Jordan Part 2

Shabbot Shalom!

(Happy, Peaceful Sabbath)

DAY FOUR

On this day we started off by going to the Amman Citadel which is the location of the Temple of Hercules. Biblically speaking it is where Uriah the Hittite was sent into battle and was killed. King David had already "spied" on Bathsheba and was trying to kill Uriah so he could marry her. 

 Hercules Pose

The Wall Uriah was killed at

Afterwards we went to the Jabbok River where Jacob had his wrestle with the Lord and received his new name, Israel. We had a devotional here and then naturally re-enacted the wrestling scene but not in a sacrilegious way.

 

Right afterwards we walked around this ancient city called Jerash. It was more spectacular than Ephesus! There was two theaters, a few temples, and multiple columned streets. The only bad part was that we were drained from Petra. It was over 100 degrees with zero shade. But I am not complaining, it was worth it.

 The nightlife in Amman Jordan was pretty hip, hop and happenin. We would walk down the main drag, Rainbow Street. We would grab ice cream and then go and hang out with the locals. There was this main square where a bunch of locals would meet together and play music. Since we were there they would play American music so we could dance and sing a long. The only weird part is that we were the only girls in the square. In the Muslim culture they don't associate or hang out together before marriage. They discussed how in Jordan honor killings still occur. 

DAY FOUR

We started off with a walking tour to downtown Amman and stopping at the largest theater in the Middle East. Quite Impressive. At one point everyone was chanting my name to go down and sing a rendition of "The Phantom of the Opera." They have finally found my hidden singing ability.

Afterwards we ended with what was a highlight, the Jordan River. We hiked down to the traditional  location where Christ was baptized. We had a class spiritual devotional and then we were allowed to get into the river.