I had heard so much about the place, seen countless photos, and caught glimpses of its landscapes in movies. I always found myself wondering what it must actually be like.

That is how I feel about most places I have not yet visited. In my imagination, they exist as entirely new worlds – where simply being there is enough for adventures and stories to unfold naturally. In reality, however, it is usually far more ordinary. Crowds of tourists, overpriced attractions, bad weather, being sleep-deprived and hungry – usually, when my expectations are high, I end up disappointed. But not with Wadi Rum. That place is exactly what you expect. It does not matter if you are tied to a tour group, if it is the wrong season, or if you face hidden fees and unexpected expenses. It does not matter if the locals seem unfriendly and you feel like just another tourist to be ripped off. Despite everything that goes wrong, and a thousand other little annoyances... – it still delivers. It is truly worth it, and once you are back home, you tell yourself – I have to go back there.

Wadi Rum #1, 2020