Oman

Jordan: Jerash by Day

Not far from the modern city of Jerash, lies the Roman civic cnetre of Jerash. The modern town is sited above the Roman residential quarter and all that remains of the old Roman city are some ruins.

However, because the city was smaller than the Western Roman Empire city of Rome, the runis left behind are far more readable than the expansive Roman Forum.

Some of he buildings demonstrate the inginuity of Roman construction techniques, combining excavtion into hillsides with post and beam construction.

The main streets were colanaded and the sense of grandure they created is still evocative.

The spring time is an excellent season to visit Jerash due to the wildflowers growing amongst the ruins.

Jordan: Dead Sea, Bethany, Mt Nebo and Amman

Swimming in the Dead Sea is weird. It's the most other-worldly experience that you could possibly have while remaining on earth.

Bethany is possibly one of eh least spectacular major sites in Jordan, but it is the baptism site of Jesus, and you can see Jericho on the West Bank surrounded by Israeli flags. Make you realise it's only land, and not particularly mineral rich or fertile land. The war is so steeped in the past with no real financial gain by either side. Only a 2m wide river separates Jordan from the troubles on the west bank, possibly not enough distance to prevent this little country from being forced into the conflict in the future.

Above the Dead Sea is Mt Nebo. After forty long years wondering the deserts of Jordan, Moses was shown by God, the Israilites promised land, from the top of Mt Nebo. God then told Moses he wasn't allowed to enter. To stop his entry, God killed Moses. The Israilites still don't have control of the promised lands. God does work in mysterious ways, or so they say.

North of Mt Nebo is Amman, seen here at dusk.

Jordan: King's Highway, Dana and Karak

Up the King's Highway (the old trade caravan route)...
via Ash Shubak Crusader Castle..

Dana National Reserve...

Karak Crusader Castle (bigger and better than Ash Shubak... as good as the best Welsh Castles) and along the Dead Sea Highway (past Lot's Wife)... A 200m drive contains an enormous amount of biblical, social, and political history with a greater density than Europe.

Jordan:Wadi Rum

The local Bedouins offer tours of Wadi Rum in their ancient vehicles (no, not camels, but almost as old).

The landscape is exactly like stepping into David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia (if watching the 70mm print on a large cinema screen). The sand and rock colours combined with the rock formations are inspirational and humbling.

Jordan: Petra by Day

Petra has to be seen in person to understand the sense of scale, the enormity of the architectural works, and the kaleidoscopic colour of the rocks. Photos, paintings and drawings can not do it justice.

The unvailing of the Treasury building after winding down the Siq is an exciting experience.

The old city covers a large mountainous area, if you haven't exercised in a while, it's recommended that you take one of the many donkey's to the monastery building