Visit to the ancient Roman city of Jerash

After the day of taping and interviews at the Amman Baccalaureate School, and after our volunteers finished their day--in mid afternoon all 8 of us made the hour drive north of Amman to the ancient Roman city of Jerash. Built in the 1st Century and before, this city was one of the occupying Decapolis cities of the the Roman empire in the area--this one well preserved.

We left under the direction of our able driver, Eduardo Elizondo! Eduardo was able to rent a nice minivan for the trip and we arrived at Jerash about 4pm. Clint Porter and Clay Thornton had never been to this location and they were also able to get some valuable footage of these telling ruins! Being that the lighting was late in the day nearing sundown, the pictures taken were wonderful.

After the 2 hour walk and tour, we took the advice of Jamie Franks (who had been on excursion to Jerash after arriving with some YMWA and ABS staff shortly after the arrived), and went to a great, quiet, authentic Lebanese restaurant in Jerash proper. It a very nice place, outside, and "quiet" (because it is still Ramadan--fasting for most until sundown, and we were there an hour before sundown!) It was rare to find a restauarant open at that time, but the waiters flocked to serve us a wonderful meal of squash salad, hummus, fresh pita, and kebab. We enjoyed this meal together before the drive back to Amman last night. Thursday is are awaited trip back to the Royal Palace grounds for a personal visit and video interview with HRH Princess Sarvath. More to report tomorrow!

~Douglas Horchak