1 2 3 Next »

Amman, Jordan

Posted on April 25th, 2008 in Jordan,Middle East by robjkentjr
In my last entry, we had just returned from Jerusalem and now we are in Nepal.  In between that vast expanse, we had an exhausting three weeks of wedding celebrations starting with the arrival of my mom and sister in Amman…
This is the amphitheater at the center of Amman.  Way down there, you can see my Mom, Sandrine and Rasa.
The citadel mountaintop is the only place in Amman city with a good breeze so all the kids sneak in to fly their kites.
On our second day, we made a daytrip to the Dead Sea (391m below sea level).  It was salty, as you can see from the coated fence.  We did some floating and bobbing and then switched to the pool.  If you do go, I advise against going underwater with your eyes open.
We also went to Jerash, another excellent Roman city.  The only bad thing was that 30 minutes after we arrived, so did the tourist buses.
It showered throughout the morning, which actually made it a bit cold.
This is the Oval Plaza.  By mid afternoon, this whole space was crowded with people.
To top off the tourist experience: performing Bedouin with bagpipes.
We also spent a great day catching up with Tom G. from the Philippines (it really is a small world).  Next, we are off the Cairo to meet our next guests.
  • Share/Bookmark
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jerusalem

Posted on April 21st, 2008 in Israel,Middle East by robjkentjr
Everything about getting into Israel was complicated.  We technically never even left Jordan because immigration did not stamp our passports but Israel made sure to question us for 3.5 hours before letting us in.
Since it was Passover and Orthodox Easter, we were lucky to find a bed because of all the pilgrims there.  Here is the Wailing Wall and Dome of the Rock in the background.
We saw all types observers there.  I am actually not sure where he is from but if I had to guess, I would say Western Africa because of the fly swatters they carry.
If this is not a poster for allowing guns in school, what is?  I personally like the Tevas and socks.
There are no cars allowed in within the walls of Jerusalem so it was interesting to see how they picked up the garbage and how tight of a squeeze it was.
Dome of the Rock was another beautifully decorated mosque.  The biggest regret we had was that Israel security let us into the Temple Mount complex for only an hour.
After that hassle, this family once again saved us with Middle Eastern hospitality.  Sitting on their step eating some pizza breads, we started talking to their son.  The next thing we know, they invited us inside and fed us dinner.  We stayed there talking for 4 hours.
These last 4 years, we have seen many bananas being grown.  But growing them in the middle of the dessert does not make any sense to me.  The stalks of these plants are like water logs.
Jerusalem is the most expensive city we have been in for a long time.  A shawarma sandwich with fries and salad was a ridicules $15 there, in Damascus it is only $2.50.  We will let you know how much it is in Amman, Jordan.
  • Share/Bookmark
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Next Page »