Wish You Were Here
JORDAN: Fifth-generation San Jose resident Michelle Robinson spent New Year’s Day hiking in Petra. “Most people remember the site of the carved Treasury facade from ‘Indiana Jones and Last Crusade,’ but the UNESCO World Heritage Site is so much larger than just the one building,” she says. “To get a different perspective of this iconic view, take the Al-Khubtha Trail just to the left of the royal tombs. You will find a rock staircase leading you over 600 steps to the top. An enterprising Bedouin has the best views from his tent, where you can buy tea or water for 1 dinar or simply relax and admire the view.”
Travel tips: “You can see the main sights in a day, but everyone recommends at least two full days, if you want to cover it completely. One-day tickets are currently 50 Jordanian dinar or around $70. If you want a picture of yourself in front of the Treasury building without any people, get up at the crack of dawn to be one of the first in — then you can have Petra all to yourself before the busloads start showing up! Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and bring plenty of water, although you can buy water and other beverages for inflated prices all around the site. Modern bathrooms have, thankfully, been installed in several places to keep up with the growing number of tourists. Now is a great time to travel to Jordan — tourism has been down due to the Middle East conflicts, but Jordan is very safe and the people are very friendly. I never felt in danger.”
FLORIDA: A road trip took Walnut Creek residents Dennis and Mary Whiteneck from “a rousing family friends’ wedding” in New Orleans to Ft. Lauderdale, with stops in Destin (pictured), Port St. Joe and St. Pete Beach. “We savored the ‘trip trinity’ typical of late October/early November travel: perfect tropical weather, little traffic and zero crowds. In search of ‘old Florida,’ each beachy stop (offered) quirky flavor. Doesn’t get much better for beach connoisseurs — broad white beaches dusted in sandy silk.”
Travel tips: “Fall pricing is budget friendly: Quality accommodations are surprisingly low priced. Book car rentals early and check back frequently for better pricing.”
PATAGONIA: Walnut Creek residents Gail and Joe Rodriguez went to Patagonia in December on a trip that took in national parks in both Argentina and Chile and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “Exposure to unique wildlife, culture, massive glaciers and the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine (pictured) highlighted our experience,” Gail says.
Travel tips: “Comfortable shoes/hiking boots and layered clothing for unpredictable and changeable weather are key. A passport expiration check is a good idea, too.”
CUBA: San Jose residents Susan and Jim Wright’s trip to Cuba last fall proved memorable for an unexpected reason. They landed the day Fidel Castro died. “We arrived in Havana for a 21-cannon salute,” Susan says. They also visited the San Juan Hill memorial for the Roosevelt Rough Riders and Santiago de Cuba, “the site of Castro’s first attempt at a revolution.”
Travel tip: “Bring plenty of dollars for purchases. No ATMs or credit cards!”