In the middle of the desert, past some military checkpoints, at below sea level, is a place which some may say is a pilgrimage for Christians and other religions alike - the place where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. This place, Al-Maghtas meaning "baptism" or "immersion" in Arabic, is supposedly a spring located to the east of the Jordan river, not the river itself, and is currently on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
I've posted some of my favourite photos from my trip there, especially for my family and friends who I know would love to visit their but are unable at this point in time. As always, please don't steal my photos, but enjoy the view!
You first arrive at the ticket point where you gather on a bus and drive 2.5km to the site, going through a military checkpoint, as this is on the border with Occupied Palestine (aka Israel) - many people in Jordan have Palestinian heritage and refuse to name the country to their west as Israel but instead refer to it as Occupied Palestine. Out of respect for my colleagues I shall follow their lead, but in no way is this a political statement or expression of my opinions (nor is this explanation).
The weather was fantastic, not too hot with a nice breeze, which added to the serenity of the place, despite the large group of tourists, tour guides and translators gathered at the viewing points.
There are amazing mosaics dotted around the grounds, some depicting religious scenes, others of famous dignitaries -here are two of my favourites.
After the baptismal site, you then walk a little further to the Jordan River, the border point with Occupied Palestine - thus there are security personnel wandering around with machine guns whilst people dip their feet in to the river and yell greetings across the border (for an Australian this is an incredible feat!).
After the Baptismal Site we travelled 9km south to the Dead Sea. We visited a fancy-pants hotel (Crowne Plaza), ate a buffet lunch and utilised their private beach and mud pools. It is all true - you cannot sink! However the water is SO salty it stings and tastes foul, but leaves your skin feeling amazing.
After learning these facts of the Dead Sea for myself, we washed off and headed to the pool where we took a lovely dip and enjoyed laughing at the macho men whilst drinking Gin and Tonics.
Once the sun went down we headed back to the Sea to capture some incredible sunset photos - here's my favourite one in panorama. Am getting better at using Lightroom - can't get wait to get home and sit with my Dad and look over my pics.
So that was my trip to the Baptismal Site and the Dead Sea! Have two more weekends left in Jordan before I do some quick jaunts here and there, am due back in Melbourne on June 17th.
