We all know by now that there is some unrest in the middle east. And here is no exception. Things are a little ugly right now, so I thought I'd point out some of the beauty. I saw this and it took my breath away. You could be swept away in the romance, history and awe of it all. (sorry it is so small)
This ancient city served as a waystation for caravans. Located in an oasis in the desert it was known as the Bride of the Desert. One of several places listed as a world heritage sight, there is no lack of history here. Even the Bible and prophets have spoken of this area. One of the legends of Mohammed claims, that on a journey from Mecca, the Prophet Mohammed cast his gaze from the mountainside onto the city, but refused to enter the city because he wanted to enter paradise only once – when he died. Some say this is where Cain and Able had their 'falling out' the apostle Paul made the great basket escape, and history is set.
Many people when they think of this area have only one thought... terrorists. Not true, most of the countrymen are among the most friendly and hospitable people and the country has enough gentle charms to go around. One thing to beware of though is the food. Once you start trying the local fair you might not ever stop, it's dangerously delicious. How can anyone be cranky when eating this fare?
Beehives. What comes to mind? Little white boxes, with honeycombes, and white overalls with a head cover? Do you think of home sweet home? or air conditioning? Try this out for size. Designed for the desert climate, the beehive homes keep the heat out in a few ways. Their thick mud brick walls trap in the cool and keep the sun out as well (beehive homes have very few, if any, windows). The high domes of the beehive houses also collect the hot air, moving it away from the residents sleeping at the bottom of the house.
In a place that vies for the title of the world’s oldest continually inhabited city, there is never enough to say.
