How about sleeping in a big space dome tent in the desert? The "tent" has a proper bathroom. If that sounds like you, Wadi Rum in Jordan is the place to go. It only made it so much more special, that I was there with my brother, continuing our journey across the Middle East.
We crossed the border from Saudi Arabia to Jordan and arrived in Aqaba. Have a look at Google Maps how close Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Egypt are at the top of the Red Sea. It would be like four countries bordering each other around Wellington Harbour.
The closeness of countries with trouble in the Middle East is quite eye opening for a naive visitor from a peaceful little nation at the bottom of the world. Here is my brother and me standing on the Jordan side of the Jordan River near Jesus' baptism place. 20 metres behind us with the palm trees is Israel. There was a lot of military presence, and we were rushed through and asked not to talk to anyone on the other side.
Our day walking through impressive Petra was a highlight. Petra is an archeological city famous for its architecture cut into the rocks. It's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I'll let the photos do the talking.
Siblings are precious. Your sibling(s) will be with you your whole life, and they may be the people who knows you the best. Most other close family members and friends will be in your life for a (hopefully long) period. Travelling with my brother has been a real highlight of my journey!
