Jerusalem, a name that has constantly appeared in the biblical text, a city that is more than 3000 years old, a place that is sacred to 3 religions and a region that has always been in conflicts. Yet it is this very place that has given us such a rich amount of history and culture. Walking (or getting lost) in there is like reading a living history book where you would see and learn new things at every turn of the corner.

 

Needless to say Bethlehem is the birthplace for Christ and it is definitely a must for Catholics like me though it is situated in the West Bank. In fact this was the only city I visited (alone) in the West Bank! To be honest, I felt more unsafe in Jerusalem when I saw kids playing with electric stun guns (near the bus station) than any time in this town

 

In order to follow the footsteps of Jesus outside Jerusalem I had joined a 1-day tour to Nazareth, Galilee and River Jordan. Because of the geographical and political reasons, a lot of time was spent on travelling rather than sightseeing. Still, that's probably the best you could get for just 1 day

 

Once used by Herod the Great, this 440m high mountain-top fortress was most famous for the Roman siege in 66AD when the revolting Jews captured this as the last stronghold for 2 years before fallen after all the remaining 1000 defenders committed a mass suicide rather than surrendering. 

 

'Masada Shall Not fall Again' is now a swearing-in oath of the Israeli defense force (IDF) 

 

When people knew I was going to Jordan, the first thing they brought up was whether I would go to Petra. At first I could only associate Petra with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In fact, the Siq and the Treasury were only the beginning, and more and more surprises lied ahead as you explored further into the Rose City of Petra. 

 

Amman is hilly with its over seven major jebels (hills) and therefore my primary transport was the fairly cheap taxi... Yes! that means not much exploration on foot!

 

Still managed to check out some of the major sites... though a disappointment that no one knew where the Royal Automobile Museum was, got to pay a visit after watching Indiana Jones and the last crusade!

 

Another well preserved ancient Roman city, with the usual temples, theatres and columns... though I must say the most impressive was the Oval plaza which was quite unique in those ancient cities I have visited; and of course the full-functioning hippodrome which they now host the R.A.C.E 

 

Madaba is the most important Christian centre in Jordan and also is the home of the famous Madaba Mosaic Map.

 

Mt. Nebo is where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, a land where he was forbidden to enter. This is also the place where he died and was buried. 

 

Here I stood on the same spot where Moses and his fellow Israelis were after their 40 years of journey from Egypt thousands of years ago...

 

 

Definitely not the most luxurious trip this was! (and definitely not the worst!) The only good thing about these hotels/hostels/camps were the price, especially in Jordan!

 

Changed: Aug 06, 2015.
Contains: 43 items.