The magic of Jordan

Fascinated by the middle eastern landscapes, I dreamt to visit Jordan since years. Free diving in the Red Sea, exploring the eerie deserts of Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea, and of course, Petra… that 2,400 year sandstone jewel in their crown. Follow me, I show you !

Jordan

Night millions of souls, six times smaller than France, a country whose half of its citizens are naturalized Palestinian or Iraqi refugees and for millennia. Borderer with Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt (we count the water border), West Bank and Israel, what a neighborhood ! Jordan is fascinating. Check this out !

Amman

Located in the north of Jordan, Amman has many faces. Built on hills, the capital is a curious mix of old Ammonite ruins dating back to 1200 B.C., traditional souks and a new Middle Eastern flair architecture. From the hill of the cathedral, I admired this beautiful sandy city view, full of beige monochrome houses and friendly people.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, Unesco-protected World Heritage, is one of the most beautiful place I ever seen. You feel very small in this impressive desert. You hear only the wind, crossing some nomad, some camels and a few tourists. We slept in a tented camps where nights are spent under thousands of stars. Jordan's national flower only grows in Wadi Rum and only in spring. It calls Black Iris. How pretty !

Jerash

One of the best preserved Roman sites outside of Italy, Jerash is about 45min drive (51 km) from Amman. Lined with tall stone columns, carved stone blocks, plazas and theatre.. the massive ruins of Jerash are like a travel from the past. Where is Hercule to take a selfie ?

The Red Sea

Diving the Red Sea in Aqaba was one of my favorite memory of Jordan. There are many dive sites along the coast, but the Tank and the Wreck (used as an artificial reef) are two of the most iconic. It only lies 18m underwater and is easily accessible to all divers. I free dived to see it. Amazing !

Petra

I didn't sleep the night before going to Petra. I was too excited. I check almost every 3 hours if my camera were charged. My phone. My alarm clock. We walked past Nabataean palaces, Roman amphitheaters, hills covered in burial sites, and caves adorned with ancient statues. Then we faced the magical wallstone. Wow ! We continued climbing another 800 steps through the cliff face to the vast to get to the second wallstone. Even more impressive ! Behind it, there’s an overview to Israel and Palestine. That day, of my dream came true !

The Dead sea

“Dead Sea”, what a creepy name for something so beautiful. The Dead Sea is ten times more salty than the ocean, nothing can survive in that level of salt, that’s why it named Dead Sea. At -422m above the sea level, it’s also the lowest point on earth ! (Actually, not anymore since 2019. Scientific found a canyon under an iceberg at -3500m above the sea level in Antartica). Thats what I knew about the Dead sea before seing it. But, let me tell you... the most impressive thing about the Dead Sea is the colors. It literally looks like a liquid mirror with unreal tons of silver, blue lagoon and pink. Floating in the Dead Sea was unreal but you can’t stay more than 10 minutes inside the water cause it’s burns the skin. Well-known for wellness treatment, I did a mud bath which made my skin smooth for the rest of the trip. A really fun experience !

My trip

Day 1 : France - Amman
Day 2 : Amman - Jerash - Amman (160 km - 2H)
Day 3 : Amman - Madaba - Nébo - Kerak - Petra (266 Km - 4 h)
Day 4 : Petra - Small Petra
Day 5: Petra - Wadi Rum (115 km – 1h40) - Desert camp
Day 6 : Wadi Rum - Aqaba - Red sea boat trip
Day 7: Aqaba - Dead sea
Day 8 : Dead sea - France

Where is Jordan ?

 

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La Creole Beach Hotel and Spa in Guadeloupe

Turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, tropical forest and pink sunset are a part of the magical setting of the Guadeloupe islands, one of the last unspoiled havens in the Caribbean. Facing the sea and the mountains, The Creole Beach Hotel & Spa, surrounding by a beautiful tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy the slow Caribbean life that we are all looking for on... Follow me !

The salty sea enters the lobby, birds sing everywhere, a charming waitress brought me a fresh fruit cocktail in the outdoor bar… That's how the Creole Beach Hotel and Spa welcome their guest on their arrival day after a long flight. Near the restaurant, the wind steers some banana trees and palm trees laiden with coconuts. The tropical flowers, contrasted by the blue of the pool, are so beautiful to observe. A few steps away, the iguanas and colibrie birds seem to enjoy the same view. Not a single tree is cut down. The charm is on. Welcome home in Guadeloupe !

The creole room

Hanging wicker lights, a creole painting on the wall, a king size bed for my long legs ... With no excess decorations, each room of the hotel recreates the warm atmosphere of a comfortable Caribbean log cabin. Right in front of the blue lagoon or facing the pool or the garden, you will enjoy to bask in the sun and admire the beautiful sunsets. While residing at the hotel, learn a new water sport, snorkel with tropical fish, get a tan by the pool, eat local grilled fish at the restaurant or get a relaxing massage surrounded by vegetation at la Creole Spa.

Le Zawag

Facing the lagoon sea, the Zawag restaurant is a premier dining destination for both locals and visitors, serves gourmet French-Creole cuisine with a delicious contemporary twist. I enjoy a tender “court-bouillon” of codfish and its assortment of yellow yams and scented bananas, accompanied by an exotic cocktail with bluish hues. Not to mention the coconut side and its mango package, to finish smoothly. Another speciliaty of the house, the lobster that is observed from the terraced aquarium, to savor grilled with a traditional spicy creole sauce … just delicious !

La Route des Epices

In the evening, I went to the Route des Epices, another hotel restaurant nestled by the swimming pool and palm trees. Creole, Italian and Mediterranean dishe… a true crossroads of flavours can be found on the menu. I ate the traditional “Chiquetaille” of cod, fresh cucumber and sweet local tomatoes for a refreshing starter. Then a delicious fricassee of prawns, comes with a pumpkin mash (giromon peyi in creole) for a full on local dish.

At breakfast, local fruits are deliciously honoured. Fresh mango, banana, guava, passion fruit, melon, watermelon, pineapple ... I had it all ! Looking for a natural boost in the morning ? Ask for a fresh smoothie with the extractor, mixed with carrot or fresh cucumber ... If you cant avoid your morning pancakes or muesli, add some local hams on top of it, it’s so good !

La Créole Beach Hôtel and Spa, Pointe de la Verdure, Gosier 97190, Guadeloupe - Phone. : +590 590 90 46 46 - more infos

Where is the Creole Beach Hôtel and Spa ?

 

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Welcome to Barcelona

From fabled architecture, amazing cuisine, lovely shops to sun-drenched beaches…Barcelona beckon visitors to explore the city and fall in love. Exploring the boutiques in Barcelona is always nice, but once in a while it’s fun to get out of your comfort zone and try some new places. Follow me.

The vintage paradise

Closed the Ramblas, Le Swing is a boutique for lovers of authentic vintage clothing that offers an impressive selection of 20th century fare, both second-hand and good quality. It’s a veritable treasure trove and a great place to pick up a design classic. I could lose myself in there for hours on end. I love the mix of people too – seasoned vintage hunters bustle side by side with curious tourist.

Swing vintage, Carrer del Rec, 16, 08002 Barcelona
Blow by the Swin Vintage, Carrer del Bonaire, 6, 08002 Barcelona

The perfect hat

Wide-brimmed hat, Fedora, Panama, will akubra, western… the hats of Casa de Varret are declined in all the forms with knack and dédin. Since 1812, this atelier offed the perfect cover-chief his style sometimes ultra minimalists, hippie, Bohemian or british. A poetry to be carried.

Sombrereria Mil, Casa de barret, Carrer de Fontanella, 20, 08002 Barcelona

The original espadrilles

During the beautiful days, there are the sandals team and the espadrilles team. The espadrille is in Spain what the croissant is in France. In the district of Gatico, the atelier Manual Alpargatera offers the best comfy, fun and casual espadrilles in real cotton fabric. On the beach, at the office...now is the time to make espadrilles your go-anywhere shoe !

La Manual Alpargatera Carrer d'Avinyó, 7, 08002 Barcelona

Top quality Spanish fabrics and fans

This is one of those shops full of things that you didn’t know you needed (or, at least, really desperately wanted) until you saw them. Think beautiful little gifts as laced fan, linen fabric and the odd actually useful object.

Almacenes del Pilar, C/Boquería, 43, 08002 Barcelone

A beautiful art library

The art library San Jordi conceals hidden treasures of photography, dispersed on beautiful racks of the 19th century. Among the chaotic piles of art books, I unearthed lucky finds some art books on architecture and illustration although the rays on literature, poetry and philosophy are well provided. Its field of speciality? Design. A pointed selection of works meticulously chosen by the owner of the place. A must.

La Libreria San Jordi , Carrer de Ferran, 41, 08002 Barcelone

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Welcome to the country side of France

Walking on tracksuits, without calls, stress and instagram, that was it. Slow down was all I wanted since weeks. Then, I’ve got the idea to do a snowshoe hiking trail in The Vercors, by an hour drive of Grenoble in France. Let’s go !

I quickly realized that winter hiking provides even more enjoyment, challenge, and breath-taking views. Being disconnected in mother nature for a long week-end is the best way to be positive. With 14 others adventurers and a friend, we planned a hiking trip in the mountains in France. After flying from Paris to Lyon, then 2 hours of driving, we arrived in Rancurel, a cute countryside city of 300 souls in Vercors.

9.30pm. At the hotel, Damien, our local Mike Horne, told us our schedule for the next 48 hours. “16 miles of hiking with snowshoeing, in total autonomy, at over 1600 meters” was the plan. The next day, early bird calling, we started at 7am. Snowshoeing strung on my feet, pulka * hanging on my back, camera ready on the neck, I can’t wait longer : walk to the unknown is everything. We are in the highlands of the Natural Regional Park of the Vercors.

After 2 miles of hiking, the muscles warmed up. We only head the sound of snowshoes in the middle of the wilderness, nothing else. The pure air fills our breasts. The fresh snow replaces the rubbles on the ground. This is it, an ethereal wonderland !

A peaceful and picturesque view of the woods covered in snow is worth miles of hiking through deep powder. Giant firs all over, steps of wolves, then a wooden facade with a funny circumflex roof appeared in front of me. This is the Pré Grandu hut, our house for the night.

1pm. Lunch break. Whether you opt for sandwich or a hot lunch, mountains cheese and local ham are possibly the most satisfying gastronomical experiences after hours of hiking in the snow. Daniel is also a good chef, thanks god. We are as happy as kids in christmas !

2.30pm. We started to hike for 5 miles. The pounding against rocky terrains for hours caused my feet to ache and my legs to quack. But I kept walking. On the way, we shared stories and get to know each other better. Laughs, improvised snacks and wolf stories make time go by, slow and invigorating. Suddenly, a peak under a white coat appeared, it's the Grand Vermouth, 2341 meters, a marvel !

The sky got darker, we returned to the refuge. Dinner by the fire, Russian vodka and hanging wet socks brought an intimate atmosphere in the house. The guys went on a night hike. Headlamp lit, I remained to contemplate the starry sky. I just loved it. I made my first snowman also ! so much fun. I climbed snuggling into my sleeping bag in the girls' room. 5 degrees, I'm cold but I warmed up fast. Then, Morpheus called me. What a day !

7:30 am. The eyes sting even more but the adrenaline is intact. Today, 6 hours hike was planned. Last sweat ... last pictures .. last moment .. and warm hugs to say goodbye. Thank you, the Others.

Week-end Les Others Camp : 3 days/2 nights, food included, with the guide Damien, car rental, 400€/person + flight Paris-Lyon 150€.

Where are "the plateaux du Vercors" ?

 

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Welcome To Sri Lanka

Welcome to Corsica

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Welcome to Guadeloupe

Welcome to Guadeloupe, the place I was born. I always go back there and find myself in places that are so special for me. I'd like to share with you some new vibring spots who inspired me the most. Caribbean islands change... not as much as big cities... but that's why we love them.

Welcome to New York