Israel with Ms.Sarah

Arrived in Israel today for a 12 day tour! Day 1 had us flying into Istanbul to change planes to Tel Aviv. Arrived late at the Ramada Hadera right on the Mediterranean so a night time walk on the beach was in order. Found a few interesting shells and rocks.

Day 2 was a beautiful day with 70-75 degree temps. Started off in Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod the Great in 25-13 BC. It is home to the oldest Roman theater in the country. Pontius Pilate resided in Herod’s palace there while he served as governor. Very nice hippodrome and 10 mile aqueduct, which originated from Mt. Carmel, are there.

Mt. Carmel (translation is “vineyards of God”) was next on the agenda. Great views of many historical sites, both of the Old and New Testaments, from the terrace of the lovely Carmelite Church there.

Megiddo is the walled city close to the disputed gathering (NOT fighting) site of armies for Armageddon. The final battle will occur at the Mount of Assembly, the Mount of Olives. Those of you versed in scripture might find that interpretation interesting. It was the crossroads of Egypt and Mesopotamia and built by King Solomon. Walked through the water cistern there.

Nazareth was next and the first site we visited in that city was Mt. Precipice where Jesus barely escaped being tossed off. (You can look up the details if you’re interested). Visited the beautiful Church of the Annunciation where Gabriel visited Mary and told her of her impending conception. Her house is in the church.

Next was the Church of Cana of Galilee, the site of a wedding where Jesus filled 6 big jars with wine when it had run out after three days when wedding celebrations lasted a week. Either poor wedding planners or lots of heavy drinking, in my opinion. Nice mosaic of the Byzantine era there that mentions Joseph.

So nice not to have hundreds of tourists here. We seem to have the country pretty much to ourselves. Covid restrictions are being relaxed a bit here now. We jumped through a lot of hoops to get here.