Tourist Photos of trip to Jordan and Palestine/Israel September 2009

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Some pilgrimage and political photos to follow.

First photo:
Going down the Siq to Petra. An amazing canyon entrance. (My brother recommends looking at Petra in Google Earth. I have yet to do that!) I could not walk down unfortunately; I missed an experience. But instead I had another one. The horse was an expert! The animals in Petra are protected by the Queen who runs an animal welfare organisation to ensure their health and safety. The animals are the guides first concern and get fed first. A newspaper article mentioned that most of the young men don't get schooling. They are too busy as youngsters selling postcards.

Geoff did walk down but came back with me on the return journey. He said that walking was a lot easier than driving in the cart! (very bumpy, very fast, quite exhilarating I thought.)

Petra entrance to Siq


And from on top of a camel. It was one way to get to the end where the others went by donkey up to the monastery. A gentle journey compared to donkeys or carts!

Petra cameleer

Jerusalem streets, just before Eid or Rosh ha Shana. (therefore busy except up the top near the hotel. (Knights Palace) where the boys are assembling) [next 3 photos]
Jerusalem street scene

Jerusalem Eid crowd

Jerusalem gathering

East Jerusalem was conquered during the 1967 war from Jordan. International agreements recognise it as Palestinian land (West Bank); but Israel sees it as Israeli. Here is the new metro or tramway being built right alongside the wall of the old city (in East Jerusalem). The old city is being strangled. (perhaps) I don't know how cars will get into New Gate once this is operating. Already the roadworks connected with it has changed the roads in front of Damascus Gate. Mr Da'an no longer sells papers across the road; Palestinian buses no longer crowd that road outside of the Garden Tomb. We had known that area well twelve years ago. It has changed.
A new metro/tram way being built.


The Damascus Gate market before Eid. (Saturday 19/09/09) Thronged with people!

Jerusalem Damscus gate Eid


A very intent Jerusalem cat. He did turn around and look at me watching; but the canary in the cage behind the window grill had his complete attention!

Jerusalem cat & canary

Knight's Palace. (and Geoffrey)

9 Jerusalem Knights Palace Hotel

Freres Road outside Knight's Palace. (again) This time with the girls.

10 Freres Rd Jerusalem


In Ramallah. It will always be Stars and Bucks from now on!

11 Ramallah star buks

Ramallah Shopping Centre in the middle of the city.

12 Ramallah Shopping Centre


And the joy of any tourist's heart: The sweet shop.

13 sweetshop1 Ramallah

and John. I asked for a dish that other customers had. It came, but without the syrup. I am glad that I had seen that they had it. Syrup made all the difference! (It pays to notice the locals :))

14 sweetshop Ramallah

It pays to see where the rest of the gang have gone as well! (Jane and Melissa found us)

15 sweetshop Ramallah


The wilderness of the Jordan Valley. (on the west (left) as we go up to Nazareth)

16 wilderness jordan valley


As you exit from Petra; these cats are at the stall at the top. I sat there for a long time waiting for the walkers to arrive.

Petra cats1

Watch out for the shawls!!!

Petra cats2

Ah how they love one another!

Petra cats3



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