In the heart of the Jordanian desert, specifically in the ancient city of Petra, an unusual love story unfolds between a young American woman and a young Jordanian Bedouin. Natalie Snyder, 42, left her previous life moving between Italy, Germany and New Zealand, to settle in a cave in Petra with her lover Firas Boudin, 32.
The story began in 2019 when Natalie posted a picture of Firas riding a horse on her Instagram account. She did not expect this picture to be the beginning of a new love and life adventure. Firas commented on the picture and invited her to visit Petra. After 18 months of continuous communication online, Natalie decided to visit Jordan in September 2021, and since then she has chosen to live with Firas in a cave overlooking the desert.
The cave in which the couple lives has two bedrooms, a balcony overlooking the desert, and a bathroom that runs on spring water. The cave also has another room to store saddles and other equipment for the couple’s camels, mules and chickens. Natalie, who now works as a tour guide, describes Bedouin culture as a whole different level from her previous life.
“I’ve started to get to know the culture already, but Bedouin culture is on a whole different level,” she says. “The tribe’s life is on a whole different level, they don’t live in the modern way that other people do.”
There are about 42 communities in the caves, an open society where everyone comes together. Life there is like a constant party atmosphere, where everyone lives as one family, in constant bonding and sharing. The Firas tribe is the only people allowed to live in the cave because of their longevity and because the original inhabitants of the caves are still there.
During the winter, the couple move to a house they rent on a 10-year lease in one of the villages in Petra, and then return to the cave in the warmer months. The cave is a 15-minute drive from the city, making it easy to access supplies such as food, wood and animal equipment.
“I have lived there my whole life, as have my ancestors and generations of my family. I love it, and I never want to leave,” says Firas, a tour guide from Petra. “I prefer the cave lifestyle. The government has offered us free land, a house and things if we leave, but we have always refused and will continue to do so. I call the cave ‘the palace.’”
The couple say that one of the best things about living in a cave is “the peace and quiet, overlooking the Jordanian desert.” They say that “the close-knit community of the indigenous people is the main reason why so many stay.”
And so, Natalie and Firas’ story continues in the caves of Petra, where they live a life of love and connection, enjoying the beauty of the desert and the magic of Bedouin life.
Discover an extraordinary love story in the caves of Petra!
Follow us on an amazing journey into the heart of the Jordanian desert, where Natalie Snyder and Firas Boudin live a life full of love and adventure. In this video, we will explore how Natalie left her old life to start a new one in a cave in Petra, and how she found happiness and peace in this magical place.
Don't miss the chance to witness this inspiring story and discover the hidden beauty of Bedouin life. Watch the video now and join us on this amazing journey!
Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOVHgQ6SGPQ
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Maqluba - A traditional dish from our village in Petra.
Maqluba is a single dish made of layers of rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), vegetables, such as eggplant and cauliflower, and sometimes potatoes. Once cooked, the pot is flipped upside down onto a serving platter, revealing the beautifully layered ingredients.
How is it made?
1. Base layer: Chopped and fried vegetables such as eggplant and cauliflower form the base of the pot.
2. Middle layer: The cooked and seasoned meat (chicken or lamb) is then added.
3. Top layer: Rice is spread over the meat and vegetables, and the entire dish is cooked in a delicious broth seasoned with spices such as cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, and cardamom.
4. Side: Once cooked, the pot is carefully flipped onto a large platter, revealing the colorful and aromatic layers.
How is it served?
Maqluba is often garnished with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley. It is usually served with yogurt or a simple salad on the side. Families and friends gather to share this dish, making it a symbol of hospitality and business.