Sights from the Dead Sea, Jordan

The Dead Sea, or Bahr-al-Mayyit, is literally dying. Experts say: in another thirty years or so, the Sea of mysteries, legends and miracles - might be no more. Famous and popular for its mud's healing and rejuvenating powers, the Sea is undoubtedly the largest natural spa in the World.

Sights from the River Jordan

A few kilometers from Amman, about 20 km., is the River Jordan with its many Holy sites. From Amman, it is downhill and it gets warmer and then hotter - fast, as one nears the River; the result of being at one of the lowest point on Earth - about 350m. - below sea level. At the entrance, below, it is hot; and there are many flies. But like the many tourists I and my wife found there, we were very excited at the site. To preserve the site, the visitors' entrance is some distance from the main attraction; and you have to board a bus from the entrance, disembark after a few minutes and then be escorted through the site by a guide.

Sights from the Roman Theater, Amman

Situated near the downtown Old part (Al Balad) of Amman, a short distance from shops and the bustling streets; and built on the side of a hill, is the spectacular Roman Amphitheater, known by locals as Al Masrah Al Romani or simply- Al Masrah. Amman was once named Philadelphia; the name Amman was given during the Hellenistic period by the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy Philadelphius in honor of his sister-wife Arsinoe Philadelphia. The theater is said to have been built by Antonio Pio between 138 and 161 AD; some say it was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius between 169 to 177 AD.

Sights from the Citadel, Amman

Settlements at the Citadel extends over thousands of years, through Prophets, emperors and kings. Reportedly fortified 1,800 years BC, the Hill of The Citadel, or Jabal Al Qal'a or simply Al Qal'a as it is called by locals here, is at the highest point in Amman. The present day ruins, are Byzantine, Roman and Islamic. I understand that there is a tunnel, built by the Romans, that runs underground, down the Hill to the Roman Theater. The Citadel, said to have been constructed by Emperor Marcus Aurelius between 162 and 166 AD, is where the great temple of Hercules was built.

While in the Kingdom of Jordan........

I have been wondering: how can a country with as little resources achieve so much? Unlike some of its neighbors, apart from: phosphates, potash, some oil and gas, and uranium - the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan isn't rich in natural resources. Come to think of it: even Yemen is more endowed. And yet, the Kingdom has done wonders with the little it has and given its citizens a comparatively high quality of life. Its greatest resource is its very smart, shrewd leaders and hard-working, disciplined work force.

Thirty Days

Thirty days in Jordan. Exactly thirty days. Jordan - unlike Morocco, Sudan, Egypt and Syria - not being one of my favorite Arab countries, was one of the last places I thought I would ever visit. Thank God I did visit this amazing Kingdom. Although the circumstances of my visit to the Hashemite Kingdom were most difficult, I left it with very fond memories and the highest admiration for its leadership and people. And so did my wife.

Congratulations Mr. Obama!

A few days ago, I was elated that Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was chosen to host the 2016 Summer Olympics; as much as I am a great supporter of Mr. Obama and his views and as much as I felt sad for Mr. and Mrs. Obama for losing the bid for their city - I believe that Brazil should host the games. Not Chicago.

This morning I had some thing to really cheer for, for Mr. Obama: he has been awarded this year's Nobel Peace Price. Having set in motion: the closing of Guantanamo, the withdrawing of troops from Iraq, the process for reducing nuclear weapons worldwide and America's commitment in doing all it can in reversing Climate Change - President Obama very much deserves the Price.