The next few days around Aqaba passed lazily, peacefully, even boringly. There's generally nothing to do in the area we were in off-season. I say off-season because it was early November. The main entertainment was walking to the beach and lounging with a beer, which is hard to come by and very expensive in Jordan.

Unfortunately, all these delicacies were only available in one place: the Marina, about 2 km from our hotel. There were two grocery stores there, which also sold hard-to-find alcohol in any form.

There are only three regions in Jordan where alcohol can be purchased. This is due to the Christian presence in these regions: the Jordanian capital Amman, Madaba, and Aqaba and its surrounding areas.

Once we located the shops in the marina near Aqaba, we discovered that access by car was impossible, and entering on foot was very difficult. The marina area is fenced and monitored by police and guards. We managed to get in, but only because we're white, and the guards let us in without issue. Otherwise, you need either an invitation, registration, or a ferry ticket to Egypt.

The marina near Aqaba, right on the border with Saudi Arabia, is a completely different world. It doesn't fit in with the dirty, somewhat backward Jordan. The marina was very clean, everything was of a very high standard, and interestingly, prices in shops and restaurants were on par with those throughout Jordan.

Camping

An interesting thing in our area was a campsite, a camping site - I don't know what to call it, because tents could be pitched even on the beach, outside the designated area.

This course was free, making it a treat for backpackers and an interesting destination. Ferries depart from the marina to Dahab, Egypt, for $20. These are fast boats, but you can also take a car ferry from Aqaba to Nuwaiba, Egypt, for very little money.

One thing is certain: in the vicinity of Aqaba, the sunsets over the red sea are truly enchanting, and a warm, strong wind lashes your face all day long.