The last leg...

We walked across the border from Egypt to Israel where we stopped off for lunch with Dong and Jan.
Then we taxied to the border of Jordan where Hollywood was crowned Prince (mine of course!).

 We over-nighted in Aqaba on the Red Sea, then headed north to Petra with Jan and our new "friend"  taxi driver Mussa. 

Hollywood 'hanging' out at the Sacred High Place.

This 'little' guy was inching along on his millions of legs...biggest I've ever seen!

At the end of the day Hollywood, Jan and I allowed ourselves to be talked into a donkey ride out of Petra.  But only with the bonus of having a cup of tea with our Bedouin guide Mohamed, and the chance to see............

BABY CAMELS!!! Soooo Cute!






Our second days visit to Petra led us down the same path but further....




Where we discovered the Monastery and the Grand Canyon... which wasn't quite like ours... 

Along the way we observed a Bedouin boy selling rocks-

Morning came with the excitement of heading north to Amman via Karak Castle and the Dead Sea....we had no idea just how exciting it would be...

Hollywood with Mussa, who was kind enough to offer to take us up to Amman.

Yours truly - chilling at Karak Castle.

After our visit to Karak Castle, which sits high atop a mountain range, we hopped back into Mussa's cab to head for the Dead Sea.  Half way down the hill we hit a little gravel on the road and went for a ride!  The first fishtail aimed us for the mountain, the second for the cliff!  Luckily there was a big truck heading up the hill to stop us!  But we missed... Instead the third fishtail swung us back toward the road and after a few more squiggles we settled down into quiet "Amens"....  To say the least it was an adventure we could have done without!


Once we had survived the trip down the hill we found ourselves on the shore of the Dead Sea.  We paid a hefty 'use fee' to use of showers after our bath, but since Hollywood became a Dead Sea mud monster it was worth it.

The water was very salty and full of minerals that stung the eyes, tasted terrible and floated us more then we had ever experienced before.

Hollywood found his own Dead Sea Mud under the think salt layer on the bottom of the Sea.  His skin was so supple and soft after...

Having survived the trek to Amman, we settled in then headed out to explore.  The Theater was a quiet venue from which to take in the rolling hills of the city.  From there we headed up to the top of the hill, through neighborhoods, and along paths mostly utilized by locals.  Which means we missed the entrance to the Temple of Hercules but not the ruins themselves. 
We explored and goofed around til sunset then headed off to find a delicious dinner.


The next day we joined up with 2 other travelers and the guide from our hotel and set out on a tour of the north country. 

First stop was the hilltop ruins of Ajloun Castle, which was built to protect against the Crusaders.

From there we visited Umm Qays, at the northern border of Jordan.  It was lush with winter green, bugs, lizards, and butterflys.  A striking contrast to the grays and browns of the ruins.

 "Rome away from Rome" was the next stop on our fieldtrip.  After a hearty meal at a local restaurant, we entered the extensive Roman ruins of Jerash; the oval piazza, colonnaded walks, temples, theaters, and the hippodrome.  The highlight of the day was when Hollywood and I climbed into the chariot and the driver urged his horses into a sprint down and back the track. What a rush! 

Our last night in Jordan, Hollywood made falafel for all the travelers, under the guidance of our gracious host.  The delicious meal, festive air of travelers telling their stories, and the production of musical instruments led to an impromptu party. 

'Til next time...