Jordan

We crossed over from Israel to Jordan today.  First stop was Bethany beyond the Jordan.   This is the officially recognized site of Jesus's baptism.  It also commemorates the Ascension of Elijah.

Then we went up to the top of Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land, but never got to enter it.  The overcast day spoiled the view, but otherwise one could see for miles. 

The Franciscans have a church there whose mosaic floors go back to the Byzantine period.  

Finally we stopped in Madaba, the City of Mosaics. We saw a demonstration of how they are done and then visited St. George Orthodox church.  It's 6th century mosaic floor is a mosaic map of the Holy Land.  

We are headed to Petra for the night and visit that ancient city tomorrow.