Last night’s coach dropped 3200 feet from Amman to reach the lowest point in the world at the Dead Sea 1200 ft below sea level. Across the black water as we arrived, our guide pointed out the lights of Jericho, Qumran and Jerusalem. The shock was that they were not distant. Though 45 miles long, this salt lake is quite narrow and Jerusalem, over the border in Israel, is close.

This morning in shimmering heat at 8am the Sea looks as inviting as any Mediterannean resort. Not so surprising as, facing these holy sites across the pale blue water are Marriott , Movenpick, Kempinski and many more 21st century stables.

This moment contains all moments. C. S. Lewis