Tourists gaze down at the ruins of Masada, an ancient mountaintop fortress in Israel, during the author’s tour of the Middle East.
We were a group of 10 strangers on a two-week tour of the Middle East last year, and our social dynamic was, it’s fair to say, a bit rocky from the start.
While the tour was fascinating, focusing on the ancient history of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, one guest interrupted frequently, criticizing the guides and the itinerary.
“Why did you bring us here?” she asked on the streets of downtown Amman.