So exciting to hear all the accounts from the night of the election, sounds like the streets exploded with people. It is truely an amazing moment in our history. Here everywhere we go and tell people we are american they cheer for Obama and we cheer with them. There is so much hope in the middle east for what he may be able to do to aid in bring peace here. One the one hand i have great hope as well but also think they they have to want peace and major steps need to be taking in that direction regardless of the usa's influence. But i am so hopefully of the future for the first time in a long time.
The last few days have been incredable. We visited the Wadi Rum desert, where Lawarnce of Arabia live and the movie was shot, saw his house and drove around the desert. Beautiful red sand, very Utah-es in color and striation and in some of the formations, but in a lot of places the rock tookon the appearance of elaborate melted candle wax. It was beautiful. Slept out side under the stars.
From there we drove to Petra! I have been wanting to come here since i was in elementary school when i saw a picture of the red rock ingraved buildings and saw the caption, i did not even know where jordan was but i put it on my list. Now having been i can say it was more spectacular than i imagined. You walk into the sight through a narrow passage in the rocks that was rent apart by tectonic action and then emerge facing the elaborate and awing facade of the Treasury building (the famous one pictured in most petra photos). Snad and wind have warn some of the carvings away but it is easy to imagin the magesty of the place in its hay day. From there you walk around between more carved tombs, dwellings, and columns. The area is much larger than i imagined and also has some structures still standig from the roman period after the Nebataeans who were the first to live there and carve right into the rock. We hiked up to the Monestary, which is much like the treasury but less detailed and more massive. Beautiful views out over the desert and vally below. Luckly had two days to explore the area and took a great hike out to Aaron's tomb, brother of Moses. High point in the area and amazing views. Lay in the sun on top of the small tomb. Amazing place!!
From Petra we drove to the Dead Sea. I was defintely a little hesitant to get too excited for flosting itn the sea after the disapointing Great Salt Lake experience, but it ws truely one of the best, craziest, most sureal experiences of my life!!! You get in and float!!!!! you dont have to move and your feet and head and hands are far out of the water. I dont think i can describe it in any way that can convay how werid it felt! you can stand straight up with your chest out of the water and have to work at keepng your feet down. It felt so werid!! 9 of us got mud speared on us too and were the entertainment on the beach for awhile as we posed for pictures. It was an unforgetable stop.
Enjoyed sunset on the top of Mt Nebo, Moses resting place, over lookingt the promise land. I am sure he did not invision the horrible wars and strife that would be centered around that area in the years to come.
Now in Madabe, a nice city not far from Amman. Tomorrow we will head in to Syria. We have spooken with our guides and are quite confident we will not receive any problem in syria, though the boarder is likely to be a bit tricky jsut because of long waits and questioning. The people of the country know the difference between a government and its people, and the election results are also likely to have inspired new hope in america/strian relations which will help our reception at the boarder. We are all very excited about this next leg and will send impressions and updates soon.
Thinking about snow and changing leaves a lot. cant wait to have tofu and crab when i get home. Funny the things you miss when you are away. Love all loads.
