While you Google “journey journey” photos of skinny, white, able-bodied folks pop up.
They’re mountaineering trails, setting sail, mountaineering, and mountain biking. You don’t see many fats, black girls with daring hair and vivid personalities in advertisements for journey journey. Which made me assume that journey journey simply wasn’t my jam.
Till I went on the Jordan Discovery tour with Intrepid Journey.
Absorbing the magic of Wadi Rum
As I walked 5 miles within the dry Jordanian desert, I questioned what number of different fats girls have taken on this problem? How many individuals who appear like me have ever hiked behind Little Petra to the Monastery? I’m positive there have been loads. However there’s little to no illustration of fats our bodies being lively in a cheerful manner. In a manner that doesn’t have a good time motion solely for weight reduction functions. As a result of, newsflash – not all fats folks wish to shed extra pounds.
IF YOU’RE WAITING TO LOSE 50 LBS BEFORE YOU GO ON YOUR DREAM TRIP, READ THIS
We stay our lives in so many several types of our bodies. Younger our bodies, previous our bodies, fats our bodies, match our bodies, ready our bodies, disabled our bodies. Until there’s illustration, we’re at all times left questioning, is that for me? I’m a California lady who loves the seashore. So, on trip you’ll be able to usually discover me lounging on an island in a bikini. Taking a visit to the Center East was step one out of my consolation zone.
The primary cease on the Intrepid journey: Amman
BROWSE ALL SMALL GROUP TOURS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Signing up for a bunch journey tour as solo traveler was a leap of religion. I couldn’t wait to go to a brand new nation however was nervcited (nervous + excited) in regards to the social dynamics of group journey. Was I gonna get together with everybody? Who can be my roommate? I used to be much more anxious to see if I might sustain with the group for the longer hikes. I didn’t wish to gradual everybody down, however I additionally didn’t wish to push myself too far.
On the primary night time all of us went to dinner and I discovered that I used to be the one American within the group. I additionally discovered that all of us shared the same sarcastic humor. So, it was even. Then our Intrepid native chief Ibrahim instructed us that he was a magician and that’s when the magic started.
Petra with my native chief, Ibrahim, was unforgettable
Our group bonded immediately, with meals and music because the glue! We have been totally different in too some ways to record, however we have been all have been open to making an attempt new meals and listening to totally different music. We shared laughs and tales at each meal. And took turns enjoying the function of DJ on lengthy drives, singing and dancing collectively the entire manner. All of which helped us stay open and able to be taught, share, and develop from this expertise collectively.
LEARN WHAT IT MEANS TO BE INTREPID
We began our keep in Wadi Rum with a scrumptious native lunch and tea in a Bedouin tent adopted by a cartwheel contest within the desert. Then we checked into our non-public tents in a Bedouin Camp. Certainly one of my favourite reminiscences is getting to satisfy a Bedouin Sheikh and ask him questions on neighborhood constructing.
On our final night time we went to dinner then out for drinks and dancing. I believe the smaller group dynamic allowed us to bond individually and as a bunch.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF A SMALL GROUP TOUR IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The night time earlier than the Little Petra hike I couldn’t sleep. I knew I needed to relaxation however my thoughts was racing. We set off earlier than dawn the following morning to have breakfast with a feminine goat herder from the Bedouin Tribe and her household. Studying extra in regards to the Bedouin neighborhood and sharing a meal helped put my thoughts relaxed. I used to be capable of achieve some perspective and calm my nerves a bit.
Bonding with Bedouins
Earlier than we started the hike I spoke with Ibrahim and instructed him why I used to be nervous. I defined how I didn’t wish to push myself too far in an effort to maintain up. I let him know that I might ask for something I wanted, water, a break, some elusive shade.
I additionally accepted his supply to have a automotive choose me up after the five-mile hike to the Monastery, as an alternative of strolling the extra two plus hours to the Treasury.
Through the hike I finished usually. I drank extra water than I believed humanly potential. There have been occasions that I used to be behind the group and occasions I used to be main the best way.
I bear in mind desirous to give up. I bear in mind desirous to cry. I bear in mind Ibrahim turning on some music and all of us began singing alongside.
Quickly after, I used to be trying on the Monastery.
Fortunately on the Monastery with my Intrepid group
As the one fats particular person in an lively setting typically you’re feeling like it’s a must to point out how usually you train or your most adventurous feat (assume girl versus wild). You are feeling like it’s a must to step into the “Good Fattie” function. As a result of the one “acceptable” fats particular person is one who’s actively making an attempt to shed extra pounds. So it may be tough to confess your limitations due to the concern of judgement. However fats folks aren’t the one ones with bodily limitations.
Somebody with arthritis, or a current surgical procedure would undoubtedly have to rethink doing the longer Petra hike. Folks with mobility limitations may be capable of entry the path from the doorway to the Treasury with relative ease. From there they might rent a horse and carriage to the Treasury.
Petra will be difficult however is so value it!
Certainly one of my favourite journey quotes is “Journey is the one factor you purchase that makes you richer.” The Jordan Discovery tour enriched my complete yr. I discovered so many issues about historical past and science. I fell in love with a brand new tradition. I turned a greater model of myself.
I’m a stronger, extra assured particular person as a result of I pushed myself to strive one thing I used to be afraid to do. And I didn’t buckle underneath the strain to show myself. I advocated for myself when wanted and pushed via after I needed to.
Most significantly, I didn’t let concern win and in doing so I discovered that journey journey will be for each physique.
—
Journey is for each physique and all people. Be a part of us on an journey and take a look at Intrepid Journey’s journeys in 120+ nations.
—
(All photos taken of the Jordan Discovery tour that Annette ventured on.)