Madaba and surround

Where we stayed - Mariam Hotel

From Damascus we headed over the border into Jordan. We had a great taxi driver who helped us navigate our way through the border formalities, before dropping us in Amman. From Amman it was another short taxi ride out to Madaba, a smallish town closer to some of Jordan's main sights.

Jordanian road hazard

The next day were were up early to meet our driver, who would take us to Mt Nebo, Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan and the Dead Sea.

Mt Nebo is the place where Moses is said to have seen the 'Promised Land'. He then died, aged 120 and was burried somewhere in the area. From the lookout you get spectatular views across to the Dead Sea, Jericho and you can even seen Jerusalem.

Mt Nebo

View from the lookout

Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan is a pretty important place for Christians, becuase it is the place where Jesus was babtised by John the Baptist, where the first 5 apostles met and where the prophet Elijah ascended to Heaven in a chariot.

Jesus' baptism site

And the Dead Sea, well this place is just a trip!! It is the lowest poin on earth and the water has such a high salinity level that nothing but microscopic life forms can survive in it. The water almost feels like baby oil because of all the salt, and you can acutally feel the resistance when walking in the water. It is the most surreal feeling floating in the water. (If you ever go to the Dead Sea, make sure you DON'T shave for a few days beforehand!!!)

Floating Alain

The Dead Sea (Amman Beach)