Gadara of the Decapolis in Jordan

Umm Qais, Jordan.
Gadara of the Decapolis.

About 14 kilometres from the Syrian border on Highway 25 you turn northwest towards the city of Irbid and onto Umm Qais. I asked Abu Saleem if it was possible to go into Syria. He candidly replied, "I won't. You, however, can try." Abu Saleem is Palestinian. He has played for the Jordan National Football team in his days. And I'm lucky to have him as my guide.
I'll take his wisdom over my curiosity today.

In the northwestern corner of Jordan, in the hills above the Jordan Valley, are the ruins of Gadara. Gadara was once the capital of the Decapolis. Today the ruins are famous for the well restored black basalt theatre and spectacular views of three countries: Jordan, Syria, and Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

In the photograph beyond these basalt columns of a 6th-century church, the plateau you see is the Golan Heights. 'The' Golan Heights. Israel took two-thirds of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War.The north still belongs to Syria, the south, to Israel. There's a small buffer zone between the control lines to implement the ceasefire of the Purple Line.
Nonetheless, shelling is repeatedly exchanged here between the two countries.
Also, they say Jesus performed the miracle of the Gadarene Swine in Gadara.

I ask Abu Saleem... "Where have the miracles gone?"

(Content credit: @rubber_meets_the_road on IG)

Benjamin at the Mosul Dam in Iraq

Benjamin, now in Iraq, camped for the night at Mosul Dam on 2018-05-29.

(Source: @vanmerksteijn on IG)

Roadtrip to Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra, India from Navi Mumbai and Pune via Kolhapur

Located off the coast of Maharashtra, the Sindhudurg Fort is an ancient fortress occupying an islet in the Arabian Sea. This imposing construction is spread over an area of 48 acres, with its massive walls standing tall against the crashing waves of the sea. The main entrance of the fort is hidden away in such a manner that no one can identify it from the outside. The Sindhudurg Fort is a tangible example of the Maratha foresight and resourcefulness. Not only is this mighty fort a historically significant attraction, but the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape makes it a popular tourist spot. Protruding right from the midst of the mighty Arabian Sea, this fort makes up for a delightfully charming sight. Its rich historical background only adds to the experience of this place.

Built by none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji, the construction of Sindhudurg Fort utilizes the natural protection of the surrounding rocks to their advantage. With its solid walls and conspicuous gateways, this fort is a fascinating piece of history which makes it a favourite tourist spot. Perhaps one of the reasons why this magnificent fort has managed to stand the test of time would be its unique and unyielding construction style. The foundation of the mighty building was laid down in the lead, and the natural protection provided by the surrounding rocks acted as an impregnable barrier against any enemy forces. Sindhudurg Fort also has 42 bastions, which still stand tall and is surrounded by several smaller forts such as the Padmagad, Rajkot and Sarjekot Fort. A small temple dedicated to the Chhatrapati also finds a place within the bounds of the fort.

The strength of Sindhudurg Fort lies in its unshakable engineering, which utilised indigenous materials to the best of their properties. The main material used to build the fort was sand that was brought from Gujarat, while the foundation of the fort was laid down in hundreds of kilograms of lead. The complex of the fort is spread over a massive area of 48 acres and has a 3-kilometre long boulevard.

The walls of the Sindhudurg Fort stand 30 feet high and 12 feet thick, making it practically impossible scale. The main entrance is impossible to detect from the outside, which was further a deterrent to any invaders. One of the most peculiar yet intriguing details of Sindhhudurg Fort is its zig-zag walls, which house a number of pillars and bastions. As many as 23 Hindu and Muslim families still inhabit the bounds of the fort and a unique painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji without his iconic moustache is safely kept here as well.

Since the fort is situated on an island, the only way to reach it is by the means of ferries which are quite easily available from the Malvan coast. The ferry takes about INR 50 for a round trip and 15 minuted to reach this attraction.



Route & distance from Navi Mumbai (Panvel) and Pune (Katraj bus depot):
Panvel - Pune - Khed - Satara - Kasegaon - Peth - Kolhapur - Asgaon - Shenavade - Gaganbawda - Vaibhabwadi - Talere - Shirgaon - Salshi - Sindhudurg = 460 kms (approx).

Pune (Katraj Bus Depot) - Sindhudurg = 340 kms.