Arrived in London...leaving for home today.

Jordan - Karak, Mt Nebo and Madaba

Yesterday we left our hotel near petra stopping to see the place where moses struck his staff down and a water spring begin to flow from the location. We couldn't drink the water though...it looked a bit diryt.

Next, we traveled to Karak, another crusader's castles. It was built by Chantilly who stole young muslims from traveling caravans and forced them to build the castle. When it was all done, he had no use for them. He put a wooden box over their head; so they wouldn't lose consciousness before they died and tossed them off the steep side of the castle. Salhadin, who eventually killed Chantilly, was very chivalrous. He came to storm the castle, but when he found out there was a wedding happening; he refused to attack the part of the castle where the event was occuring. The castle orginally was 6 stories high! Really amazing.

We drove up to Mt. Nebo where God told Moses to go to look onto Canaan (the promised land for the israelites). He died there, so we saw his tomb. The day was cloudy, so we didn't see much of 'the promised land.' but I did get a photo of the promised land map. Mom, you would have loved this day.

We stayed in Madaba overnight (which is very near the dead sea where we will be going today).

I've had some battery issues with my camera. My first pair of batteries died... The local batteries apparently don't work. I bought 2 packs before I figured this out and was able to find an American brand. Now the issue is just too many photos. I have a 16 pic limit today unless I can delete some previous pictures..very possible.

All of the cities here are built in very high locations for safety reason. They could see enemies coming and prepare or toss stones down on them from on top.

It's been great having a guide on the trip to fill us in on all of the stories behind the places we're seeing. I can't believe today is our last day!

Well, I need to go as breakfast is waiting! Lots o' Love!

Day in Petra

Had a long, full day in Petra today. We were out the door by 6:30 a.m. to see the ruins. The multi-colored rocks themselves could be considered a natural wonder. Petra was built by the nubeatains (sp)who originally came from Yeman in caravans. They were amazing engineers and business men. The city's very mountainous; so we spent a lot of time climbing up and down mountains. on one scenic overlook we could see Israel and the gaza strip...it was amazing! i could write a lot more on the stories around the city and what I saw today, but I'm going to keep it brief as it's getting late.

In the evening we went to a turkish bath where we were sauna'd, exfoliated, washed and massaged...it was awful!!! Later, we headed back to Petra for the light show where we walked through a candle-lit siq down to the treasury and listened to the bedouin play music and tell stories; it was a very different experience then seeing the city during the day - quiet, and serene.

In Petra, Jordan

I just checked into our hotel after a long day of travel from the Bedouin camp. We stopped at Shoback castle, built in the 11th century, and at little Petra. The trip was a bit uneventful except for some miscommunications that happened with our new guide fayz and some of the gap people... we worked it out though. We will get up early tomorrow to see the full petra. The mountain rocks here are phenominal! They are contorted with artistic holes, knots and shapes.

In Jordan

The trip from the Nuweiba port to Aqaba, Jordan was a little scarey. At the port there was a male-female ratio of about 30 men to every woman. Men stared at us and clicked as I made my way to the boat. When I was boarding, the passport man said something like, "anti-american" which freaked me out a bit. On the boat, however, everyone was very friendly. I was falling asleep because I hadn't had much sleep the night before and the Jordanian guys behind me went and got me a coffee - it was really sweet. Everyone here has really been kind, friendly and has made me feel very comfortable.

We spent Monday afternoon in the desert traveling in open-air trucks. It really is like riding in a boat. We climbed up the moving sand and a number of the oddly shaped rock formations. In the evening, we camped in camel-haired tents at the Boudouin campsite. The Boudouin are poor, happy, nomads that live in the desert. They are known for their honesty and their goodness. At night we all sat in a large tent smoking hooki sheesha and drinking turkish coffee. We boudouin danced, sang and played drums. I got up to dance several times as well as Aaron, a guy on my tour. Aaron was braver then I though, because the men are much more intimate...touch and kiss each other much more here then in the states. It's actually really refreshing that they can be affectionate with each other, but maybe a little scarey for an American male.

Last day in Luxor

I have about 4 minutes to summarize today, so here goes: Rode a felucca to the West side of the Nile in Luxor,raced a donkey named Casablanca while screeming, "hop,hop ya Law! Habibi," - Hurry up, let's go, love(platonic)- visted the Valley of the kings where we toured 3 of the 12 open tombs (the place has 67 total). Took the donkeys to the alabaster museum where I lingered a little too long and Khaled and the donkey master had to come back for me. Saw Hep...???'s tmb (Sorry, I'll have to look up the name of the female pharoah later), Hung off the back of a jail truck back to the Nile, took a felucca back to the east side, ate delicious Kosher, took a horse carriage ride to Karnac (more ruins), took a horse carriage home. Practice my haggling skills on the drive..I still need a little work.

Fast and furious blog here as I'm off to catch the night train to Cairo. Having an incredible time!! Should have more time to respond to email tomorrow. Lots of Love, Habibi!

In Luxor writing about trip to Luxor

We arrived in Luxor today after traveling the day on the Nile in a felucca(sailboat). The boat was so amazing. It was basically a huge cusion with lounging pillows around the edge of it. It never rains in Aswan, so we had another beautiful day to float and lounge down the river. We stopped for lunch by the edge of the river where I had a chance to go swimming. The water was a bit nippy, but it felt really wonderful...it's been a long time since I've swam outside of a pool. In the evening we parked on an island...it was so beautiful with rolling farm land. I hike to the other side of the island where hundreds of egrets were nesting in the long grasses. It was so peaceful and amazing to listen to the birds while the sun set. The moon was full last night and much of the group, including myself chose to sleep on top of the river pontoon. We told ghost stories and Jim, who seems to be king at bringing up interesting conversation topics, kept us going most the night. At about midnight the wind picked up significantly and I was freezing. I ended up finishing the night off in the felucca which was much warmer.

The people on this tour are really interesting. All of them have traveled extensively and have fascinating stories to tell. Ages range from 25 to 78. 12 people are on the trip (3 women and 9 men) from Canada, the U.S, and Australia. Khaled, our Egyptian guide, is amazing. He's so detailed and descriptive and seems to have good answers to anything we throw at him. He's also incredibly attuned to everyone on the group; we are very well taken care of.

We hear the call to prayer(Selections of the Quran broadcasted)every morning (starts at 5:15am)and throughout the day. I love it! It's really beautiful and calming.

Having a great time! More later. LoL :)

On the way to Luxor

Once again, not much time to post here. Spent the morning haggling at the Souq (market). Khaled (our guide)promises we'll have the opportunity to sing Nubian songs. The felucca's are amazing with cushions lining the bottoms and sides. It is beautiful, once again. Short note here. I may not be able to write for a couple days. Much Love!!!

In Aswan

Hi all! In Aswan now which is on the south end of the nile. We got up at 3 a.m. this morning and joined a convoy to Ambul Simbal, the tombs of Ramisis (sp?). They were FANTASTIC! Amazing carvings inside and out... The weather here is ideal. We spent most of yesterday sailing on a felucca on the Nile. They let me sail as well. It's a lot harder on your back. I had to prop my feet against the side of the boat and push against the ruter with my body to keep the boat in the right direction. I spent this afternoon by the pool at our hotel...it's so beautiful here. I've been having fun learning basic Arabic. Sorry this is another short note. I'll try to write more tomorrow. I need to meet everyone for dinner now. Lots of Love!!!

Made it to Egypt

This note is going to be very short. Made it to Egypt smoothly...great flight. It took me a long time to find this internet cafe and, as the sun is setting, I'd like to get back while I can stil read the street signs. I'll write more later!

Last full day...

Work and school were canceled again today because of the snow. Of course, this is better for me because I was able to spend more time with Ian, Jill and the kids. I'm starting to feel like I'm at the cabin. Very comfortable, and a bit lazy. Jill, Kelly, her friend and I did a little shopping in Kingsley, an adorable collegetown nearby. The rest of the day was spent reading, setting Jill up on Facebook, eating, chatting, playing cards, sipping wine, and drilling brilliant Clare on math equations. She's a very apt mathematician for a nine year old.

The books I've been reading the Egypt and Jordan Let's Go manuals. I will ultimately tear out the pages I need and leave the books behind. "Reading Lolita in Tehran" which I've determined may not be the wisest book to pull out at a local Egyptian coffee shop; so I will finish it when I return. "Islam" which describes the Muslim religion's birth and growth from Mahammad on; This, I WILL take with me. And, finally, my Listen and Learn Arabic manual. I will most definitely NOT be anywhere near fluent, but I will bring it nonetheless as an aide and can respectably speak a few key lines.

Ian informed me that the SuperBowl on Sunday went off quite well! Especially in the south where the game was interrupted by some adult entertainment giving the term 'touch down' a whole new meaning. Who won? Sounds like everyone was a winner that day.

Jill had me try a little Veggi-mite. A popular bread spread in South Africa that Americans tend not to like. I, of course, fall in that category; the spread tastes like intensly potent soy sauce and looks like mud. Not so good.

I leave at about 6p.m for Egypt tomorrow. I'm excited, but I'm so comfortable here it's hard to believe I'll be heading out tomorrow. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to write from here on out as I'll be running from place to place and sleeping on trains and 'beneath the stars' during parts of the trip.

Kelly and Jill in Kingsley


Kingsley


London wouldn't be London without pigeons


Boat House on the Thames

London: Day two

We woke up this morning to a foot of snow. It hasn't snowed in London like this for 18 years according to Jill. School was canceled for the kids and most of the businesses. Jill and I canceled our plans to travel into London. No worries, though. We hiked through the crane river with some neighbors. People were everywhere walking, making snowmen, having snowball fights, and sledding. The British have figured out a good method for dealing with dangerous bridges. They put a sign up...'weak bridge.' It's brilliant! You cross over it at your own risk. Instead of 'fixing' our bridges, we could just put a 'danger' sign up.

Jill and Ian have a very cool life. They live in a bit of a flop house. A strange cat once walked in and stayed (Wotty); they now have a flap door for him in the bathroom. He sometimes brings friends in. Other people keep 'showing up' in the house. The neighbors are renovating their house, so they seem to come and go. I really like it. It's fun to have people coming in and out.

Gail, one of her neighbors, is amazing. Her husband works in Dubai, so can't help her much. She has literally been doing the work on her home renovation herself (digging the hole, setting the footings, etc...) while she tends to four kids and is running two businesses. Pretty amazing person!!!

I spent much of the afternoon reading about Egypt, Jordan, and Islam. I've definitely over-estimated my reading time and will need to leave some of my books here. Jill has an Egyptian friend that we will visit, perhaps tomorrow, so I can get the inside scoop on some of my cultural questions.

For dinner, Jill made Boboitiey, a traditional South African meal, with curry, onions, and beef. Good food, good food, always makes me happy! I love eating!

We are now, live-time, drinking some good Jameson and watching James Bond. Will write more tomorrow.

First day in London

Jill, my exchange sister, picked me up at the airport early in the morning, so we had the whole day to hang out. It was about 35 degrees and windy in London. In fact, it snowed here today. Jill claims I ‘brought the weather in my pocket’ because it almost never snows in London. After getting settled in, we walked the ground at Wesley Garden’s. It’s warm enough in London to actually grow produce in February and the gardens had a small number of flowers that were blooming: white tear-drops and daffodils. We stopped off at a warm pub for beer and cider that had a live, bold swan waiting at the door to get in and other swans, ducks, etc. splashing around in the Thames outside. The bathrooms had these awesome, ultra-robust hand blowers. They were labelled, “Feel the Power.” We kept returning to the loo to get warmed up.

I’ve done pretty well with jet lag today and only fell asleep on the way to Kelly’s (Jill’s daughter) field hockey game. Kelly plays for the state team and there was no nodding off at the game as it was wicked cold. Field hockey is like soccer with sticks and, except for the cold, was fun to watch. Ian, Jill’s husband, made us lamb with sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and potatoes and we spent some good time catching up. American and British English have interesting differences. American ‘Pants’ in British English means ‘underpants.’ I discovered ‘yachtsman’ is a better term to use here then ‘sailor.’ The phrase ‘hanging out with sailors’ equates to ‘working the nightshift on Hennepin ave.

’

Leaving Minnesota

The few weeks before leaving Minnesota were chaotic with my car breaking down, unexpected work deliveries popping up, trying to organize all of the people helping me when I’m gone, and having fun with friends before I leave. So many people have helped me or are helping me with my trip that I really, really am touched and feel very fortunate.

I took the overnight flight out on Saturday at 6p.m. after spending the day listening to Larry play the drums while ‘sitting in the circle’, buying shoes, getting foreign currency, watching Nicole and Rollo’s Skijoring race, cleaning, and packing until the last minute. The Lindbergh terminal was eerily dead, and I scored an empty seat next to me on my nearly empty flight. I slept most of the flight (7 hours); so travelling was very painless. In fact, I almost felt like I wanted more travel time to read, write and watch movies; but I’m not complaining.

The Trip

As most of you know I typically like to travel in the winter to ‘escape’ the cold and have a little adventure. Last year, when I returned from my winter trip I came back knowing I wanted to go to Egypt in 2009. Jordan caught my interest while researching Egypt; it made sense (because the two countries are close) to visit both on the same trip. London was added on as the cheapest route to Cairo with the benefit of being able to visit my exchange sister from South Africa that now lives in London.

While I like to travel this trip is really different for me in a lot of ways. Travelling for me is a lot about freedom...freedom to go where I want to go when I want to and to do what I want to do when I want to do it. I nearly always travel alone and with my own agenda. Making a great trip and managing it is a challenge. Half the fun of taking a trip is planning it: finding the best travel deals, determining what adventures to sign up for etc... On this trip I went back and forth a lot but ultimately signed up with a travel group and I will be assigned a random roommate. The culture is much more conservative in Egypt then I’m use to and, I’m not sure how I’ll handle that. I had a hard time finding culture-appropriate clothing to wear. Typically, I sport a bathing suit most of my vacation; I will need to keep covered most of this trip. I am still very excited though because the region and the culture are very mystical, old and rich and I’m fascinated by how this will all play out for me.

So what’s the trip? I’ve got three weeks to see London, Egypt and Jordan. I’ll be in London from Feb 1st – Feb 4th. The Gap tour starts in Egypt, Cairo on February 5th and ends in Amman, Jordan on February 21st. Here is the link for the Itinerary. http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/DPJA.