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!