From St George's Monastery

A nineteenth century revival of a desert monastery destroyed by invaders in the sixth century.  Today there were persistent trinket sellers outside and a press of pilgrims inside with a diesel generator running and building work going on.

The early desert 'fathers' were as likley to be hermits as to live in community.  But how do these present ones get in and out of here?

It is not quite as remote as it looks because the Judean desert comes up close to Jerusalem; this picture was taken above the monastery and the central tower is the one on top of the Mount of Olives.

We spent a hot hour and a half this morning walking the other way on a path above this deep wadi.  In this picture, Jericho is just coming into view.