Mt. Nebo is our first stop… where Moses passed away. Official Christian pilgrimage place ….. also a moslem pilgrimage place (who recognize the Christian prophets). Complex of 4 churches. Moses wandered for 40 years in the desert. They we forbidden to enter the promised land….. were diverted through Jordan. Moses consequently died here. Olive tree planted by prophet John Paul 2nd. Mosaics in the church were left undiscovered til 19th century. Cross and serpent symbol

St George’s Church …Greek Orthodox built in 590 Ad. It had a map hidden under floor. Hidden because Persians that were marauding in the area at this time, destroyed lots. The crusaders took faces off paintings, etc cuz were people were worshiping the Virgin Mary and prophets etc instead of God. The map showed 120 biblical sites. Only 10 were evident on the visitors map.

Madaba Mosaics factory. they use the ancient techniques. They get the rocks from mountains. Sliced into strips. It takes 4 years to learn trade. They use a glue made of flour and water to start, place the cut stones on a solid board. They have a rough irregular surface. When it is finished, it is flipped onto permanent place using a more sufficient glue It will then have a smooth surface. 48 of 50 employees are special needs. Some workers are blind. It takes 200 hours to make ostrich eggs from left over “dust” particles.

Crusaders castle at Karak built from 1142-1161. It is close to Jerusalem. It was used as a base to go to Jerusalem. Built in 1184…. Besieged for 80? days by Saladin after many previous attempts, they gave up. Moab people. Then became moslem going forward. Turks added parts. Crusaders used to sleep underground. Largest in Middle East. It was a city of 3000 people inside plus 700 outside. Entrance/doors …when Moslem controlled the castle ….faced south to Mecca, and when Christians controlled it, they faced Jerusalem toward the west.Military rooms hold 8, with view to be able to see oncoming armies. Window to see the mosque. Cisterns below. … 11 very deep ones. It is 50 kms from Dead Sea..