tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11819866975381684302024-03-21T02:38:40.618-07:00Jordan - Love and ForgivenessVernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-83204553860215223482015-03-04T14:55:00.003-08:002015-03-04T14:55:35.254-08:00...to the Dead Sea<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After leaving the restaurant near Jerash, we headed to the Dead Sea. Driving through the fringe of the desert gave us another view of life of the Jordanian people, including the Bedouins. Here and there we would see small villages in the middle of the desert that served as permanent settlements. We also saw small, lone structures that served as homes and shelter for the many Bedouins that passed through this area throughout the year. L</span><span style="font-size: large;">iving where I do, t</span><span style="font-size: large;">here are times I might complain about being so far away from "civilization", but seeing these areas and knowing that many people live here with everything they need, I realize that all of the "stuff" I think I need from "civilization" are simply extras...burdens really, and that, perhaps, I need to decontaminate myself from all of the extras! So much easier said than done...but these images will stay with me as I make my valiant attempt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we drove along this dusty highway, we came to the sign that marked the point of sea level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stopped to take a photo and came upon a young shepherd with his flock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This shepherd had, not only his flock of sheep, but also a donkey and two dogs. He also had a young assistant at the back of the flock. The shepherd needed to get his charges across the highway and the sheep readily (or blindly) cooperated, despite oncoming cars and trucks. The donkey was being lead along on a leash and had no hesitancy crossing the road, either. However, the two dogs were having none of this highway-crossing-with-oncoming-traffic deal. They ran back and forth, tails between their legs, ears back and yelping for the shepherd. They would approach the road and, upon seeing another car or truck, would immediately retreat back. Finally, the shepherd's assistant came and lead the dogs across the road, as they ran for their lives to catch up and claim their spot at the head of the group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were fast approaching the Dead Sea (actually a lake!) located in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordered on the east by Jordan, and on the west by Palestine and Israel. The Dead Sea is located in the Negev Desert, about 50 miles from Tel Aviv and 15 miles from Jerusalem. It is the lowest point on Earth...at the very bottom, the deepest part, the Dead Sea is 2,300 feet below sea level. It is also the saltiest body of water on Earth...9.6 times as salty as the ocean, 33.7% of the water is salt. Naturally, I had to taste the water...as a matter of fact, I am <b>still </b>tasting it! Nothing I have ever tasted - even pure salt - was a taste such as the Dead Sea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scientists insist that the Dead Sea is drying up and will be gone in a short 50 years if nothing is done to prevent it. It has already lost 1/3 of its surface area. On Feb. 27, 2015, Israel and Jordan signed an historic agreement - a $900 million dollar water sharing project which will "replenish the Dead Sea with water from the Red Sea and will also supply both Israel and Palestine with water". Let's hope this is a successful attempt at saving this historic body of water and maybe...just maybe...will encourage peaceful relations among all of these countries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our way to the Dead Sea, we stopped at a shop for water and use of its facilities, as well. These shops have an eclectic array of items for sale, and this one was no different. There were ceramic items, mosaic creations from small bowls to tables, brass "tchotchkes", decorative metal plates, scarves, furniture, etc. - all available for purchase by tourists. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> Alison and I both willingly...maybe hopefully!...purchased some Dead Sea mineral cream/soap/defoliant</span><span style="font-size: large;">...so look for us to be looking much younger quite soon! Here is a photo of our little box of miracles! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...and a cut-out metal plate I decided I "needed"! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After much hesitancy, thought, and entertaining negotiation, I also purchased a beautiful silk, hand knotted rug and a very detailed painted ostrich egg. The rug is color-rich displaying hard-earned and enduring craftsmanship. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's no wonder they are </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">slightly</i><span style="font-size: large;"> expensive. However small, it is beautiful and I have no regrets. At the end of our "pricing dance", the owner of this shop told me, "You should make this your business, this negotiating!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ostrich egg was a pretty amazing piece of craftsmanship, as well. From a distance, it appears that the intricate designs on this egg are simply painted. But, upon closer inspection, this is what is revealed: the designs are "painted" by using a sharp, pointed pick, very fine sand, and paint. The end of the pick picks up a minute droplet of paint. This point is then dipped into extremely fine sand and the minuscule amount that stays on the tip of this tool is then placed strategically onto the egg to create the desired picture. If you look very closely at the top 2 pictures, you can see these small dots of paint and sand. Up close, this procedure makes it look as though each dot is similar to a pixel used to create these elaborate and complex designs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Neither Alison nor I could remember what this side of the egg represents. However, I am going to email the store to find out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the Tree of Life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This flower is the black iris, the national flower of Jordan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When one's time in a place is so limited, not everything can be done or seen or experienced. As the sun began to set, we realized we may not reach the Dead Sea prior to sunset. However, we still wanted to go and Abu agreed, it was not something we should miss...even in the dark!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived as the sun was low on the horizon and well into setting for the day...all crimson and golds, dark pinks and blues... even the water took on this intense color. Such a spectacular and stunning sunset looking across the sea towards the twinkling lights of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Jericho in Israel, looking directly at the West Bank.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea did not look to be that far away...until we parked the car and started walking toward it. It continued to get darker and darker...quite quickly...as the water seemed to be retreating. We heard and saw many other people, groups of adults, children, adolescents...many cooking a meal and relaxing along the shore or close to it, anyway,...and we continued trudging through the sand, downhill...in the almost-dark. Every so often, a giggling, barefoot child would dart past us, completely confident of their goal, through sand littered with driftwood and evidence of the presence of horses and camels. Oh yes - I forgot to mention the camels that would appear as mammoth shadows in the dark whose handlers wanted to take us on a ride...but not this time. The shore of the Dead Sea was our goal and it seemed to be moving further and further away! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every time we thought the sea was "right there", a sandy, pot-holed, crevice-riddled decline (or cliff!) would appear... but I had my eye on the prize: putting my feet in the Dead Sea! After some creative moves that saved us from falling or rolling down the hill toward the water (great visual, huh?!), we finally arrived at the shoreline. We rolled up our pants, took off our shoes and stepped into the dark, silky-soft water with a less-than-solid and secure sandy bottom. We were actually in the Dead Sea! Woo Hoo! But, the sand was so unstable, encouraging our feet to keep slipping and sinking, it was a little difficult to remain standing. But, we did it and I have very blurry photos to prove it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, groups of people were wandering in and out of the water and there were no "lifeguards" present or any manner of security that we could see. Then again, I thought you couldn't drown in the Dead Sea but I was wrong. Apparently, if you try to float face down in this water (Why???), your body's equilibrium is thrown off and you might find it difficult to upright yourself and you may become one of the few people who have, in fact, drowned in the Dead Sea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We could see the lights of the resorts that are located along the shores of the Dead Sea, too. Naturally, there are many resorts and spas here, taking advantage of the all of the claims of skin treatments and relaxation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After putting our shoes and socks back on and climbing back up the sandy hill to the car, we had to return to the shop we stopped at on the way in because Abu left his phone in the restaurant. It seems that getting disconnected from one's cell phone is an international problem!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next post, I will address the conference itself. It was, without a doubt, a unique and enriching experience.</span></div>
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Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-43182944133909940352015-02-28T13:34:00.001-08:002015-02-28T13:34:28.092-08:00Jerash to the Dead Sea <span style="font-size: large;">More remarkable history was seen in Jerash..in this country full of remarkable historic sites...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we drove to Jerash, I couldn't help but notice how these highways are not much different than some of our own...not as much traffic but certainly, the construction of apartment buildings/condos along this main thoroughfare is a similar scene that we see here in America.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, as we approached Jerash, we saw this sign. While it appeared to be a banner of celebration for a specific event, it was not. It is simply a permanent sign bearing yet another photograph of King Abdullah. I do not know what it says in Arabic but I'm working on that!...UPDATE: My friend, Marci, consulted with some of her Arab friends and they tell me that this signs says: "The municipality of bigger Jerash welcomes you." Thanks, Marci! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jerash, settled over 5,000 years ago, is considered to be one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Near East. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Excavations confirm that Jerash was already inhabited by the Bronze Age (</span><span style="font-size: large;">3200-1200 BC). </span><span style="font-size: large;"> It is one of the cities of the Decapolis, a group of 10 cities on the eastern border of the Roman empire located in Syria, Israel and Jordan. These 10 cities were centers of Greek and Roman culture in the midst of an area of Jewish, Nabatean, and Aramean influence. Most of these cities were located in Jordan. Jerash is often times referred to as the "Pompeii of the East", minus the volcanic activity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Arch of Hadrian - the entrance gate to the ruins at Jerash: This gate was built by the Romans to honor the visit to the city of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the winter of 129-130 AD. At the time, Jerash was known as "Gerasa". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> It is believed that wooden doors once filled the arched spaces.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we walked toward the city, purchased tickets, and procured a guide, we were privy to a display of devotion. Salat times, or prayer times, happen five times during the day and the most devout stop all activity to participate. There was a small group of men behind the ticket office who were preparing to pray. Notice the prayer rug on which they are standing. This moment was another opportunity for us to experience, on a simple level, a component of their religious culture. I was honored to have witnessed it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Again, we were fortunate to have had another educated, well-spoken and enthusiastic guide to take us around the site. Abu made these arrangements, guaranteeing us another successful tour. Our time was limited and he made sure that the guide was aware of our time constraints while giving us the most comprehensive tour possible. While our visit was filled with history and captivating background, I wish we had had more time. As we have found throughout our inadequate time in Jordan, this area is so rich in history and is so connected to other civilizations that it would require a much longer stay here to fully understand its story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">As we continued toward the ruins, there was evidence of site restoration as you enter the ancient city and climb the steps to the Forum. Approaching</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> the Forum you will see a plaza surrounded by 56 pillars, each @20 feet high and comprised of four stones each. The floor of the Forum is comprised of stones that increase in size as they move out toward the outer rim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">This unique Oval Forum was the center of public life. Commercial and public affairs were scheduled in this area, as were, elections and public speeches. Gladiator matches and even criminal trials were also held in the Forum. Imagine being a citizen of this ancient city, drawn to the Forum as a way to connect with the "news" of the day, the developments in the political and legal world, perhaps wandering down the Cardo Maximus searching the market for the food that was needed in your home, and being a part of life in the city of Jerash. How different this life was from how many of us live today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Directly off of the Forum is colonnaded </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Cardo Maximus, the main street of the city, surrounded by more pillars - some repaired, while others lie in wait for restoration. Restoration has been going on here since 1920 and, as in other spots we have explored, is very expensive. Ruts made by ancient chariot wheels can still be seen, not unlike on the streets of Pompeii. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Walking down the Cardo Maximus, we came to </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">the nymphaeum, </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">a very well-preserved fountain dedicated to the water nymphs, constructed in 91 AD. Look in the foreground for the pink granite water base. In its prime, w</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ater cascaded from 7 carved lions' heads into small basins on the sidewalk. Pretty amazing this fountain is in such pristine shape and still standing after </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">close to 2,000 years!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Located next to the Nymphaeum is the "cathedral". In reality, it is a Byzantine church that, in the 4th century BC, was built on top of the original 2nd century building, the Temple of Dionysius. The 4th and 5th century brought a significant influence of Christianity into this area and the building of churches was widespread and encouraged. It was common for pieces of former temples to be used in the building of these churches. This is just one example.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jordan is one of the most heavily Westernized countries in the Middle East. Many women are embracing Western culture and will wear trousers while still wearing a head covering. We found this to be a widely accepted practice, with some women discarding the scarf, as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much of history is a real puzzle. Displayed along this colonnaded road are countless broken pieces of carved columns waiting to be put back in place to recreate the original ancient city. It was a perfect opportunity to see these carving up close and personal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before leaving Jerash, we wandered through the local souk (market) and saw a craftsman creating colored sand creations in glass bottles and vases. The one I saw was personalized for a visiting family. Using small, thin tools, this artist created scenes within the bottle, included family names or place names and proudly displayed his work. We saw countless places doing this work throughout our travels - all fine and detailed work representing one of the handicrafts for which Jordan is noted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Abu took us to lunch and we met this breadmaker outside. The method he used to bake the flat bread, known as shrak, is an old process requiring the open oven you can see slightly behind and to the left of this man (or to the right in the photograph). After flattening out the dough using his fingers and the stone, he puts the flattened dough on his hand and quickly slaps the dough onto the inside wall of the hot oven. If you look carefully inside the oven in the bottom two photographs, you can see this dough at about the 11:00 o'clock position. When it is baked to perfection, the baker peels the bread off of the side of the oven and it is brought into the restaurant - freshly baked, warm shrak, eaten with Jordan's magnificent hummus and olive oil...my absolute favorite!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As has been the norm throughout our trip, we thoroughly enjoyed many Jordanian dishes at this restaurant, including tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, manakeesh, fattoush, and mansaf, in addition to my favorite - hummus. Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan and is a symbol of generosity. I can attest to that! The portions we were given, at every meal, were enough to feed 2 - 3 times the number of people at the table! All of it was delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our day was far from over! From our luncheon restaurant, we proceeded towards the Dead Sea. Stay tuned! </span></div>
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Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-61437918694545544972015-02-21T20:23:00.002-08:002015-02-21T20:23:20.287-08:00A King, a mosque, and other ancient ruins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we ventured out to discover some of the history of Amman. Obviously, one day is not a sufficient amount of time to do a thorough job but, with the expert guidance of Abu, we tried to use our time wisely! We visited the Citadel, including the Roman Theater, went to Jerash, and finally to the Dead Sea. It was a busy day and, once again, full of history and wonder!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went to the King Abdullah I Mosque in downtown Amman with the hope of getting inside. It is a beautiful blue-domed building built as a memorial to the grandfather of the late King Hussein. It can house @7,000 worshipers with an additional 3,000 in their courtyard. There is also a women's section that can accommodate up to 500 worshipers. All women are required to cover their hair and everyone must remove their shoes if they plan to enter the prayer hall. Of particular note: this is the only mosque in Amman that openly welcomes non-Muslim visitors. It also houses a museum. Unfortunately for us, it wasn't open...the first time we visited the mosque, it was prayer time and closed to to the touring public. Our bad luck...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From here we headed up to the Citadel, in the center <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">of</span> downtown Amman. In Arabic it is known as Jabal al-Qal'a and evidence proves that it is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places. Like Petra, the Citadel was occupied by many memorable civilizations. The buildings that we saw were from the Byzantine, Roman and Umayyad periods, this last one being the period of the first Muslim dynasty. The Umayyads were first rulers of the Islamic empire and passed down that power within their family, ruling between 661 and 750 AD. They were the most powerful empire of that time. However, their downfall was threefold: they were not direct descendants from Muhammad, their dreadful mistreatment of non-Arab Muslims was intolerable, and their contentious practice of handing down power from father to son soon revealed its influence on their demise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The views from the Citadel were astounding and divulged Amman's status as a thriving city with a population of over 4 million. The foundation wall remnants can still be seen surrounding part of the site.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi21XkLCsuvORBRRvY9y_dgTzdhZ3pGABGZlWOS8VQxVerowSi1CYqy0BAjiKfYadwhiJWN4DsFqeOayojQ9bAA__r__f3NmGN8pn6uIGNSNV1PP3qfusGOxuYU9GDpawUbo3HZy692DjW/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi21XkLCsuvORBRRvY9y_dgTzdhZ3pGABGZlWOS8VQxVerowSi1CYqy0BAjiKfYadwhiJWN4DsFqeOayojQ9bAA__r__f3NmGN8pn6uIGNSNV1PP3qfusGOxuYU9GDpawUbo3HZy692DjW/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch1.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ancient name of Jordan's capital of Amman, which dates back @7,000 years, was Philadelphia. Read from right to left to see how the name of the capital city of Amman changed throughout the centuries as leadership of the area changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Archaeologist have been working at this historic site since the 1920's. There is much work to be done, many mysteries to be solved, and connections to be made. The cost for this work is overwhelming and slow to progress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surrounding the Citadel are the remains of the foundation walls enclosing the heart of the site. There are many areas where repairs and overlays of newer civilizations can be seen. The drop to the street from the hill of the Citadel is significant. Notice the iron bar fence protecting visitors from slipping down the ancient hill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The major buildings at the Citadel are the Temple of Hercules...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many of the designs on the pillars and walls surrounding the temple were designs from nature. Our guide pointed out one of the plants whose design was reproduced. Below is the plant and its recreation on one of the pillars.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQp361QYtNxd5vWfmMv86iRkXTOTUtIp3O_399LNyFMFgGHqoUS6gb5YQgkQp1EHeTOWyrNz4yprgQzZGETzKO4ZotfzhS11UWUc8dA9fwjY783ITJ0eOI7kYfI8pZQN0ahksv_OQubpT/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQp361QYtNxd5vWfmMv86iRkXTOTUtIp3O_399LNyFMFgGHqoUS6gb5YQgkQp1EHeTOWyrNz4yprgQzZGETzKO4ZotfzhS11UWUc8dA9fwjY783ITJ0eOI7kYfI8pZQN0ahksv_OQubpT/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" height="532" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Byzantine Church also claims much of the attention at the Citadel. It was constructed during the 5th or 6th century A.D. At this time, Amman was called "Philadelphia" and had been renamed after the Ptolemaic ruler, Philadelphus, in the 3rd century BC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The interior of the Umayyad-era Byzantine Church vestibule was painted and plastered in its original form. The dome has been recreated using wood, as the weight of recreating it in stone was a concern. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzemqV8TWulXVfrG0Iw9wou1tFF-zg1m7ghtQui2Bs_Y-t6-4eAmZWotjXE2iTCLVGIGGATWAb8Wqowr1gtTMMaiaPDPHNF8IqxH6WhRWa2O9XgEG8p9swxBe63aAcvs_Evfjc-yJe78Ij/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzemqV8TWulXVfrG0Iw9wou1tFF-zg1m7ghtQui2Bs_Y-t6-4eAmZWotjXE2iTCLVGIGGATWAb8Wqowr1gtTMMaiaPDPHNF8IqxH6WhRWa2O9XgEG8p9swxBe63aAcvs_Evfjc-yJe78Ij/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch8.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since 1920, there have been archaeologist from France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy and Jordan working on this site. It is another massive historical project in Jordan and the potential for excavation and discovery are great...as is the expense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continued to venture down to the Roman Theater, located near the center of Amman. It can be seen in its entirety from the hill of the Citadel. This structure could seat @6,000 people and was oriented to keep the sun from the spectators.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> It was also designed so that everyone, regardless of where they sat, could hear the actors in the round. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The area surrounding the Roman Theater is busy with traffic and pedestrians. As is true all over in Jordan, large photos of King Abdullah and his son, Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah, </span><span style="font-size: large;">are displayed. The prince is next in line for the throne.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk24WDfD6ECamDfDdTOgdiidaiZv8tlfEytsE5n8Rj2hCKgdGT-1fp2sXaNfvhCjvou_6WnFoA45TkrcdhAkxEM_7WDhodFua-yfqFkWc07u1akZz7uWPi2Ql6ubRfk4xw2JUpejerkmx/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk24WDfD6ECamDfDdTOgdiidaiZv8tlfEytsE5n8Rj2hCKgdGT-1fp2sXaNfvhCjvou_6WnFoA45TkrcdhAkxEM_7WDhodFua-yfqFkWc07u1akZz7uWPi2Ql6ubRfk4xw2JUpejerkmx/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch7.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Roman Theater was the centerpiece of Roman Philadelphia and also the focus of the late 19th century development of Amman. Here we found some original Roman paving and the Corinthian colonnade that provided a space for the market place between the street and the theater, itself.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ohhu9HA_j4opMwQewTL3vbF15_RMGA22fAuB3AtB568cWf2NqNDBpatW4j7GftZJuz21jN6laF_MWHVX6IgPMCTZygPa_fQFyHnYPrClSabpc11ethBYxht2d3l8eeg-ru4-ybiNQXi9/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ohhu9HA_j4opMwQewTL3vbF15_RMGA22fAuB3AtB568cWf2NqNDBpatW4j7GftZJuz21jN6laF_MWHVX6IgPMCTZygPa_fQFyHnYPrClSabpc11ethBYxht2d3l8eeg-ru4-ybiNQXi9/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This structure was built between 169 and 177 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Its design is genius, as there is a spot in the middle of the semi-circle where one can stand, speak in a normal speaking voice and the echo of your voice will be heard throughout the theater. If you step off this spot, the echo of your voice no longer exists. While we didn't try it, legend says that 2 people crouching down at opposite ends of the orchestra can mutter into the semicircular stone wall below the first row of seats and can easily hear each other! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhfsuxWMW6gj0BM2OMhWcglCsiWEm9c_VwPOmR4b1EsgIEyrkwZQSkijUKRieYamKnpOXBASGQQh0Xuh9uXJY37MiV9hguOL3g1E-fm1h9rJ3T0J4wAg1M0wSN2sMGKrnFReg1YYveVZY/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhfsuxWMW6gj0BM2OMhWcglCsiWEm9c_VwPOmR4b1EsgIEyrkwZQSkijUKRieYamKnpOXBASGQQh0Xuh9uXJY37MiV9hguOL3g1E-fm1h9rJ3T0J4wAg1M0wSN2sMGKrnFReg1YYveVZY/s1600/Jordan+-+mosque,+Jerash,+the+Citadel,+lunch9.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Citadel could also be seen on the hill from the Roman Theater.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is so much to tell about Jerash and the Dead Sea that I will continue this day in the next post. But first...here are my two friends from the ladies room at the Roman Theater. We found the people of Jordan eternally friendly and helpful...a country full of beautiful people.</span></div>
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Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-92072936037091690722015-02-16T13:37:00.002-08:002015-02-18T19:05:46.378-08:00Into Petra and...then there were the camels<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we exited the Siq, only 9-13 ft. wide in some spots, we came upon the Treasury in Petra, estimated to be about 2,000 years old. Also known as Al-Khasneh, the Treasury, which is really a sculpture, is remarkably well-preserved, even to these untrained eyes. But, the face of it is marked by hundreds of bullet holes made by Bedouin tribes who believed there were riches within the walls and hoped that the bullets would dislodge them...all for naught. The Treasury is carved directly into the rock wall, with the carving starting at the top. It was feared that if the carving began at the bottom, the rock would be too compromised to support what was above and that it might collapse. It is believed that the Treasury was originally designed to be a mausoleum. Notice the Greek influence in this architecture. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Petra was established possibly as early as 312 BC and has been described as "a rose-red city half as old as time"...simply breathtaking and so intriguing...Petra, the Rose City, named for the color of the rock. Among the ruins of the Treasury, the prehistoric symbols, the ancient ancestors of the Nabateans, the Romans, Greeks, the Byzantine era, to name a few, were also children selling jewelry and gum, old men selling the same and opportunities were being offered to ride a camel or a donkey. Some contemporary history: If these scenes looks familiar, it might be because there have been a number of movies filmed here: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Arabian Nights, Mortal Combat, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, The Mummy Returns, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen...I </span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><b>might</b></i><span style="font-size: large;"> have seen the Indiana Jones movie! Petra has also been recreated for some video games, as well, such as Lego Indiana Jones, Sonic Unleashed, and Knights of the Temple (none of which I am familiar!) But, in many ways, it provides a look back into ancient times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Young men were in charge of the camels and donkeys instructing us on how to manage winding up in the camel saddle without completely humiliating ourselves...or at least to provide some entertainment to other tourists standing around trying to decide if they, too, were going to become a public spectacle in the attempt. We were also told to lean back, a</span><span style="font-size: large;">fter settling into the saddle on the camel</span><span style="font-size: large;"> ...to <i><b>REALLY</b></i> lean back as the camel stood up...to prevent us from falling headfirst toward the desert floor...and to hold on! Despite some serious rocking and rolling and the threat of becoming disengaged from this camel, I somehow managed to successfully get situated in the saddle and then it was Alison's turn...I wish I had a picture of what was to follow but I was holding on! (To give you an idea of how tall these camels stood, I did take these photos while sitting on my upright camel.) Meanwhile, Alison's camel was still in a crouching, resting position on the ground and we were all smiles...notice all of the young entrepreneurs hoping for that last transaction!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In all the commotion, Alison dropped the red bandanna that was tied onto her bag. Our friendly camel-guy handed it back to her and Alison was tying it back onto her bag. It was at that moment, and without warning, that her camel started to stand up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alison was not quite holding on when this happened. Camels begin their ascent by partially raising their back end first catapulting the passenger forward...hence the warning to lean back and hold on...and my concern for Alison elevated as I realized that what I was seeing in front of me was the back end of her pants sticking straight up toward the sky! Now, the camel begins to get onto it knees, while Alison is still headed toward the ground...and the camel proceeds to complete the rear ascent and ends up standing up on all four legs. During this process, Alison was thrown forward, head down, back end up off of the saddle...leaning dangerously to the side, almost falling off of the camel and somehow, she did not end up on the ground...although, there were "camel-keepers" who were at the ready to catch her if she started heading in that direction! Naturally, this brought us much laughter...immediately and during the remainder of the trip...and came to be known as the potential "death by camel"! (Even as I remember it, I am smiling and laughing!) But, we both ended up securely on our camels and ready to continue our adventure...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Incidentally, Zaid managed a smooth and uneventful mount onto his camel...go figure...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will tell you that my first camel ride can best be described as riding in a highly elevated, open convertible that had 4 different sized wheels! Back and forth, up and down, back and down, forth and up I went on my camel, over the uneven rock and dirt path, holding on for dear life, almost losing all the skin off the palm of my right hand while holding onto the short horn on the saddle making it nearly impossible to take photographs! But...I wouldn't have given up this experience, regardless of the humiliation and discomfort! It was fabulous! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Petra - @the size of Manhattan -T</span><span style="font-size: large;">his capital city of the Nabateans is l</span><span style="font-size: large;">ocated between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea and was the crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria serving as a caravan stop for the trading of silk from China, spices from India and the famed incense of Arabia. We rode through Petra learning its history from Zaid (he was invaluable!), as he pointed out temples and tombs (over 800 of them!), churches and high religious places, homes, channels and tunnels, accompanied by stories of the indigenous people who lived here and their history of progress, defeat, and survival. There are underground copper mines dating back to the 4th century BC, as well. To address their water challenges, the people who lived here controlled seasonal rains with an "ingenious water-management system" of channels, dams and reservoirs, allowing this ancient civilization to flourish in the midst of the desert. Salt from the Dead Sea is partially responsible for the erosion that continues to compromise the structures in Petra. Photos below depict the approach to the Obelisk Tombs. Really - an amazing place!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To give you an idea of the eclectic historical influence held over this area: There are </span><span style="font-size: large;">Greco-Roman</span><span style="font-size: large;"> colonnaded street, arches</span><span style="font-size: large;">, and baths</span><span style="font-size: large;">, a Byzantine church and crusader fortresses...there is the foundation of a mosque and rock-cut tombs of the Assyrians, sacrificial places and Hellenistic architecture with Eastern influences...all are testimony to past civilizations...all part of the beauty and intrigue that is Petra...and thank you, Zaid, for introducing us to it all. Remarkable...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Zaid and his younger brother...there were 6 boys in this family...all well educated and anxious to share with us their beautiful country and it's history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We dismounted our camels - undoubtedly a less than graceful and dignified vision - near a small, roughly-hewn store that benefited the Queen Noor Foundation, an organization that provides economic opportunities to underprivileged communities while encouraging self-reliance. There are stores throughout Jordan that are a part of this non-profit. A percentage of each purchase is marked for the support of this foundation, which includes efforts of women and children. It was a small store with very committed and motivated sales personnel. We enjoyed some delicious and refreshing pomegranate juice while we shopped and recuperated from our camel rides. The sales personnel tried desperately to separate us from our dinars and...hey...we simply had to comply!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were a number of young men and boys in this area of Petra awaiting riders to return to the Siq. Even the youngest ones were were especially secure in the saddles of both the donkeys and the camels.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Zaid had warned us that many of the school-aged children that were here had skipped school to make money from the tourists and that some of them used that money to purchase alcohol and cigarettes for, either themselves, or to sell. While this was certainly not surprising, it was still sad to realize this attitude towards the merits of education for many of these people. We did find that the more mature of the young men, including Zaid, were mentors, of sorts, guardians of these younger boys, disciplining them if they were aggressive with each other and in their approach to tourists. Zaid, as well as our other guides throughout Jordan, were graduates of a state-sponsored school that trained them in the history of Jordan to prepare them to work as tour guides to visitors. It is a rigorous 18-month program that produces intelligent, well-informed and high quality guides that certainly made our experience well worth the cost. (Abu made sure we always had "the best"!) In speaking with these guides, we found that most of them wanted to continue with their education, with many of them wanting to come to A</span><span style="font-size: large;">merica to do just that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continued our journey through the Colonnaded street, built @106 AD by the Romans and once lined with stores and shops. This was the center of Petra. Through the columns at the end of the street, you can see the Palace Tomb. Hidden beneath this stone street lies almost 4 centuries of Nabatean domestic architecture, revealed by Peter Parr in a British excavation in the 1950's. Zaid told us there were untold treasures in architecture and history lying in wait beneath the surface of Petra but that it was simply too expensive to excavate. To date, only @2% of this site is excavated!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After some more exploring, we had to start our return trip back toward the entrance to the city as our time was limited. Unbelievably, we decided to take the camels. For me, Camel #2 was a much smoother ride...or, perhaps, I was now an experienced camel rider...and returning to the Treasury was a much less traumatic journey. Surely, you can sense my command of the camel and my comfort in the saddle! Hey...I was even leading the pack!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I included this picture below of random people (obviously Westerners, like us!) to show that this lady looked as though she was headed in the direction that Alison took while getting on her camel...it wasn't easy, you know! (I wonder how many vacation albums we are in!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">As we emerged from Petra, we returned to the present...sort of. The community surrounding Petra reflects any other small Jordanian town, except for the fact that it is outside one of the world's most spectacular, historic, archaeological sites. Known mainly for two things, trade and it's hydraulic engineering system, Wadi Musa is named for its location, meaning in Arabic, "Valley of Moses". It is believed that it was here in Wadi Musa that Moses struck a rock and produced water for his people at Ain Musa, or "Moses's Well". Wadi Musa was also known as the "Guardian of Petra"<i>.</i> Aaron,<i> </i>the brother of Moses, is believed to be buried nearby. The history of this area is impossible to simplify. The population of ancient Petra is believed to have been between 20,000 and 30,000. Their system of water conservation provided each person @2 liters of water per day. I am only providing small tidbits to give the pictures some meaning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note the empty river bed...it is obviously not the rainy season, but is useful </span><span style="font-size: large;">for goat grazing!</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continued to a local restaurant, Al Qantarah,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> for a meal and were not disappointed. "Al Qantarah" is Arabic for "the bridge". It was a delicious buffet of typical Jordanian foods, including, of course, hummus and pita, baba ganoush, chicken and rice, </span> <span style="font-size: large;">many fresh local salads, dishes of lamb and goat, including some </span><span style="font-size: large;">desserts, such as um ali and baklava. A perfect end to our visit to Petra.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our next stop was a shop with more opportunities to share our dinars! There were many traditional items, all made in Jordan or the Middle East, including hookahs, painted metal dishes and bowls, beautiful and ornate mosaic tables, and silk rugs, to name a few. This time, we maintained a modicum of purchase-control...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It was a day we will never forget, a day that helped to fulfill so much curiosity and so much need to understand...tomorrow, it's the city of Amman and the Dead Sea!</span></div>
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</span>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-72914299200585236032015-02-12T14:52:00.000-08:002015-02-18T19:07:06.961-08:00Petra<span style="font-size: large;">After a decent night's sleep, we left the hotel very early to go to Petra. We also got to meet our very favorite driver for the first time: Abu. Abu was a kind, jovial and intelligent man who turned our trip to a conference into an unforgettable adventure...and who quickly became our friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each day was filled with surprise as our quest for knowledge was enhanced by the history shared by Abu and his ability to secure us fabulous on-site guides. Our first guide was Zaid. He was our more-than-capable guide at Petra and turned out to be a man who gave us shopping tips (some of which we ignored...), camel advice, taught us about local customs, took photos for us, and offered many alternatives to consider to make our experience comfortable and memorable. Driving to Petra offered us a view into the desert and the Bedouin way of life. We saw rough semi-permanent homes isolated in the landscape and, seemingly, built in the middle of nowhere. We also saw small communities on our drive, complete with their own mosque, but these, too, were fairly isolated from other similar communities. Our drive to Petra through the desert revealed some remnants of snow from their last "snowstorm", too! It was in Petra, that Alison and I wore our scarves all day - a decision made independent of any local influence except to show our appreciation of the culture. A Jordanian shopkeeper wrapped our heads with the scarves and, amazing but true, they stayed on all day into the early evening just as tight as when he wrapped them. Alison's scarf was wrapped more similar to that of the design of a man's way of wearing a scarf, while mine was wrapped in one of several ways a woman might wear her's. There seemed to be never-ending ways to do this! Neither one of us could recreate the wrap successfully on our own...yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Petra...a UNESCO World Heritage site...entering through the Siq (meaning: shaft") via a horse-drawn carriage was our introductory mile-long journey into an ancient world where both Indiana Jones and the ancient gods of untold civilizations hold a place. This slot canyon of red rock and ancient history was not formed by erosion but rather by tectonic forces. After the mountain split, wind and water were responsible for smoothing out the edges of the separated rock with awesome results. Along the way, we saw some carvings and shrines, as well as water channels. These channels were carved by the Nabateans to provide water to the city of Petra. The walls of the Siq were as high as almost 500 feet in some places and could be as narrow as 6 feet wide, making the journey both breathtaking and unyielding, and making this writer feel more than a little insignificant! There were also guards at the end of the Siq and main entrance into Petra. Historically, they were there to defend Petra from marauding tribes and enemies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The colors of the rock morphed to reflect </span><span style="font-size: large;">the changing position of the sun and the shift in the amount of light available on the canyon floor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The end of the Siq, as we enter the city of Petra by the Treasury...</span>Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-61064235325346676142015-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:002015-02-09T19:05:04.644-08:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We left for Amman by way of Frankfurt, Germany on an overnight flight. Frankfurt is a large airport providing a crossroads for international travelers from all over the globe. We found it to be clean and organized with offerings of some delicious food and amenities that were new to us. One of those amenities was a smoking room - a self-contained glassed-in cubicle where smokers could go to indulge with other smokers without polluting the air and lungs of those of us who do not wish to partake. It was sponsored by Camel (the tobacco/cigarette company) and was called the "Smoking Zone". I am not a smoker. I found this accommodation to be a fair alternative to banning smoking within the facility and thought it might work in other airports, etc. Please note that on the side of this little glassed-in room was a warning that read: <b><i>Smoking can kill</i>.</b> This "Smoking Zone" seemed to be consistently busy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also saw large areas with recliner-type lounge chairs providing a comfortable way to wait for your next flight...some people took full advantage, much to our entertainment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a 4 hour layover in Frankfurt followed by a 4 hour flight, we found ourselves in Amman, Jordan on a Friday night. We were met by a man who took care of our visas and entrance into Jordan (somehow we were not charged for this...), and waited while we retrieved our luggage. He did not speak much English but was absolutely comfortable with his duties and knew his way around the airport. We were then met by Nasser, a driver who took us to the hotel, was very friendly, and spoke English with great confidence .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The airport in Amman is only @2 years old and it is sleek, modern, with lots of glass and smooth lines. We almost lost Nasser in the dark parking lot taking photos...ok...it was me who almost got left behind, but both Alison and I were admiring the airport and were very excited to finally be in Jordan! As we had been traveling for over 20 hours, our hotel was a welcome sight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW69ovUoZ4Rq4PEl7Bce0PP1B8CsTMoLMIbEPLs9kGNLBZ3hPw8bOueyQuJhbY2crDPK3fSbRvZih1JyF0InHKf07D7gLNb1MUEwVaxRI7XRGPVyVrdxr0Vn3G6dR0p14pZr0Zu1Pm2sso/s1600/Jordan+-+flying+in+and+out,+room1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW69ovUoZ4Rq4PEl7Bce0PP1B8CsTMoLMIbEPLs9kGNLBZ3hPw8bOueyQuJhbY2crDPK3fSbRvZih1JyF0InHKf07D7gLNb1MUEwVaxRI7XRGPVyVrdxr0Vn3G6dR0p14pZr0Zu1Pm2sso/s1600/Jordan+-+flying+in+and+out,+room1.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We made arrangements with our driver to go to Petra tomorrow. Our adventure had begun!</span></div>
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Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1181986697538168430.post-8045764691268112622015-02-08T18:34:00.002-08:002015-02-10T19:20:54.087-08:00So...why Jordan?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life has a way of offering unique opportunities that, on the
surface, seem to be less than what they will reveal themselves to be. Taking advantage of those opportunities can
be life-changing. Traveling to Jordan
was one of those life-changing and heart-opening occasions. Most of the people who knew I was going to
Jordan asked one simple question: "WHY?"! Upon my return, my answer is, "Why
not?" I will try to explain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alison and I went to Amman, Jordan to participate in a conference
coordinated by the Salam Institute for Peace and Justice in Washington, DC, the
Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies in Amman, Jordan, and the Fetzer
Institute located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was a conference whose goal was to increase
understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims...an opportunity to address the power and challenges of love and forgiveness. This trip ended up being so much more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived a few days early to allow us to do some exploring. We went to Petra, Jerash, the Citadel, the
Dead Sea, and other places between the desert and the city. As much as we could, we explored Amman. I will write about these sites in the course
of the blog. Unfortunately, we did not
have nearly enough time to satisfy our curiosity considering that the history
of Jordan goes back to the Paleolithic period, or about 90,000 BC. This history included, in no particular order,
the Romans and Greeks, the Nabateans, the Israelites, the Byzantine and Muslim
eras, and others. While all of the sites
we did get to discover were fascinating and intriguing, it was the people we
shared these experiences with that taught me more than I anticipated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not going to address or, even pretend to understand, the
intricacies of the life of a practicing Muslim.
It is steeped in tradition and is, ostensibly, a large and integral part
of the life of the general population.
Their religion is an important and significant influence in their every
day existence. They are proud and
protective of their beliefs. They are
committed to their religion's healthy traditions and customs and they want us to
understand the side of them that is not generally known - the side that is a true representation of the good people they are and how they want the world to see them...apart from the stereotypes that have been established with the resulting prejudice and, even, hate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 115%;">I would need to do extensive
research to give a thoroughly educated overview regarding the religion of Islam.
I do not look at people through religion
- I look at them through their character, the way they treat others. If I had to comment as a result of the people
we met while on this journey, I would have to say that kindness, respect, and
caring for others seemed to be universal characteristics of the Jordanian
people. I believe that religion itself,
regardless of what it might be called, supports all of those things. If we, as human beings, could simply allow
others to practice their chosen religion and it was proven that this practice was not harmful to others, we would find
peace</span></span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is an
on-going process, necessitating all participants to be open-minded, willing to
learn and, perhaps, to dispel some previously existing personal beliefs...including
the willingness to "agree to disagree" in a genuine and respectful
manner. A sincere attempt at understanding
and appreciating the ideas of others is paramount to the success of this type
of <span class="5yl5"><span style="line-height: 115%;">undertaking...rel</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">easing the hold of one's ego and fear ...on both sides...and it is quite
difficult.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I used this quote in another blog but felt it was appropriate for this one, as well. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">"Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you. You will begin to understand that the world is both very large and very small. You will have a newfound respect for pain and suffering, having seen that two-thirds of humanity struggle to simply get a meal each day...Traveling allows you to feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way, like little else can. In other words, it makes you more human."</em><br />
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Vernoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02064520164350196969noreply@blogger.com0