Sunday, December 29th, 2013
Today we got up and headed out to see the sites/sights. Luckily Jordan is a relatively small country so it is actually possible to get to more than a few places in one day and we had a pretty busy agenda today. Our first destination was the city of Jerash which is a roughly 1 hour drive north of Amman. The trip mostly took us through city and towns so Ayman used the time to tell us a little bit about Jordan.
Jordan's population is roughly 6.5 million people (although in the last few years that has jumped to nearly 8 million as around 1.5 million refuges have entered Jordan from Syria), 94% of which identify as being Muslim (Sunni only, will not find any Shite Muslims in Jordan). The other 6% are Christian (mostly Orthodox). The 2 coexist very well and Ayman says the tend to respect each others holidays (restaurants closed during the day during Ramadan, stores closed Christmas Day etc.). The country is actually known as the Hashemite Kingdom Jordan, named for the Bedouins who travelled to the area from Mecca. They are a constitutional monarchy and King Abdullah II holds extensive legislative and executive powers, including naming the Prime Minister. The Senate is elected. King Abdullah II is generally well liked however, internationally people are probably far more familiar with his wife, Queen Rania (often listed as one of the best dressed Royals in the world).
Sometimes referred to as the Pompeii of the Middle East (not because it was buried by a volcano but because of the size and extent of the excavation), Jerash is probably the best preserved Roman ruins in the area. Over the years (as in ancient years) the city has been destroyed by earthquakes and war and general turmoil but a large amount of it still exists. We had a few hours to explore the amazing ruins and here are some pictures.
Walking up the steps towards the Arch of Hadrian. If you remember (back a few years to my trip to Greece/Turkey) I had mentioned that most Roman ruins will have a gate referred to as the Hadrian Gate or Arch of Hadrian. They were built to honour the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
A look at the restoration work at Jerash.
The theatre in Jerash. In really good shape and we were treated to a very....interesting concert.
Probably not what you expected. We were also a little surprised.
A close look at some of the details that still exist after all these years.
A little bit of contrast. That's the ruins of ancient Jerash (often Gerash) and current day Jerash.
Looking back at the Arch of Hadrian.
Some of the remains of the mosaics that have survived all these years.
The "back" gate. I love seeing the new city in the back ground.
The walls fall down.....but the arch remains.
Heading back to the Arch of Hadrian.
Once we left Jerash we made our way to a must visit site in Jordan (or Israel....but that's not where I am), the Dead Sea. It's actually a lake that happens to be completely devoid of any form of life (except tourists). It is approximately 34.2 percent salinity which doesn't make it the saltiest lake in the world but does make it the deepest hypersaline lake in the world.
Better follow the instructions.....but I assure you even if you wanted to you couldn't dive.
It really is the weirdest feeling to be floating and not be able to sink when you try.
Look Mom......no hands.
We didn't hangout as long as usual because it was a little bit cold but the water was certainly warm enough for a good afternoon of floating. Of course they also sell some mud baths and salts here but I decided to wait to buy anything until I made it to a slightly less expensive are.
From the Dead Sea we headed back to Amman where it was time for dinner.
The group of us. Another very nice restaurant chosen by Ayman (sitting across from me). The food so far has been so good.
It really was a busy day, even though we only hit a few spots. A great day....and more to be seen tomorrow.
Julie
No comments:
Post a Comment