Day 13 – Friday, April 1: Southern Border Crossing into Israel, Herodian Jericho, Wadi Qelt, Jerusalem
There was an early start to our day because of the need to get to the Israel-Jordan border. We woke at 5 a.m., with breakfast at 5:30. We packed our bus and by 6:05 we departed our hotel in Petra. The sun would be bright in the sky again, with temps in the 80s. We read from Numbers 20 and Psalm 100 as we began our drive north.
King Hussein / Allenby Bridge
After one rest stop along the Desert Highway, we arrived at the King Hussein / Allenby Bridge border. The procedures to cross required a bit of patience again. It took a total of 2.5 hour. This included completing Covid tests forms and getting tested on the spot on the Israeli side. However, we helped each other and we all crossed without issues. It was good to see Shlomo and David again.
“Today was an interesting day. It included patience at the Allenby Bridge border as we cross from Jordan back into Israel. Once we crossed, we enjoyed views of NT Jericho and the Wadi Qelt.”
Herodian Jericho, Wadi Qelt, Jerusalem
We loaded our bus and drove to our Jerusalem. After a lunch stop in Jericho, we made a stop overlooking Herodian Jericho (where Herod the Great died) and the St. George Monastery built into the cliffs of the Judean Desert (Wadi Qelt). We then made our way to our hotel in Jerusalem where we checked into our rooms. Because we just crossed into Israel from Jordan, dinner was served us in our rooms. We sure hope Israel soon gets rid of this ridiculous Covid test and quarantine protocol. 🙂
Day 14 – Saturday, April 2: Shephelah sites: Gezer, Azekah, Beit Guvrin, Lachish; Farewell Dinner, Flight Home
