Today we went to Jerash, by minibus (and back by JETT bus). The minibus fare was 270 fils ($ 0.35), the JETT 350 ($ 0.45). We got up today at 6.30. Washed some dirty laundry, using our newly developed sock spin dryer, but it did not work completely. For breakfast: pita, cheese, yoghurt, a large fruit juice (0.5 litre) and apricot jam.

Jerash: very hot, very beautiful, quite expensive (in that order). Both the amfitheatres are very nice. The "Triumphal Arch" was built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian in 129 AD. The same emperor was responsible for Hadrian's wall, built in the north of England for the specific reason of keeping the Celts in Scotland. Anyway, the man got around.

Dinner at our room. Falafel, Cokes, and cookies, bought at an unsuspecting baker's. Afterwards I read Stephen Fry, then I slept for a few hours. Awoke, went to a Jordan cafe for Turkish coffee. Dennis tried to order mint tea, but he ended up another round of Turkish coffee.

On our way back to the hotel, we grabbed two Cokes (to please our caffeine addictions) and a fresh bottle of water at Sophey's. He taught us some Arabic. Apparently, he is an Egyptian, now working in Amman to make money before returning to Egypt to get married. He's a Christian but according to his own words, he 'likes all people.' He makes 3 JD ($ 3.84) a day (14 hours) and would really like to see Australia, but it is very difficult to get a visa.

Back at the room we tried to teach each other a little Arabic from the Lonely Planet. This was fun for a while, quizzing each other and attempting nonsensical conversations ("Hello, my name is Gerben.", "Hello. My name is Dennis.", "Where can I eat a bus station?", "Get out of here!") Tomorrow, Sophey'll be in for a big surprise when we address him in Arabic.

I suppose I should say a little more about Jerash. With so many structures still intact, it is easy to imagine the whole city and the tall buildings once overlooking these hills.