Jerash

Today we drive north of Amman to the Roman ruins of Jerash before driving four hours south to our hotel at the gates of Petra. The ride to Jerash is hilly. The road is windy. Housing has become sparser. There are many greenhouse complexes.

Jerash is the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Jordan.

Tombs from a pre-Roman era have been found.

Mo pours water on the mosaics to show us that the dust of the area obscures the wonder of the mosaic. The demonstration also serves to show how well the mosaics have lasted over the millenia.

Super Mo knows all!

This is a huge ruin with only a small percentage of the city excavated. Most remains buried under the modern city. Pictured here the forum at the far end.

Our group heading off on the 2 mile trek to the far end of the complex. Carol walks part of the way with Juan Carlos. Today its CJ's hip that fails. He finds a spot in the shade to rest.

Returning to the visitor center, Mo promises a reward of half pomegranate and half orange juice.

Mo's first restaurant selection is a home run. Lunch is a Jordanian feast! It finishes with a luscious chocolate cake for Peggy's birthday.

Once we are south of Amman, we drive for hours across the high desert.

This is the transition between driving on a flat high desert and the mountains.

The descent into Petra is steep enough to require a safety off ramp for trucks.

The road gets windier and steeper the closer we get to Petra.

Only 3 miles to Petra.