June 29th & 30th-Amman Jordan and Jerash

As we arrived in Amman Jordan and drove to our hotel we noticed a different pace of life.  Traffic was much different then Cairo and you could tell that Amman was a more modern newer city.  The buildings were all finished in beautiful limestone that had been quarried from different areas of the country.  We were told that we could walk anywhere in the city as it was very safe.  After checking in to the Marriott, which felt like we were in the US, we ventured out for a walk.  Finding a nice local cafe we enjoyed a coffee and yummy pistachio ice cream. Then back to the hotel for dinner and a rest for the next part of our tour tomorrow, the city of Amman and Jerash.

Mosque at the Citadel

Roman Theatre

View from the Citadel

Lunch at the Green Valley Restaurant in Jerash

The ancient city of Jerash was the home to over 25,000 people.  Theatres and temples were continuously added as the city thrived under the Roman Empire.  In 330 AD Emperor Constantine announced that Christianity would be the new religion of the Roman Empire's eastern half and Jerash fell into the newly formed Byzantine segment.  Some temples were transformed to churches and many new churches were erected with mosaic floors similar to those found at Madaba.  The massive streets whose pavements still show the grooves of chariot wheels.  The south theatre, the biggest of Jerash's three amphitheatres, is still used for performances and festivals today.

Jerash

Roman Columns

Temple in Jerash

Islamic style wall

Entrance to Jerash

Ancient Roman street in Jaresh

We enjoyed the day very much not only for the historical sites but the drive through the country for the view of the farms and olive groves. Jordan is a wonderful mix of modern and nomadic day life.  Tomorrow the journey on the King's Highway to Petra and some wonderful sites along the way!!