Wadi Mujib: The Grand Canyon of Jordan

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaeana]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhair. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين
  [sahatayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [idhab baeidan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atassil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [ladh dhillt alttariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatala]
• How much is it?كم تكلف؟
  [kam taklaf?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka takhfid alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah alashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayالأمس
  [al'ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arbahah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn huwa/hiya...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'iunwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharytah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tathkirah (ila ...)]

Wadi Mujib, historically known as the Arnon River, was a crucial part of ancient trade routes. Merchants and caravans traveled through this rugged terrain, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean coast. This ancient path facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the East and the West.

Wadi Mujib is mentioned several times in the Bible. It served as a boundary between the Moabites and the Amorites. The river is notably referenced in the story of Jephthah's vow in the Book of Judges, highlighting its importance in the region's religious and cultural history.

During the Roman era, Wadi Mujib was a vital part of the empire's infrastructure. The Romans built bridges and roads through the canyon, showcasing their engineering prowess. These constructions facilitated the movement of troops and trade, contributing to the economic stability of the Roman Empire.

In the Byzantine period, Wadi Mujib was part of the Provincia Arabia. The Byzantines utilized the area for agricultural purposes, harnessing the river's waters to irrigate their crops. This period saw the construction of monasteries and churches, reflecting the spread of Christianity in the region.

Under Ottoman rule, Wadi Mujib continued to be a strategic location. The Ottomans maintained and expanded the ancient pathways, ensuring the region remained a vital link in their vast empire. The area's natural resources were also exploited, contributing to the local economy.

In contemporary times, Wadi Mujib has been designated as a nature reserve. Established in 1987, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. It attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world, preserving the area's cultural and natural heritage.

Wadi Mujib is located in the western part of Jordan, near the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. The nearest major city is Amman, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. From Amman, you can reach Wadi Mujib by car, with the drive taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Amman. If you are coming from the south, Aqaba is about a 4-hour drive from Wadi Mujib.

Once in Wadi Mujib, the most convenient way to explore the area is by renting a car. This provides the flexibility to visit various sites at your own pace. Taxis are also available, but it is advisable to negotiate the fare in advance. Public transportation options are limited, so having your own vehicle or hiring a taxi is recommended for a more comfortable experience.

The official currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments, entrance fees, and tips. ATMs are available in larger towns and cities, but may be scarce in rural areas, so ensure you withdraw enough cash before heading to Wadi Mujib.

Wadi Mujib is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious when hiking or exploring remote areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest major medical facilities are in Amman, so it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in nearby towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Wadi Mujib like a local, try to engage with the local community. Visit local markets to buy fresh produce and traditional Jordanian goods. Join a guided hike through the Mujib Biosphere Reserve to learn about the area's unique flora and fauna. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Jordanian dishes such as Mansaf and Maqluba at local eateries.