This morning we headed out bright and early on the Kings Highway – north to Amman. Our first stop was Kerak. The terrain was very steep, and the roads narrow which resulted in some very tight situation with our nice new bus – with the good sound system. 
The Kerak castle was, in itself amazing, but even more importance was its location at the top of the hill in Kerak. 
This provided a spectacular 360 degree view of the valley below. 
The pictures give some idea of the view from atop the mountain. A
s well, we were introduced to the architecture and features of this 12th Century structure. 
During our drive we appreciated the words and singing of Rev Bill Brown who delivered a time of reflection on our responsibility to provide and care for each other. A great reminder for many of us who sometimes get caught up in what we as individual want, and forget about what is really important – caring for others.
Further along on our journey we encountered and were able to take pictures of the amazing Al Mujib Valley
and the Mujib Dam which has been constructed to hold water for irrigation purposes. The Valley is rightfully labeled the Grand Canyon of Jordan. The view was spectacular, and the drive down hair-raising. All in all a great adventure.
From here we moved on to the city of Madaba – the city of Mosaics. Here we had the opportunity to walk through the streets of Madaba
in order to pay a visit to St George’s Greek Orthodox Church. 
We also met a group of 13 year old school girls 
who were thrilled to meet a group of ‘real Canadians’. 
The church contains an amazing Mosaic which depicts a map of the Holy sites throughout the ‘Holy Land’. No one was unimpressed with the mosaic or with the church that has worked so hard to preserve this work of art. A few of us were also struck by the lack of comfort afforded by the pews. 
The next stop was Mt Nebo – reported to be the place where Moses first viewed the Promised Land. From here we were able to see the Jordan Valley and over into Israel, despite the considerable smog which hung over the horizon. We were also able to view the northern end of the Dead Sea. 
For some of us who stayed on the mountain a little longer, we enjoyed a German rendition of “How Great Though Art”’ by a group of German Tourists. 
It was a very lovely and spiritual moment for many of us.
Just down the mountain, and a brief 10 minutes away, we had the opportunity to visit a Mosaic Centre where young women are taught the ancient and updated art of Mosaics.
The work was magnificent and we did make a few purchases before we left.
On the way to Amman – we were treated to a wonderful sunset, then, had the chance to stop at the Holy Land Bazaar which specializes in Dead Sea Products, and many other items up for sale. We all had a great time, used up a few more Dinars, then went on to our hotel in Amman. After checking in we were treated to a wonderful East Indian Meal prior to returning to our rooms and a chance to rest up for what should prove to be a very busy day tomorrow. We will be up at 6 and out of the hotel by 7:30 on our way to a few more stops in Jordan, then across the border to Israel.
The Kerak castle was, in itself amazing, but even more importance was its location at the top of the hill in Kerak. 
This provided a spectacular 360 degree view of the valley below. 
The pictures give some idea of the view from atop the mountain. A
s well, we were introduced to the architecture and features of this 12th Century structure. 
During our drive we appreciated the words and singing of Rev Bill Brown who delivered a time of reflection on our responsibility to provide and care for each other. A great reminder for many of us who sometimes get caught up in what we as individual want, and forget about what is really important – caring for others.
Further along on our journey we encountered and were able to take pictures of the amazing Al Mujib Valley
and the Mujib Dam which has been constructed to hold water for irrigation purposes. The Valley is rightfully labeled the Grand Canyon of Jordan. The view was spectacular, and the drive down hair-raising. All in all a great adventure.From here we moved on to the city of Madaba – the city of Mosaics. Here we had the opportunity to walk through the streets of Madaba
in order to pay a visit to St George’s Greek Orthodox Church. 
We also met a group of 13 year old school girls 
who were thrilled to meet a group of ‘real Canadians’. 
The church contains an amazing Mosaic which depicts a map of the Holy sites throughout the ‘Holy Land’. No one was unimpressed with the mosaic or with the church that has worked so hard to preserve this work of art. A few of us were also struck by the lack of comfort afforded by the pews. 
The next stop was Mt Nebo – reported to be the place where Moses first viewed the Promised Land. From here we were able to see the Jordan Valley and over into Israel, despite the considerable smog which hung over the horizon. We were also able to view the northern end of the Dead Sea. 
For some of us who stayed on the mountain a little longer, we enjoyed a German rendition of “How Great Though Art”’ by a group of German Tourists. 
It was a very lovely and spiritual moment for many of us.Just down the mountain, and a brief 10 minutes away, we had the opportunity to visit a Mosaic Centre where young women are taught the ancient and updated art of Mosaics.
The work was magnificent and we did make a few purchases before we left.On the way to Amman – we were treated to a wonderful sunset, then, had the chance to stop at the Holy Land Bazaar which specializes in Dead Sea Products, and many other items up for sale. We all had a great time, used up a few more Dinars, then went on to our hotel in Amman. After checking in we were treated to a wonderful East Indian Meal prior to returning to our rooms and a chance to rest up for what should prove to be a very busy day tomorrow. We will be up at 6 and out of the hotel by 7:30 on our way to a few more stops in Jordan, then across the border to Israel.
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