Towards the South of Jordan lies what is known to most as Wadi Rum, referred to as Valley of the Moon by some. The land was home to the Nabatean tribes associated with the culture that flourished on territories from Saudi Arabia through Jordan and all the way to Syria. What we know as Petra today was built by the Nabateans in light of their strategic crossroad location that spurred trade between the Arabian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman civiliations. Today, these lands stand as the most touristic places in Jordan and the Middle East with Petra and Wadi Rum being listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Bader Al Budoor is a rather spontaneous individual that found himself wandering through the summits of Rum at random. He dreamt of a road to ride alone through Saudi Arabia but found that the universe had more in store for him. Having driven from Dubai to Saudi, he found himself scaling the borders of Jordan to experience, feel and be among the land that once was a cultural pivot point to the history of Arabs.
With a goal to cross as much land as possible, Bader made his way through the Southern borders of Jordan near Aqaba in order to go back to Saudi from the higher Northern border. Making his way through the Red Sea coast, witnessing a most fascinating intersection he says, “I’ve visited the most exciting places in Jordan where you can see Egypt, Palestine and Jordan meet,” he says.
Wadi Rum is isolated by the peaks of its mountains and the miles of deserted lands. The tribes residing among the valley have remained conservative and true to their historical traditions. Bader narrates his experience that puts into perspective the juxtaposition of civilization and globalization. “I met a young Jordanian selling souvenirs, he approached me thinking I was a tourist, but as he realized I’m Arab just like him he asked me where I was from. I said Dubai, and he had no idea where that was thinking it was in Saudi Arabia.”
Having been raised in the city of life, with the world watching as Dubai inaugurated the highest building, built the largest malls and achieve all its accomplishments - there was a boy in a souvenir shop in Wadi Rum that had no idea we existed.
Bader continues, “I quickly took out a photo of Princess Haya and asked if they knew her, the boy shook his head in disagreement. I then showed them a photo of the Late King Hussein, and as expected, they responded with pride. I continued to explain to them how we are somewhat in-laws, as their princess was married to our Sheikh. After the young children of ages six or seven found a glimpse of familiarity within me and who I was, they instantly took me by the hand saying: you are not going anywhere, today you are under our hospitality.”
Having done this trip alone, Bader found company among the bedouin tribes. He says, “While I was crossing Wadi Rum the road passed through an old isolated village where a bunch of five and six year old kids were kicking a ball around. Naturally, they toppled around in front of my car and I jolted with a rush. Slowly, I approached the kids and put my hand out with ma’amoul (date cake) to give them. They resisted to take it. The youngest yelled out in joy but the eldest quickly covered his mouth and took him backwards. They then requested that I join them for dinner at their house. This is the bedouin tradition - you don’t take that which isn’t yours but you share that which is.” It was a simpler living than I had expected, every person along this journey had a story of compassion, giving and reputable hospitality. It is the unifying tradition amongst Arab tribes.
Clocked in a whole load of mileage, a lot of time alone in a car to ponder the world and the surreal locations of the West, this trip serves as more than an adventure. It put into perspective cultural insight and matters of relativity that all serve to both humble you and excite you.
To cross lands indefinitely, through cultures and societies. Forever bridging our passion for the outdoors and creating stories to write our history. Wandering will keep us together as one.
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Storytelling by Bader Al Budoor
Documentation by the Wander team
