Kim In Jordan

I just spent 45 minutes writing an update and it all just went away in a blink. So the new synopsis is...

We crossed the Jordanian/Israel border at night with our necessary male counterpart; we were the only ones at the border and it took an hour and a half. We were searched, scanned and rescanned, were somewhat freaked out by the humming of security fences, and were looked at in shock and questioned harshly when we told customs we were on our way to Bethlehem. "Q: And what do you know about Bethlehem!! A: "....uhhhhh....the place where Jesus was born?" The customs agents (all under 25) all warned us against going to Bethlehem because it was dangerous for us; so we paused to think for the night in Ilat, asked questions, and took off to Jerusalem at 7am the next morning.

I spent the bus ride chatting sweetly with a young Christian Israeli soldier and his rifle and his smile. His best friend sitting beside him, was also a soldier, however Jewish. He definitely enjoyed listening to my I pod and improving his english. Southern Israel looks a lot like Southern Utah...only additions are the possible palm tree farms and the salt factories.

JERUSALEM!!!

We landed a fabulous taxi driver who with all his Jewish matzo took the three of us on a world wind tour of Jerusalem; I saw so much, and I still can't comprehend it all. The Wailing Wall, the place where Jesus cried over Jerusalem, the golden gates where it is believed Jesus will return...and more.

Our taxi man took us to Bethlehem next over much debate over safety. He arranged a "passover" of us into a Palestinian taxi so he, being an Israeli taxi driver, would not get shot and we could go and see where bebe Jesus was born.

It was definitely a moment; we climbed down into Joseph and Mary's cave, and saw the manger, and knelt over the place of his birth. I was traveling with a Christian and a Jew; it was an interesting moment for all of us. The tour group behind us started singing Silent Night and then I became really, really moved. Really.

The presence of the different moments in history, the warm beautiful sunny day, the anxiety of our taxi driver...it all made December 11th one day I will never forget.

We made it to the bus station to catch a taxi ride to the only border crossing that would let us back into Jordan. Unknown to us, we were now way north, past Jericho, and had to once again cross a border late at night and then take a taxi back south to the dead sea.

We arrived at the Movenpick, Dead Sea, Jordan by approximately 1030pm last night. I sadly said goodbye to my fabulous travel buddies, and cuddled in for an opulent experience at the biggest spa hotel in the middle east. (I have cashed in on last year's Christmas present here, Dad!). All I can say is, the Jordanians know how to do it right. It would have been better if I wasn't alone; but you can't have everything...at least not all at once :)

I am leaving for the airport in about an hour and a half; I am minus some cherished material possessions, however my glass seems to be absolutely overflowing with contentment, spiritual fulfillment, and a happiness.

It's been fun blogging with you. Until next time...

Kim