Jordan

We arrived in Amman, Jordan in the afternoon and went straight out to scavenge. First stop was a mosque where I had to put on the full-garb to even get in the gate. Besides how awful a fashion statement, I have no idea how the women here do it – the black robe is stifling hot and sticks to every part of you.

Next up was Jerash: an unbelievable archeological site with a complete amphitheater, elaborate temple and even a column-lined cobbled road. Lily was mesmerized by this group of girls … most not much older than Lily herself .. already in the full black robe (including the face piece).

Then we had to “try some hubbly bubblies.” And yes, we coughed our way through an apple-infused set of coals.

The next day I had to drop out of the competition and work all day. So we threw this leg of the trip… which will sorely impact our overall score … but I had no choice. IT SUCKS!!!
Rainey went out with Heidi and Lily so he could see the country, but we got no points because we were not together. His highlights were going to a Bedouin tent, wear an Arab head-dress and ride a camel into the desert.

Rainey also got to see Petra in all its glory … a city literally carved from the pink rock mountains.

Next up…. Vienna, Austria. This is another difficult, “full-of-points” segment and I suspect that we will get dumped in Vienna and have to meet Bill back in some other country several days from now. So we will likely be out of touch - and off blog - for a few days as we plot, scheme and track our way across Europe. This is also the leg where every pound in your suitcase comes back to haunt you as we will have to drag your luggage with us (over hill and dale) for the next few days.