We're in Jordan

Well, we've been disconnected for the last few days but have been very busy. We left Jerusalem Friday morning and had a smooth and very easy border crossing into Jordan. We were met by our driver, Othman, who took us to pick up our guide, Naiym, who went in to get our visas for us. Also there to greet us were Basel, the tour company owner and Rita's partner, and his two sons. Jamal, the older one, is accompanying us as training for becoming a tour guide - although what he really wants is to be an airline pilot. We immediately set out for Bethany and then visited Mt. Nebo and saw the mosaic in St. George's Church in Madaba. We checked in at the hotel late in the afternoon and had a late dinner in town at the Haret Judodnah restaurant. The food, atmosphere, and entertainment were excellent.

The next morning we left for a tour of Amman. We had an amazing view of the city from the Citadel and also enjoyed riding through residential, commercial, and diplomatic areas. In the afternoon we headed north to Ajlun, a castle known for its Islamic architecture. The final stop was at Jerash, a huge Roman city only half of which is still visible, the other half having been built on and covered by the new city. The Roman ruins here are extensive and very impressive. Back to Madaba and then to dinner at the Dana Restaurant - another good meal. But before dinner we were invited to tea at Basel's farm. We sat outside on a covered patio on a hilltop overlooking olive, apple, and pistachio trees. In the distance we could see sheep and goats grazing. Basel's wife was very gracious, and she and their oldest daughter, Zina, served us tea and appetizers. Basel's parents came by to say hello, as did his uncle. We very much enjoyed their hospitality and the opportunity to visit in a Jordanian home.

Today we left Madaba and headed east to see some of the desert castles. We saw three - one used as a caravan serai, one that was a hunting lodge, and one that was a military fortress. We also stopped at Shawbak, a Crusader castle that was high on a hill. Pictures don't do it justice and can't show the height very well, but I took lots of pictures anyway. We made our way on to Petra where we're staying in a very nice hotel. We had a good dinner, and most of us are trying to catch up on some sleep. We'll get an early start tomorrow but hope to have time for pictures here before we leave. We have fantastic views from the hotel.

That's all for now. Don't know when I'll have Internet access again, but hopefully it will be available in Cairo if not before. Let us hear from you!