Another Day in the Jerusalem

First off, I am safe and have not felt any harm. But on that note, last night I could quite clearly hear the sounds from the riots and see them from my hotel room.

Today was a fabulous day. Since it is a day off around here, I was able to get up this morning and work until 10:30am when it was off to the Dead Sea. We saw the St George Monastary which is built into the walls of the hills. It was breathtaking. We tried to go to the Jordan River but the Isreali Army was there and we could not continue down the road. This was the baptismal site of Jesus. There is a 8' tall fence along the river to seperate Jordan and Isreal. The Isrealis watch the border with soldiers and check points to make sure that they can control who comes in. Word is that there are mine fields there as well. USA take notice from the Isrealis about what to do about the border with Mexico. Anyway, from there we were off to the Dead Sea which was beautiful. The level has been lowering but it is so peaceful and there are not tides so the reflection of the mountains onto the sea is beautiful. I went in up to my knees. It is quite salty. There were people there getting mud baths from the mudd under the rocks. It was around 100 degrees and just so hot with no breeze.

There was also a tour bus and there were "camp counselors" walking around with semi automatics - umm - okay.

The drive home included a stop at Mt. Olive and a walk through the Garden of Gathsemane with very old olive trees and is beautiful. I viewed two churches - the Church of All Nations and another. We ended our night at the American Colony Hotel where we have been for dinner each night. Yup, after being out in the heat all day it is amazing to sit in their gardens and have a glass of wine over bbq and discuss business and unwind. Another fabulous day!