In the Holy Land

Touch me, I'm holy!

Today was a very good day of sightseeing -

First, we went to the site where Jesus was baptized and there are the ruins of all these very old churches. It's a whole new touristy area, which was actually quite nice as they took us on a little bus and walking tour of some different things in the area - and I got to touch the JORDAN RIVER!! This whole area was landmined before because it's right by the West Bank disputed area of Israel-Jordan. So, I kept on the paths.

Then we went to THE DEAD SEA. That was totally cool and I'd like to go back to a spa there or something someday. I didn't want to swim/float though - I'm really not feeling well and didn't feel like the hassle. So, I stuck my arm in, and I still can't get all the salts off. And, I stole a rock. That's my thing; I have rocks I've collected from different places. (Oh wait - I may have lost it - it's not in my pocket. Oh well.) The rocks along the side of the Sea are totally covered in salts, it's wild. And, the lowest elevation on earth. Cool, huh? I didn't see a sign saying that, so no corresponding picture to frame with me at the equator, me at Arctic Circle, etc., but I know I was there.

Then to Mt. Nebo, where Moses died after he saw the Promised Land. Also very cool - very old church with incredible mosaics. I'm thinking those Byzantines are my kind of people - I LOVE the mosaics. I was thinking I'd like to start it as a hobby, but don't know if I have the artistry and patience. But it could be quite fun especially if others wanted to do it too (hint, Jenny and Michele).

Then, a quick stop at Madaba and the very old church there with an incredible mosaic of all the sites in the Christian world. It's only partially intact now because it's 1500 years old! But really cool. And, I'm not able to add links here for some reason, but check out: http://www.bibarch.com/ArchaeologicalSites/Madaba.htm

So, for those Bible fans of you out there, extra credit for finding where those places are listed in the Bible. I'm afraid you might not win the contest though, because I told Dayton and Washington (a friend from the camp) about it and they're probably already on the case. (I just got email from Washington and God is mentioned 37 times. I'm not sure how much he does it to bug me, but I think not much if at all. He also said I'm the only white woman he ever saw in his entire life who gave out her address to people like I did - which I found a very interesting comment. First of all, he's the only person I gave it to unsolicited - I hired him for the school and I have tremendous respect for him and I want to keep in touch with him about education issues. But also, by training originally he's an engineer, and if the plans happen that Dayton and I have of Liberia reconstruction, we need him. And I trust him - and he is the only Liberian I ever met who was always EARLY to appointments. Anyway, I thought it a strange comment because I was hardly separated from Black people there because I am white. I'm freaking engaged to a Liberian and have incredibly close relationships with others. Washington probably doesn't know that because I knew him only professionally. But still, it was odd.)

So, one day at Petra and one day to chill with Mahmoud, and then I'm outta here. And on to countries where they eat during daylight!