Also known as the, “Valley of the Shadow of Death,” from Psalm 23, this valley is covered in darkness most of the time due to the narrow opening between two very steep cliffs. I said many quick prayers as several members of our group walked right up to the edge of the cliff to get a closer look at the monastery below. The terrain from our vantage point was composed of loose rock, small pebbles and some larger rocks. In the states, there would be signs posted everywhere for people to watch their step, or caution signs not to venture close to the edge. I kept thinking, “Will our travel insurance pay to airlift someone out of here?” Klutz as I am, I kept my distance from the edge.
The monastery of St. George is a combination of smaller monasteries which were originally located in cliffside caves here. I understand that there is still a road connecting Jericho and Jerusalem, and hikers/backpackers still travel that road. The monastery welcomes tourists. It would have been a neat place to see. Maybe another time???? One of my friends took this shot a little closer to the edge and I lightened it up to better see the monastery.
And a zoomed in view:
This area is probably the setting for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan who was walking on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among thieves. I could picture that.
This stop was not on our original agenda, but it was a pleasant detour on our way to Jerusalem. Soon we would be able to stay in the same hotel for four nights and use it as our home base for the rest of our tour.
Tomorrow we go to Bethlehem.