Monthly Archives: May 2013

Israel, Middle East

Shalom Israel!

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We’re winding down to the last bit of the trip now.  Tomorrow is our last day with the rental car, so we have to drive from Akko to Tel Aviv to drop off the car, and then take transport to Jerusalem.  Israel has been really interesting so far.  The scenery is extremely varied–there are areas of scorched earth desert, so crumbly, dry and hot, that it looks like a foreign planet; then there are areas that look like familiar like farmland of the BC interior, or orchards and lakeside areas of the Okanagan.  We saw this all within the span of a few hours driving.

Yesterday we were in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee; we drove up Mount Tabor, and visited the first of many religious buildings we will be seeing.  There were over 100 Ethiopian pilgrims at the Church of Transfiguration.  We continued onto Nazareth, and saw the Basilica of the Annunciation.  The art work in and around the basilica was fantastic.  There were representations/interpretations of the Madonna with Child from dozens of countries.

Last night we visited the mosque here in Akko, and this morning we were at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, and this afternoon the Stella Maris monastry.  If only we were able to fit in a synagogue too! (The hotel we are staying in has one on site, so that will have to do!)

 

Jordan, Middle East

Welcome to Jordan

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(I wrote this a few days ago, but for some reason it didn’t go through.)

We’re still seeing the sites in Jordan. On the first night at Wadi Musa, we were able to visit Petra at night. The Siq, the walkway from the entrance to The Treasury, was all lit with candles. This walkway was lovely at night, and absolutely stunning during the day. After visiting Petra for the past 3 days, I shall retire Paris as the City of Stairs, and easily give that title to Petra.

There were so many beautiful things to see; one of them requires over 800 stone stairs (of various heights and widths) mixed with sand, rock and Roman stone pathways. And, almost all of the route is on blazing hot sun for the greater portion of the day. It was worth the brutal trek to see the Monastery though. Today we did much of the same, and as a consequence, my legs feel like Jell-o.

Luckily tonight, our taxi driver who keeps finding us picked us up and saved our legs from the walk back to the hotel. And when we started walking back up after heading out for dinner, one of the hotel employees stopped and let us hop in the bed of his Nissan. (Yes, I’m super grateful that neither of us pulled a Rick Hansen!) Jordanian people have to be some of the nicest on earth. Seriously, they’re awesome!

Tomorrow we are off to Wadi Rum to camp out with the Bedouin. I really hope the camel I have to ride isn’t a biter!
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Jordan, Middle East

Happy Easter

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After 30+ hours of travel we finally arrived in Madaba, Jordan. When we arrived at 2am to the hostel/church we are staying at was crazy busy with beautiful lights and singing. At 2am! This was the service for Orthodox Easter. Happy Orthodox Easter everyone!

Madaba is interesting. It is the stuff of movies. Dusty, loads of traffic-some vehicles blasting Arabic techno music and most, if not all, blasting their horn, call to prayer 5 times a day, and rubble piled in vacant lots. There are men and women in traditional dress, and tons in everyday “regular” jeans and t-shirt wear, or business suits. There are men sitting around smoking hookah pipes and drinking tea out of fancy silver pots. Everyone has been really welcoming. Little kids on the street say hello and then giggle as they walk away with their parents.

We went to a restaurant for some Jordanian food for lunch. First, we see Ibrahim, a person who was featured on one of our favorite episodes of Departures. Of all the people, in all the world, what are the chances?!? He was super nice to us, and asked us to call when we make it to Petra. The sweet glorious lunch was some of the tastiest food ever. I have never had such delicious hummous in my life. The choices were “Mezze” which basically consist of small dishes (hot or cold) designed for sharing. The Mezze menu is like appies on steroids. Everything looked good except for the grilled lamb brain. We didn’t try that one.

Jet lag is kind of kicking my ass this morning. Waking up at 4am does have its advantages though. I was up before the call to prayer was given. And, we will have plenty of time to get ready for our 8am shuttle to Wadi Musa. Let’s hope the Dutch couple we are sharing with is nice!
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