Bethabara, The Dead Sea and Jericho

We ran out of time. We didn't make it to The Jerusalem Archeological Park and Hezekiah's Tunnel, or House of Annas or Chaiaphas' Palace (called St. Peter in Gallicantu). It is amazing to add in unexpected opportunities such as a day at the beach or Mohammad's birthday parade or painting a wall, etc., but sacrifices had to be made. Oh well.

We took a day trip from Jerusalem and headed out to the Dead Sea area. It was a drive that might as well have been in Utah. It is incredible how similar the landscape is! First stop, Jesus' baptism site, or close to it. This is near where the Children of Israel crossed over into the Promised Land. During that time period, it was a known river crossing. Jordan is on the other side.

Many groups were there dressed in white (you could buy a little tunic in the gift shop) to experience the renewal of their faith. We sat by a small group and listened to their preacher guide them through a moving discourse on letting Christ take your sins and feeling clean. This was their opportunity to recommit, begin again and be clean. It was very nice and heartfelt.

Geoff, Adele and Ceci wanted to get in the COLD water and dip, just to do it.

We made our way to Kalia Beach at the Dead Sea. We passed a few gas stations offering camel rides.

And a herd of camels!

It was a very warm day. We lathered ourselves with that healing mud. (We girls went first so Geoff could get some pictures.)

And we floated in that warm, salty sea. "Just sit back", I had read. It worked!

Geoff's turn.

The girls went back for more mud and Ceci got her leg stuck in a sink hole. It took all of Geoff's strength to get her out!

We followed the suggestions to not shave for a few days, to keep our faces out of the water and rinse off every 15 minutes or so. Still that water burns! I must admit our skin felt silky smooth afterward. We spent a few hours enjoying the warmth and water.

Last stop of the day was Jericho, and we had just enough time to take the tram up to the Mount of Temptation before dark. Jericho is the longest inhabited city on the planet. Archeological digs have found two water towers dating 8,000 years! We could see the archeological site from above on the tram. There were also numerous farms with green fields. There are four springs in Jericho that explain how people have survived so well in this area, because all surrounding areas sure are barren!

The area is known for its dates, so we bought some before leaving town. Delish!