Tourist Police

Throughout our time in Jordan we were accompanied by the 'tourist police'. We were told that the state of Jordan values it's visitors and sends tourist police to ensure that everything goes well. This is Abdul, who was with us for two of our three days. Mohamed, who was with us on our first day is off work now as he prepares for his wedding next week.

As we said farewell at the Jordan border a different adventure began. To enter Israel one must go through five security checks. Although we were bussed to the border we needed to take our bags and proceed through security including baggage screening. We had been briefed about security procedures and how to respond. Brenda was selected for a random check. When asked 'where are you going?'she replied, 'Jericho, Bethlehem and Jerusalem,' which is in accord with our itinerary.

The guard, pointing his finger, at her said, 'No! People go to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, not Jericho. Why are you going to Jericho?' Brenda tried it explain this is where our hotel is.  Happily, the guard then asked to speak to the tour guide who explained why we were staying in Jericho for one night.

Needless to say, we are safe and sound, and happy in our hotel room tonight.