My Birthday Date with a Stranger (Solo Female Travel in Petra)
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- Опубліковано 15 сер 2020
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This story is from my crazy, beautiful experience traveling alone on my 20th birthday! It was around 9:30 pm when I finally arrived to the city of Petra in Jordan. By the time I got to my hotel I was exhausted from driving all around the Dead Sea from Amman. I happen to be there on a day they were having the Petra By Night light show where they project these lights on the Treasury which is Petra’s most famous attraction.
There were glowing candles in paper bags placed every 6 feet along the trail that lead into the darkness of desert. I didn’t know how far away the Treasury was and I was completely alone. The only sound I could hear was my feet hitting the ground as I sprinted into the darkness illuminated only by candlelight. Canyon walls began rising around me. The trail became winding and the walls narrowed so much that I could barely see the stars. The canyon was so dark that there could have been anyone hiding in the corners and I couldn’t have possibly seen them. This was also a motivating factor to get there as fast as I could. I could hear the echoes of applause. As I turned the final corner I ran straight into a local guy who laughed and he told me not to worry, I hadn’t missed a thing. It felt like I was living in a movie scene. They began to project a myriad of lights on the Treasury as travelers sat around the candles, staring up in awe.
The man who I had run into in the canyon looked exactly like Jack Sparrow with the long hair, beads, red bandana and dark eyeliner. He explained that he was a Bedouin tribesman who was born in the caves behind Petra. He never went to school and couldn’t read or write. He could speak 5 languages because he works in the little trinket shop across from the Treasury. Before I even realized it was midnight which marked the beginning of my 20th birthday and I was now looking down from the ledge at the most beautiful birthday candles I could have ever dreamed of. Then on the way ask to my hotel this guy began serenading me, his voice was one of the most enchanting sounds I’ve ever heard. This was definitely one of the more amazing circumstances I found myself in as a solo traveler.
This is the most exhilarating part of travel, you literally never know what is going to happen next. One moment you’re alone absorbing the changing landscapes and reflecting on your personal life and the next you’re completely immersed in another person’s world view. I went to Petra knowing nothing of the history or way of life and left having had a glimpse of what its like to grow up there. I saw the cave my friend lives in and met his grandmother. I saw the interconnectedness of the Bedouin community who share everything from cigarettes to their Ferraris. And I would have never had that experience if I hadn’t been late to that Petra By Night show. He never asked me for money but he gave me hours of his time because he genuinely wanted me to experience his home.
I recently learned that some men in Petra in particular are professional romance scammers telling stories and providing these experiences to hook up with travelers, to ask for a lot of money and even visas if they can convince these women to marry them. Apparently this is a huge issue for female travelers who have become victims of these scams so my biggest tip for avoiding this kind of situation is that unless you are genuinely looking to hire a guide and agree upon a price beforehand, never, ever give someone money or send someone money that you met while traveling. Even if you are now good friends with that person on even wanting to start a romantic relationship with someone you met traveling, don’t ever put yourself into debt because of that because it could end up being a scam.
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Have you ever been scammed while traveling?
I have been following you for years now...I would like to know about your story in India that led to you saying that you would never visit India again... Also, being an Indian I apologize for whatever happened with you.
I got scammed into donating for a deaf people foundation when I was 14 travelling Paris with my school. I only donated 2 euros, which is fine, but then I realised it was a scam🙄
We were waiting for our hotel shuttle in Amsterdam and it never arrived so we called the hotel and they said they were sending a cab. A cab came up and we asked him if he were from our hotel and he said yes. Then the hotel called us and said they sent a cab but we weren't there. Apparently this guy knew where the hotel sends its guests to be picked up by cabs and found us waiting like easy prey. Then he spent the whole ride telling us how evil these hotels are and they aren't going to pay him and we need to pay him and he did end up dropping us at the hotel and I went inside and made the hotel deal with him. They sent him off without being paid.
In Tanzania, never exchange money with the locals even when they offer the lowest exchange rate. We got greedy hearing such low exchange rates and decided to take the offer. We exchanged about 200 US dollars and received Kwacha. He counted the money correctly and handed it to us as we gave him the dollars. Unfortunately, when we recounted, the 500 kwacha were less and we got scammed. A lesson I learned.
3 Roman Soldiers in Italy took our photos.
After that they put their swords out and asked for money. Almost taking our Camera, and Cash.
I've met this man! He was running around petra with bundles of energy and obviously went by the name Jack Sparow
Brendan Miller that's amazing what a small world😂
Yes! Met him in Petra as well and definitely uses the Jack Sparrow persona to his benefit. But most of the locals were all very nice. Jordan has definitely been one of my favorite travel destinations. Out of 8 months, I only ran into one rude person in Jordan. I’m still looking for someplace to get Knafeh in the US. 😂
@@jamesmyers3868 chicago sells lots of iknafa
James Myers the best place for Kunafe is USA is Patterson, NJ a place called Nablus. It is the best Kunafe in the world! Lmao
alaa hamideh thank you! I live in Indianapolis, so I’ll make a weekend trip up there and find some while visiting friends.
As someone who studied in Jordan for 5 years, i totally agree with everything you've just said.
abdulah eqtefan it's a beautiful country, it's just good to be aware 😊
ب اي منطقة كنت تدرس ؟
She literally motivates me to do what she is doing and live my dream life just traveling (at the moment I can’t travel because I’m in high school and covid) but I’m still working on my UA-cam channel !!!
I am from india so when you visit my lovely country #AlwaysWelcome 😊😊
All the best
You literally said everything im feeling. Yes theory got me live and travel europe for a year. but Lexi makes me want to travel the world for the rest of my life!!
That's so good to hear! Keep making videos!
I’m the same way, I subbed to support your dream, waiting on some travel videos!
I absolutely love these stories that happen with strangers. Some of my greatest stories and greatest friends have happened with people I met in strange places along the way.
Cynical Duchess I couldn't agree more! I've met so many interesting people while traveling, especially when I'm alone
Your storytelling abilities are amazing! Jordan has been on my bucket list for a long time now and this made me more eager to be able to visit someday 😊
venomvon thank you! I really hope you visit there, it's such a wonderful country and was so easy to travel through as a solo traveler
I love how you encourage female solo travelers instead of scaremongering like lots of people do. It makes me feel excited and capable of keeping myself safe! 🥰
Emmy Hucker you are so capable!❤️
Respect
I was never going to solo travel until I saw Lexies videos (always thought it was too unsafe). I finally booked my first international solo trip but had to cancel because of covid. hopefully I can re-book next year
These kind of stories are really an eye opener! Especially if it comes from professional travelers just like you. I enjoyed every bit of this captivating video!
abdulah eqtefan thank you so much!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I loved the way you described it, and it seemed very magical. As someone who hopes to travel solo more, I also extremely appreciate how you put the last segment in. I am very happy that you shared your positive experience, while still apologizing that things can, and still do happen.
Camille Jorenby I'm happy to hear you gained something from both sides of the story!😊
Please be grateful that you genuinely found someone who had a good heart enough to dedicate his time for you and ask for nothing in return. He is a treasure worth remembering. I do appreciate the warning but it sounded more of you being grateful nothing happened to you than appreciating kind hearts exist. If you ever go back there, thank him for his kindness and dedication. I could see how engrossed he was explaining the canyon while guiding the donkey you rode on... written with love
S P definitely very grateful for this experience!
She is grateful nothing happened to her. Do you know how many women have been scammed etc?!?!?! Yes she had a good experience and was sharing it but her warning is very important too so that others don't go there trusting the first stranger who wants to show them around.
No offense but clearly you don’t understand how risky it can be to be a woman traveling so maybe you should not criticize her perspective. Women have been through a lot of violence and it’s a very real concern to have especially in a foreign country alone.
I'm so glad you make videos about solo travelling safely, this is very important for people to know. I travelled Costa Rica alone for 100 days and I had great experiecies, however, I did have a bad one and was able to get out of it safely. Travelling solo is life changing but you need to be aware and follow your intuition 🌿✨
Anna Robert couldn't agree more! It's important to share what you learn for your experiences because it could really help other people in the future
Gotta love stories like this!! Can't wait for your book!
Marise Bos so happy to hear that😆
I spent a whole day in Petra with the same Beduin - an amazing experience and he`s an amazing person.
Omg can't wait for the book!
Ishita Sharma so excited to share it!
One of my favorite videos yet! I really enjoy the content you produce. Keep up the good work Lexie!
Your kids are going to have the BEST stories!! I love u and ur my biggest inspiration!❤️ Glad you were safe and had an amazing birthday!
That sounded like an amazing experience! Very similar to my experience in Petra 5 years ago. There are always some people who try to scam you, but the vast majority of people just want to show you how they live and learn from you.
Petra is truly one of the wonders of the world, and being shown around any locals beats whatever a tourist company can offer.
Thanks you for sharing 😊
Heyyy, I love your videos! waiting for your book to hear more about your experiences. YOU INSPIRE ME SO MUCH.
What a beautiful story! Im happy you had a magical birthday. From one solo traveler to another, you are totally killing it and are so inspiring❤️
Very vivid story telling 👏🏼👏🏼
Looking forward to the book!!!
Rob & Mirjana thank you!!
I'm always getting excited when I see people's experiences while visiting my country (Jordan)
MarwanTube such an amazing country!😊
me too, i am jordanian american
Can’t wait for your book!! 😄
An absolutely great video, like always! Can't wait to get the book! Such an inspiration! I'm guessing you just want to go out and travel, can't wait for a travel vlog!
Csanád Kiss soon! Do you think it's too soon to start traveling again?
@@LexieLimitless I say if its not necessary don't travel. But I do get why people want to get out!
I love to travel but I am still waiting as patiently as I can to go somewhere, your videos are defiantly helping get through this, so thank you!!!!!
Love how these travel videos are so innovative and packed with cool stories
sidharth vijay thanks!
I literally cry of joy watching your videos and hearing your experience! I hope that one day I’ll be able to do as you and travel all around the world 😅💪🏼 thank you for sharing all this amazing things with us!!💖💖 love you Lexie 💖
I really miss travelling and I can't stop watching your videos ♥️
weirdforces I miss it too 😫
I loved this video and your way of narration. It also sounds much more natural and unscripted. Great work! Congratulations!
rutbanos thank you! Always a work in progress
WOW 🙌🏽 What an amazing experience!! 🤍
You’re such an inspiration!!
Out of all the videos of yours, I think this is the best most exciting video you have made so far in my opinion.
*You're so inspiring 💜*
Been following you since long now. You inspire me Lexie. More power to you!! 😀😀
Suyash Sharma thank you!😊
why the hell her story videos make me, a grown man, cry my eyes out? Would listen to her storys all day, defu buying the book! keep up!
Congrats on 200k!
Simple Aviator thank you so much!
Commented after a long time .good to see channel growth from first video till now.
100ksubs without vedio thank you!
You are so amazing!!
Love this story ❤️
Hanna K 😊
Well the good attracts the good that's a rule in human relationships
True Bruh❤
nature vibes yes I agree but it's always good to be aware & informed of different potential risks, especially as a solo female traveler
THIS VIDEO IS AWESOME! YOU TOOK ME RIGHT THERE. LEFT ME WANTING MORE! YOU ARE A TERRIFIC STORY TELLER!
Such a cool story! 😀
Joespn thank you!
I’m from Jordan! Petra is so beautiful, hope you got to Wadi Rum though, because that place is out of this world! 😍
Deeds You such an incredible region! Can't wait to go back😊
Such a cool story!
I was at the edge of my seat the whole video! I knew everything was gonna be fine, but felt very much in the moment with you and was very concerned the whole time! I know that the majority of people are genuinely good but I never feel 100% safe.
omggg you are my inspo and I can't believe I'm so soon eheh
Helena Sofia thank you 🥰
I went to Jordan in 2018!! Petra was such a beautiful place!!!
so real and inspiring!
Also I found these titles "Petra Secrets!" Or "Beduin's Ferrari" 👏🏻 are more appealing than Romance Scammers 😩
Yes but which of the things you mentioned is the most important to inform about?
I agree woth you though, it felt weird how the focus of the video ended up being about romance scammers when nothing happened etc. BUT since she found out about it and read about it on the internet she probably felt like she had to inform about it, because she doesn’t want it to happen to others. The best solution could’ve been that she had two seperate videos. One with the amazing adventure and the other about romance scammers
i am so happy that you travelled to the whole world this is so amazing i wish one day i can experience some things that you experienced
I love your vlogs. They are so inspiring. Petra is as you videographed. #9 to comment.
Ramon A. Nevers thank you Ramon!
You are a true inspiration 🍀
Mrudula sawant thanks!
@@LexieLimitless that was great of you 🍁
OMG! I swear that is the same guy whose shop I rested at overlooking the Treasury. His bandanna, hair, and beard look exactly the same. One of the nicest guys I met there. He gave me free tea, showed me a great spot to see the Treasury, and even took my photo for me. He asked for nothing in return. It was so nice after hiking, in the crazy heat for an hour or so to the top, from the canyon floor.
Looks like you rode up to the left hand side of the canyon to look down at the Treasury?
Thank you for sharing such a great story.
Great story. I almost went to Jordan once. Now I wish I did.
Food X Bert I hope you'll go eventually!
@@LexieLimitless I hope so. After this pandemic is over. I also hope to go to every country someday. I have only been to 47 countries so far.
Yes, yes, yes waiting forever the day of the book publish
Love it ! :D
wow, this is amazing
Big fan ♥️
I’m definitely buying that book!!!😆😆😆
Thx for being a huge inspiration ❤️❤️
Medha Menneni so happy to hear that!
😄😄
i am happy that you enjoyed your time in Jordan , the way you told the story was very impressive , thank you very much for putting in a good word about my country , Jordan is safe , don't be afraid to come and explore it , Petra is just one of the many amazing places you can enjoy your time here , but at the same time you gotta be careful , yes the people mostly are nice friendly and welcoming bcuz its in our culture , for us having a visitor means we are worth visiting and that we would like for you to come visit us again , but at the same time not all of us are as good as the most , there is a minority who would try to take advantage of you ( either you are solo or not ), and that minority would ruin all the good work the majority is trying to do , we would hate to hear someone from abroad got into trouble or god forbid was hurt , it ruins our tourism which is a our bread and butter and our main source of income since we are a small country facing HUGE challenges, recently there have been a new discovery of new sites for tourism in Jordan, so i hope the people who already visited can come again with a positive mindset about the experience they will have here , thank you very much and as we say here "Ya Ahlan wa Sahlan fil Ordon" welcome to jordan
Aww, I remember petra when i visited 6yrs ago.
Monjur Miah such a cool place!
@@LexieLimitless i know.
After watching your video, i feel like bring out my travel videos and watching it with friends n family.
You should make video on how to start a round the world trip and how to do it.. it will motivate many young people to explore the world like you did❤️
This person genuinely seems very nice..he could have done anything, but he didn't. I think only a few people like him are left in the world. By the way, travelling every corner of the world and exploring them is my dream and I am very passionate about it! And you are a big inspiration!! Thank you so much for virtually making us experience that :D
Lexie's boyfriend watching this: 😲
I was thinking the same about Thomas
Been here unfortunately wasnt able to take the night tour but i heard it was majestic.... your vlog just proved its majesty 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Are you going to do more videos about Jordan? I love it there❤️
Petra is simply beautiful! I liked Amman and Jerash too. Jordan is a nice country.
Your are so inspiring! My dream to do visit Petra for my 23rd birthday (for my Jordan Year 😉) Im praying covid to takes a turn in the right direction before next March! Thanks for the tips!
Amaizing video!!!!!
I've always wanted to travel around the world but have to been too afraid to go off by myself. I see you do it, and although there are risks, you find ways to go about it in safe and exciting way. You are truly an inspiration not only of travel but of perseverance as well. thank you for your videos. i will definitely get that book:)
Debz thank you! I hope you find the courage to try traveling solo, it's such a good experience
Hey Lexi, amazing video and effort you put here. It would be great if you talk here a little bit about Petra history and some amazing facts about the people who built this city inside the mountain. This goes back before 2500 years.
Hamza Abusitta next time 😊
@@LexieLimitless Super 👏🏻👏🏻
I’m so glad I found your channel! I’m 21 and have been to 15 countries, starting when I was 17. I definitely have many stories that started this way and ended not so innocently, I’m so thankful you’re sharing your tips & adventures with us! You’re a badass lady 👑💅🏻
abby visel thank you! Sounds like you've also had your share of adventures😉 stay safe out there & keep exploring !
These people saved me when I went up that cliff after running out of water after 10 hours of hiking most of Petra! They made fresh black tea and offered some bread. Super great people. Would love to go back again.
So beautiful and lovely
I'm from a big city so when I travel I find myself saying "no" but the more places I go the more I realize that although you have to be safe there is more good than evil.
Erin DiSanto I agree there's definitely more good
I love your videos
MUSIC GAME JAM thank you!
Petra was a magical experience and you got to see it by night too, which is something I missed out on. One tip I would advance is for those who are travelling to carry plenty of smaller denominations of the currency when visiting places like Petra. It comes in handy when buying little trinkets or postcards from the bedouin children and stalls.
Well, I was so afraid of traveling alone that I didn't whilst I could. And now we all are deprived of traveling due to covid. But Lexie? You inspired me. I don't need no one to travel with me. I can do that on my own.
I gotta say you’re one of the most courageous women I’ve ever met.
I love Petra! I did a semester abroad in Jordan studying Arabic and when we finally visited Petra it took my breath away! The group I was with ended up not being the hiking type and didn't really want to see all the sights so I ended up going off by myself for most of my time there. I was hiking up to the High Place of Sacrifice by myself when I saw a Bedouin woman who invited me to sit with her and some French-speaking women and drink water. This ended up being a fantastic experience because I got to talk to her in her native language and then translate into English for one of the French speakers, who would then translate into French for the other one. I learned that she rides her donkey up that steep trail every day to set up her shop and that she had five children. After about an hour I thanked her and continued on. When I reached the top of the peak I met a Bedouin couple and their young child and they showed me the cave that they live in and told me all about their lives. I ended up buying small souvenirs from them but they also gave me some for free. I also asked them if they preferred living in the caves or in the nearby town (because they said they lived in the town for a while) and they said they preferred the caves! It truly is amazing to get to have these experiences and learn from other people's perspectives and cultures, and it is awesome that you are sharing these experiences on this channel. Well done! I'd love to return someday for the night show, ان شاء الله
Lots of love from india😍😍😍God bless you dear...Keep rocking
I really like ur smile. Looking so pretty
wow, I want to visit Jordan...and other places...
when is your book coming out?? i read the preview and was ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY............waiting for your book eagerly
Abhirup Basu it'll be out later this year!
@@LexieLimitless yayy
Anyone else who also get sad when watching these videos? :(
Please be careful Lexie. Take care on your travels. May Allah be with you always ❤️
The Arabic he had a great voice I like it 😍👍
This video was like listening to the audiobook
Will your book ever be available on Audible? I would love to hear it be read by you.
Torianna L yes I'm definitely going to work on that too!
i was going to the night show, but it got rained out. Still amazing in the day though
You should go back and make a video with him. Would like to see how he is now.
Nice video
btd battles wizard gamer thanks!
This video pretty much sums up my biggest dilemma i face when travelling alone. I never know how much to risk (e.g going out at night, trusting strangers), and I know it depends on the circumstances but if you never take risks you will never have adventures like these i guess?
8:50 Yes! Safety first! ... but I'm glad this Jack Sparrow guy was alright!
Danny Danny he was a gentleman😊 always good to be conscious though
Have the Pepper Spray, Tasers, and your two guns ready!
Using your noggin is important.😁
Great tip to consider.
I have been following you for years now...I would like to know about your story in India that led to you saying that you would never visit India again... Also, being an Indian I apologize for whatever happened with you.
Rachit Jain I've never said I'm not going to visit India again, that's actually one of the first places I would like to travel after quarantine!😊 🇮🇳
@@LexieLimitless Super glad to know that you're gonna visit India soon... I am referring to your story on Instagram dated July 14..you mentioned having some bad experience when you visited India..
Apologies if I am mistakened!!
My guide in Jordan warned us that romance scams are unfortunately very common in Petra. Particularly after that famous NZ woman fell in love with a bedouin and got married back in the 80’s, a lot of women get enamored with the idea of such an amazing love story and fall for the trap. My guide said one woman on a previous tour of his had planned to go back to Petra that evening after the tour and look at the stars with a bedouin, he warned her but she wouldn’t listen. To get to finally believe him, he said ‘Look up at the sky. What stars do you think you will see? There are nothing but clouds in the sky?’ 🤣
Caroline Burrows that’s a crazy story!
Caroline Burrows it's such an interesting niche there! Would have never thought of it if I hadn't have seen similar stories for other women
Don’t think I’ve ever been so early
Stella Taylor 👏
The only problem my cousin and I had when we came to Petra were that we had a dated guide book, so we didn't have enough of the local currency for the entry tickets. So we had to go to the ONLY exchange office in Petra. I think that you can kinda guess how good that exchange rate was... But otherwise, our Petra trip was amazing.
My home land ❤️🇯🇴
They did the same good hospitality with me. I'm a local Jordanian. and usually no body would be nice to a local man. But after many visits to Petra, I still have a lot of Bedouin friends there (Bedoul tribe) . If you go again, get some sweets for the kids. or painting pencils.