A few stories to add some colour...

hi everyone. Steve here. So far, you've heard a lot about how difficult or "rough" things have been. And I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the case some of the time. But as I'm sure you can imagine, there have also been some really genuine moments of pure fun, awe, humanity and kindness along the way... and my intention is to share a few of those with you right here, right now. Sorry there aren't a lot of pics to show just yet!

Crazy man at the bus station from Damascus to Amman

We were a day late getting out of Damascus because of our Egyptian visas' processing time and also arrived at the bus station after the last bus had left. Our only other option besides waiting till the next morning was to take a service taxi (not that expensive if you have a full car... which we did). From the point that we got out of the cab at the entrance to the point where we sped off in our Toyota, this crazy old man with one leg didn't leave us alone. He spoke english... however persisted in peppering his sentences with the f-word and telling vulgar jokes. Usually when someone starts asking "where you going?", "do you know where you're going?" and that type of thing - they're looking for a tip. Surprisingly enough, and as poor as this guy looked, he gave us advice and kept other hustlers away from us without ever asking for money. Moreover, when Britt offered him 25 syrian pounds (roughly 50 cents Canadian) he politely refused. I honestly just thought he was interested in talking to other english-speakers... and maybe to tell his dirty jokes to someone who could understand him...

Walking the Stations of the Cross with Franciscan Friars

After getting through the Jordanian-Israeli border (no problems even with Syrian passsport stamps in plain view!), we arrived in Jerusalem. It was Friday. And it was raining. But that didn't stop britt and me from getting our via dolorosa on with a big group of pilgrims headed by Franciscan friars. It was pretty wild to walk the way of the cross up to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - where Catholic (and other denominations') tradition holds Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. I have now given penance at both this holy place as well as at Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem. These are two of the holiest sites of the pilgrimage many Christians can only hope to complete at some point during their lifetimes...

Eating too much...

Back in Amman (a few days later), we reunited with our big bags and set out to find falafel. Not only did we find that delicious Middle-Eastern delicacy but also a family-run, hole in the wall, back-alley restaurant that served me 3 bowls of soup, 1 plate of chicken and rice, pita, hummus, fresh vegetables and Yomama's (taste like wagon wheels). The owner was so happy to hear we were Canadian he offered us (read: me... that's right, I ate all of that on top of a falafel wrap and second dish of hummus) the fare at no charge. He also offered to help us however he could should we ever need it - super nice guy.

Dead Sea Swim

Swimming in the dead sea is like trying to force a buoy underwater - it just keeps on slipping to the side so that it stays on the surface. Many people have to pay at least 15 JD to find this out (roughly 25 CDN)... we paid a short walk off the highway. Britt paid an uncomfortable 30 - 45 mins of many, many Jordanian dudes staring at her. Nevertheless, these dudes were kind enough to show us how to use the natural springs flowing down to the sea (you have to wash the salt off somehow!). Thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Drive to Petra



Without a doubt a highlight of our trip through Jordan; driving our crappy, beat up Chevy optra through barren desert with nothing but a blue sky and well-paved highway in front of us with mountains in the distance... absolutely breath-taking.



So there's a few for you. Of course, these are only a sliver of the experiences we've had so far. We keep each other entertained during the hard times by pipping up, "hey - do you remember the time you/we..." and just smile at one another. Oh yeah one more! Britt is currently worth 5 camels based on an open offer from a Bedouin man hawking jewelry at Petra.... If Britt hadn't been too near, perhaps we would have had tea and come to some arrangement... :)

And here are a few pics of the lady herself!