#Madaba mosaics

[travelernight]

10 Beautiful Places To Visit In Jordan

[thepastisalreadywritten]

What did Jerusalem’s main road look like about 1,500 years ago?

An archaeological excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in 2010 near the Old City’s Jaffa Gate brought to life a 1,500 year-old map.

The Madaba Map is an ancient mosaic map that paves the floor of Saint George’s Church in the city of Madaba, Jordan.

The map, created in 6th-7th centuries CE, depicts the Land of Israel during the Byzantine period.

It clearly shows the entrance into Jerusalem from the west via a central single gate that led to the main street of the city.

In the past, the reliability of the map, which, among other buildings, provides the earliest visual description of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, has been questioned.

The excavation, located near David Street known to tourists as the terraced shopping street exposed for the first time, archaeological evidence of Jerusalem’s central street from about 1,500 years ago.

The salvage excavation, carried out in the wake of infrastructure works undertaken in the area and funded by the Jerusalem Development Authority, gave the archaeologists and the public a rare glimpse into archaeological remains underlying the asphalt and the paving stones.

Familiar with the Madaba Map, Dr. Ofer Sion, Director of the Excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, suspected that the ancient main street underlay the modern road.

"After removing a several archaeological layers, about 4.5m below modern street level, we were excited to discover the large stone slabs, each about one meter long, that were part of the ancient street.

It’s great to see that today’s bustling David Street preserves the route of the Byzantine-period busy street from 1,500 years ago.”

The Madaba Map, whose extant part measures 16x5m, depicts the land of Israel as known to the mosaic artist.

Map encompasses the entire country, with emphasis on Jerusalem and its Christian sites.

It shows that many churches were first constructed in Jerusalem during this period, when city underwent a religious transformation from a pagan to a Christian city.

The churches can be identified by their red tiled roofs illustrated on the map.

© Israel Antiquities Authority

[blackpointgame]

I_like #estrella #star #trencadis #mosaiquismo #mosaic #mosaico #rhombus #hexagon #estrella #marbles #Modernismo #mosaiquismo #mosaic #mosaico #tamgram #gaudi #park_güell #science #ai #canicas #arte #art #aabon35 #arte_andalusi #mural http://aa

[mein-teil-von-unendlich]

Madaba, Jordan

[streamingthruamerica]

Moses, Mosaics, and Manna

According to the Old Testament (Deuteronomy, 34:6), Moses--at 120 years--ascended the highest crest of Mount Nebo (800m) to view the Jordan Valley.

[azvolrien]

The famous mosaic map in St George’s Church at Madaba. East is at the top.

[suetravelblog]

Amman Jordan

Amman Citadel – touristjordan I arrived in Amman a few days ago and am slowly learning my way around. Admittedly, I’m a bit travel weary and need to find a comfortable place to wind down – still considering the options. View from Hill Near Apartment So far, I’ve found Amman a very pleasant city. The people are friendly and laidback and not as “edgy” as in Morocco and Egypt. Also, there are…

[murfeelee]

Aquatic INSP Set Pt1 (Objects)

🥳 It's my birthday and I'll sim if I want to! 🥳

This set includes 11 recolorable Buy Mode objects directly inspired by an IWTV Mermaid AU I'll be posting gameplay for next month.

EA Kelp as Edible Raw Meat for Vampires (Nona Dried Food Mod REQUIRED)

Severinka Hippocampus as IP EP Jetski (IP EP REQUIRED)

TheVintageSim Fringe Hammock REDONE (Functional Loveseat)

Pocci Ceiling Lamp Jellyfish 01 & 02 REDONE (Stringless)

Pocci Jellyfish as Teddy Bear

Venus Girdle Inspired Table Light

Wall Mosaics 1x5

Ivy as Ceiling Light

Simszoo Tree REDONE (RECOLORABLE as Outdoor Light)

Pocci Sakura Vase REDONE (Translucent)

Enjoy!

Download (package files): Mediafire | SimFileShare

Descriptions & preview pics under the cut:

EA Kelp as Edible Raw Meat for Vampires (Nona Dried Food Mod REQUIRED)

If you use the Nraas Hybrid mod to make mermaid-vampire sims, it's a headache getting them to eat a effing thing that's not plasma-based. So I took EA's Kelp mesh and slapped Nona's script on it, to make it "raw food" that can fill a vampire's Thirst need. (I HIGHLY recommend also using Nona's other raw foods--there's a nice juicy fish vamps can eat, which I used in my IWTV post here.)

Severinka Hippocampus as IP EP Jetski (IP EP REQUIRED)

(The harness mesh was shamelessly ripped/reshaped from Mermaidia's Seahorse Taxi. I didn't place the handles as well as I probably should have, but oh frikkin well.) I was too lazy to make this fully recolorable (you can kinda sorta recolor it, since I put the textures in the Multiplier not the Overlay)--but it does come in 4 color variations:

TheVintageSim Fringe Hammock REDONE (Functional Loveseat)

I've been wanting this decor hammock as a functional loveseat for frikkin ever. This gameplay gave me the perfect excuse to bite the bullet and make it. The mesh is rescaled to fit EA loveseats. Fully recolorable, comes in multiple variations, like the original.

Pocci's Jellyfish

I was so jealous that Pocci remade their TS3 Jellyfish ceiling lights for TS4 without the obnoxious strings dangling from the ceiling, so I went and made their Jellyfish 01 & 02 stringless myself. Then I made the Jellyfish as a Teddy Bear. The clipping & joints aren't great, but it works and I'm tired.

Venus Girdle Inspired Table Light

It's amazing, the kind of IRL deep-sea critters you learn about, just by reading mermaid fanfiction.

Wall Mosaics 1x5

They come in a bunch of variations. Two are based on IRL portions of the Madaba Map, for no good reason, other than I just needed a medievalesque mosaic map #ForReasons.

Ivy as Ceiling Light

I made sure there were no backfaces on the ivy mesh, so you could still see inside the lot from a bird's eye view. (I used these with the TW3 Bulb Lights I converted here.)

Simszoo Tree REDONE (RECOLORABLE as Outdoor Light)

I made this tree recolorable and an outfoor light--I wish I knew how to make only the leaves glowe, not the whole frikkin trunk. Ah well.

Pocci Sakura Vase REDONE (Translucent)

All I did was change the texture of the flowers so they were crystal/see-through.

And that's that!

______________________________________________________

Enjoy!

Download (package files): Mediafire | SimFileShare

[orthodoxadventure]

Al-Maghtas. The Place Where the Lord Was Baptized

In the Gospel the place where the Lord was baptized is called “Bethabara”, (בית עברה, meaning “house of the ford” or “house of the crossing” in Hebrew): These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing (Jn. 1:28). The early Greek manuscripts of the New Testament mention the toponym “Bethabara (Bethany) beyond the Jordan” in this verse. It is known that over its history the Jordan River has constantly changed its course, so it is extremely difficult to trace where it lay in the time of Jesus. - Anton Pospelov

Al-Maghtas

But it turned out to be possible to find the place which was honored as the Baptism site of Christ in the early Byzantine era. Thus, according to the account of Theodosius, a pilgrim from the West who wrote in about the year 530: “Five miles north of the Dead Sea, in the place where the Lord was baptized, there is a single pillar, and on the pillar an iron cross has been fastened, there too is the Church of St. John the Baptist, which the Emperor Anastasius [Anastasius I, the ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire between 491 and 518] built: this church is very lofty, being built above large chambers, on account of the Jordan River, when it overflows.” (The citation source: http://www.baptismsite.com/the-place-where-jesus-was-baptized/)

This and a number of other historical testimonies mention a little spot on the territory of what is now the Kingdom of Jordan called Al-Maghtas (المغطس in Arabic, meaning “immersion”), with a stream called Wadi al-Harrar running nearby. In the 1990s, an international team of archeologists carried out excavations there. The location was suggested by the famous and unique sixth-century mosaic map from St. George’s Church in Madaba (Jordan), which shows over 150 holy sites of the Holy Land, including “Bethabara, the site where John baptized” (Βεθαβαρα το του αγιου Ιωαννου του βαπτισματος). During the excavations the ruins of a Byzantine church along with the base of a column in the form of a square marble slab measuring two square meters were discovered. Five churches occupied this spot successively in the period spanning the fifth to the early twelfth centuries. As a result, in 2015 Al-Maghtas was added by UNESCO to the World Heritage list as a site associated with the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

Until recently the stream was filled with water. Alas, by the time of our visit in August 2018 it had dried up. [Source: OrthoChristian.com]

[beljar]

Oldest Map of Palestine

Centuries in stone, Palestine's Ancient Past at St. George's Church, Madaba, Jordan.

Oldest Map of Palestine, Mosaic, Dated Ad 560, St. George's Church, Madaba, Jordan, Middle East - Photographic Print: 16" x 24" by Richard Maschmeyer

[jordanianroyals]

22 April 2024: King Abdullah II said Jordan has always proven its ability to succeed and move forward with the persistence of Jordanians.

During a meeting with figures and representatives from Madaba, attended by Queen Rania, His Majesty said Madaba is a symbol of coexistence and generosity, reflecting an exemplary model of diversity in Jordan.

The historical and religious heritage of Madaba is a motivator to seek new achievements, especially in advancing the tourism sector, the King said at the meeting, held at Mount Nebo as part of outreach visits to the governorates on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee, stressing the importance of benefiting from opportunities in the governorate.

His Majesty commended development efforts in Madaba across all sectors, especially agriculture, noting the educational institutions that Madaba boasts, which are a source of pride for all Jordanians.

Speaking at the meeting, Madaba Governor Nayef Hidayat highlighted the development and achievements witnessed by the governorate, under the King’s leadership, which also reflected on all Jordanians.

Expressing best wishes to His Majesty on the Silver Jubilee, the governor added that Jordan’s resilience and prosperity is the result of all Jordanians coming together around their leadership and nation, praising Jordan’s support for Arab countries.

Upon arrival at Mount Nebo, the King was welcomed by a folk performance by a band affiliated with the Madaba Forum Society to Revive Heritage, and a poetry recital.

Prior to the meeting, His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty, visited Madaba Visitors Centre, which highlights the historical, geographical, and religious significance of Madaba throughout the ages.

During a tour of the facility, the King listened to a briefing by Tourism Minister Makram Queisi on the religious, cultural, and heritage-related elements in Madaba that attract tourists. His Majesty also viewed the King’s Way portrait, which is the world’s largest mosaic mural.

During the meeting, His Majesty bestowed the Silver Jubilee Medal on individuals and institutions in Madaba, in recognition of their contributions to serving Jordan, especially the local community in the governorate.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Kneiaan Bluwi attended the meeting.

[hexjulia]

'Join us on January 23, 2024, 4-6pm GMT for a special virtual roundtable co-organized by Critical Ancient World Studies and Everyday Orientalism. The event will consist of a discussion about the destruction of heritage and its relationship with cultural genocide, and will address the role that scholars of antiquity, archaeology and heritage should play in opposing the genocide and epistemicide of the Palestinian people, and how they can best stand in solidarity with them against the occupation.'

[jordanandegypt]

Good-bye to Amman - heading to Petra.

September 16, 2024

Greeting from Wadi Mujib

Here is the write up from our Guidebook for today:

This morning, we’ll depart Amman and set off for Petra along the King’s Highway, which has been an international trade route for the last 5,000 years. The route is scenic, and dotted with picturesque villages and historic sites mentioned in the Bible. We’ll arrive at Mount Nebo, the place where Moses is purported to have gazed upon the Holy Land that he was not meant to reach. It is said that his tomb lies here. From here, we’ll enjoy spectacular views across the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. We’ll also see some preserved mosaics uncovered from archaeological digs that date back to the sixth century. Then, we’ll depart Mount Nebo and visit a nearby mosaic workshop and showroom to gain insight into this ancient craft before our next stop in Madaba. We’ll arrive in Madaba, where we’ll take a short walk to St. George’s Church. This 19th-century Greek Orthodox Church is home to a treasure trove of early Christianity, including the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy Land. The map, which once contained some two million mosaic pieces, dates to about the sixth century.  Today was a long day on the bus but I will say that we certainly made the best of it.  

Our first stop of the day was Mt. Nebo. (2,300 ft above sea level.)

 Part of the Abarim mountain range, Mount Nebo is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death. The view from the summit provides a panorama of the West Bank across the Jordan River valley and the Northern end of the Dead Sea. (1410 ft BELOW sea level) - the lowest place on earth!! The city of Jericho usually visible from the summit, as is Jerusalem on a very clear day - but it was NOT a clear day but here is my picture of the Dead Sea.  Remember we are 2,710 ft. above the Dead Sea.

I am very very very far from a Biblical scholar - but I truly enjoyed looking at the story of Moses and his death on Mount Nebo from the Christian and Jewish, and the Islamic perspective.  

According to the Christian and Jewish interpretation Moses is being punished:

Moses being punished for one single act of disobedience. This was the only time Moses slipped up and disobeyed God. He who had faithfully obeyed God in everything made one mistake towards the end of his life-and paid for it by being denied entry into Canaan. This was the second time that the people cried for water. This time God told Moses not to smite the rock, but only speak to it But Moses was angry and struck the Rock twice. The Lord immediately told Moses that he could not enter Canaan.  Another interpretation is that Moses was being punished for the sins of his “flock.  Or maybe a little bit of both.

According to the Islamic interpretation Moses is being rewarded.  They believe that Moses death was near and he prayed that he be able to see the Promised Land.  That prayer was answered and from Mt. Nebo he was able to look down upon Canaan.  He did indeed “see” the promised land.

Interesting.

So, Moses burial place is unknown - although his brother Aaron’s burial spot is known and close to where we are right now.

The Franciscan Monks built a memorial to Moses on Mount Nebo in the second half for the 2nd century.

 Over the years and many many renovations, some astonishing mosaics have been uncovered.  The most incredible of them was discovered UNDER a mosaic floor.   Experts believe that this was done to protect them from various religious sects who - depending on the time - wanted to rid the world of pictures of humans, animals, etc. GEEZ!!!  Check it out.

Here is a detail…

I hope we can see this as ART instead of breaking some sacred religious rules.  I’m also glad it was saved.  INCREDIBLE.  The entire monastery is coved with these amazing pieces of art.

Anyway - the entire this was quite incredible and I’m happy we got to see all of them.

From Mt Nebo we drove to the little town of Madaba and visited at Co-op Artist studio.  This Co-op trains community members in the art of mosaics free of charge.  The man below was a relatively new trainee - but it is clear that this work is tedious.

I’m happy to announce that our little band of 8 people supported this group - BIG TME!!  We are now the new owner of this table that will replace our coffee table in our living room - once it arrives:

Beautiful!

After there we headed into downtown Madaba and to St. George’s Greek OrthodoxChurch so see an amazing mosaic map of the Holy Land.  Something else uncovered after earthquakes brought the structure down - but OMG!!!  I have a few photos - but none of this comes close to seeing this

It is MAMOTH!! The mosaic map depicts an area from Lebanon in the north to theNile Delta in the south, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Easter Desert .

It contains the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and especially Jerusalem . The map dates to the sixth century AD.

 Originally, it measured 21 by 7 m and contained more than two million terrerae (tiny pieces for stone.). Its current dimensions are 16 by 5 m. (52 ft x 16 ft)

One of the most interesting things is that several places on the mosaic the individual pieces have been removed but replaced.  The mosiac is intact but the re-placement of the tiles have eradicated the original form.  Check this out.

The two areas I have circled should have been two men rowing a boat.

I’m actually not sure what this was - but I know it is NOT that any longer.

After this we went for another wonderful Jordanian meal, then boarded the bus for another couple of hours as we drove to Wadi Mujib.  (Valley of Moses). We drove through some desert, then Mediterranean climate and then into the mountains.  We saw Bedouins camps and talked about how long this lifestyle can continue as kids are getting education and not really choosing this nomad style life.  Fascinating.  I still remember sitting inside a Bedouins tent in Morocco and how kind and generous they were to us.  Again - with my declaration that we have more similarities than differences.  ALWAYS!

I also got a nap on that bus ride - which felt well deserved.

And that takes me to know.  We are in Wadi Mujib just outside of Petra - a place I have dreamed of seeing for a long time.  Mark has already warned me that the bed is HARD - but I’m tired - so I’m going to bed. Finger's crossed!

Tomorrow is a big day.  We are LOVING Jordan!

Stay tuned

[anjalishetty354]

The Perfect Jordan Road Trip for the Discerning Traveler

Experience the epitome of luxury and adventure on a meticulously planned road trip through Jordan, tailored for the discerning traveler. Start your journey in the vibrant capital city of Amman, where modern amenities and ancient landmarks set the stage for a captivating exploration. Engage with expert road trip planners to curate a personalized itinerary that highlights Jordan's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural treasures.

Embark on driving holidays along Jordan's scenic routes, beginning with the historic King's Highway. This ancient trade route winds through dramatic landscapes, passing by ancient ruins, medieval castles, and charming villages. Stop at Mount Nebo for panoramic views of the Holy Land, and explore the mosaic-laden town of Madaba, known for its intricate Byzantine artwork.

No luxury road trip in Jordan is complete without a visit to Petra, the legendary Nabatean city carved into pink sandstone cliffs. Marvel at iconic sites like the Treasury and the Monastery, illuminated by the soft glow of sunrise or sunset. For a unique experience, venture into the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, where luxury camps offer exclusive accommodations amidst towering sand dunes and rocky outcrops.

Throughout your journey, indulge in the finest accommodations Jordan has to offer, from boutique hotels in Amman to luxury resorts along the Dead Sea. Savor Jordanian cuisine at gourmet restaurants or enjoy private dining experiences under the stars. Whether you seek cultural immersion, natural beauty, or simply a luxurious escape, a customized road trip through Jordan promises to exceed every expectation, offering a blend of comfort, adventure, and unforgettable experiences tailored to your discerning tastes.

[travel-to-jordan]

Cycling through Jordan, are you interested!

What is the first thing that strikes your mind when you hear the word “Jordan”? Probably, its splendid ancient architecture, magnificent holy sites and local cuisines.

Discover Jordan in brief 

Located at the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is one of the most preferred destinations for visitors worldwide. This amazing country is home to various archaeological sites, ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes. From the historical capital of Amman to the enchanting site of Petra, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea, connecting with the best travel agency in Jordan will allow you to have an unforgettable journey and delve into the immersive culture of this country.

In this blog, get ready to embark on Jordan tours and travel plans, along with extraordinary adventures as we unlock the hidden treasures of this remarkable destination.

Cycling in Jordan: 

Cycling in Jordan is an excellent way to experience the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm culture up close. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a leisurely ride through historical sites, Jordan’s cycling opportunities have something for every enthusiast. Just remember to stay hydrated, respect local customs, and savor the unique moments that only a cycling journey in Jordan can offer.

With Jordan’s ideal weather most of the year, countless Jordanians frequently plan weekend cycling adventures with friends and loved ones where they choose to explore different routes in various areas around Jordan. Many tourists to the kingdom also pre-plan their cycling adventures with trained tour guides in unique areas, such as a two-day route from the historic Nabatean stone city of Petra to the coastal Jordanian city of Aqaba.

Sample of YOLO daily cycling tours: 

Δ Madaba – Cycling to Dead Sea Via Mount Nebo: Transfer to Madaba, the City of the Mosaics. Madaba is the most important Christian centre in Jordan and best known for its Byzantine mosaics. The most important of these is the sixth century mosaic of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, which covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox church of St George. This morning we can marvel at its detail and natural colour.

Today’s ride starts with a 4.3mi (7km) mild ascent up to Mount Nebo, reputedly the burial site of Moses. We take a pitstop at the top for a spectacular view over the valley below. From here it’s a fantastic descent to the shores of the Dead Sea. Parts of this descent are quite steep but support will be at hand and you can take your time. We follow the coast on a smooth, paved surface to Suwaima where we can change and take a float in the waters.

You will need to be in Madaba to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. Distance: 14 KM / Time: 3 hours / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 100%

Δ Madaba Cycling to Mukaweir: 

Within an hour’s drive from Madaba along the picturesque Kings’ Highway, is Mukawir (Machaerus), the hilltop stronghold of Herod the Great. Upon Herod’s death, his son Herod Antipas inherited the fortress and it is from here that he ordered John the Baptist to be beheaded after Salome’s fateful dance of the seven veils. The 1st Century AD Roman-Jewish historian, Josephus, identifies the awe-inspiring site of Machaerus (modern-day Mukawir) as the palace / fort of herod Antipas, who was the Roman-appointed ruler over the region during the life of Jesus Christ. It was here, at this hilltop fortified palace, overlooking the Dead Sea region and the distant hills of Palestine and Israel that herod imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist after Salome’s fateful dance. “he was beheaded after Salome’s fateful dance” Mathew 14:3-11. Like it’s sister site of Masada on the opposite side of the Dead Sea, Machaerus was also the scene of a Roman siege during the first Jewish revolt against Rome.

you will need to be in Madaba to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. Distance: 33 KM / Time: 3-4 hours one way. / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 100%

Δ Petra cycling Wadi Araba through Little Petra: 

Today’s ride starts from Petra, Enjoy a stunning 25 kilometre descent, dropping around 900 metres on a little-used winding country road through the dry mountains of Wadi Araba into the lush greenery of the Jordan Valley. The views on the way down are stunning! We will get back to Petra Using the Bus. 

you will need to be in Petra to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. Distance: 25 KM / Time: 3 hours. / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 50%, Off Road 50%

Δ Dead Sea Cycling to Wadi Mujib (Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib ) – Back to the Dead Sea: Today’s ride starts from Dead Sea, along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. The road is mostly flat but here and there we encounter long undulations. The views are very special with the Dead Sea on our right with Israel’s Desert visible on the other side of the Dead Sea, and the colourful hills of Moab, interspersed with clusters of palm trees and oases on our left. we stop at Wadi Mujib, proudly called the ‘Grand Canyon of Jordan’. The spectacular chasm is also significant as the historic boundary between the ancient Amorites (to the north) and the Moabites (to the south). Moses is believed to have walked through Wadi Mujib, then known as the Arnon Valley. The King’s Highway crosses the wadi’s upper reaches, while its lower reaches fall within the Mujib Biosphere Reserve – normally accessed from the Dead Sea Hwy. 

The Siq Trail is a popular hiking route within the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, located along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. The trail takes you through a narrow, deep gorge, offering a unique and breathtaking experience. As you start your hike, you’ll be immediately immersed in the natural beauty of Wadi Mujib. Towering sandstone cliffs surround you, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. The sunlight filters through the cracks, creating fascinating patterns on the rock walls. One of the highlights of the Siq Trail is the opportunity to wade through water. The trail follows a riverbed, and at times, you’ll find yourself walking in shallow water. Be prepared to get wet and wear appropriate water shoes or sandals that provide a good grip.

you will need to be in the Dead Sea to start the cycling or we will arrange transportation for you to get you there. This daily cycling can be done during this period (01. April – 31. October) Distance: 35 KM / Time: 3-4 hours. / Dificulty: Moderate / On Road 100%

Planning for the trip?

Do you want to experience the luxury tours of Jordan like never before? Then look no further than YOLO Jordan Tours and Travel. We offer the best Jordan travel packages that will allow you to discover the enchanting hidden gems of this incredible country. From the historical sites of Amman to the breathtaking desert landscape of Wadi Rum, our expert guides will offer customised journey planning to let you experience an adventure you will never forget!

Click here to book your trip today!

[streamingthruamerica]

Jordan Redux

We were a crew of 48 aboard the Viking Ra, divided into 2 camps of 24 travelers who identified as Bus A or Bus B.