The Promised Land

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14 Nov - Went to visit the Roman ampitheatre (yet another one!) in Bosra, Syria before heading onwards to Jordan. First border crossing where the men and women were processed in separate areas. Generally quite easy to get our group visas and entry stamps. But the major hassle tends to be the processing of the truck's paperwork, which is usually fairly slow and tedious. This crossing was made a little easier with a donation of 6 boxes of ciggies. Bush-camped that night in the Jerash National Park (fabulous).

15 Nov - Visited the Roman ruins in Jerash the next day. Once again, not too many ruin photos.

Then it was onto Madaba and Mount Nebo (800m high). According to the Book of Deuteronomy 34, this is where Moses was supposed to have seen the Promised Land and promptly died (at age 120!). There is a Moses Memorial and church there with groovy mosaics, plus a spectacular 180 degree view of the Dead Sea, Israel, Palestinian Territories and Jordan. Bush-camped that night on Mount Nebo with the endless stars and lights shining all the way from Jerusalem, Bethlehem & Jericho (left) and Amman (right).

16 Nov - Headed to the Dead Sea (486 metres below sea level) for a dip. No kidding, you can't sink. Really hard to swim as you can't put your legs in the water. Kind of like paddling on a surfboard, but without the board.

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Photos

Night lights
From Jerusalem, Bethlehem & Jericho

The Promised Land
View of the Dead Sea from Mount Nebo

Altar
Inside the church at the Moses Memorial

Mosaic tiles
Inside the church at the Moses Memorial

Visitor
Mohammed (local goat herder) joined us for dinner

Hippodrome in Jerash
Massive arena that could seat 15,000 spectators to watch chariot races & other sports

Tickets please
Greek letters showing reserved seating in the South Theatre in the 1st century AD. This theatre has amazing acoustics and is still in use for the Jerash Festival held every July

Scotland the Brave
Who knew bagpipes (the ancient version) originated from Jordan?

Grooves
Chariot wheel tracks in the paving stones of the main colonnaded street

Comments

[Christina Chong]

won't be drowning here
wish I was there always wanted to float and not sink in the sea. Al, what do u think

[Al]

Hello mini
With the spare tyre I am carrying, I'll be walking across the water... like that dude with the beard.