Mt. Nebo and the trip to Israel

At 6:30 a.m. we had to leave our hotel and travel to Israel.  Our driver took us through Amman to show us the residential neighborhoods.  We drove by the United States Embassy, but photos are not permitted. 


 
 
   We traveled on "The Kings Highway" from Amman to Mt. Nebo.  As we stood on the of this mountain, we could see the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho, and Jerusalem.  Early Christians built Mount Nebo's first church in the late fourth century.  Six tombs, from different periods, have been found hollowed out of the rock beneath the mosaic-covered floor of the church.     
  A mosaic

 
(left) The view from Mt. Nebo. 

We went to a shop that you can purchase mosaics, and we could see them making the mosaics. 
      

(Below left) Sign on Mt. Nebo indicating the way to the Dead Sea.   (below right) June, Jennifer, and Renee.  We left Mt. Nebo and traveled through the border from Jordan into Israel.  This process took almost two hours due to the fact that there were many people coming to Israel for celebrations.  You have to go through customs, change busses, and go through checkpoints, one of which you must show your passports.  Finally we board a different bus.  The weather was a warm and sunny 80 degrees when we were finally in Israel. 
                                       
 

Our first stop was at Qumran, the sight of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery.  The scrolls were discovered in 1947 by some shepherd boys. 

Street vendors and many families are in Jericho during this time. 

 

 

 

(below) In Jericho we were able to visit the ruins of the ancient city.  Both photos below are looking out on Jericho. 

                                                                               

 

The Dead Sea (left) has a high percentage of salt in the water.  The salinity is 37% and you must use caution when getting in the Dead Sea. 

 
 

Here I am 'swimming' in the Dead Sea.  You cannot really swim, but due to the density of the water, you actually float.  You should be careful to float on your back, and not your front since there would be danger of splashing the water in your face.  You should never put your head under the water in the Dead Sea.  Do you think anything lives in the Dead Sea?