of last nights frost! We drove through the area where the Peter O'Toole movie of Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Jamilla's father was in the film...one of the casts of thousands, & not even he can find himself on the movie!! Despite the cold, we were in awe of the beauty around us...but were very, VERY happy to get into our lovely warm van at the rendezvous point!