Jerusalem, Jericho, Dead Sea - Herod's Revenge!

Wasn't sure what to call it when I woke up this morning at 6am throwing up like crazy. I either got the short term flu from Alex last weekend or something from Temptation Restaurant in Jericho:) - below. So sent Ross off on the bus with the gang and by 2pm here I'm feeling pretty good and ready to go. The Mount of Temptation is where the devil tempted Jesus for the final time and he declined! The food here was mighty tempting and I did not decline.
We visited Masada where King Herold built (with lots of help) a palace on a high rock mountain in the middle of nowhere - not sure who to compare him to in current times. We took a cable car to the top and our guide tells us this friendly bird is a Tristam Starling and what a view! Herod's storeroom held the finest wine from Italy, pear liqueur and a lot of other fine things. Many people died building this place.A scribe on the top of Masada writing the Torah by hand.

This is the cable car line looking up - held 80 people stuffed full.

The Joneses at the top of Masada - Ross does not like heights but he's being a good sport and wouldn't miss looking over the edge onto the Dead Sea!

Every day I see something that puts me in awe of what we are experiencing. Out of bus window - hmmmm which way to go: Jericho? Jerusalem?

Our guide Shelley with a model of Masada - note the rock walls - she was very cool but of course could not cross the border into Jordan with us - nor could our bus or driver. We had the bus scanned and a handheld mirror that looks somewhat like a metal detector look under all vehicles. We went through many checkpoints and handed over our passports a couple times. We are strongly warned to not take photos near any borders or your camera card and possible your camera will be confiscated. Shelley has lived here 27 years, is an American Jew and told us some of her personal story - she has 4 children and they have been through intefadahs (?) - violent uprisings with suicide bombers and terrorist attacks. Israel has put up a "Security Fence" or "Separation Wall" - depends on what side you are on - that is 97% complete and has cut down on the events. We saw a lot of Israeli fighter jets fly over in Israel but of course not in Jordan.

Checkpoint in the background, beautiful home near and the car with the 3 guys selling bamboo flutes, purses and other souvenirs out of their trunk. The stuff was so inexpensive and many people bought a lot. Not me - I have my 22 inch suitcase~

More of "The Wall" in Bethlehem- Everyone seems to think that before too long the State of Israel (since 1948) will be divided into two - the Palestinian State and the Israeli State - the problem is of course where is the line and who will give up what.

I need this Mr. Clean store in my neighborhood.

So - Ross should be back soon - we need to stick our toes in the Dead Sea - I'll take pictures of that and the hotel ground when my camera returns. Jordan is full of fruits and vegetables and the water comes from the Jordan River . Our new guide in Jordan, Mohammed, tells us to have a "safe, enjoyable and evocative tour" and will be with us into Petra and until we head home. Matt our tour director also wanted to friend me on Facebook which I did - he has the greatest personality and sense of humor.