Today started with a haze across the Dead
Sea. It is hard to refer to it as a sea, given its size, but the salinity
certainly gives it status.
First stop was a surprise for its pastoral
quality. The traditional site for John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism was
wonderfully quiet for us on this day. Across the River Jordan (a literal stone’s
throw), we could see others immersing in a developed site on the Israeli side,
but we were given a gift of quiet on the Jordan side. Honestly, this does seem
to be a peaceable kingdom.
Next stop was Mt Nebo, Moses’ last stop
before the Israelites went on to the promised land. His grave has never been
found. We ascended from -420m to +800m. It was a desolate spot with amazing
vistas, and of course a Franciscan monastery.
We saw some more mosaics, a prelude to the next stop.
It was a dark and stormy… afternoon. Madaba
is a town famous for a map mosaic on the floor of St. George’s church,
discovered in 1884, but probably from the 6th century. It is thought
to be part of a larger map of the middle east, possibly as a guide to pilgrims.
We also saw some modern-day mosaics taking form.
The day capped off with a “swim” in the
Dead Sea… more of a float. This was followed by the ritual covering with mud,
and it really is black. I am sure that our skin will be forever better… and
just in case it doesn’t last forever, we have Dead Sea skin products to help.
Minority report:
A small group stayed behind for the day… I
thought Montezuma was Mexican.
