First things first on Friday - we checked out of our great resort facility, and headed back around the north end of the Sea of Galilee, with a view of Jericho in the distance.
We arrive at the Jesus Boat Museum for a great adventure! Here are the preserved remains of a 1st century fishing boat such as Jesus might have crossed the Sea upon. WE hear how it was discovered in 1986, excavated, and preserved. They had a complicated process just to move it, as all the wood was the consistency of wet cardboard. After it was moved and placed into a tank of water (salt, of course), they found it inundated with parasites. No problem! They just put a bunch of hungry tilapia fish in the tank.
After viewing the museum, we boarded a 50 foot replica of the boats of Jesus' time, and sailed upon the Sea of Galilee. What a powerful experience, with a reading of Matthew 14. A boat crewman demonstrated how fishermen of the time cast their nets. Of course the young man remarked that they fished naked in that day, but he did not oblige us in that way. He did sing for us, and they raised the American Flag, and played our anthem.
Mike talked about life on a kibbutz, the first of which was in 1909 ... We drove on around the Sea, passing through the city of Tiberius, which was bustling with pre-Sabbath activity ( Sabbath is from Fri Dark to Saturday Eve)
We stopped at the place where the Jordan River emerges from the Sea of Galilee. There is a facility set up for those seeking an experience of being baptized in the Jordan, though the spot Peter probably baptized Jesus at is thought to be farther down the Jordan, in territory not always safe nowadays. Stepped in the Jordan again.
Stopped for lunch, with berry gelato for desert!
Continued to drive down the Jordan Valley, able to see Jordan on the other side of the river, across the security barbed wire fence. As we went, there was a major shift in the landscape ... it became flatter and dryer, and no more volcanic stone as we reached the end of the Golan Heights. We could see the Mount Gilboa, where Saul called upon the Witch of Endora to help him defeat the Philistines (he lost) and heard David's eulogy to Saul (last chapter 1 Samuel, and 1st chapter 2 Samuel)
Date groves, dry, rocky, and dusty ...
We have a view of Jericho, a small oasis which is 850 Feet below sea level. It is said to be a site used by humanity since the neolithic age, as pottery has been dated to the 6500-7500 BC range (oldest known city on planet per our guide)
Then we get an unplanned stop at the River Jordan. There is a new facility recently opened at the place believed to be where Jesus was really baptized on the Jordan. It is also close to where the Israelites crossed the Jordan to enter the Promised Land.
This is a recent set-up as a lot of cooperation was needed between Israel and Jordan ... the boundary between the two countries runs down the middle of the river, so there are armed guards on both sides of the river. It is a nice set-up, and I step into the Jordan a third time. Right across the ~30ft wide river is a monastery (Russian Orthodox?) , and on the Israelite side is a Greek Orthodox Monastery. This area was off bounds as unsafe for many years. Barbed wire and signs warning of land mines line the roads. (Yes we were careful)
Directly down the road, we turn right/west and head out of the Jordan Valley, up into the mountains towards Jerusalem (at 2500 ft above sea level). We are driving parallel to the Jericho Road, and see Bedouin camps along side the road (there are about 180,000 Bedouins in Israel, they are not citizens). They are no longer very mobile, living what looks to be pretty destitute lives, but they are doing it their way, as Frank Sinatra sang.
We stop for a photo op. of Israel as we begin driving through the city, and proceed to our hotel for check in. What a powerful feeling as we entered thid holy city, which Ithink we all felt.
Dinner is a little later, at 8pm ... a Sabbath Dinner as guests of a Jewish family in their home. We are welcomed, and fed till we can eat no more! We arrive back at our hotel at 11pm, exhausted but satisfied.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Monday, June 10, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Thursday off to Capernaum & Mt of Beatitudes, ending with wine & chocolate
Up and off bright and early on Thursday morn. You can see the city of Tiberius across the Sea of Galilee, stretching up the side of the hills. We pass mango and avocado trees ... everything is green around the Sea. All around are the black soil and black boulders, basalt rocks and soil from the Golan Heights volcano system some 50,000 years ago.
We arrive at the Capernaum site, where we spend several hours. Matthew 4 speaks of Jesus' home being in the area, and he is spoken of as having performed miracles and healings there. The ruins of homes are mostly of the black rock, still rounded. It was only shaped into blocks for important buildings, such as the synagogue. We enter the 4th century synagogue ruins, where some of the parts are original, and others are reformed. The floor is original, and one of the columns from the 4th century has an inscription in Aramaic, Jesus' language (turns out it is a statement of who donated funds for part of the building in the 300's)
There are many ruins at this site, including an area from the 1st century. It is considered to be an original home church site, the Home of Peter, where 1st century Christians worshiped. The walls of a 4th century Byzantine church surround it, in an octagon shape - a surprise to me. A 1980's octagon church is suspended above it, the Church of St Peter, and you can look upon the ruins below through a glass floor.
We head down the road to the Tabgha Benedictine Monastery, next to the shore where Jesus asked Peter "Do you love me?" There are artifacts all around, such as an olive press of stone.
We move on to the Mount of Beatitudes, the spot chosen as the tradition, though there is no proof. We read from the Sermon on the Mount. I must admit, I get so involved I end up forgetting to take notes! Most of us step over to the Sea of Galilee to collect a few rocks that have felt its waters, or even put out toes in. (no I did not fall or jump in)
We drive on. As we drive we see the Golan Heights on the opposite side of the Sea. They are 45 miles long, formed by old volcanoes. We pass the largest of the Israeli tels, the 210 acre Tel Hazor (a tel is a mound where one layer of a civilization is built on the previous peoples rubble)
Since we began our journey, it has been one great lesson after another. Mike, our guide, is constantly filling us in on all kinds of history, cultural info, political info, etc. both current and historic.
We can see Mt Hermon in the distance (9,000 feet high). We can also see Lebanon to one side and Syria to the other, in the distance. The roads have barbed wire along them with yellow signs warning of land mines (old ones) Israel really is not a huge place!
McDonald's!
We arrive at Caesarea Phillipi, at the bottom of Mt Hermon, where Peter declared the nature of Jesus..."Who do you say that I am?" (Mark's gospel). Interestingly, this is also the place of many pagan ruins, including the Temple of Pan. This is also one of three sources for the Jordan River, and is the most northern point of Jesus' ministry.
We leave this source of life (water) and head up the Golan Heights, and stop for a panoramic view of the valley and Sea of Galilee. On the opposite mountains is the middle ages Nimrod's Castle. We hear the story of how and why there are eucalyptus trees at each Syrian bunker on the Golan Heights.
Driving on we pass terrace farms of apples and cherries, and drive though a few Druze towns. The Druze are a separate peoples living in Israel, with their own secret religion. They began in the 11th century as a break-away group of Islam, following Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.
I took a photo of a thistle flower in honor of my Dad.
Next is a relaxing stop at the Bahat Winery, where we see the workings and get to sample some good wines. It is part of a kibbutz community, as is a Chocolate Shop!
We head back to the Resort Hotel for clean-up and dinner, and prepare for our morning departure. Did I say that the Israeli elevators are the size of a small closet? And so are most of the bathrooms! Boy are we spoiled at home!
On that note, Went to bed ....zzzzzzzzzzzz
We arrive at the Capernaum site, where we spend several hours. Matthew 4 speaks of Jesus' home being in the area, and he is spoken of as having performed miracles and healings there. The ruins of homes are mostly of the black rock, still rounded. It was only shaped into blocks for important buildings, such as the synagogue. We enter the 4th century synagogue ruins, where some of the parts are original, and others are reformed. The floor is original, and one of the columns from the 4th century has an inscription in Aramaic, Jesus' language (turns out it is a statement of who donated funds for part of the building in the 300's)
There are many ruins at this site, including an area from the 1st century. It is considered to be an original home church site, the Home of Peter, where 1st century Christians worshiped. The walls of a 4th century Byzantine church surround it, in an octagon shape - a surprise to me. A 1980's octagon church is suspended above it, the Church of St Peter, and you can look upon the ruins below through a glass floor.
We head down the road to the Tabgha Benedictine Monastery, next to the shore where Jesus asked Peter "Do you love me?" There are artifacts all around, such as an olive press of stone.
We move on to the Mount of Beatitudes, the spot chosen as the tradition, though there is no proof. We read from the Sermon on the Mount. I must admit, I get so involved I end up forgetting to take notes! Most of us step over to the Sea of Galilee to collect a few rocks that have felt its waters, or even put out toes in. (no I did not fall or jump in)
We drive on. As we drive we see the Golan Heights on the opposite side of the Sea. They are 45 miles long, formed by old volcanoes. We pass the largest of the Israeli tels, the 210 acre Tel Hazor (a tel is a mound where one layer of a civilization is built on the previous peoples rubble)
Since we began our journey, it has been one great lesson after another. Mike, our guide, is constantly filling us in on all kinds of history, cultural info, political info, etc. both current and historic.
We can see Mt Hermon in the distance (9,000 feet high). We can also see Lebanon to one side and Syria to the other, in the distance. The roads have barbed wire along them with yellow signs warning of land mines (old ones) Israel really is not a huge place!
McDonald's!
We arrive at Caesarea Phillipi, at the bottom of Mt Hermon, where Peter declared the nature of Jesus..."Who do you say that I am?" (Mark's gospel). Interestingly, this is also the place of many pagan ruins, including the Temple of Pan. This is also one of three sources for the Jordan River, and is the most northern point of Jesus' ministry.
We leave this source of life (water) and head up the Golan Heights, and stop for a panoramic view of the valley and Sea of Galilee. On the opposite mountains is the middle ages Nimrod's Castle. We hear the story of how and why there are eucalyptus trees at each Syrian bunker on the Golan Heights.
Driving on we pass terrace farms of apples and cherries, and drive though a few Druze towns. The Druze are a separate peoples living in Israel, with their own secret religion. They began in the 11th century as a break-away group of Islam, following Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.
I took a photo of a thistle flower in honor of my Dad.
Next is a relaxing stop at the Bahat Winery, where we see the workings and get to sample some good wines. It is part of a kibbutz community, as is a Chocolate Shop!
We head back to the Resort Hotel for clean-up and dinner, and prepare for our morning departure. Did I say that the Israeli elevators are the size of a small closet? And so are most of the bathrooms! Boy are we spoiled at home!
On that note, Went to bed ....zzzzzzzzzzzz
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Wednesday, June 5th -lots of exploration
Miss my family, who are far flung, and Christina, Chase, Haley and 3 cats who are with me in Virginia ... as all do who left loved ones at home!
Miss my great church family, without whose generosity I could not have made this trip.
All of you are with me!
Ugh! Up at 6:30am (11:30pm your time)
We checked out and headed out!
Along the road ... cactus farm, vineyards, olives ... and just about every highway is lined with oleander and bouganvilla used as erosion control ... tallest object in Israel, the coal power plant smoke stacks at 1000 feet tall ...
Note - there are no nuclear power plants in Israel
Caesarea has the ONLY 18 hole golf course in Israel
First stop Caesarea ... a city built by Herod the Great to be a deep water port. Here, Peter witnessed to the first gentile believer Cornelius (Acts 10) and Paul was imprisoned and defended his faith (Acts 25, 26). The area was in ruins due to earthquakes, but was purchased and restoration started by the Rothchilds. Sites included: the partly restored 2nd century AD theater, a stage area with horseshoe shape seating, the coliseum where chariot races were held (Ben Hur represents it pretty well), and many other sites ... could have spent a whole day rather than 2 hours here.
Mike is a fount of historical information for us. thanks Mike (tour guide)
Next we traveled on to the Jesareal Valley, to Tel Megiddo. This Tel contains 25 layers, and 7000 years of history. Megiddo began as people lived in caves at this important crossroads. It was rebuilt so many times because of its controling view of the valley below. It is in this valley which it overlooks that Armageddon is prophesied to occur. The Tel was excavated as a project begun by the Univ. of Chicago in the 1920's. Of note at the site were feed troughs of stone ... mangers such as Jesus might have been laid in.
Along the way ... fields of corn, hay, sunflowers, castor, date palms... can see Mt Tabor and Mt Carmel
Arrive in Nazareth, which is hilly ... head to the largest church in Israel, the Church of the Annunciation (Luke 1), built over the spot Mary heard God's plan. It is actually quite a bit lower than the ground level on which the current church was built. On the second story is the current parish church. On the church property is a surrounding portico with large art pieces from myriad countries, all with the theme of the Annunciation. On the property are also other uncovered ruins.
Traveling on: we drove by Cana, where Jesus performed the miracle of changing water into wine; saw the Horns of Hattin, where Saladin defeated the English; drove to the end of the Golan Heights, and down into the valley of the Sea of Galilee, which is 700 feet below sea level! We crossed the Jordan River on its way to the Sea of Galilee (about 10 feet across). The whole area is beautiful and lush!
After curving around the north end of the Sea, we checked into our Ramot Resort Hotel. We were greeted with wine, and a fantastic resort dinner. Nice!
Rooms are very nice with a wide view of the Sea of Galilee. Room has a list of about a dozen kinds of massages that are available, but not time to get one, though sounds wonderful, and could sure use it!
And of course there was no energy after dinner to do anything but collapse!
Good night ... God bless.
Miss my great church family, without whose generosity I could not have made this trip.
All of you are with me!
Ugh! Up at 6:30am (11:30pm your time)
We checked out and headed out!
Along the road ... cactus farm, vineyards, olives ... and just about every highway is lined with oleander and bouganvilla used as erosion control ... tallest object in Israel, the coal power plant smoke stacks at 1000 feet tall ...
Note - there are no nuclear power plants in Israel
Caesarea has the ONLY 18 hole golf course in Israel
First stop Caesarea ... a city built by Herod the Great to be a deep water port. Here, Peter witnessed to the first gentile believer Cornelius (Acts 10) and Paul was imprisoned and defended his faith (Acts 25, 26). The area was in ruins due to earthquakes, but was purchased and restoration started by the Rothchilds. Sites included: the partly restored 2nd century AD theater, a stage area with horseshoe shape seating, the coliseum where chariot races were held (Ben Hur represents it pretty well), and many other sites ... could have spent a whole day rather than 2 hours here.
Mike is a fount of historical information for us. thanks Mike (tour guide)
Next we traveled on to the Jesareal Valley, to Tel Megiddo. This Tel contains 25 layers, and 7000 years of history. Megiddo began as people lived in caves at this important crossroads. It was rebuilt so many times because of its controling view of the valley below. It is in this valley which it overlooks that Armageddon is prophesied to occur. The Tel was excavated as a project begun by the Univ. of Chicago in the 1920's. Of note at the site were feed troughs of stone ... mangers such as Jesus might have been laid in.
Along the way ... fields of corn, hay, sunflowers, castor, date palms... can see Mt Tabor and Mt Carmel
Arrive in Nazareth, which is hilly ... head to the largest church in Israel, the Church of the Annunciation (Luke 1), built over the spot Mary heard God's plan. It is actually quite a bit lower than the ground level on which the current church was built. On the second story is the current parish church. On the church property is a surrounding portico with large art pieces from myriad countries, all with the theme of the Annunciation. On the property are also other uncovered ruins.
Traveling on: we drove by Cana, where Jesus performed the miracle of changing water into wine; saw the Horns of Hattin, where Saladin defeated the English; drove to the end of the Golan Heights, and down into the valley of the Sea of Galilee, which is 700 feet below sea level! We crossed the Jordan River on its way to the Sea of Galilee (about 10 feet across). The whole area is beautiful and lush!
After curving around the north end of the Sea, we checked into our Ramot Resort Hotel. We were greeted with wine, and a fantastic resort dinner. Nice!
Rooms are very nice with a wide view of the Sea of Galilee. Room has a list of about a dozen kinds of massages that are available, but not time to get one, though sounds wonderful, and could sure use it!
And of course there was no energy after dinner to do anything but collapse!
Good night ... God bless.
Tuesday June 4th Happenings
As I begin today's BLOG, I must first say THANK YOU to both the Rev Scott Hennessy and Chuck Woodward, whom I am told is a pretty cool organist, both of of St Paul's, Norfolk for organizing this great trip!
Tuesday, as I said, began wonderfully with a huge breakfast buffet. We headed out into Tel Aviv-Jaffa ... and I must admit that our bus driver can work miracles behind the wheel!
Tel Aviv-Jaffa has an interesting history as to how it began. Sixty Jewish families living in Jaffa were tired of being discriminated against and decided to build their own city. These families went out to the sand dunes just outside of Jaffa, and bought them, becoming a city in 1909. They cast lots to decide who got which sand dune. The name Tel Aviv generally means "old layers" with "new". The two places are known as the combined Tel Aviv-Joffa.
We went to visit Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion declared Israel an independent country on May 14, 1948. The details of the story are quite interesting, including the fact that the current building was an art gallery, with the original home of Ben-Gurion having been incorporated into it. In recent rennovations, walls of the original building are being uncovered as the inside walls. The declaration took place in it, as it was the only building in Tel Aviv build of stone at the time.
Food is big here - meals include lots of cheeses, beets, fresh salads and orange juice you can watch being squeezed.
We headed out to Jaffa (Joppa), which is next door, and from which God tried to send Jonah to Ninevah. This is also where Peter had his vision from God concerning what is clean and unclean (Acts 10). We walked up to the Jaffa Overlook, which offered fantastic views out to the Mediterranian, and over the towns. At the top, a monument gave homage to Abraham's story, the Battle of Jerico, and Jacobs dream of angels ascending & descending from heaven.
We descended, and went to the Church of St Peter, dedicated to his raising of Tabitha from the dead there, but had a restricted view due to the interior being restored. Just off shore was Andromeda's Stone, a flat rock in the sea, upon which young maids were sacrificed to pagan gods.
Lunch was next ... a smoked salmon sandwich on a fresh bun ... yummmmm!
Then we headed to the clandestine munitions factory, at the Ayalon Institute in Rehovot (a bullet production facility). The whole munitions factory was built underground beneath the laundry facility and bakery in a kibutz. It took a tremendous dedication of the workers to work in such conditions of noise, heat, and light deprivation.
After returning to the upper world, we drove to the Valley of Elah, where David and Goliath held their famous battle. At that valley, two long ridges met, and the two armies each held a ridge. Whoever came down to attack first, would loose, as the other was still on high ground ... and so the two champions came to battle. Of course, you know the rest of the story... David won using a sling shot and stones from the stream we drove across. We enjoyed ourselves as we role-played the scripture of the confrontation, found in 1 Samuel.
Got some goodies from our tour guide Mike ... a good map of Israel, a hat, and a flight pillow ...
Agriculture is big here ... drove by wheat fields (a wheat area since before King Saul), olive and orange groves, banana and grape farms.
We arrived at Ben Shemish Tel (a Tel is an area where one city has been destroyed, and another is built on top of the rubble). The Ark of the Covenant was located at Ben Shemish after it was retrieved from the Phillistines.
After all this, we arrived back at the City Hotel, Tel Aviv, ate dinner ... and headed to a shower and bed!!!!
Tuesday, as I said, began wonderfully with a huge breakfast buffet. We headed out into Tel Aviv-Jaffa ... and I must admit that our bus driver can work miracles behind the wheel!
Tel Aviv-Jaffa has an interesting history as to how it began. Sixty Jewish families living in Jaffa were tired of being discriminated against and decided to build their own city. These families went out to the sand dunes just outside of Jaffa, and bought them, becoming a city in 1909. They cast lots to decide who got which sand dune. The name Tel Aviv generally means "old layers" with "new". The two places are known as the combined Tel Aviv-Joffa.
We went to visit Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion declared Israel an independent country on May 14, 1948. The details of the story are quite interesting, including the fact that the current building was an art gallery, with the original home of Ben-Gurion having been incorporated into it. In recent rennovations, walls of the original building are being uncovered as the inside walls. The declaration took place in it, as it was the only building in Tel Aviv build of stone at the time.
Food is big here - meals include lots of cheeses, beets, fresh salads and orange juice you can watch being squeezed.
We headed out to Jaffa (Joppa), which is next door, and from which God tried to send Jonah to Ninevah. This is also where Peter had his vision from God concerning what is clean and unclean (Acts 10). We walked up to the Jaffa Overlook, which offered fantastic views out to the Mediterranian, and over the towns. At the top, a monument gave homage to Abraham's story, the Battle of Jerico, and Jacobs dream of angels ascending & descending from heaven.
We descended, and went to the Church of St Peter, dedicated to his raising of Tabitha from the dead there, but had a restricted view due to the interior being restored. Just off shore was Andromeda's Stone, a flat rock in the sea, upon which young maids were sacrificed to pagan gods.
Lunch was next ... a smoked salmon sandwich on a fresh bun ... yummmmm!
Then we headed to the clandestine munitions factory, at the Ayalon Institute in Rehovot (a bullet production facility). The whole munitions factory was built underground beneath the laundry facility and bakery in a kibutz. It took a tremendous dedication of the workers to work in such conditions of noise, heat, and light deprivation.
After returning to the upper world, we drove to the Valley of Elah, where David and Goliath held their famous battle. At that valley, two long ridges met, and the two armies each held a ridge. Whoever came down to attack first, would loose, as the other was still on high ground ... and so the two champions came to battle. Of course, you know the rest of the story... David won using a sling shot and stones from the stream we drove across. We enjoyed ourselves as we role-played the scripture of the confrontation, found in 1 Samuel.
Got some goodies from our tour guide Mike ... a good map of Israel, a hat, and a flight pillow ...
Agriculture is big here ... drove by wheat fields (a wheat area since before King Saul), olive and orange groves, banana and grape farms.
We arrived at Ben Shemish Tel (a Tel is an area where one city has been destroyed, and another is built on top of the rubble). The Ark of the Covenant was located at Ben Shemish after it was retrieved from the Phillistines.
After all this, we arrived back at the City Hotel, Tel Aviv, ate dinner ... and headed to a shower and bed!!!!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Made it to Tel Aviv / Jaffa, Israel!
Well, folks our entourage has had quite a BUSY start. Most of us gathered at St Paul's, Norfolk on sunday afternoon, leaving on the tour bus at 4pm. (4 persons were to join us along the way) Our trip to Dulles was uneventful, IF you don't count the bus engine light and alarm going off! Thankfully, it was a false alarm, and we got to Dulles safely.
Our flight on Turkish Air took off at 11:30pm (Va. time). it was a new experience to hear so many foreign languages being spoken around us. I thought of the Tower of Babel.
We were treated to great food on the trip (gourmet cheese & crackers, salmon fillet, etc) with free drinks, including beer and wine. And, no our group was very well behaved and "sober". Of course it all began with a hot, wet cloth to wipe our hands! And we were coach class!
At about 2am (Va. time) the sun started to come up over the horizon, and I dozed off. Talk about early, I don't think our local farmers (Bev, Eddie, ...) get up THAT early with the sun. After a number of restless dozings, I woke at 7:45am Monday in Va. time, which is 2:45pm in Israeli time. Gets a little confusing, doesn't it?
At 9:40pm (Is. time) we had finally all gotten through customs, and were greeted by our tour guide , Mike, and boarded our bus to the hotel (met our driver Adi, pronounceed A-dee). Upon arrival we had a light late evening meal (meatless, lots of fresh veggies, fruits, cheeses, onion soup). After a brief welcome speech, we all headed to our rooms totally exausted (it was only 11pm)!
Of note, my first sighting of garden plants as we left the airport ... was petunias!
Our first hotel stay is at City Hotel, Tel Aviv. The rooms are quite small, but serviceable, and considering wake-up call is 7am, we don't really care for the most part!
That was our first adventure day, just getting here. In the morning (tuesday), my roommate Gayle and I awoke to see the Mediterranean sea out our window, only a block away. Most of us slept like logs, and we awoke to a great breakfast buffet. By the way, if you like hummus, it is "to die for" here, I am told.
As of right now it is 4pm in Virginia, but 11pm here in Israel, and we have had an exhausting but wonderful day in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area. As the 3G internet here is working at the pace of dial-up, and as it took 2 hours just to gain access, I do hereby sign off for the evening!
Tomorrow's blog will include details of our stay in Tev Aviv - Jaffa, and our departure for Nazareth, with stops along the way at Caesarea and Megiddo.
God bless and good night to all!
Pastor Claire+
Our flight on Turkish Air took off at 11:30pm (Va. time). it was a new experience to hear so many foreign languages being spoken around us. I thought of the Tower of Babel.
We were treated to great food on the trip (gourmet cheese & crackers, salmon fillet, etc) with free drinks, including beer and wine. And, no our group was very well behaved and "sober". Of course it all began with a hot, wet cloth to wipe our hands! And we were coach class!
At about 2am (Va. time) the sun started to come up over the horizon, and I dozed off. Talk about early, I don't think our local farmers (Bev, Eddie, ...) get up THAT early with the sun. After a number of restless dozings, I woke at 7:45am Monday in Va. time, which is 2:45pm in Israeli time. Gets a little confusing, doesn't it?
At 9:40pm (Is. time) we had finally all gotten through customs, and were greeted by our tour guide , Mike, and boarded our bus to the hotel (met our driver Adi, pronounceed A-dee). Upon arrival we had a light late evening meal (meatless, lots of fresh veggies, fruits, cheeses, onion soup). After a brief welcome speech, we all headed to our rooms totally exausted (it was only 11pm)!
Of note, my first sighting of garden plants as we left the airport ... was petunias!
Our first hotel stay is at City Hotel, Tel Aviv. The rooms are quite small, but serviceable, and considering wake-up call is 7am, we don't really care for the most part!
That was our first adventure day, just getting here. In the morning (tuesday), my roommate Gayle and I awoke to see the Mediterranean sea out our window, only a block away. Most of us slept like logs, and we awoke to a great breakfast buffet. By the way, if you like hummus, it is "to die for" here, I am told.
As of right now it is 4pm in Virginia, but 11pm here in Israel, and we have had an exhausting but wonderful day in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area. As the 3G internet here is working at the pace of dial-up, and as it took 2 hours just to gain access, I do hereby sign off for the evening!
Tomorrow's blog will include details of our stay in Tev Aviv - Jaffa, and our departure for Nazareth, with stops along the way at Caesarea and Megiddo.
God bless and good night to all!
Pastor Claire+
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Trip Itinerary
Well folks, here is the Itinerary for my Holy Land trip - I'm going to be busy!
DAYS ONE & TWO : June 2 &
3…TRAVEL
·
Sunday 11:25pm. Depart Dulles International Airport
on Turkish Airlines > Istanbul International Airport at 4:40pm > to
Turkish Airlines at 6:10pm > Overnight flight to Ben Gurion Int’l Airport, arrive Monday 8:15pm.
·
Transfer to City Hotel Tel Aviv,
centrally located in the heart of the city's tourism district and a short walk
from the city's most popular leisure spot, the Mediterranean beaches
·
Orientation and Welcome Dinner
DAY THREE: June 4… FOUNDATIONS OF A CITY AND A STATE
·
Understanding Fulfilment: Visit to Independence
Hall, site of David Ben Gurion's historical proclamation of the State of
Israel.
·
Visit Jaffa, the ancient port where Jonah ran from
God.
·
Visit the Ayalon Institute, near Rehovot, for an
eye opening tour of a clandestine munitions factory used during the British
Mandate.
·
Take part in an active Dig at the Beit Guvrin Caves
to uncover pottery from the Hellenistic period, 2,300 years ago, and then a
crawl through the Maresha Cave Labyrinth.
·
Travel through the Valley of Elah, the location
traditionally associated with the biblical battle between David and Goliath.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Getting Ready!
Wow! I am now moving into the surreal territory (or is it the real territory?) of the BLOG.
It has taken my upcoming trip to Israel's Holy Land to empower me to take this tecnological step.
I am now preparing and counting the days 'till my departure at 11:30pm on June 2nd,
when I will be "leaving on a jet plane", as the song goes.
But I do know "when I will be back again" ... June 13th.
Click the link below ...to read more and to comment ...put your email address in the box to the right, and when a post is made, it will let you know by email!
It has taken my upcoming trip to Israel's Holy Land to empower me to take this tecnological step.
I am now preparing and counting the days 'till my departure at 11:30pm on June 2nd,
when I will be "leaving on a jet plane", as the song goes.
But I do know "when I will be back again" ... June 13th.
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