😯Where Did the Crowd Go? A Once Beautiful Dike Now Left to Nature’s Own Devices.🌿

Ever been to a place that’s supposed to be bustling with life, but instead feels like it’s frozen in time, left to the hands of nature? That's exactly the vibe we got when we visited the Esplanade at the Jordan dike. Expecting to see people enjoying the sunny day, we were greeted with an almost eerie silence. Totally empty 😟

This was once a beautiful spot, designed to protect against flooding, reduce erosion, and offer a peaceful place for locals and tourists alike, has been taken over by nature in the most unexpected way.

As we walked in, the first thing that hit us was the sight of overgrown weeds creeping up all along the walkway. The paths, once neat and clean, were barely visible in some places.

Imagine the beautiful brick-paved path being swallowed by these wild plants, it's like nature decided to reclaim what was once its own.

In the photos, you can see how the bricks are mostly hidden, surrounded by lush greenery, especially on both sides of the path. The weeds have practically taken over, but strangely, there’s a certain beauty in how the flowers sprout from the cracks, as if they’re fighting to bring back some color to the place.

There were several concrete benches scattered around, their design looking almost... out of place. At first glance, they might remind you of something you'd see at a cemetery—flat, square, and uninviting.

Yet, with flowers left on top, they almost resemble tombstones, a peculiar reminder of how abandoned the space feels. It's like people once sat there, watching the river, leaving flowers in honor of lost memories 😆. Now, it’s a quiet and almost eerie place, with only the trees and overgrown plants keeping the benches company.

As we wandered deeper, the rusted fences and half-hidden lampposts began to paint a clearer picture.

Some lampposts still stand tall, but the vines climbing them tell the real story of how time has passed.

The fence, which was once meant to keep people safe and keep the area orderly, is now mostly a background piece in the overgrown landscape. Its once shiny white paint is peeling off, showing the rusty skeleton of what used to be a sturdy boundary.

There were new but unmaintained public washrooms. Doors were totally wrecked and broken. Trash was scattered inside.

In the distance, you can also spot a small, overgrown stream that runs beside the path.

The water is barely visible, filled with muddy banks and scattered trash, hinting that no one’s been around to clean it up in quite a while. It’s a stark reminder that, while nature can be beautiful, it can also be unforgiving when left unchecked.

But, not all is lost. Between the weeds and faded infrastructure, there are still pockets of unexpected charm.

Flowers cling to the bushes near the streetlights, adding a touch of color to the otherwise dreary surroundings. And while the river is hidden behind the thick overgrowth, there’s something peaceful about walking along the path, listening to the rustling leaves and feeling the breeze through the trees.

Despite the disrepair, the place still holds a certain serene beauty. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting a golden glow on the pathway.

The air is cool under the shade, making it a perfect spot to just sit and take a break from the busy world. It’s a space that once promised a lot, and maybe it still does, hidden beneath all the weeds and decay 😊.

So, while the place might be more “abandoned garden” than “tourist attraction” these days, there’s a strange charm to it. It’s like a hidden gem, waiting for someone to give it a second chance—or at least some much-needed attention.

If you ever find yourself wandering through Jordan, maybe take a quick detour to the dike. You’ll get a chance to walk through its overgrown paths 😁, sit on its strange benches and reflect on what used to be a beautiful spot. Just don’t forget to bring some gardening gloves 🤣..
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That's all for my little adventure today. Thanks for reading. Have a Wonderful day.

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*All photos were taken and owned by me @vvodjiu and were enhanced using the mobile app Snapseed. Lead photo created using Canva app.