Jeff and I spent 10 days in Israel the first part of November. Absolutely amazing trip! We saw so much that it is hard to retell the entire trip. Plus, Jeff took 4000 pictures - yes that's four zeros.For the purpose of not boring you all with our pics I am going to share my highlights then add some pictures.
I did not know this at the time of planning our Israel trip -- but many Christians and non Christians have a biblical or Pilgrimage in their life. At the end of our trip we received a certificate from the Israel Minister of Tourism and Mayor of Jerusalem that we were an official Jerusalem Pilgrim - no big deal it was just a xerox copy of a certificate -- except the fact that we really did go on a pilgrimage... Our group was comprised of 12 people all LDS. Steven Kapp Perry was our Host/guide plus we had a wonderful Jewish woman named Anut who was a professional tour guide who met us in Israel.
Anut led the group giving us a comprehensive history of Israel referencing both Jewish and Christian history. She was very fair in all of her interpretations. It was extremely insightful to have her lead us on the trip. For those that want to check into a tour by Steven Perry here is his website. He was absolutely terrific. Led the group with LDS understandings and knowledge of sights plus -- he led us in many songs at various sights. http://www.stevenkappperry.com/
After spending about 20 hours in airports we landed at Tel Aviv, Israel. We were lucky to have Dorothy and Loren - Jeff's parents --join us on the trip. It was so much fun to share the trip with them. We love them!
After a short visit to the City of Jaffa (stomping grounds of Jonah & Peter began his mission) we traveled to Bet Yam for the evening. Lovely city on the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea. We had a fun evening walk on the beach -- the water is warm with beautiful white sand and lots and lots of seashells. Would love to spend more time around the Mediterranean Sea.
Everyday we boarded our small bus and were off to many sights where we explored, experienced, and learned about Israel.
Our first full day we were on our way to the Sea of Galilee area we stopped at Caesarea. Here is a panorama view (I love the panorama feature on my camera) of what has been uncovered. Amazing archaeology excavation work is being done by the Israeli Government partnering with universities and private organizations all over the world restoring the antiquities of Israel. Needless to say tourism is a major part of the economy. Caesarea was the first of several of cities, palaces, churches, etc. that are being excavated.
The following four nights we stayed on the Sea of Galilee at the Kibbutz Ma'aGan, in Tiberias. This was a peaceful village with lake views, swimming pool which was used only once while we were there and for a very short time. Like I said, we were on the bus by 8 AM and returned back home around 5 PM or 6 PM each night. Below is a picture of the Kibbutz Ma'aGan.
While in the area of the Sea of Galilee we saw: Cana, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Hermon, Caesarea Philippi, Tiberias, Bethsaida, Capernaum, Magdala Magada, Nazareth, Megiddo, Beit She'an, Jordan River, night boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Tabgha -loaves and fishes site, Mount of Beatitudes, Church in City of Nain, and tour of the Syrian border of Israel.
It is hard to choose a favorite place during these days but I would have to say that Beit She'an, Megiddo - Armageddon is the Greek transliteration from Hebrew of Megiddo, Tabgha and Mount of Beatitudes -- oh and Nazareth too. One more -- each morning waking up, hearing birds and looking out across the Sea of Galilee.
After five days and four nights in the Galilee area we traveled through the strange desert of the Dead Sea to Jerusalem.
On the way we had some great stops:
On the way we had some great stops:
Ruins of Qumran - where the story of the Jewish sect buried the Dead Sea Scrolls. They lived in caves on the side of this mountain.
Masada - this was a favorite and fascinating city. We ascended by cable car to a spectacular cliff-top fortress, where a Jewish community preferred death at their own hands rather than surrender to the Roman forces. They held off Roman forces for 3 years finally committing suicide rather than become slaves to the Romans. Fascinating story. There was a movie made about the story starring Peter O'Toole - I think in the 1960s.
The picture below is looking down on one of three Roman forts that surrounded the Masada from below.
Our last stop was at the Dead Sea -- There are spas and public beaches located on the Dead Sea. There are also several cosmetic companies that are located around the Dead Sea manufacturing the natural minerals etc. We enjoyed a floating and covered ourselves in the medicinal mud. The Dead Sea is 33% salt, so we could easily float. The mud is natural interspersed on the shore line, no ugly little shrimp, flies or annoying bugs at all -- in fact not bugs probably because it is located so far below sea level. The minerals in the mud and salt water left our skin feeling very soft. You can't go all the way to Israel and not take an afternoon in the Dead Sea, right?
Once everyone cleaned up we boarded the bus and headed for Jerusalem. We stayed at the Leonardo Hotel that is within 20 minutes walking distance from the Old City Walls, Via Doloroza, the Wailing Wall, Jaffa Gate etc.
Here are pictures of Jerusalem
My favorite day and experience was on Saturday visiting the Garden of Gethsemane then attending Church at the LDS Jerusalem Center. The service was the Primary Program. There were 21 children in the Primary. As we walked in to the chapel the view is below. The students sang "I Stand All Amazed". For me that was a very spiritual moment looking out at the Temple Mount, seeing the Rooster Church - Caiphus House -- the east gate of the Temple. Absolutely spectacular view and extremely inspiring.
It was so interesting learning the history of this country from a Jewish tour guide. She was a former Israeli military drill sargeant, former school teacher, now tour guide. She loved sharing stories about her country. Seeing the Palestinian conflicts of the last 75 plus years to today right was a great political education to experience. I didn't post pictures of the children of Israel that we took. The little kids are absolutely adorable.
We have so many more pictures and stories to tell. I am sure that if you made it this far in the post you are bored to death.
Let me end with this: If in your life you have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, do it. It is truly life changing. While experiencing the many places we visited I had feelings of gratitude, awe, understanding and I expected that. What I did not expect was after returning home how the scriptures really come alive for me, there is deeper meaning for the Atonement of our Savior, and a stronger desire to become more like Him and follow in His path.
