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Trip to Jordan, Israel, and Egypt--November 2017
Linda and Tom Averill

Slide Show of Photos with captions at end of trip information

In November, Linda and Tom Averill capitalized on a promotion offered by OAT travel company to tour the Red Sea region with free airfare to and from Seattle. Part of the trip was spent aboard the beautiful Clio, one of the company’s small ships.  This trip was extraordinary and we can highly recommend it.  We felt safe and well cared for the entire journey that took us from Tel Aviv, Israel to Petra, Jordan, to the Valley day of the Kings in Egypt and finally to Jerusalem.  Every day was a stunning and rich experience.  We learned so much.  I am happy to answer any questions you might have about this unforgettable journey.  
 
We spent much time with the Bedouins in Jordan who account for 70% of the population including our guide, Ibrahim.  Though we saw many Bedouin encampments, our guide explained that education is very important in the Bedouin society so life has become much more sedentary than it once was especially among younger Bedouin populations who want to be close to schools for their children.
 
From Wadi Rum, we made our way to Aqaba where we boarded the Clio and made our way around the Sinai Peninsula and into Egypt.  The next day we flew to Luxor for an overnight at the magnificent Winter Palace Hotel enjoyed by many historic figures including Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence.  I was amazed that we were able to stay in such a gorgeous place.  It was awesome!
 
From Luxor, we travelled through the green landscape fed by the Nile to the exceedingly dry, buff colored hills of the Valley of the Kings.  There are no words to describe a visit to these ancient tombs.  We visited 4 major tombs including that of King Tut (no photos allowed in this one).  I was amazed by the vibrant colors, the intricate designs, and the size of the tombs.
 
Jerusalem was breathtaking.  Make sure you give yourself enough time there to just wander through its alleyways, stopping to breath in the history and soul of this remarkable city.  The Western Wall will not disappoint.  The Church of the Holy Sepulcher left me speechless as I realized what has transpired here over the millennia.

 
I sent the following statement out to friends upon our return in which I attempted to speak to the Peace we so hope this land eventually enjoys.  We know it is possible as we saw it with our very own eyes among the people day in and day out.
 
Perhaps more so than any other experience, from my brief time in the Middle East, I am convinced that it is entirely possible for mosques to stand peacefully next to Christian churches; that people wearing stars of David can work peacefully with those wearing headscarves; that colorful market vendors can peacefully sell beautifully scripted Koran verses next to ones show casing intricately carved crucifixes; that church bells can peacefully ring out their lovely song simultaneously with the compelling call to prayer offered by the Muslim.  I saw this powerful visual of peaceful coexistence every day and now know with certainty it is a narrative to which we can all aspire.  In fact, we must.  As was shared to our group over and over again by members of every ethnic and religious group with whom we conversed, ..., as people we are all the same with the same needs and hopes for our families and those around us.  Unfortunately, it is the governments that most often get in the way.