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Published: July 31st 2006
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Holy Land Map
The map found in the Church of St. George in Madaba. Hello all: Yes, it is July, and I went to Jordan at the end of February. So, yeah, I know I'm late with this one - I've been a little busy, okay??? Work sort of got in the way as report cards came right after mid-winter break, and then there was that whole getting engaged thing that took up some time in June...so sorry! Oh, and I'm on holidays, so excuse any spelling mistakes.
Anyway, I was in Jordan from February 28-March 4, just enough time to get a little taste of this amazing place. We arrived late on the evening of the 28th. I wasn't sure what to expect, as the only other Middle Eastern country that I have been in is, of course, Egypt, where I live. Jordan is very, very different - a little less crazy and hectic, due mostly to the fact that there aren't as many people in it. So, my traveling family, the Ferris' (Doug & Evelyn and their 2 girls, Elise and Grace) stayed the first night in Madaba, 45 mins or so from Amman, and we were right across from our first sight - the church of St. George which houses one
of the oldest mosaic maps of the Holy Land. Next was Mount Nebo, where Moses was told by God to climb so he could at least see the Promised Land though he was forbidden from entering. Unfortunately, there was too much haze, so we saw nothing - a little disappointing, but what can you do? It was still an interesting place to visit, as there is a church built on top of the mountain. Next was the Baptism site of Jesus himself - or so people have calculated. I got to walk right down to the Jordan River, which is quite small now with a dam having been built some time back, but still, I dipped my hands right in. Doug stepped right in. Israel is right across the small river, and with how things are now, that is probably as close as I will get to it. Finally, we were off to the Dead Sea. I forgot my swim suit so did not swim in it myself (I relaxed on the beach instead), but people really do float in it! There are just ridges and ridges of salt along the edge of the Sea. Then it was back to
Where Jesus was baptised
This area is apparently the place where Jesus was baptised. See how deep the river was before the dam was built? the hotel for our favourite treat - chicken swarma sandwiches.
Next day, we were off on the road again for - YES - Petra! I must say that Jordan has a very varied landscape, from rocky and sandy desert, to slight vegetation, to even a great green valley up near Jerash with rivers and all! Makes for an interesting drive. We stopped at an old castle, Ash Shawbak, which has been used by Crusaders, Arabs and Mamelukes at some time or another. It was cool to see Arabic writing from the Qu'ran on parts of the castle's sides- there was even a mosque area deep inside the castle. Wonder what the crusaders would have though of that? We were the ONLY people there, and apparently not many people visit this castle at all. We had free reign to walk whereever we wanted (careful with kids - no safety barriers around very long, long drops down the side of the walls!). I highly recommend this site just for the tranquility (though now that I've said that, it might not be so tranquil anymore). Finally, we arrived at PETRA. We checked into Petra Palace (decent but simple hotel) and went to
Israel sighted!
Right across the little creek that used to be (and, still is, I guess) the Jordan River is Israel. This is probably the closest I'll ever get to it. Petra to at least enjoy it for 4 or 5 hours before the sun when down. We took horses in (to the main entrance area where the cliff faces begin), and then walked and walked and walked down simply stunning raveens. Tip #1 for visiting Petra - bring GOOD walking shoes. The colours on the rocks - I can't say anything but WOW! Finally, we could see the treasury building in between the raveen sides. We walked through and were stunned - both by the majestic ruins in front of us, and the cheesy souvenir sellers and camel and donkey ride offers! Nonetheless, we were awed (especially the kids). We met and talked with one of the Beduins, a man by the name of Masour, who gave us advice about where to hike today and the next to get the most out of this area. Tip #2 for visiting Petra - talk to the Beduins - their knowledge of this area is valuable, plus you learn other educational facts about how they live now. We had to leave - but not before browsing through the Indiana Jones gift shop. Funniest part of the day - Doug's face at the Beduin
restaurant we ate at later when they served him Mansafe, a traditional dish (looks like knuckle bone with a bit of meat and white sauce on it - I stuck with pasta).
Next day, we hiked from about 8:30 AM to 7 PM, and this was great. We did the 900+ step walk to the High Place of Sacrifice first thing, and the last thing we did was the equally long hike up to the Monestery - both worth it. Tip #3 for Petra - bring a lunch, with food to share with local Beduin children and adults you befriend along the way.
Our final day, we drove from Petra to Jerash, a very long drive indeed. Jerash was interesting, too, but having just been to Greece a few months before and Rome 3 years ago, I was ancient citied out. The coolest part was seeing the ruts made hundreds of years ago by chariots! It is worth a visit, though. And give yourself time - it's bigger than it first appears.
So, Jordan all in all was a place I hope to get back to - maybe I'll retire there.
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