Madaba is about 35km away from Amman. The drive is along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway. Madaba is known as the “City of Mosaics.” This little church in Madaba, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, is home to the famous 6th century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Map of the Mosaic Map! The staff…
Jerash, Jordan – Roman City of Gerasa
Of the ancient Greco-Roman sites Michael and I have visited, this one was the best! I felt as if I had stepped back in time, and could visualize what it was like to walk in a great Roman city; to walk along the main street lined with shops, to a centre intersection, a tetrapylon crossroads…
Ajloun, Jordan – Ajloun Castle
Our first full day in Jordan started with a drive north from the city of Amman to the town of Ajloun to see Ajloun Castle. This 12th century Muslim castle was used to control traffic along the ancient King’s Highway and to protect the area from Crusaders who wanted to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule….
Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Six Week Vacation Summary
Our six weeks along the southwestern coastline of Kerala was memorable for sure. I thought the best way to summarize our time was to list key words and thoughts: Popeye, Olive, Yoda & Feisty Zena and Nipples Crows Feeding the dogs and crows at the beach Fishermen beach Fishermen Fishing boats Early morning fish markets…
Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Where We Stayed
I have been thinking a lot about what to say in this blog because there are two sides to each location. The location themselves were nice, interesting. The people were also nice, friendly. Cleanliness was the issue. When I lived in Qatar and worked at an international school, when someone was traveling to India they…
Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – The Dogs of Mararikkulam North
These dogs were a main ingredient of our India experience! It started with meeting Popeye and Olive, then Yoda and Feisty. Other dogs joined the pack when we started bringing dog kibble to the beach to feed our dog friends! Popeye Popeye was who we met first, along the path to the beach. She loves…
Kochi, Kerala, India – The Boat Maker
Driving north along the scenic, coastal road of Route 66, Michael and I passed a boat maker. We stopped and had a look! Michael once built a a cedar strip canoe – 16ft Peterborough – and was very curious about the craftsmanship of these handmade boats! How did this stuffing work? What was it made…
Kochi, Kerala, India – Chinese Fishing Nets
As Michael and I continued driving north along the scenic ocean drive, Route 66 we entered into the district of Kochi. Here, we discovered a few backwater canals with Chinese fishing nets. The look of them is very distinct, ancient even. These are popular tourist attractions as it is not the usual fishing way in…
Arthunkal, Kerala, India – Fishermen Repairing the Nets
On our last full day in India, Michael and I drove north along the ocean on Route 66! Along the way were many spots with fishermen sitting on red nets, busy with sewing repair. Michael and I stopped so I could get pictures of these men among the vibrant red nets! The fisherman welcomed us!…
Alappuzha, Kerala, India – Red-Backed Sea-Eagle
During our backwater boat ride, we stopped at a popular tourist restaurant so I could use their toilets. Here, I was THRILLED to see a red-backed sea-eagle IN THE EXACT SPOT I had previously seen one during the backwater boat ride included in my stay at Carnoustie Ayurvedic & Wellness Resort back in March! Here…
