Purple in the Haze

As the sun sets we caught our first glimpse of the mountains of Petra. Stunning, robed in deep purples and dusty rose, this is just taste of journey that tomorrow will bring.

Welcome to Jordan

The gate points to Jordan, but to enter we must leave our bus and bus driver, go through customs on the Israeli side, walk about 100 metres across no man's land, submit your carried baggage to screening and do another passport check at Jordanian customs.

On the Jordanian side we were greeted by a new tour guide and bus driver. The clean and calm streets of Jordan belies an unexpected tension as we were also met by the 'tourist police' who will accompany us on our journey, 'as a courtesy, to make sure everything goes okay' we were told.

Along the Highway

Sheep and goats are herded along the highway by shepherds, often followed by the faithful donkey laden with goods.

Masada

Built by King Herod to protect himself, Masada sits high above the Dead Sea.

In the first century the Romans attacked a Jewish rebellion settlement at Masada. When it was clear that there was no way out of the situation the Jews committed mass suicide. The Romans were disappointed when they entered the fortress to find only two women and three children still alive,

The remains of the fortress remind us of both the power of Herod and this brutal legacy.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea lays 427 metres below sea level covering over 50 kilometres. A white crust of salt lines the shore while various mining and mineral extraction companies and resort spas dot the landscape.

Local merchants are quick to extoll the health and beauty virtues of Dead Sea products as they try to entice a purchase.

Desert by Day

Beautiful!

Night in the Desert

The sun was setting over Jericho as we pulled into our hotel tonight.

The two hour drive from Nazareth offered an ever changing landscape. From palm tree lined roads, to farm land, to a war zone with warnings about live land mines and finally Jericho's desert landscape, every corner revealed a new view to behold.