Visiting the ancient city of Jaresh

We drove for an hour on a bus to Jaresh and we had a beautiful day for climbing and exploring these ruins. The very arch/gateway we entered was built to honor a visit from Hadrian the Emperor of Rome at Rome's largest point . It was a huge city where people came to do business and to take care of political and spiritual business. I was amazed at the similarities I found between this Greco Roman city and the Forum in Rom as well as Pompeii. We saw an olive press and the same kind of individual stalls up and down the cobblestone roads where merchants came to do business. We saw the temples of Zeus/Jupiter and Artemis/Dianna. These ruins have been excavated since the 20th century but the city itself is not as polished as the ones in Rome.

It seems as if everything here is the color of sand. So far, everyone who has led us or waited on jabbed been male. I did notice a female desk clerk at the hotel last night, but that is all. The clerks in the shops are as aggressive as the ones in Mexico and I am no good at bargaining. And u can't just shop -- they follow u everywhere with merchandise .

Lastly, ad we wandered the streets of Jaresh, Marty reminded us that Paul and Peter likely wandered these streets sharing the Good News of a true God who loved them and wanted to be in relationship with thump. He also explained that one reason the city business men were reluctant to embrace Christianity is because it hurt their business of selling sacrificial animals and such outside of the temple gates. To change from their worship practices to Christianity was a disruption to all facets of their lives.

Jordan has 8 million people - 2 million of them live in the Capitol city I'd Amman. Yea - the Ammonites you read about in the Old Testament. Half the population is in school of some kind and they do have public education. It is a Muslim country since 661 A D. More on that later.

I have seen a Goodyear tire store and a Tony Roma's restaurant. It all has a third world appearance and the established homes are way off the road with the refugee type places lining the highways. The city is full of apartments 2 - 3 stories tall, and it looks just lime what u see on TV. Sand colored, flat roofs, square windows - very plain. Doors and ironwork can be ornate. I think all fancy things must be inside.

More later. Jay would love that we have mashed potatoes at breakfast.

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