Hidden Gems: Exploring the Tourist Destinations That Captivated Jordan Love’s Heart

As the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jordan Love had high expectations placed on his shoulders joining the Green Bay Packers. But before beginning his professional football career, the former Utah State star took time to explore another passion – international travel. One country that is believed to have made a lasting impression on Love was the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. With a mix of well-preserved historical sites, breathtaking natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, Jordan offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past along with new adventures and cultural experiences. Here is a more in-depth look at some of Jordan’s top destinations that are thought to have captivated Jordan Love’s heart during his travels.

### Ancient Wonders

As an avid history buff, Jordan Love was drawn to the country’s numerous archaeological treasures that provide a window into civilizations from biblical times through the Roman and Islamic periods. Chief among these is the iconic rose-red city of Petra, carved from sandstone cliffs in the deserts of southern Jordan. Designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra’s exquisite temples, tombs, and structures like the Treasury still leave visitors in awe of the engineering and artistry of the Nabataean Kingdom over 2000 years ago. Love spent over a day exploring Petra’s Siq gorge and monuments, marveling at how well they have withstood the test of time.

Another highlight for the history enthusiast was the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, located just over an hour north of Amman. With its colonnaded streets, theaters, and temples still standing nearly intact, Jerash offered Love a glimpse into what daily life may have looked like in a prosperous Roman provincial city during the Pax Romana period. He especially appreciated the ornate architecture and carvings found throughout the site. Further north, the ancient city of Umm Qais along the edge of the Golan Heights also captured Love’s interest with its Hellenistic ruins and breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee in the distance.

Love also made stops at the towns of Madaba, known for its famous 6th century mosaic map of Palestine, and Ajlun Castle, a 12th century Crusader castle perched high atop a hill. Both destinations provided new insights into Jordan’s rich history across various eras. The well-preserved sites left Love wanting to learn even more about the many cultures and civilizations that have called Jordan home over the millennia.

### Natural Beauty

In addition to archaeological sites, Jordan’s diverse landscapes left an impression on the nature lover in Jordan Love. Chief among these was Wadi Rum, often described as the most beautiful desert in the world. Love spent two nights camping under the stars in the rust-colored sandstone cliffs of Rum, awestruck by the changing hues of the rock formations at different times of day. He also enjoyed jeep tours through Rum’s valleys, spotting ancient carvings and pausing to take in the expansive desert vistas.

Further north, Love hiked through the canyons and wadis of Dana Biosphere Reserve, a protected area offering glimpses of ibex and other mountain wildlife. He found the reserve’s mix of terrain, from desert flats to juniper forests to rocky peaks, a highlight of Jordan’s natural diversity. Love was also enthralled by the crystal blue waters and soft white beaches of Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city located along the Red Sea. Here he tried snorkeling and discovered Jordan’s beautiful coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.

However, the most memorable natural site for Love was the Dead Sea. Floating effortlessly in the hypersaline waters and covering himself in the therapeutic mud, Love was amazed at how the Dead Sea sits over 1300 feet below sea level, making it the lowest elevation point on Earth. He enjoyed the unique experience of the Dead Sea’s buoyant qualities and gained a new appreciation for this unique natural wonder between Jordan and Israel. Overall, Jordan’s varied landscapes left Love wanting to return again to further explore the country’s hidden natural treasures off the beaten path.

### Cultural Experiences

Beyond historical sites and natural beauty, Love was also drawn to experiencing Jordan’s rich culture and traditions. As the capital city, Amman provided Love a glimpse into modern Jordanian life. He explored downtown Amman’s Roman-era landmarks like the Citadel and Roman Theatre, then wandered the city’s bustling downtown filled with shops, restaurants and cafes. Love also visited the King Abdullah I Mosque, impressed by its grand architecture and intricate tilework.

In more rural areas, Love was fascinated by well-preserved Crusader castles like Kerak and Shobak, each offering panoramic views of surrounding valleys and villages from their hilltop perches. He learned about their strategic roles during the Middle Ages. Love also enjoyed an evening at the Petra Archaeological Park, taking in the experience of exploring the illuminated Siq by candlelight. This unique after-hours tour gave Petra an entirely new atmosphere and perspective.

Love immersed himself in Jordan’s cuisine as well, sampling traditional dishes like Mansaf (lamb served with rice and yogurt-based sauce), Maqluba (upside down rice and vegetables), and Mutabbal (baba ghanoush-like eggplant dip). He enjoyed sharing meals with locals eager to introduce an outsider to their culture. Overall, Jordan’s friendly people and welcoming atmosphere left Love with fond memories and a desire to support further people-to-people cultural exchanges.

### Additional Experiences

Beyond Jordan’s iconic destinations, Love was also drawn to less visited areas that provided new adventures off the beaten path. He completed a three-day trek along parts of the Jordan Trail, a national trail system stretching over 650km through the country’s diverse terrain. Hiking through remote mountain villages, desert landscapes and river valleys, Love gained a deeper appreciation for Jordan’s natural beauty and hospitality of locals he met along the way.

Love also ventured to Ajloun Forest Reserve, a lush woodland popular for hiking and picnicking. And he explored the ancient Nabataean city of Al-Humeima and nearby Little Petra site, thrilled to discover archaeological treasures outside of the country’s most famous sites. Love finished his travels relaxing at the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba, snorkeling its vibrant coral reefs and soaking up the laidback coastal vibe.

These experiences reinforced Love’s passion for international travel and immersing himself in new cultures. Jordan offered the perfect blend of history, nature and local interactions that left him wanting to support further people-to-people cultural exchanges globally. While his NFL career now takes priority, Love looks forward to returning to Jordan and uncovering even more of the country’s hidden gems in the future. The Hashemite Kingdom will always hold a special place in his heart for introducing him to a part of the world rich with history, beauty and welcoming people.

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