Last Day with the Germans: Ajloun and Jerash

Triumphal Arch build specifically for the Emperor Hadrian's visit to the most Oriental of Roman Cities

On day 8 of the German - Jordanian trip, we first visited the ancient Roman city of Jerash. It is one of the Decapolis (one of the 10 Easternmost Roman Cities in Syria and Judea), and it's extremely well-preserved. We wandered around the city a while, a even got to hear Caroline sing in the old outdoor theater (a video of which will be posted later, by the way). One cool little thing about the pillars in the city - they all sway ever so slightly. You can test this by sticking a piece of metal into a crack in the pillar and watch it move up and down. Very cool. We also got to see a bat cave - complete with bats flying inches above our heads. Most of the girls didn't like it.

There was a Roman Soldier demonstration that we saw part of, until we got shooed away by the guy who runs the business (I did not want to pay money to watch a bunch of Jordanians march out of synch).

After seeing Jerash, we checked out the castle of Ajloun, which is totally sweet. I'd been to Mar Elias (near the castle), but the castle was closed every time before. We climbed to the highest point of the castle and looked over the edge. They were filming some Jordanian music video, too.

This was the last chapter of the German Trip. I think I forgot some cities, but honestly, you get the idea. Stay tuned for the update on my trip to the Holy Land!

al-Husn Games and German Night!

After having toured through all of the South of Jordan, we took it easy for a day in al-Husn, playing games with some of the Summer Camp counselors. It was a good day, but EXTREMELY hot (around 110 degrees Fahrenheit). The Germans were good sports though and kept up with everyone else. People got a chance to check their e-mail at AbounaCafe (in the area where I live, using Marlise's, Caroline's, Abouna's, and my laptops). At one point, I walked into my room to find Carla passed out on the other bed in my room - which is cool, because that IS her bed. I inherited her room from last Summer when she was volunteering in al-Husn.

I was in Heaven during German Night - there was Bockwurst und Sauerkraut and beer! Definitely a recipe for a kickin' night. There was a German quiz show, German songs, and lots of nice Jordanian families. Good times.

Stay tuned for our trip through the North of Jordan!

day 6: Karak Castle and Summer Program Closing Party

I think that field is the only green patch in all of Jordan. People come from miles around to gaze at its novelty.

On the sixth day of our travels through Jordan, the Germans, Jordanians, and Americans found themselves at the awesome castle of Karak. After spending some time wandering around the spacious halls and archways, the fearless team headed out to an ancient ruined Christian city. It was freakin' hot out. Luckily, the ancient city still had a McDonalds that was pretty intact (see photo above). Marlise was thoroughly geeked out by the architecture. Here she is being really happy! We were tired after the long day, but not too tired to go to Husn to see the closing night of the Summer Camp. I even did a song with the kids that we'd worked on during the Camp - "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Boy, do I hate that song. It was good for the Germans to see all the families in Husn having a good time. Stay tuned for the rockin' day we had in Husn playing games with the teens and eating bratwurst mit sauerkraut on German Night!

Wadi Rum Vid

As a bonus, here's a video of the trip through Wadi Rum. Booya!

E5: the waterless desert

Wow.

Traveling through Wadi Rum has without a doubt been the most amazing experience in Jordan so far. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking. Except for the occasional wild camel or passing tour truck, the desert was deserted. We hired three trucks (driven by Bedouin guides, the youngest of which was no more than 13 years old) and flew across the sand to take in the view. One of the trucks broke down for a while, and so I took the opportunity while we were waiting to take my David of Jordan pictures. Luckily, the Bedouins were able to send for a new truck for our habibis. After climbing up a sand dune that lay against a cliff, we took a short ride to watch the sunset before heading to the Bedouin camp to spend the night. The camp is located in the middle of Wadi Rum, and we had the privilege of eating Bedouin-cooked meals, participating in traditional dances, witnessing a traditional Bedouin wedding, and watching the stars 'till 3 AM. It turned out that I got to see the sunrise as well as the sunset - Christoph, Theresia and I set our alarms for 4:20 and waited for the helu shems to show itself. It was well worth the wait - it was a gorgeous morning. All in all, an awesome episode.