Jerusalem at Night from Mt. Nebo: I went to Osama's house for dinner and afterwards Osama suggested we drive the 5 minutes to Mt. Nebo and look over to Jerusalem. It had been a windy day so the air was incredibly clear. We could clearly see Jerusalem, Jericho, the Baptism site and Jordan Valley all lit up. It's only 20 miles or so but can take 5 hours.
Right now, our US Embassy is warning us to stay away, especially for areas south of Jerusalem. Hundred of rockets have been launched by Hamas toward Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the southern parts of the Israeli section. Very little damage has been done because the Israeli Defense Forces have a system called Iron Dome that intercepts rockets or missiles coming in but it's a dangerous time.
So far no warnings for Jordan. There have been a few anti-government demonstrations by a tribe in a town about 120 miles south but nothing else. Everyone says that the Jordanian Intelligence and Defense forces are excellent and are on top of the situations. Still we are trying to stay aware. Our landlord is going a little crazy. I saw him digging in the back orchard. He is digging a cave under a large rock. When I asked him, he said it was to shelter 3 or 4 people. It's his version of a bomb shelter.
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| Jerusalem at Night--(not my photo, but this shows better) |
Dinner with Osama and Houda during Ramadan: Since Ronna has returned to Utah and Osama knows that I am helpless, they have invited me to dinner every night. I only go once or twice a week but it shows how generous they are. Tonight we had the Jordanian traditional dish, Mansef. It's lamb on a bed of rice with a sauce of yogurt and lemon. Very delicious. You are supposed to eat it with just your hands. They fast all day from sunrise until sunset for a month.
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| Houda and Osama serving Mansef in their newly remodeled home. They have traditional clothing on. His is called a Dishdash. |
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