2023 Israel/Egypt/Jordan - Day ## - A Few More Pictures

A few more pictures from our trip to Israel, Egypt and Jordan. Photo Credit Joe and Cindy Larkin!

2023 Israel/Egypt/Jordan - Day ## - Map of Viking Pharaohs & Pyramids Trip

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #21 - to Carmichael

Up at 2:05 am, we put our bags in the hall at 2:55 am. We joined the group in the lobby at 3:25 am. Of the 31 people on the Jordan excursion (out of 56 on the cruise), 15 people were flying out on the same Turkish Airlines flight at 6:55 am. The Leclaires took an earlier flight, but the Larkins and Gainsleys were on the same flight as us.

We got to the airport a little after 4 am. I was shocked at how long the check-in line was. It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to make our way through the line, check our luggage and get our boarding passes.

By the time we got through security, there was less than 30 minutes until the flight started boarding. In an older Airbus A320 with a 2-4-2 configuration, Sharon and I had two seats on the right side of the plane. It was pretty comfortable.

The flight path that we took to get to Istanbul was interesting. The plane flew southwest until it reached Egyptian airspace and then turned north. It added about 50 minutes to the flight time. The route completely avoided Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

We were on the ground in Istanbul about 10 am. I was impressed with the Istanbul international terminal.

Sharon and I boarded the Turkish Air flight to San Francisco about noon. The Gainsleys were on the same flight in business class. The Larkins took a later flight to Seattle. Sharon's brother Tom and his friends Mary and Jean were on our flight. They made the connection with only a little time to spare.

In a 787 Dreamliner with a 3-3-3 configuration, Sharon and I had the aisle and middle on the right side. This turned into a little bit of a mess. The two women in front of Sharon and I put their seats all the way back as soon as they could. The guy on the window was probably 6' 4". As soon as she could, Sharon went back and sat with Tom; he had a row to himself. I banged the person in front of me with my knees so that they eventually put their seat back up.

[Note to self], we are not flying international again without some kind of upgraded seat.

I ended up flying most of the thirteen hour flight by myself. I probably got up a dozen times and walked back to where Sharon and Tom were sitting. I finished one book [Exit Strategy] and started two others [1000 Miles up the Nile and The Exchange]. I also watched Bridge on the River Kwai on my iPad.

Just like Chicago in June, we walked off the plane into a giant mess at passport control. After a couple of minutes, I brought up the mobile passport control app. We jumped into that line and were able to get through in less than forty minutes.

Scooping up our luggage, we eventually connected with the same shuttle driver that brought us to the airport. It was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride on the way home. The driver was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. Sharon was not happy. Dropping Tom, Mary and Jean first, Sharon and I were home in Carmichael just after 8:45 pm. It was 29 hours door to door.

It was an interesting trip. I am working on a list of thoughts that I will post in the future!

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #20 - Jerash

Jerash & Amman

Rich Roman Legacies in the Heart of Jordan

Uncover the mysteries of two ancient cities dating to the days of Rome.

Drive with your guide to Jerash, inhabited for more than 6,500 years. During its Roman era, it was proclaimed part of the Decapolis, an alliance of ten great cities of Rome. A stroll along its paved streets, soaring hilltop temples and city walls reveals Jerash as a fine example of formal provincial Roman urbanism. Continue to Amman, Jordan’s bustling modern capital with a rich Roman history of its own. In its days under the emperor, it was also constructed in extravagant style. Under the Byzantines, churches dotted the cityscape; see the imposing Roman amphitheater set into the side of a mountain and visit the Amman Citadel, home to many early artifacts. Conclude your excursion at a women’s association, where you can immerse yourself in the Jordanian craft of soapmaking.

Cindy Larkin's birthday!

Up at 5:05, we put the luggage out in the hall at 6 am. After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we boarded the bus about 7:15 am.

It was a long five hour drive back to Amman on the desert highway. When we got there, we did a very short driving tour of the old part of Amman. I was surprised how hilly that the city is.

We made a quick stop at the Roman Amphitheater in Amman. The theater was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. It has a capacity of over 6,000 people.

We continued to Jerash and had a lunch stop at a Lebanese Restaurant. After lunch, we had a Viking led excursion of the nearby Roman City at Jerash.

Jerash was originally founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, but it flourished under Roman rule from the 1st to the 3rd centuries AD. During this time, Jerash was a major trading center on the Silk Road. It was home to a population of over 20,000 people.

The city has many well-preserved Roman ruins, including:

• Hadrian's Gate: This monumental gate was built to commemorate the visit of the Roman emperor Hadrian in 129 AD [pic #2].
• South Theater: This theater was used for performances and public gatherings. It has a capacity of over 6,000 people [pic #3].
• Temple of Zeus: This temple was dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. It is the tallest temple in Jerash and offers stunning views of the city [pic #4].
• Temple of Artemis: This temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. It is one of the largest and best-preserved temples in Jerash [pic $5].
• Hippodrome: This hippodrome was used for chariot races and other sporting events. It is one of the largest and best-preserved hippodromes in the world.

We got to the hotel about 430 pm. We are staying one night at the W Hotel Amman. We had a cocktail in the Living Room Bar while our luggage was transferred to our rooms.

The Heringers, Larkins, Gainsleys and Leclaires had dinner together on our last night at the Mesh Restaurant in the hotel. I had an Ahi Poke Bowl and a Spicy Tuna Roll. The eight of us got along extremely well on the trip. I enjoyed getting to know the Leclaires.

With a very early start for home tomorrow, Sharon and I crashed about 930 pm.

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #19 - Petra

Petra

A Breathtaking Rose-Red Ancient City

Tour the awe-inspiring city of Petra, carved into towering cliffs more than two millennia ago.

Nomadic Nabataeans sought refuge in this secluded enclave and created this fortress city, ideally situated on the trade route from Yemen to Syria. Soon, Petra grew into such an important stopover on the route that it controlled the flow of goods, particularly frankincense, valued more highly than gold as it was burned on altars all across the known world. With their wealth, the Nabataeans sculpted their glorious rose-colored city of imposing buildings and monuments, today among the best preserved from that time. Meet your guide and drive into the desert to reach the rugged hills that protected the ancient city during its heyday. Then walk through the famed Siq, the enormous fissure in the rock wall that leads to a stunning view of the Treasury and the incredible repository of rock-carved wonders beyond.

Traditional Home-Hosted Dinner

Sample a Selection of Jordanian Delicacies at a Local Residence

Meet a local family and enjoy a warm welcome as you share a traditional evening meal.

As well as its array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and desert landscapes, Jordan is known for its friendly Arabic hospitality. At the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa, Jordan’s culture has always been influenced by its neighbors yet still maintains a strong identity with its long-standing traditions. Set out and join a Jordanian family for an evening of discovery as you sample a delicious range of home-cooked fare and learn about regional customs. Your taste buds will be tantalized as you savor freshly prepared dishes using local ingredients, delicately seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and flavors. And no Jordanian meal is complete without a helping of tasty homemade flatbread. Your appetite sated, you will then bid farewell to your hosts and return to your hotel.

Like the day in Giza with the Grand Pyramids, this was one of the days that I was most looking forward to on the trip.

Petra was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab people who flourished in the region from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. The Nabateans were skilled traders. Petra became a major crossroads on the trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. Petra was abandoned in the 6th century AD. It was not rediscovered by Europeans until the early 19th century.

The guide planned an early start. Up at 5 am with breakfast at 6 am, the group left the hotel at 7 am. The Movenpick Petra is located across the street from the visitor's center and the entry to Petra!

The morning walk through Al Siq was amazing. The Siq is a narrow canyon that leads to the city of Petra. It is about 3/4's of mile long and up to 250 feet high. The canyon was deeper than I expected. The walls are made of red sandstone. They are carved with Nabataean inscriptions and carvings.


Leaving the canyon, we stumbled on to the Treasury. It is the most famous landmark in Petra. The Treasury is thought to have been built as a mausoleum and crypt for the Nabataean king Aretas IV Philopatris in the 1st century AD.


After the Treasury, we came to a large open area called the Street of Facades. This is a long, narrow street lined with the facades of rock-cut tombs. The tombs are decorated with a variety of architectural styles, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.


Staying on the main road, we passed the Theatre. Carved into the hillside in the 1st century AD, it could hold up to 8,500 spectators.

Passing the Royal Tombs on the hillside on the right, we walked down the Colonnaded Street. It is a long, wide street lined with columns and porticoes. The street was built by the Nabateans in the 1st century BC and was further embellished during the Roman period. It was the main commercial street in Petra and was lined with shops, markets, and other businesses. The southern end of the Colonnaded Street is marked by Hadrian's Gate, also known as the Temenos Gate.

The guided Viking excursion ended at a cafe just beyond the Colonnaded Street. After a short break, the Gainsleys, Leclaires, Larkin and I decided to continue to the Monastery. It was about a mile climb to the Monastery. It is the largest monument in Petra. The Monastery is thought to have been built as a church in the 4th century AD.

On the way down from the Monastery, Larkin and I split from the group and went looking for Sharon and Cindy. We caught up with them just as they were coming down from the Royal Tombs. The four of us hiked out of Petra and back through the Siq.


I really enjoyed Petra. Although I am posting these pictures, I feel like the photos don’t do justice to the scale of Petra. In total, we covered more than 10 miles.

The whole group had a late lunch at the Cave Bar. I had an unusual take on a club sandwich (beef and egg!).

Back at the hotel, Sharon and I slept for a little bit. After getting cleaned up and meeting for a drink in the bar, the Gainsleys and Heringers went on Viking Traditional Home-Hosted Dinner excursion. The four of us plus the guide went to a local residence for dinner. This needs a whole separate blog entry; I will add one in the next several weeks. We had the opportunity to sample a selection of Jordanian delicacies and meet the family.

With an early start planned for the next day, Sharon and I crashed about 9:15 pm...

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #18 - Mosiac Cooperative, St. George Church & Shobak Castle

Madaba & Mt. Nebo

Two of Jordan’s Most Sacred Sites

Witness the burial site of Moses and view a remarkable map of the Middle East created in the 6th century.

Mt. Nebo is revered as the place where Moses was buried, one of the most sacred spots in Jordan. You will drive to the mountain’s summit to visit the site of the 4th-century Byzantine church that commemorates his death. As you explore, marvel at the preserved floor mosaics, baptismal font and Brazen Serpent sculpture. Next, continue to the ancient town of Madaba and its Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Built in 1896 over the remains of a 6th-century Byzantine church, it is home to an incredibly preserved mosaic map of the Middle East depicting the region from Lebanon to the Nile River delta, including the Holy Land, as it was known in the mid-500s. Of the map’s original 1,020 square feet, about one-quarter of it remains.

Since the bus wasn't leaving until 9 am, Sharon and I slept a little later. I didn't get up until almost 7 am.

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we loaded back on the bus. They switched the schedule around; we did Mt. Nebo on Friday afternoon rather than today.

The first stop was a Mosiac Cooperative. The Jordan River Foundation launched the Mosaic Cooperative in 2011 with the support of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah. The cooperative is located in the town of Madaba which is known for its Byzantine mosaics. The cooperative provides training and employment opportunities for women from the local community and produces high-quality mosaic products that are sold to tourists and collectors around the world.

We got a demonstration and explanation of the mosiac making process. Sharon ended up buying two small mosiacs.

The next stop was the St. George Church in Madaba. It is a 6th-century Byzantine church that is home to one of the most famous mosaics in the world. The mosaic, which is known as the Madaba Map, is a floor mosaic that depicts the Holy Land and surrounding areas. It is one of the oldest and most complete maps of the Holy Land to survive from antiquity.


Walking back to the bus from St. George Church, we stopped and had lunch. We got a bit of time to shop after lunch. I got a chance to buy Sharon a Christmas ornament. I hadn't seen any Christmas ornaments in Egypt!?!.

Back on the bus, it was a three hour ride towards Petra. We stopped at Shobak Fortress. The castle was built by the Crusaders in the early 12th century. It served as a vital stronghold in their defense of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

We finally got to Petra a little after 5 pm. We are staying two nights at the Movenpick Petra.

Getting cleaned up, we met the group in the bar for a cocktail. We finished the day with a wonderful group dinner at the Al Iwan Restaurant in the hotel celebrating my and Sharon's anniversary. I had lamb chops.

With an early start planned to explore Petra on Sunday, Sharon and I crashed about 10 pm.

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #17 - Dead Sea

Dead Sea Museum

Fascinating Exhibits. Spectacular Views

Learn about the natural and cultural history of the legendary Dead Sea while taking in stunning vistas.

The lowest point on Earth, this saltwater lake has long been sought out for the curative properties of its waters and the pivotal moments in history that have unfolded along its shores. You will drive with your guide to the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, perched at the edge of the Zara mountain range between Ma’in Hot Springs and the Dead Sea basin. During your visit, you can browse exhibits that shed light on the waters’ rich past and the prospects for its future. You can also view and touch geologic specimens of rock from the region. As you explore this fascinating museum, step out onto the observation deck to marvel at some of the most magnificent views of the Jordan Rift Valley, from gentle desert sands to the soaring Judaean Mountains.

Our 27th Wedding Anniversary!

A second travel day in a row. As part of my post-trip musings, I need to talk about the schedule for the three weeks.

Up at 315, we had to have the luggage out in the hall by 4 am. We were on the bus to the airport at 430 am.

We caught a 730 am Royal Jordanian flight from Cairo to Amman. We were on the ground on schedule just before 9 am. Viking did a great job of getting us through passport control, but it took forever to get all of the luggage. Several people, including the Gainsleys, had binoculars in their luggage. These bags were pulled aside and taken apart.

Although on the schedule for tomorrow, our first stop was Mt. Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses. This church was built in the 4th century AD to commemorate the death of Moses. It is now a ruin, but it is still an impressive sight. The church is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death.


Rather than stopping for lunch, the guide passed out a falafel on the bus. The second stop was the Dead Sea Museum. It is a history and natural history museum dedicated to showing the history of the Dead Sea and how civilizations developed around it. There was an interesting graphic on the floor showing how the Dead Sea is shrinking. I was surprised that the area is continuing to sink four cenimeters a year. The museum is housed in a modern building with stunning views of the Dead Sea.

We rolled up to the Movenpick Dead Sea about 2:30 pm. We are spending one night at this hotel. It is a very large resort.

There was more than a little chaos checking into the hotel. We settled in the bar waiting for things to get sorted out.

Eventually, we got settled in the room. Getting changed, everyone wandered down to the Dead Sea. We floated in the Dead Sea. It was a very wild experience. I didn't anticipate how buoyant you would be... The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world.

Sharon and I considered having dinner by ourselves to celebrate our anniversary. We decided to keep the reservation that we have for tomorrow. We ended up joining the group for a buffet dinner in the hotel.

Wiped out from the early start, Sharon and I crashed about 830 pm.

2023 Israel/Egypt/Jordan - Day #16 - National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Uncover the Fascinating History of Egypt

Visit the first museum of its kind in the Arab world, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Experience a unique insight into Egyptian civilization, from prehistory to present day, during a guided tour of the museum. Located in the ancient city of Fustat, now part of Cairo, the large museum overlooks the serene Ain Al-Seera natural lake. Admire the collection of 50,000 artifacts that take you on an exciting journey through the rich heritage of Egypt, including the gold and lapis lazuli bracelets of King Rameses II. A highlight of your visit is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, specially designed to showcase the mummies of 20 ancient kings and queens. The crown jewel of the museum, the hall contains the famous mummies of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. At the end of your tour, browse the book and souvenir shop before returning to your hotel.

The first of two travel days in a row. We had our luggage outside the door before 7 am. After a quick breakfast, we boarded the bus to the Luxor airport at 8 am.

We caught a Viking charter flight from Luxor back to Cairo. It was much easier and quicker than the transfer from Cairo to Luxor last week.

We got to the hotel in Cairo before noon. We are staying one night that the InterContinental Hotel Citystars. The lobby of the hotel is bigger and nicer than the Sheraton that we stayed for three nights last week.

We had a group buffet lunch at the Esplanade Cafe Restaurant in the lobby. After lunch, we actually got our room key. While the lobby of the InterContinental is nicer than the Sheraton, the room at the Sheraton was better.

The excursion for the afternoon was the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The museum presents the full range of the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages from prehistoric times to the present day.

The Royal Mummies Hall was pretty amazing. The hall contains the mummies of 22 pharaohs and queens, including Ramses II, Hatshepsut, and Thutmose III. There were several mummies who whose tombs we visited in the Valley of the Kings.

Both Sharon and I enjoyed the Museum more than we expected. We had an hour and a half of free time and used all of it!

Back at the hotel, we got cleaned up for dinner. We met the Gainsleys, Larkins and Leclaires for a cocktail. Dinner was again a group buffet at the Esplanade Cafe Restaurant.

With a very early travel day on Friday, Sharon and I crashed about 9:15 am.

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #15 - Edfu Temple

Edfu Temple

A Temple Magnificently Preserved

Visit one of Egypt’s most complete ancient temples, buried and preserved under desert sands for 2,000 years.

From your ship, you will board a horse-drawn calèche for an exciting ride through the village streets. Upon arrival at the Temple of Horus at Edfu, built between 237 and 57 BC, you will gather at the entrance with your guide to marvel at the pair of black granite statues of Horus, the falcon god to whom the temple is dedicated. Proceed into the colonnaded courtyard past hieroglyphics and rows of lotus columns into two halls, whose side chambers stored offerings to the gods. As you explore, you will see the stairway leading to the roof. During an annual New Year’s festival, priests carried a statue of Horus to the roof so it could be revitalized by the year’s first sun. In the sanctuary, you can admire a replica of Horus’s sacred boat.

The morning excursion was a trip to the Temple of Edfu via horse carriage. They loaded each couple in a separate carriage for a ride through the city.

The Temple of Edfu is dedicated to the god Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and kingship. It was built during the Ptolemaic period, between 237 and 57 BC. Due to the fact that it was buried in sand, it is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

On the way back to the boat, there was a little bit of a kerfuffle. They put us in the wrong carriage for the return trip. The right driver passed us as we were leaving the temple. We stopped and transferred back into the right carriage.

There was a sail away cocktail on the sundeck when we are back from the excursion. Just before lunch, we went to a lecture on our Jordan post-cruise tour.

We spent the afternoon sailing down the river to Luxor. We attended a short lecture on the sundeck as we sailed through the Esna Lock; it is a double lock that can accommodate two boats at a time. It is the only lock on the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan.

The Esna Lock was built in the early 20th century to improve navigation on the Nile River. The lock allows boats to pass through the Esna Barrage, which is a dam that controls the flow of the Nile River.

A group of us played lairs dice on the sundeck and watched the river go by. I enjoyed the afternoon a great deal.


Getting cleaned up for dinner, the Gainsleys and Heringers hosted everyone for a cocktail hour in our suites. Everyone brought a bottle of wine.

I didn't catalog what we had for dinner. I believe that it was lamb. There has been a lot of discussion about the quality of the food on the boat, particularly compared to other Viking cruises.

Sharon and I crashed about 10 pm.