The Dead Sea and more
Whilst in Amman we have had a driver, Hani, available to us. He is normally a driver for the Australian Embassy and has been taking our friend Neil to/from work most days as well as sight seeing. He has been very handy to have around as he acted as a guide for parts of Jerash yesterday and has helped us with language and organised some discounts. Today he took us to 8 different sites in the South of Jordan, along the River Jordan, Dead Sea and nearby towns.
Jordan is proving to be a very hilly country, with some downhill stretches of road lasting a good 20-30 minutes. Today we descended to 400metres below sea level to the lowest place on earth, the area around the Dead Sea. Having travelled down the hill we first went to the site of Jesus' baptism. This was identified only 5-10 years ago due to water levels falling, meaning the four pillars described in the Bible were able to be located. After viewing this site we went to a place where they perform ceremonial baptism's. Interestingly the River Jordan is only about 10 feet wide at this point, so there was our small group on the Jordan side whereas on the Israeli side there were 50 or more people, some getting water poured on their heads and others being fully immersed. We waved to them but got absolutely nothing back - it was kind of strange. The Israeli side was also much more extravagant, with a large building and two flags flying, whereas we had a small wooden structure. There was an armed guard on our side in case anybody attempted to cross the river/border and no doubt several on the other side.
Next stop was Amman Beach, a resort type place that had several swimming pools, showers and of course access to the Dead Sea. Swimming here is the most bizarre experience. As you walk deeper into the water you can feel your calf muscles start to rise. There's a sudden drop off where the water gets quite deep, but as you cross that point you simply start floating. I tried to sink, but without real effort you just can't. You are warned not to swallow the water, get it in your eyes or to go in the water with open cuts. I licked my finger and the taste is extremely salty. Trace and I lay on our backs for quite a while just relaxing and enjoying the experience.
Our trip continued to a lookout from which you could see Jericho(Palestine) and the Jerusalem hills and views up and down the valley. Then we went to Mount Nebo, the likely burial spot of Moses, followed by the town of Madaba, famous for its mosaics, and several churches - many of which had mosaic floors.
Back to Amman where Trace and I were dropped off in the downtown region to look at the the Roman Theatre in the town centre, the 'Spice Souk' and to experience the shopping vibe along the main road. It was a long day but well worth it as it was our last in Jordan.
We left Jordan the next day, Sunday, at 12:30pm for a two hour flight to Athens, then four hours in the airport before a short hop over to Crete. Here we picked up a hire car - Citroen Elysee - and drove an hour to our AirBnB apartment in Rethimno. the apartment is very cute with a separate kitchen/dining room, bedroom and shower. The location is pretty good, close to the 'Old Town' and plenty of restaurants, supermarkets and other shops.
Jordan is proving to be a very hilly country, with some downhill stretches of road lasting a good 20-30 minutes. Today we descended to 400metres below sea level to the lowest place on earth, the area around the Dead Sea. Having travelled down the hill we first went to the site of Jesus' baptism. This was identified only 5-10 years ago due to water levels falling, meaning the four pillars described in the Bible were able to be located. After viewing this site we went to a place where they perform ceremonial baptism's. Interestingly the River Jordan is only about 10 feet wide at this point, so there was our small group on the Jordan side whereas on the Israeli side there were 50 or more people, some getting water poured on their heads and others being fully immersed. We waved to them but got absolutely nothing back - it was kind of strange. The Israeli side was also much more extravagant, with a large building and two flags flying, whereas we had a small wooden structure. There was an armed guard on our side in case anybody attempted to cross the river/border and no doubt several on the other side.
Next stop was Amman Beach, a resort type place that had several swimming pools, showers and of course access to the Dead Sea. Swimming here is the most bizarre experience. As you walk deeper into the water you can feel your calf muscles start to rise. There's a sudden drop off where the water gets quite deep, but as you cross that point you simply start floating. I tried to sink, but without real effort you just can't. You are warned not to swallow the water, get it in your eyes or to go in the water with open cuts. I licked my finger and the taste is extremely salty. Trace and I lay on our backs for quite a while just relaxing and enjoying the experience.
Back to Amman where Trace and I were dropped off in the downtown region to look at the the Roman Theatre in the town centre, the 'Spice Souk' and to experience the shopping vibe along the main road. It was a long day but well worth it as it was our last in Jordan.
We left Jordan the next day, Sunday, at 12:30pm for a two hour flight to Athens, then four hours in the airport before a short hop over to Crete. Here we picked up a hire car - Citroen Elysee - and drove an hour to our AirBnB apartment in Rethimno. the apartment is very cute with a separate kitchen/dining room, bedroom and shower. The location is pretty good, close to the 'Old Town' and plenty of restaurants, supermarkets and other shops.
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