Mention Jordan and the first image many people have is that of the famous Treasury at Petra with its rose coloured stone. However on my journey through this small Arabian country I came across a wealth of hidden treasures.

One of the many highlights was a visit to the Dead Sea. This would not have been complete without a dip in its rejuvenating and healing waters. It is fair to say that nothing had prepared me for this most alien of experiences. Upon coating myself in mud I made my way slowly into the sea. The incredibly buoyant waters made it impossible to swim but gave an eerie sense of weightlessness as if you were floating in air!

The treasures of Jordan are not confined to its natural wonders and historical sites. The Jordanian people are extremely friendly and accommodating, and the food is a rich elaborate mix of dishes.

One of my favourite places to eat in Amman can be found at the Wild Jordan Centre. This is an excellent place for a relaxing lunch frequented by locals and tourist alike, and is located in the old city with fantastic panoramic views. It is run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and as well as a restaurant which serves traditional Jordanian and international cuisine, there is a shop selling crafts and gifts made by Bedouin people living in Jordan’s many nature reserves. For those looking to experience Jordanian food more intimately I would certainly recommend a visit to the Petra Kitchen. At the Petra Kitchen I was offered the chance to prepare some of my favourite Jordanian meals which I had sampled on my journey, under the supervision of a resident chef. Since returning from Jordan the memories of my visit are often evoked whilst preparing an evening meal from my book of recipes given to me at the end of that evening.