Jordan: Jerash, Wadi Rum, the Spectacular Petra & More

Jerash & Ancient city of Gadara, now Umm Qais

With close to seven weeks of traveling, which began in the Sudan through Ethiopia, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel and now Jordan, I am nearing the end of this wonderful adventure with the last five days in Jordan.

Saying goodbye to Israel, more importantly Jerusalem, was difficult. It’s truly a place that draws you deep into its religious history that both overwhelms and makes you want more. I can see myself going back.

Still part of the Globus tour “Journey Through the Holy Land with Jordan – Faith-Based Travel,” this second part which began in Tel Aviv, Israel ends at Jordan’s Dead Sea. Only 25 of the current Globus group of 43 people, including myself and Elizabeth, are participating in the Jordan portion of tour and that even includes a change in tour guide. Our current Israel guide, Sam, along with our bus driver David, took the Jordan portion of our tour group across the Allenby Bridge brings to the Jordan border where we met our new bus driver Abdullah who took us to our new tour guide, Wael (pronounced Y.L.).

Once we picked up Wael, we jumped into Jordan starting with the truly magnificent, once great Roman city of Gerasa, with the backdrop of the modern city of Jerash.

And, we still had time to see the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais). The Roman ruins, with an abandoned Ottoman-era village, is perched above sea level overlooking the Sea of Tiberias, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River gorge. Then on to the capital city of Amman for two nights.

Me at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. It is considered to be the best preserved and most complete Roman city in the Middle East. And, from my perspective, even though it was a rather hot day, walking through the City of Jerash ruins was the epitome of exciting, wondrous and a surprise to see such incredible Roman ruins in a country other than Italy. But those Romans really knew how to stake and spread their claim.
I’m standing on Jerash’s 1st Century AD colonnaded cardo maximus an absolute highlight and thrill to walk on. It’s said to have manholes to the underground drainage, but I didn’t see them on the part I walked on. But it does bear the hallmarks of a principal Roman thoroughfare, with the ruts worn by thousands of chariots scored into its original flagstones. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Here’s Elizabeth and me at the Arch of Hadrian, at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. It served as both a commemorative arch and as an approach to the ancient city of Gerasa, built to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129/130 AD. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Arch of Hadrian, at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. It served as both a commemorative arch and as an approach to the ancient city of Gerasa, built to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129/130 AD. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Arch of Hadrian, at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, was built to honour the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129/130 AD. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Temple of Zeus at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Temple of Zeus at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The 56 iconic columns surround the paved limestone Oval Plaza or Forum at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. The plaza links to the Colonnade street and the cardo maximus with the Temple of Zeus. The Roman city of Gerasa and the modern Jerash is in the background. This stunning view is from the top of the Temple of Zeus. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Me a top the Temple of Zeus overlooking the paved limestone Oval Plaza or Forum at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. The plaza links to the Colonnade street and the cardo maximus with the Temple of Zeus. The Roman city of Gerasa and the modern Jerash is in the background. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Entering the South Theatre at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The South Theatre, at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan, was built in the 1st century to hold a capacity of 5000 spectators. From the upper stalls the acoustics are still wonderful, as demonstrated by the occasional roving minstrel or drummer. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The South Theatre at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan, was built in the 1st century with a capacity of 5000 spectators. From the upper stalls the acoustics are still wonderful, as demonstrated by the occasional roving minstrel or drummer. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Ancient inscriptions along a wall of the South Theater at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The South Theatre at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Temple of Artemis at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan, is dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and fertility and the daughter of Zeus and Leto. The temple temple was built between 150 to 170 AD and flanked by 12 elaborately carved Corinthian columns (11 still stand). The Temple of the Greek goddess Artemis (Roman Diana) is one of the best preserved buildings and a splendid example of a Roman era temple building. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Temple of Artemis at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Me at the Temple of Artemis at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. The construction of the temple was completed between 150 to 170 AD during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Inside the Temple of Artemis at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The North Colonnaded Street book ended by the North Decumanus (right) and the North Gate (left) at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The imposing entrance to the Temple of Artemis heading toward the Colonnaded Street at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Looking up at the entrance to the Temple of Artemis from the Colonnaded Street at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The long Colonnaded street or cardo at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Stretching 800 meters or half a mile to the North Gate, the Cargo Maximus also known as the Colonnaded Street, is still paved with its original stones, rutted by the wheels of chariots that once jostled along its length at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Walking along the main thoroughfare of the Cardo Maximus, also known as the Colonnaded Street, at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan. Stretching 800 meters or half a mile to the North Gate, the street is still paved with its original stones, rutted by the wheels of chariots that once jostled along its length. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The South Gate at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash built in 130 AD leads into the city proper. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The South Gate at the ruins of the Roman City of Jerash in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The artful roundabouts in Irbid about 45 miles outside Amman, the capital city, where we will be spending two nights. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The artful roundabouts in Irbid about 45 miles outside of Amman, the capital city, on our way to the ancient city of Gadara, now modern Umm Qais. (Oct. 22, 2019)

My selfie at the hilltop above the Jordan Valley at the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. The Roman ruins, with an abandoned Ottoman-era village, is perched above sea level overlooking the Sea of Tiberias, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River gorge. enjoy its panoramic views. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Walking down the limestone stairs into the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) located on the hills above the Jordan Valley. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The black basalt and white lime stone ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

A large portion of the western Roman Theater ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. Vaulted passageways support its rows of seats, built of hard basalt stones. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The black basalt and white lime stone ruins of the Western Roman theater of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Relief decorated architectural fragment from the nymphaneum of Gadara at Umm Qays, Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Me inside the Western Roman theater at the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) located on the hills above the Jordan Valley. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The line of shop entrances along the Colonnaded Street’s black basalt pavement of the ancient Gadara, Jordan, was in all likelihood the town’s commercial center. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The Colonnaded Street’s black basalt pavement of the ancient Gadara, Jordan (Oct. 22, 2019)

My photo-taking shadow on the black basalt Roman street through the center of the ruins of the Decapolis city of Godard (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Views from the ruins of the Decapolis city of Godard (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

The City Wall remains and ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara (now called Umm Qais) in Jordan. (Oct. 22, 2019)

After an early start to our very full day, Elizabeth and I get to spend the night in this very comfortable room at the 5-star Amman Marriott Hotel in Amman. (Oct. 22, 2019)

Wadi Rum

I didn’t know it before I got there, but I absolutely loved the Wadi Rum and four-wheeling through the sand dunes of the desert. Everything about it was amazing and spectacular.

The Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is famous for its stunning desert landscape, rose sandstone mountains, canyons and dunes. It’s also starred as a filming location in a number of movies, including most famously through the movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.

The gorgeous desert of the Wadi Rum. Enjoy

Our Globus Jordan guide, Wael, gave our group lessons on how to tie and wear the headscarf, a keffiyeh, as we made our way on the bus to the Wadi Rum desert. The scarves were complimentary gifts from Globus. (Oct. 23, 2019)

I definitely fell flat on my attempt to tie and wear the keffiyeh, the local headscarf in my favorite color of red (and yes accompanied by some white too). Thankfully, I prefer and like wearing my OP (Outdoor Research) hat instead. (Oct. 23, 2019)

While on the bus, just checking out the gorgeous Wadi Rum desert and rock formations in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

While on the bus, checked out the gorgeous Wadi Rum desert and rock formations in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Elizabeth and me inside the dome of the Sun City Camp restaurant where we had lunch with our group prior to jumping on the 4-wheel truck for our adventure around the desert. (Oct. 23, 2019)

On the desert road of the Wadi Rum in Jordan with Globus tour members (from left) Me, Norm, Laurie, Cathy, David and Elizabeth. (Oct. 23, 2019)

The desert dome camp sites at the Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon . (Oct. 23, 2019)

I have to admit that this desert experience in Jordan’s Wadi Rum was spectacularly wonderful! (Oct. 23, 2019)

The desert of the Wadi Rum, Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Our Globus tour group of 4-wheelers stopping for a break at the Bedouin camp of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. From left: me, Norm, Laurie, Cathy, David and Elizabeth. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Marty, Pam, me and Elizabeth having an absolutely great time in Jordan’s Wadi Rum. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Elizabeth and me in the desert of the Wadi Rum, Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Me having an absolute blast as our group 4-wheeled through the rock formations and desert of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Our tour group 4-wheeling through the rock formations and desert of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Petroglyphs at the Wadi Rum, Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Carved graffiti and ancient carvings in the rock sandstone formations of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

The Wadi Rum desert and rock formations, a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Traveling on 4-wheel drive through the desert and rock formations of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

The rock formations and desert of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Our 4-wheeling tour group stopped here at a Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum for tea. The tented camp area, sheltered by protruding rock formations, features an interesting rock carved with the faces of Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Abdullah Bin Al Hussein. And, the stone gate entrance has a carved date of 1917 in reference to the Arab Revolt, a military uprising of Arab forces against the rule of the Ottoman Empire. (Oct. 23, 2019)

The small protruding rock to the left, at the Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum where our 4-wheeling tour group stopped for tea, is carved with the faces of Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Abdullah Bin Al Hussein. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Our Globus tour guide for Jordan, Wael, standing by the rock with three carved faces at the Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum desert. This carved faced, with broad cheeks, wide chin and framed Bedouin kaffiyeh headdress is Lawrence The Arab 1917. Thomas Edward Lawrence, archeologist, army officer, military strategist and writer was the British liaison during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the 1st World War. (Oct. 23, 2019)

A close-up of the carved face of Thomas Edward Lawrence, more commonly known as Lawrence of Arabia, with Arabic text below stating: Lawrence The Arab 1917. Lawrence, an archeologist, army officer, military strategist and writer, was the British liaison during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the 1st World War. His ability to vividly describe his activities earned Lawrence international fame as Lawrence of Arabia, a title used for the 1962 film based on his wartime activities. (Oct. 23, 2019)

On the other side of the same small protruding rock with the carved face of Lawrence of Arabia, at the Bedouin camp site in the Wadi Rum desert, is this carved face of Prince (who would be King) Abdullah Bin Al Hussein. Our Globus tour guide for Jordan, Wael, is holding up a 5 Jordanian Dinar banknote with the photo featuring the late King Abdullah I. (Oct. 23, 2019)

This carved face on a rock at the same Bedouin camp site in the Wadi Rum desert is said to commemorate Lawrence of Arabia. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Our 4-wheeling tour group stopped here at this Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum for tea. The tented camp area is sheltered by these protruding rock formations. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Us Girls from the Globus tour under the tent of the Bedouin camp site in the Wadi Rum desert. From left, me, Elizabeth, Lisa and Christine. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Hanging out under the tent of Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum desert with our group enjoying tea and purchasing souvenirs. (Oct. 23, 2019)

Me by the huge split rock formation by the Bedouin tea and souvenir tent in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan. (Oct. 23, 2019)

The Petra Marriott Hotel on Queen Rania Al Abdallah Street in Wadi Mousa, Jordan, where our Globus tour group stayed for two nights. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Views from the hilltop of our Petra Marriott Hotel on Queen Rania Al Abdallah Street in Wadi Mousa, Jordan. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Petra

The temples and tombs carved out of the rose-colored sandstone at the ancient city of Petra are the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan from around the 1st Century BC. Hidden from Western eyes for centuries, these wondrous treasures were ‘rediscovered’ in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. But its break-out performance truly became known when the facade of the iconic Treasury made its grand appearance in the American movie “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade” in 1989. And, that’s when Petra made its grand appearance in my life.

Although the iconic Treasury is the most recognized facade at Petra, it has so much more to offer and I spent the entire day exploring this New 7 Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Drum roll please for a stunningly beautiful day to visit the the ancient, spectacular “Rose-Red City” of Petra, Jordan.

Elizabeth and me with the facade of the iconic Treasury or Al Khazna of the ancient city of Petra behind us. It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataeans Empire from the 1st Century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh and spices. Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th Century AD. The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned. By the middle of the 7th century, Petra appears to have been largely deserted and it was then lost to all except local Bedouin from the area. (Oct. 24, 2019)

I just had to get a photo by the “I (heart) Petra,” at the entrance to the ancient city of Petra, one of Jordan’s national treasures. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The path to the Siq, a narrow gorge that resulted from a natural split of the mountain, is the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Djinn Blocks to the east of the Siq are cubical monoliths considered by the Bedouins as the seat of the spirits guarding the city of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Obelisk Tomb along the Bab Al Siq, Arabic for gateway to the Siq. And, the Siq is a narrow gorge that resulted from a natural split of the mountain, is the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Entering the Siq, a narrow gorge that resulted from a natural split of the mountain, is the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Elizabeth and me inside the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads into Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Siq is the dramatic entryway into Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Walking through the Siq, the narrow gorge that leads into Petra, with the sunlight bouncing off of the multicolored sandstone, is an enchanting experience. (Oct. 24, 2019)

A carved elephant along the Siq, the narrow gorge that leads into Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The more than 2000 year old cobblestone walkway through some portions of the Siq on the way to the ancient city of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The remains of carved statues into the sandstone through the Siq heading to the ancient city of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The remains of carvings into the sandstone through the Siq heading to the ancient city of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Me talking about the Siq, the dramatic entryway into Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

A little peek at the iconic Treasury of Petra as seen from the Siq before the passage ends. What a magical peek! (Oct. 24, 2019)

The pièce de résistance itself, the iconic Treasury of Petra. Absolutely amazing! (Oct. 24, 2019)

Me and the iconic Treasury of Petra behind me. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Walking through the canyon of Petra, to the right side of the Treasury, with its various carved sandstone facades. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The canyon of Petra with its various sandstone carved facades and Bedouins selling souvenirs to tourists. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Carved sandstone facade along the canyon in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The canyon of Petra with its various sandstone carved facades with the potential of camel rides to get you around. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The canyon walls of Petra lined with dozens of smaller tombs. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Theatre carved into the side of the mountain at Petra (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Royal Tombs in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Urn Tomb of the Royal Tombs in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Colonnaded Street of Petra represents an original Nabataeans creation, later refurbished during the period of Roman occupation. It would have been one of the principal shopping streets of ancient Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Hadrian Gate also known as the Temenos Gate and the Decumanus Maximus in Petra with its ancient stoned walkway. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Qasr al-Bint of the ancient city of Petra is an almost square monument that was once an important temple. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Qsar al-Bint, one of the main and most important temples of Petra, stands near the monumental gate and was a key focal point on the Colonnaded Street. (Oct. 24, 2019)

A look inside the ruins of the Qsar al-Bint, one of the main and most important temples of Petra. It stands near the monumental gate and was a key focal point on the Colonnaded Street, as a focus of religious worship. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Qsar al-Bint is one of the main and most important temples of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Another view of the Qsar al-Bint is one of the main and most important temples of Petra, while walking upwards towards the Byzantine Church. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Large Temple with the large colonnaded court in the ancient city of Petra, as seen from while walking upwards towards the Byzantine Church. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Inside the Byzantine Church in Petra was probably built around the end of the 5th Century AD but was destroyed by fire or earthquake in the following century. It sits on elevated ground in the city center, north of the so-called Colonnaded StreetThe Qsar al-Bint is one of the main and most important temples of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Mosaics on the floor inside the Byzantine Church in Petra at the nave and aisles depict the seasons, animals, people, pottery and plants. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Walking towards the Royal Tombs at Petra features two facades (left of crack) the Palace Tomb with its three distinct stories and (right) the Corinthian Tomb. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Palace Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs, in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The rich, dramatic and absolutely colorful sandstone rocks by the Palace Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs, in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Me standing in one of the doorways of the Palace Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs at the ancient city of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Inside the Palace Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs at the ancient city of Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Palace Tomb, of the Royal Tombs in Petra, is very wide and has three distinct stories to its facade. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Beside the Urn Tomb,one of the Royal Tombs, in Petra is this small tomb known as the Silk Tomb. The name comes from the rich, dramatic color of the sandstone. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Stairway leading up to the Urn Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The arches of Urn Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs of the ancient city of Petra, which was possibly constructed around 70 AD. (Oct. 24, 2019)

The Urn Tomb, one of the Royal Tombs of the ancient city of Petra, was possibly constructed around 70 AD. High up in the facade there are three niches that open into small burial chambers. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Walking from the Royal Tombs in the ancient city of Petra down to the Colonnaded Street . It would have been one of the principal shopping streets of ancient Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

A vendor above the stairway leading from the Royal Tombs down towards the Colonnaded Street in the ancient city of Petra selling what he called ‘real’ ancient relics and coins. (Oct. 24, 2019)

This is a photo of a photo of our Jordan Globus tour group in front of the Treasury or Al Khazna in Petra which was carved out of a sandstone rock face. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Another look at the iconic Treasure in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Okay, just one more look at the iconic Treasury in Petra. (Oct. 24, 2019)

Good-by Petra! Simply extraordinary! (Oct. 24, 2019)

Al-Karak & Madaba

During the Crusades, a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims to secure control of holy sites, grand castles were built to guard important trade routes. One such Crusader Castle was the Kerak Castle in the town of Al-Karak, which we visited today.

We also visited the town of Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics,” for its historic churches and centuries old mosaics. First stop was the Madaba Archaeological Museum, with its incredible mosaics, and the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George that was built over a 6th Century AD mosaic map of the Holy Land. With two million pieces of vividly colored local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. The basilica was built in 1896 AD over the remains of a much earlier 6th Century Byzantine Church and cover the floor of the Madaba Mosaic Map.

It wasn’t a long or stressfully busy day but the landscapes of the Al-Karak and Madaba areas of Jordan, including the Wadi Mujib, the “Jordanian Grand Canyon,” were truly beautiful and relaxing sites to see.

Here’s more of Jordan!

The entrance to the Kerak Castle in the town of Al-Karak, Jordan. Construction on this Crusaders castle began around the 1140s AD. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The moat around Kerak Castle in the town of Al-Karak, Jordan. Construction on this Crusaders castle began around the 1140s AD. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Walking to the upper court of the Kerak Castle in the town of Al-Karak, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The upper court of the Kerak Castle, built by the Crusaders on top of a mountain with views of the town of Al-Karak. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Views of the town of Al-Karak from the upper court of the Kerak Castle. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Kerak Castle is the large Crusader castle located in town of Al-Karak, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Long and large tunnel inside Kerak Castle in the town of Al-Karak, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Views of the town of Al-Karak from the Kerak Castle in Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Tunnel inside the Kerak Castle located in town of Al-Karak, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Passing through the town of Al-Karak, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The Mujib Dam in Wadi al Mujib, between the towns of Madaba and Al-Karak, was completed in 2004 and provides part of the water supply of Amman, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The desert with Mujib Dam in Wadi al Mujib between Madaba and Karak was finished in 2004. It provides part of the water supply of Amman, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Our Globus tour group lunch in Madaba, Jordan, at the Hikayet Sitti restaurant. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Our group shared this Upside Down Chicken Rice Cake traditional delicacy made of meat, rice, and fried vegetables placed in a pot which is then flipped upside down at the Hikayet Sitti restaurant in Madaba, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Our group gathered at the entrance to the Madaba Archaeological Museum in Madaba, Jordan. The museum is known for its They depict various kinds of plants and animals, as well as scenes from mythology. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Inside the Hippolytus Hall (foreground) and Virgin Mary Church (background)
both part of the Madaba Archaeology Museum’s Archaeological Park 1 in Madaba, Jordan. The floor mosaic (background) of the vestibule of the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Hippolytus Hall’s Aphrodite mosaic. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The floor mosaic of the vestibule of the Church of the Virgin Mary is part of the Madaba Archaeology Museum’s Archaeological Park 1 in Madaba, Jordan. The church construction is dated between the end of the 6th and beginning of the 7th centuries. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The Aphrodite panel, the floor mosaic inside the Hippolytus Hall of the Madaba Archaeology Museum’s Archaeological Park 1 in Madaba, Jordan. The mosaic depicts the ancient myth of Hippolytus inside the remains of a private villa from the 6th Century. It shows Aphrodite seated on a throne next to Adonis who holds a lance. (Oct. 25, 2019)

A close-up of the Aphrodite panel, the floor mosaic inside the Hippolytus Hall of the Madaba Archaeology Museum’s Archaeological Park 1 in Madaba, Jordan. This portion of the mosaic panel represents a barefoot peasant girl carrying a basket with fruits and a partridge in her right hand, all as possible gifts for the enthroned Aphrodite. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Another interesting floor mosaic inside the Hippolytus Hall, a private villa from the 6th Century, of the Madaba Archaeology Museum’s Archaeological Park 1 in Madaba, Jordan. This mosaic is the personification of three cities, (from left) Rome, Gregoria and Madaba. (Oct. 25, 2019)

A preserved portion of a Roman road, paved with large flagstones and flanked by columns, at the Madaba Archaeological Museum’s Park 1 in Madaba, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Barbie dolls for sale at a market in Madaba, Jordan. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George in Madaba, Jordan, hosts the mosaic map of the holy land. With two million pieces of vividly colored local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Inside the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George, sometimes called the “Church of the Map,” hosts the mosaic map of the holy land. With two million pieces of vividly colored local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. The basilica was built in 1896 AD over the remains of a much earlier 6th Century Byzantine Church and cover the floor of the Madaba Mosaic Map. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Inside the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George in Madaba was built in 1896 AD over the remains of a 6th century Byzantine church with the Madaba Mosaic Map on its floor. The church, sometimes called the “Church of the Map,” hosts the mosaic map of the holy land with its two million pieces of vividly colored local stone, depicting hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George, sometimes called the “Church of the Map,” hosts the mosaic map of the holy land with its two million pieces of vividly colored local stone, depicting hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. The basilica was built in 1896 AD over the remains of a 6th century Byzantine church with the Madaba Mosaic Map on its floor. (Oct. 25, 2019)

A close-up of the Madaba Mosaic Map, part of a floor mosaic from an early Byzantine church, now under the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George, sometimes called the “Church of the Map,” in Madaba, Jordan. The floor map, which dates to the 6th Century AD, contains the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem. (Oct. 25, 2019)

The Kings Way Portrait mosaic in Madaba, Jordan is said to be the largest portrait mosaic in the world with some 3.5 million mosaic pieces was a gift from the Madaba Tourism Association to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The mosaic, 98 feet long by 20 feet wide (30 meter long by 6 meters wide) displays the famous ancient caravan route from the southern port of Aqaba to Bosra Sham. (Oct. 25, 2019)

Photos of the Jordanian rulers.
Left: Hussein bin Talal reigned as King of Jordan from Aug. 11, 1952 until his death in 1999. According to Hussein, he was a 40th-generation direct descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatima as he belonged to the Hashemite family which has ruled Jordan since 1921.
Middle: Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein has been King of Jordan since 1999.
Right: Hussein bin Abdullah is Crown Prince of Jordan and heir apparent of King Abdullah II of Jordan.
(Oct. 25, 2019)

Amman, Mount Nebo, Dead Sea & River Jordan

It’s my last full day in Jordan and my last full day of my almost two months of travel. And, today we finished off with a visit to Mount Nebo where Moses spent his last days, and where God revealed to him the Promised Land, which now surrounds Jerusalem. Moses died in this area; and, we are told is buried here, though the exact location of that place is unknown. And, we visited Bethany Beyond where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

We also stopped at the Handicraft Center & Mosaic Workshop in Amman, a mosaic souvenir shop where artists are both trained and where the work is sold. And, where I purchased an unusual mosaic…a jazz music artistic mosaic pieces…and got to meet the artist.

Here’s to the end of my Jordan trip and the end of my close to two months of travel through the Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan! And, what a wondrous journey it’s been.

Here’s my last day in Jordan!