Mount Nebo and The Dead Sea

Today we prepare for a real live history lesson touring significant places of Jordan.

We have hired a driver for the day, and our first stop is Mount Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan. This is where Moses stood viewing the Promise Land, a land from which he was forbidden to enter. He is also buried on this area. The views from atop the mountain are spectacular. You have sweeping views of the ancient lands of Gilead, Judah, Jericho, the Jordan River, Jerusalem and the Negev-the Promise Land, as well as the Dead Sea.

The Promised Land

We walk around and just take it all in, and find it hard to imagine we are here where Moses and Jesus stood.

A short drive down the mountain and we are in Bethany. It has been identified by archaeologists as the place where John the Baptist preached, and where Jesus was baptized by John. The river has drastically receded, and a small set of stairs once used to walk down into the Jordan River when flowed abundantly, now sit awkwardly on dry land. From where we are standing we are only about 20 feet from the Israel border. We take time to ponder the incredible significance of where we stand, and Kim and Aaron walk down to wash their hands in the river.

Next Stop the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water on earth, the lowest point on earth, and the world’s richest source of natural salts. The salt content is four times that of most world’s oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying: the only place in the world where you can recline on the water to read a newspaper. It’s an intense blue lake enclosed by red and browns of the surrounding desert hills. 

As we get out of the water and the sun dries us, a noticeable coat of salt forms on our bodies. A quick shower and we are all silky smooth! They sell Dead Sea therapeutic skin products everywhere, but we decide against buying any as no one is willing to carry them around.

 Tomorrow we are heading to Petra, one the seven wonders of the world… yahoo!!!!!!!