First, a recap of the bronze medal match. Since Rach was finished we picked her up and we all were there to cheer Greg on at his final match of the Maccabiah games. Greg played truly inspiring squash vs an Israeli triathlete/marathoner/machine and lost 3-1. There was quite a group of onlookers as the two battled it out for the bronze, Greg so close in his game scores he could feel the weight of the medal around his neck but alas unable to grasp it. The US over 45 team came in 4th and Greg did as well. We are very proud of him and both he and Rach got many kudos for inspiring squash play and amicability on and off court.
Entering another world, we are now in Jordan. Arrived yesterday afternoon to the exquisitely located Marriott Petra, overlooking the desert mountains surrounding the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Musa, the village that caters to tourists and locals alike. Border crossing much easier than any of us expected.
Flew to Eilat on a commuter then taxied to the border, paid an Israeli exit tax, exchanged shekels for dinars and walked to the other side, with posters of the deceased King Hussein and the new king of Jordan, his son, welcoming us. We turned our passports over for the visas and awaited their return in the shade at the shop. It was very easy and peaceful, and other than the uneasiness any armed guards would provoke, non-threatening. The taxi sent from the hotel was a bit challenged to fit all of our luggage, however we made the fit and napped and enjoyed the desert view along the 2 hour air conditioned road trip. Our driver stopped to buy us a welcome drink at a gas station and we rec'd another upon arrival at our hotel. The girls have enjoyed Fanta, lemon coke, and fresh juices, and Greg and I the local Petra beer (8%!!) and myself the Arak, a pastis-like anise aperatif.
The staff at the Marriott have been amazing, catering to our every need and answering all questions, lining us up with a wonderful taxi driver who seems to be available to us as needed and hooking us up with a great English-speaking tour guide,Ahmed, for our 3 hour guided tour to Petra - we were there all of 5 hours today. It is the most amazing place we have ever encountered. The combination of natural beauty in the midst of the sandy, mountainous desert with the architecture influenced by Nabatean and Greco-Roman cultures over milleniums is mind-boggling.
We bought a 2-day ticket in case we choose to explore more tomorrow. Getting to Petra at 7:30am this morning made the day more enjoyable, with a slight breeze and morning sun. There are no clouds in the sky and a very hot sun, so starting early was a must for us, although groups were pouring in as we left. There are shops to buy snacks and trinkets and toilets along the way, and a number of locals wanting to sell us camel, donkey, horse, or carriage rides as the day goes on and the walk can get laborious.
Our taxi driver's brother at the Indiana Jones snack shop arranged for our pick up and we have just returned from lunch and a swim at the Marriott pool.
They have a Turkish Bath here that Greg will enjoy shortly. Tonight we may meet up w/a few of the squash master players for dinner and then tomorrow, off to Petra, check out and taxi back to the border for an overnight in Eilat and then home. Can't believe our trip is coming to a close. Rachel remarked at how long it's been since she's been at home, a week longer then us, and is excited to sleep in her own bed again, and of course, I look forward to a washing machine.
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