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Ahlan ya Shabab,

I can't believe 6 weeks have already gone by, and only 3 weeks left! While classes have not slowed down whatsoever (starting chapter 13 Sunday) the academic experience is still very good. However, there is much more to learning a culture than just attempting to learn the language (key word attempt), but also traveling to important historical landmarks. Today, since Friday is a weekend, I decided to head West to the city of Madaba which is around a 10 minute ride from Mount Nebo. For those of you who don't know what Mount Nebo is, it is a hugely important religious site in the west of Jordan. "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho." (Deuteronomy 34:1)." According to scripture in the bible Mount Nebo is where Moses attained his first view of the holy land that his people would eventually end up occupying. If you paid attention in Theology class at Scranton, even in Dr. Mathews class (yes the one with the one T) you will know Moses never made it to the promised land, and is believe to be buried on the mountain by God himself. Some also believe the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant to be there, hid by Jeremiah. In 2000, Pope John Paul II visited Mount Nebo solidifying its huge importance. Pope Benedict also made a visit in 2009. A site worth seeing on the mount is the cross by an Italian artist. It depicts the bronze serpent Moses formed to stop the plague sent by God. Look a little familiar? That's because pharmacies and hospitals use the same art because they "stop their own plagues". Unfortunately, a lot of Mount Nebo was also under construction, as they are building a huge new memorial to commemorate Moses, and while it was extremely hot the views were absolutely spectacular anyway, even though it was too overcast to get a glimpse of Jerusalem, which is possible on a clear day (typical). Guess I'll just have to visit there myself someday =).
Getting to Mount Nebo is a little bit of adventure. I went to the Bus station in Amman with a lady who lives in my Hostel and once you get on the bus you wait until the driver either feels like going, or the bus is full. Today we had to wait a while. The trip to Madaba was quick, minus a car accident in Amman. Once to Madaba the only way to get to Mount Nebo is by taxi. After the 10 minute ride it's a little bit of a walk up a hill but the views are definitely worth it! Going back to Madaba we got a ride from people who were headed that way too so we didn't have to pay cab fare. We got on another bus to head back to Amman which again was quick (and the smaller buses are very cheap, the only downside no AC, but the breeze is ok). Then we headed to Albalad (the downtown of Amman) for lunch/dinner. I finally had the national Jordanian dish of Mansaf which is lamb cooked in yogurt and served with rice. It was very good but very filling! After lunch/dinner we finally headed back to the hostel because we were both exhausted! Until next time, hope everyone is having a splendid summer!!

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