Harvest in Jordan

Jerash

Headed north from Amman this morning; quickly saw the Mediterranean bounty was available roadside- especially olives, figs & pomegranates.  Reminded me so very much of my youthful days in SoCal and the wonderful fresh fruits and veggies there that actually had flavor (like here: I had a pear that tasted like one, not just fibrous pulp). Our destination today was the Roman city of Gerasa (Jerash/Gerash/Jarash and about 6 different spellings) in the hills north of Philadelphia (Amman) on the road to Damascus. It is often credited with having the most intact Roman city “ruins” (since the roofs are no longer in place) outside Italy. The number of standing columns is very impressive (we didn’t count them), but its nickname is City of 1,000 Columns.



Artemis



Hadrians gate

Even though Emperor “Hadrian the Humble” (remember, he renamed Petra after himself) visited and has his gate here, I found the Sanctuary of Artemis most interesting. In 386 C.E. the Christian pogrom against pagans hit town, and this had much of its cultural connection re-diverted to more contemporary worship at that time. I personally hope we’re finally more tolerant and inclusive, but realize that our interest in keeping same must be continually protected and fought for.

Nymphium

               Another interesting feature (of many) is the nymphium, or public water works, dedicated to the daughters of Zeus. In so many places the sacred number 7 is found (yep, Mickey’s number), and here is no exception with niches and water pipes that would’ve delivered water from heads of lions. Kind of puts my kitchen remodel job to shame.

                

              

Some of you might wonder why I keep referring to that un-named country to the west as “that un-named country to the west.” There are certainly some ancient rivalries here pre-dating the Dodgers/Giants or Red Sox/Yankees… by say 2-3 thousand years. A quick glance of this official government map (to the right) should “give you a clue.” Similar maps can be found throughout the region; even the airlines having you flying over unidentified airspace. So, if I was an UFO this might be a good place to start with contact. That could be a potential interesting “First Contact.”

              

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerash

http://www.atlastours.net/jordan/jerash.html

BTW- scheduled to be headed home en la manana... ciao for now...