Jordan

Yesterday's first since it never posted...

We said farewell to Israel today as we crossed the Jordan River. After dealing with several checkpoints we met our new guide and bus driver and to our surprise our own personal policeman. Don't worry...Jordan is perfectly safe. He is here to help us with any needs including door holding and hand holding. I'm pretty sure he's bored to tears as he speaks no English but he is easy on the eyes for the females in the group :-)

Jordan is quite different from Israel to be so close. Poverty abounds, which has become worse due to the 70% reduction in tourism this year. So many people fear traveling here. We have never felt unsafe. There is plenty if security and Americans are loved. Seriously...as we entered Jordan it was like we were on a parade float. Everyone stopped and waved. Every group of children we encounter have been so excited to see us. Today at Jerash a group of Muslim school girls danced with our group, cheered as one member sang the Star Spangled Banner, and even asked for an encore. She sang Amazing Grace as they all listened with wide, beautiful smiles.

At Jerash we saw amazing ruins from the Roman period. Margie and I have walked around MANY ruins but this one was amazing. It is very well preserved and very accessible. We were able to get a real picture of how it was in Roman times.

We finally arrived to Petra around 9:30 pm. Our hotel is a series of cottages where we each have our own. Margie and I got a special tour of the Royal Suite...more on that story in person to our friends :-)

Our guide told us we will be amazed at the view tomorrow morning. Ill let you know tomorrow.

Today....

The view from our hotel is wonderful by the way...

We spent the entire day at Petra. There are no words to describe the beauty of this place. We start by seeing a few ancient burial tombs. While the history of them was amazing, we were distracted by the blue sky against the yellow rock. I would post pics but the wifi is slow so you'll have to wait for my "real" camera pics when I return.

Again, I would love to describe all of Petra but I cannot do it justice. You simply have to visit this place. I have traveled around the world but the natural beauty here took my breath away. Basically it is rock formations along with ruins from between 1st century bc and 1st century ad. The entire day was around 7-8 miles of walking up and down hills including around 1,000 total steps yet it was easier than many treks I have taken. I believe that was due to the distractions of the amazing views.

My favorite part was a local school girl who guided us to the top of the mountain for the "best view". She shared with us local culture and her entrepreneurial spirit. Yes I spent money on items that were probably made in China at her "shop" but they were worth getting to know my Jordanian friend.

We ended the night at a bar set inside a cave with locals. We conversed via Facebook most of the night. Welcome to 2013 in the Middle East.