The Dead Sea

Friday 10 April
Macareus, Dead Sea, Bethabara, Mt Nebo, then return to Medeba

Amy, Anthony and Fona - Macaereus in the Background

Having a terrific time in Jordan. It is far better than I expected. Seeing Machaerus was amazing. (the place where Herod celebrated his birthday and John the Baptist was beheaded) We had the whole mountain to ourselves. We did a reading of the Mark’s Gospel account of the incident and sat quietly for several minutes to meditate.

When I say we had the mountain to our selves, That was not exactly true, there was a young shepherd boy sitting up there with watching over some goats. Every now and then he would throw a rock at the flock to prevent them wandering to far away. Dierctly across the Dead Sea on the Israeli side were the Caves of Quomran where another little shepherd boy was throwing rocks and discovered the Dead See scroll. Everywhere you turn there seems to be some incredible story history that relates to the Bible.

Arab Shepherd boy with his flock of goats in the background

Drove down to the Dead Sea, an absolutely awesome view. The place of the infamous Sodom and Gomorrah. The rocks appear burnt at the bottom still today,, where the bitumous explosion would have occurred.

Fiona inspecting the 'burnt' rock of the Dead Sea basin

Went to the Jordan River at Betharaba (‘beyond Jordon’ - on the eastern side) where they believe Christ was baptized.

The Jordan. In the Vicinity of where Christ was Baptized.
(Israel just on the other side of hte river)

Went to Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the land. An absolutely tremendous view, there is nothing quite like it in Australia. The Dead Sea is about1.2km below. You could see the plain where Israel probably camped, and where the Moabites seduced the Israelites at Baal Peor. and across the valley there is the skyline of the Mount of Olives with some of the modern parts of Jerusalem visible.

Coffee stop - Starting to get a taste for Turkish Coffee

Ended the tour with a drink of tea and a 'sprig of Thyme' to chew on in one of the Arab drivers homes. Very hospitable company.

Went out to tea again tonight and had a tremendous Arab meal. I have never
tasted anything like it in my life.

Amy Schofield has joined us too. She spent last night and today with us and will be coming with us to Petra tomorrow. It is really great to catch up with her again.