A memory of my seven hours of walking in the dusty roads and hills of Petra, Jordan

Last year, I traded my loved job with a Round the World ticket to claim a new citizenship, a citizen of the world. I spent 12 months travelling, packing only a suitcase to get to my dream destinations. These include the opportunity to see before me ALL the 7 New Wonders of the World. Aside from the travel essentials, I packed along a strong courage and smart endorsement of affordability for a remarkable experience to create a trip-of-a-lifetime filled with amazing memories. The world was my home, my amusement room, my bedroom, my walls and my doors.

To make that ultimate decision, I only had to ask myself one question: “What have I got to lose in a year?” In my head, it was all so clear to me—what have I had to lose when placed in contrast with all that I was to gain. We hear and read things like; “live life as there is no tomorrow”, “life is short,” “you only live once,” “live life to the fullest” and the list goes on. As a solo traveler, courage was all I needed to allow me to plot a plan to warrant my decision. Worry free, self-satisfaction, state a living purpose and invested lifetime experience, are my catalytic powers to have the courage and key reasons just to do it intrepidly.

Then again, all my anticipation for the travel ahead was not without worry and anxiety. The daunting reality of the unknown constantly dogged me but by the time I finally had a solid plan, I knew I made the right decision and I was finally ready for my quest to tick off ALL the boxes from my bucket list. It was a mixed of excitement and sadness, but the endless possibilities radiated beneath me. The thought of taking charge of my life gave me a sense of freedom to know myself and everything about me. I learnt more about the world first-hand and in my way. It was far more beyond travel books, magazines, brochures, travel shows and Internet sites.

After a year, I brought back an excess of a lifetime of experiences packed with remarkable cultural knowledge, ways with clever ways to deal with the four seasons, skills to adapt to different cultures and people’s behaviors, familiarity with unfamiliar food and delicacies, tips to discover remarkable history, new foreign words, an understanding of time zones difference and value of money spent, poignant memories of amazing landscapes, and several relationships with newly made friends. My journey to find the world became a journey to understand who I truly am. I found myself living a minimalistic lifestyle, discovering how I could actually live in the moment free of all inhibitions and personal restraint.

The most rewarding part of my trip was when I signed up for a four-week volunteer program in Peru.

The native locals on their way to the festival, Eugenio Espejo in Ecuador

The pinnacle was the seven hours of walking in the dusty roads and hills of Petra, the day I finally claimed that I had seen it ALL, the new 7 Wonders of the World. The most challenging time was on my fourth month, when I was close to returning following a health advice from a medical practitioner. But with my stubbornness, determination and self-healing, I decided to pursue with my travel plans—and although I do not advise impertinence, I must say it has its occasional rewards.

I experienced White Christmas in New York, which was a fulfillment of my childhood dream; I braved myself by hopping in a car with strangers in Ciego De Avila in Cuba. I stood in the tip of the mysterious and magical Machu Picchu. I went through the agonizing yet fun adventure by crawling through the dirt and rocks to get out of the mines of Cerro Rico in Potosi Bolivia. And how can I forget the Argentinean gastronomical experience and wellness in the picturesque town of Valparaiso? I witnessed a lot of amazing structures and events, which mark the various highlights of my trip. These include the biggest cross underground in the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira in Bogota,

My favourite shot – Galapagos Albatross, caught in action!

the snorkeling experience in the midst of playful sea lions, swimming sea turtles and hundreds of tropical fish during my Galapagos expedition,

Fira in Santorini

the astonishing Santorini, the awe-inspiring wadis of Oman, the glorified, coloured, glamour, music and culture event of the year at the Rio Carnaval and the unimaginable land beneath the Mekong Delta. All these experiences added essence to my journey in the wonder world. Of course, I most enjoyed the time I was reunited with families and long time friends. Truly I can only go on and on. Even these words and this deliberate attempt at an exposition of my journey fail to capture the true measure of its worth and value.

Having returned, I must say that Melbourne is truly incomparable. It is our home after all that won the world’s most livable city. My one year adventure had sadly ended with encrypted memories that will last for a lifetime along with thousands of pictures I have captured. Never did I imagine I would do such a trip, which was once a dream and now turned into reality.

“An adventure is an affair; taking a risk from the norm, lose sight from all familiar comfort, and discover new things and new ways to bring an undeniable pleasure in a unique and rewarding discovery, a new vigor to the mind. It is a wonderful world out there and waiting for you to enjoy and unlock your curiosity. Litter yourself in your chosen destination, make it real, not in digital style.”

To my audience who lived vicariously in my travels, my wonderful friends and loving family, I undoubtedly would have not made it to ‘the final curtain’  without your continued support and motivation to END what I started. Thank you so much.

Through thick and thin, there are two special persons I want to extend my greatest gratitude to, my cousin Mark and my best friend Lisa who has been my rock from day one. Lisa is an extraordinary friend with wonderful patience with my endless change requests to my itineraries resulting to multiple reissues.

For every good storyteller and writer brings a great editor and that’s no one else but my American-based cousin, Mark. In the back and forth online communications in different time zones, together we gave you what I would hoped you found interesting and informative piece to read. Mark tediously worked hours day and night to come up with an enticing piece and fully supported me with storytelling despite of his highly demanding real job. I am sure he will be glad to put an end to my demands, and disagreements in coming up with a perfect teaser.

Lastly, to Anthony Valeriano from eTB. Thank you for your incredible support and continued praises throughout, and to your wonderful editorial team for putting up with so many of multiple changes and submission delays. From courage to anticipation, it created an experience and a memory of a trip-of-a-lifetime, a journey that I call my own.

Let me share one of my favourite travel quotes and ask yourself what you would remember the most in 5 years, 10 years or 20 years time? “

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

We cannot live within the confines of our daily grind forever. Sometimes, we need that ounce of insanity to move us to put down our pens, leave behind our laptops, forget the financial ledgers and just sail away. Start your dream, claim it and own it—the world awaits.

I would like to farewell my journey with my favourite snap shots and a summary of my escapade, inspired by the song ‘My Way’ for such was the journey I had concluded, my own path, my own way.

So now the end is here And as
I face the final curtain
My friends I say it clearI state my case of which I’m certain

I’ve lived my dreams these last 12 months
And seen the world and all its highways
I’ve laughed and cried and seen the lot
And may I say not in a shy way
That through it all that I stood tall
And did it my way!

So now I’m back where it began
A brand new start is what awaits me I
know not where my future lies
I’m ready now for what fate brings me

I’ve had my fun for one whole year
Have travelled many varied pathways
I ate them up, and spat them out
Now might I add but in my own way
Some things may change but through it all
I did it MY WAY

Comments courtesy of etravelblackboard.com

© 2012 by Michelle Riel, retains sole copyright to her contributions to all the contents of this site.

In this article, I am proud to feature Sultanate of Oman Tourism, the gracious sponsor of my visit in Oman. To discover Oman and view list of major wholesalers in Australia and New Zealand, visit www.tourismoman.com.au.

I landed at the Muscat International Airport on Sunday, 5 June at around 5 am via the Royal Jordanian flight RJ 600. Suleiman Al-Qassabi, the local appointed tour guide welcomed me at the arrival hall with a sign bearing my name‘Welcome Ms Michelle Riel’.  After picking up my luggage, Suleiman drove me to the City Seasons Hotel. The staff of the hotel and the comfortable ambiance made it my refuge during my entire stay in the city.  I was pleased to hear that my room was ready for an early check in.  Upon checking in, I was even more pleased upon learning that I had been given a free upgrade to a penthouse.  Ahmed Al Raisi, Rooms Division Manager, graciously escorted me to the Mezzanine level of the hotel for an early breakfast.

After taking a good power nap, Suleiman picked me up at 3 pm to take me to a city tour of Muscat, the capital city.  The tour included visits to the Walled City of Old Muscat. Old Muscat offers a range of opportunities for sightseeing, which include the Sultan Qaboos Palace and its well-maintained surrounding grand quarters. We also visited Bait Al Zubair Museum, which houses a collection of thousands of Omani artifacts, jewelry, costumes, weapons, furniture and many more assembled by the Al Zubair family. These collections truly reflect the rich cultural heritage and unique identity of Oman. The museum has a gift shop located at the entrance door. Old Muscat can definitely be explored on foot in less than a day.

Our next stop was at Mutrah Souq. I noticed the thermometer reading in front of Mutra Souq, along Al Bahri Road, which was at 44ºC. The Mutrah Souq, one of the well known and oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, offers a labyrinth and mystifying array of shops, selling massive choices of items from jewelry in threads of gold and silver, to gorgeous textiles and clothes, all at a bargain price.  The adjacent Mutrah Street and alleyway of shops were also worth a visit.  Grabbing my attention most was the infinite range of frankincense incense sticks and products available on sale.   What I loved the most was the fact that I had the time to explore the area with minimal encounters of annoying and overly aggressive merchants.  During the summer season, fewer tourists are around and the best time to do a leisurely stroll.

As the temperature dropped off, we took advantage of the much cooler late afternoon by walking along the Muscat port to witness some of the best sunset shots unfolding before my eyes.  It is apparent at times the Sultan’s Yacht is seen anchored at the port.  We took a break to enjoy the taste of traditional Omani coffee at a local cafe looking over the harbour and the beautiful view of the port.

I ended up my first day to savour and enjoy my first Omani meal at a local restaurant, Bin Ateeq, which is two blocks away from the hotel and a block away from the Zawawi Mosque, one of the city’s numerous mosques.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is very interesting and unique. Patrons are sectioned off into different rooms or partitions, allowing for an intimate setting.  Each room was furnished with a TV set, overlaying an Arabian rug and traditional cushions against the walls.  There was washroom to wash your hands before and after meal.  Dinner for the night included ‘Biryani’rice, fish, chicken, mixed salad, Omani bread and a dip, all served in a massive plate and minimal cutleries.  The plate and floor served as table and chairs.  Patrons eat with their fingers – definitely a skill that requires mastering. The food was presented authentic and served relatively timely.  The service was excellent – servers were very nice and attentive.  This was definitely a good treat to end the day.

In the next 4 business days, I will be issuing 4 more articles covering the remaining 4 full days of my Omani Adventure.  Day 2 of my adventure will be featured in the next article.

© 2012 by Michelle Riel, retains sole copyright to her contributions to all the contents of this site.