Russ&Suzie

Trip Log
2008-11-13 15:51:14 (UTC)

Dead Sea float & readiness for home return

Petra's location south by quite a way from the southern
end of the Dead Sea meant we avoided that long sandy drive
on the desert highway. Rather we traveled hillsides and
mountains, saw a cement manufacturing place and took
pictures of a Crusader's Castle. Zuhair noted that the
Pope's 11th century call to arms to "rescue" Jersulem was
in fact a cover for the Europeans having to do something
with idle soldiers (I don't know what got settled to free
them up) and to quest for treasure and new lands.

The mountainous badlands that led to the Dead Sea were a
big surprise! Like the side of the rift valley possessed
rough edges! One of us in the group mentioned feeling
grateful for air brakes. I clicked away photographically
on every new vista.

Lots of white edged the Dead Sea. And across the water we
easily saw counterpart rough edges of the Israeli side of
the water. No boats by mutual agreement between Israel and
Jordan. But resorts and swimming on both sides; Zuhair
said many had developed on the other side. We swam rather
floated (one other couple from our group did likewise
did). We waved for our group members who wished a
vicarious experience. The mud was available for plastering
over the body (supposed to be good!) but we passed that
chance by. A man in the dressing room said, "I can't
believe I went into water that dirty!"

Then on to Amman where we are now, anticipating dinner
before long in the same hotel (Amman West) that we stayed
in on arrival in JOrdan.




Ad: