Sixtieth Post From Türkiye: Christmas in Jordan Part 2

After our camping in the desert I thought I deserved to stay someplace a little bit nicer. So I booked us into the Marriott resort on the Dead Sea. We took a quick long-cut down to Aqaba to see the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba.  

Look! You can see Israel and Egypt!

Our long-cut also allowed for a stop in Shobak to see the crusader castle. Built in 1115 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem.

The place was lousy with artifacts. Like this little piece of a roman oil lamp. But as always, we were conscientious tourists and didn't fill our pockets with ancient souvenirs (but we wanted to!).

The smallest hotel in Jordan. It looks fun and comfortable and you can't beat the view. I am not sure about the bathroom though.

Another gorgeous sunset in Jordan.

Hey, guys! What's up?

A few of the swimming options at the resort with views of the Dead Sea. Since it was winter I only took advantage of the heated pool at the top. Trum swam with me and Jack was taking a nap. 

In the morning we decided that Trum needed to experience swimming in the Dead Sea. It was warm-ish, but not warm enough for his liking. Still, who knows if he will ever get the chance again. Jack and I both took a swim back in the olden days just after we were married and visited Israel.

So we trekked down to the water and forced the boy to take a dip.

Trepidatious to say the least! He got in but he didn't like it. It was cold and apparently if your legs are chafed from riding a camel for an hour the day before a salty sea doesn't make them feel better. Poor kid! He has a hard life.

 "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" the place along the Jordan River where they believe Jesus was baptized. Again, Jack and I had visited from the other side of the river but it was fascinating to visit again from Jordan.

Above is where the river used to flow and probably closer to the actual site but below is where it flows now and you can visit the river with lots of other tourists. 

Trum at the river, looking towards Israel.

Those are some good looking carrots!

Heading up to Mount Nebo. Passing some Bedouin camps in the hills.

Mount Nebo is the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land.

Byzantine Mosaics

Looking toward the Holy Land.

We spent a day in Amman as well. Mostly we just ate some of the best hummus ever and wandered around. But we stopped at the Roman Theater and shopped in this little shop before we flew home to Ankara.

I HATE it when Jack is right. But he nailed it with this one. We loved our trip to Jordan.

In other news: Trum turned 13 in February and he is still adorable!

Celebratory Brownie!