A seemingly quick two hour drive down the Jordan Valley in itself was remarkable, going from Israel proper into the West Bank, and then on to the Dead Sea with Qumran and the Dead Sea Scroll memories closely. After a deep theological discussion, we decided that the human side of Jesus sought to have a little frivolity in the Dead Sea with his mates, where the salt content has to be at least 25%. Scholars please correct! All who went in, lost 10 years of their skin surface in the direction of our body 10 years ago, due to the expensive minerals in the water, e.g. Dead Sea Salts and Mud!!! I don’t think it improved this body. Notice the weight loss from the previous day’s stomach bug.
Onwards towards Jericho, and the sycamore tree made famous by Zacchaeus. Of course, somewhere nearby there must be a commemorative plaque for Blind Bartimaeus also associated with Jericho. possibly the oldest city on earth.
Local merchants who are poor Palestinians, with so few pilgrims, and the “low season” due to the heat are happy to see our busload of 14 pull up.
On to Jerusalem, but first a stop in the Valley of Death for a prayer for all our deceased relatives the friends. Just that day Basil and I received emails that a good friend Fr Clarence Lavigne OMI had died on his birthday June 4, and Jill Forester chaplain at St John Paul II CSS sent on word that Glenda Ann Crocco and Carolyn Passafiume’s mother had died. They along with our long lists were remembered, and thanks to the kindness of a bedouin brought us under his tent to get out of the heat. In keeping with the Jewish custom, we placed a rock on the ground rather than flowers.
Madeira and the Azores - November 2016 