To Jordan and Back

Well, I just came back from a quick trip to Jordan. I mostly went to visit old friends, renew my Visa for Lebanon (they only let you stay 3 months, like every middle eastern country), work a little for the University of Jordan, as well as do some other work of more eternal consequence. I never thought I would say this, but Jordan is such a well-ordered, clean, law-abiding country! Of course this is only in comparison to Lebanon, which gives you an idea of how bad Lebanon must be. I feel like I can actually trust people in Jordan. Also, the driving in Jordan amazed me; people actually stop for one another, and although jordanians still can't drive in a straight line, they at least don't go opposite to the flow of traffic, like lebanese.
Overall, the trip was very nice. It seemed like everything fell into place, and I was able to see almost all of my old friends. I even got in a couple games of squash, and got to take a day in the dead sea. Work at the University went well, and they even paid me for it...quite well this time, which is because they have no one who can replace me and do they same work I did (specially since another article I wrote just got accepted for publication). I had a couple of meetings, and the rest of the time I spent with friends talking about various things and praying together. It was a good trip, and the seven days went by incredibly fast. It was a nice vacation, eventhough I was busy the whole time (except the hiking trip). My back did pretty good, and didn't seem to be too bothered by the walking.
Anyway, I am back in Beirut now, and things are in full swing. Lebanon is as frustrating as ever, and the day I came back I had a run-in with my land-lord...Also, the elections are in 3 days, so things are pretty tense. I am hoping to lay low.
In parting, here are a few picture of Macheraus, one of Herod's forts, and the place where a certain Salome danced for Herod which resulted in John the Baptist being beheaded. It is not that big, but it has all the characteristics of a Herodian castle (of which I have now seen all them still in existance).