Jerash and Mount Nebo, Day 3

Today we made a run from the border to Jordan today, after having spent the last two days in Bethlehem. Palestine was a bit interesting and very different from Israel, in that things are a bit more run down and not as nice, although we didn't really feel unsafe at all, except for the random gunshots that occurred each night as well as the two explosions we heard and saw (the staff at the hotel said it was nothing to worry about, that it was just a refinery explosion.....hmmm....

Anyhow, we traveled to Jordan, through the Riff Valley, and were able to see the Dead Sea from afar, traveling well below sea level. then it was past Jericho, and to the border. Once we made it through customs which was a little confusing from the explanation, it ultimately turned out to be a non event. We met our new bus driver, had a tourist police officer accompany us on the bus all day, as we made our way to our first stop at Jerash, Jordan, which is in northern Jordan, north of Amman.

Especially funny was one tour member calling it "Jordache" like the jeans, which was exceptionally funny considering this person thinks they know what should and should not happen on the tour, and is quick to complain about things. I've let it roll off my bak, since I figure there are always going to be people like that no matter where you go. I just look at it that in order to really enjoy yourself on a tour, you need to go with an open mind, and be very patient and flexible with schedules. I think after last night at dinner, I had had enough of people bitching about having to take one bag into Jordan for the two days we were there, and why they couldn't take ALL of their luggage along........even though it was explained why about 15 times.....

Jerash is an incredible site of ancient Roman Ruins.....we initiall took a panoramic view of the archeological site, and then were able to walk the grounds, and take lots of pictures. It was fun talking to different people on the walk, and it was exceptionally cool to hear a bagpipe ensemble greet us in the Odeon amphitheater. Me and Arra Lasse were able to climb midway up the amphitheater to take in the sights, and to hear the accoustics. It was amazing!

We walked in the circus maximus, through Hadrian's gate, and into the Forum area of the city. In the distance we saw the eastern gate up on a hill. it was truly an amazing sight.....and one of the highlights of the trip thus far.

From there, we headed south toward Amman, headed to Mount Nebo. Mount Nebo is where Moses stood on the mountain and looked out at all the lands below, and is supposedly where he is buried. We went to a restaurant prior to going to the mount, having our lunch late at around 4 p.m. Several people weren't happy with the fact that we were so late, but we managed to eat a little something before looking out from the mountaintop. After a reading from Deuteronomy and some group photos taken by one of the Jordanian franciscan monks, we headed on our journey to Petra, which was a little over 3 hours away.

On our way we stopped at a mosaic gallery, where we were given a lesson on mosaics, and the opportunity to purchase. I ended up finding a really cool painting of Amman from one of the gallery artists. After negotiating my life away, I went out with my painting, knowing full well that I probably paid 4 times too much.....Oh Well.

We eventually made it to our hotel at the Moevenpick Petra, which is extremely nice. After checking in at 9:30 p.m., many of our travel mates never bothered making it to dinner, which was a loss for them, as the food was quite possibly one of the best buffets I have ever sampled in my life! One glass of wine and a soda later, it's now time for bed, as it's apparently daylight savings time here tomorrow.

Tomorrow we're off to Petra ad Wadi Rum......can hardly wait!