3.14.17 "Galilee"

Today started super early as we had to make the 2+ hr drive north to the Sea of Galilee. It was such a beautiful drive through the hills with all of the green farmland. I wanted to take so many pictures as you could see the horizon for miles and miles with the Jordan calmly winding down below.

Morning fog outside of Jerusalem

Views on way to Galilee

Views on way to Galilee

We picked up our tour guide, Ross, at a bus stop just south of the Sea of Galilee. We made a quick connection with him and his love for God and the land was apparent. Our first stop was at Yardenit, the popular baptism spot for tourists. We passed on getting dunked because it was cold. Ross briefly explained a few things about the area and we took some pics and loaded up.

Yardenit

On our way to Tiberias, Ross phoned in a to-go order at a sandwhich shop. We had a little trouble finding it because it is a little hole in the wall off the tourist path. But we got our order and headed up to Ginosar to the museum of the Ancient boat.

Sandwich Shop in Tiberias

But before seeing the ancient boat, we had to ride one across the lake. Ours was the "Shimon". It was just a 30 minute ride down and back across the northern end but it made for a ton of pics and more conversation with our new friend Ross.

Ancient Boat museum at Kibbutz Ginosar

Our boat on the Sea of Galilee

Beautiful

Northern shore of Sea of Galilee

Ancient boat discovered 30 years ago

We visited the museum and then headed to Magdala to see a new discovery since my last visit 18 years ago. The rain began to pick up so we ate our lunch under the awning there. The sandwiches were delicious (I had pastrami with humus, olives, carrot slices and bell peppers). As we waited for the rain pass we had fun discussing the Bible with Ross and even telling some jokes.

Bible study at lunch

After a while, the rain let up enough for us to discover a 1st century synagogue that archaeologists found when plans were underway for the construction of a hotel on that site. This is a very important discovery as it confirms the NT narrative and was likely frequented by Jesus and his disciples and Mary of Magdala. We also saw other excavations there and what was likely the boat dock at the time showing just how far the lake has receded.

Synagogue at Magdala

Synagogue at Magdala

Shoreline used to be up to here

From there we went to Capernaum, Kfar (Village) Nahum, which means "Comfort". This is a beautiful site was very busy as it was the HQ for Jesus' public ministry. Ross (an orthodox Jew) read to us from Luke and Mark showing the significance of Capernaum. We visited the synagogue which is from the 5th century but was built over the original one. We also visited Peter's house which Ross was very interested in. And of course I had to get more pics of the Sea of Galilee from the shore.

Entrance to Capernaum

Ross reading from Gospels about events that occurred in Capernaum

Synagogue from Byzantine era built over original Synagogue

Archaeologists believe this to be Shimon Peter's house 

Sea of Galilee from Capernaum

We spent quite a bit of time at Capernaum so we passed on going to Tabgah where the mosaic of loaves and fishes is. We made our way back through Tiberias, my eyes glued to the window as the lake was now on my side of the van. We stopped at a kibbutz where a army tank has remained dead in it's tracks since 1948. We got out for some pics and a quick history lesson from Ross.

Tank from 1948

I was hoping to get a quick visit to Beit Shean but we decided on learning more about the kibbutz lifestyle by taking Ross home at his kibbutz at the top of Mt. Gilboa. It was very cold and windy at the summit so we didn't spend much time out of the van, but we learned this was where King Saul was killed. We also learned about the tech innovations here that is changing the power industry as well as the farming practices of the kibbutz. Steve was miserable from the cold so we took the conversation to the van. But I would not be denied getting more pics from the summit as the sun was beginning to set. Absolutely gorgeous views.

New power plant at kibbutz on Mt. Gilboa

Mt. Gilboa

From top of Mt. Gilboa

Sunset view from Mt. Gilboa

Headed back down Mt. Gilboa

We said goodbye to Ross and headed down the mountain. We stopped for dinner at a restaurant recommended to us by Ross. The fresh bread and dips were amazing. My spicy beef sausage was delicious but couldn't finish the 4th one because I was so stuffed. Tourists are missing out on this little gem as the village is off the main road.

Our restaurant

Steve said, "I just want a burger & fries"

After a long day and bellies full, now begins the long journey back South to Elazar. I passed out for a little while but most of the time I just gazed at the moon rising over the Jordanian mountains and the never ending lights in the distance along the Jordan River valley.

3.13.17 "Gush Etzion"

We spent the majority of the day close to the Nuszen's house in the area of Gush Etzion. We began at the Gush Etzion heritage museum and movie/light show. We were the only guests at the time but it was an amazing experience.

Similar to the Friend's of Zion museum, it was a high tech walk-through museum but this specifically highlighted the recent history of Gush Etzion (the Judean hills South of Jerusalem. It was a moving experience as it told the story of brave pioneer families who sacrificed their lives just prior to the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948. This is a must visit for any tourist but I'm afraid it will be missed by most due to it's location. I hope that is not the case. 

Gush Etzion Heritage Center

From there we made a short drive to the Deer Farm Park for the ATV & Zipline experience. Again, we were the first and only guests there at the time. Unfortunately, due to the windy conditions and cold, the zipline was closed today. But fortunately the rain held off so we braved the cold wind to take the ATV tour. And we were glad we did! We rode around the dirt trails of the Judean hills for at least an hour. Up and down through the vineyards, feeling the land, breathing the air, just incredible! 

ATV ride in Judean Hills

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

We saw an ancient mikvah and mile stones and got amazing pictures. But we were in for a surprise as we made our way to the "Lone Tree" that was featured in the presentation we just saw. To be in the actual spot where so many people lost their lives is truly a humbling experience.

Mikvah

Blooms all over the hillsides

The Lone Tree

From there we ate lunch at the Gush Etzion Winery. Beautiful restaurant and delicious food and award winning wine produced right from the hills we're riding around in. And we met some fellow Texans there as well. No matter where you go, the eyes of Texas will be on you! 

Gush Etzion Winery

About the winery

My latte. Mmmm

From there we stopped at a small grocery store to pick up a few things we needed. It was quite the experience as it is open to Jews and Arabs. We got gas in front of the store and an IDF vehicle was parked there so we got out and gave them Purim gifts and cards and thanked them for their service. We drove around the area to the various bus stops where soldiers were on duty and gave them gifts and thanks. Poor hitchhikers thought they were getting a ride. Sorry y'all.

We then went to the Pina Chama ("Warm Space") which is a volunteer station for IDF soldiers to come in for a snack, meal, coffee, etc. We handed out the rest of our cards and goodie bags and visited with the volunteers who run it. Really cool place. 

Pina Chama

IDF soldier getting cup of coffee on a cold day

IDF truck at a store

I was hoping to visit Hebron and the Tomb of the Patriarchs but we needed to drop something off for Sam back in Elazar. While we were there we got to see the rest of Elazar up the hill. It is a beautiful area with beautiful homes but unfortunately due to ridiculous Arab claims and silly politics, some of these homes will eventually be destroyed and other homes are currently left unbuilt, one just a foundation left abandoned. Sad! We did get some beautiful pictures of our view of Gush Etzion from the top of Elazar. 

View from top of Elzar

We were planning to get sunset panoramic pics at the Neve Daniel lookout but because it was cold and cloudy we'll attempt it later this week. We went instead to Jerusalem to pick up Jack and Zipporah at Jack's sister's home, which is located not too far from the Old City. It is a gorgeous house which featured a green astro-turf lawn which I admit I coveted a little. We didn't stay long as she had been hosting guests all day for Purim but she was very sweet and welcoming and we could probably visit for hours if it were any other day.

Traffic around the Old City

Outer wall near the Jaffa Gate

Jaffa Gate to Old City

Sunset over Jerusalem (from Jaffa Gate)

The sun was setting so we made a quick trip to the Jaffa Gate to get some good pics. It was windy and cold so we did not stay long but just being there for a moment is still amazing. Finally back home after fighting rush hour traffic out of Jerusalem. We caught up on Facebook while Jack grilled steaks and Shannon prepared green beans, corn and mashed taters. A delicious meal with the family in their home and great conversations. We wrapped up the evening playing a game of spades which was a lot of fun even though Debbie & I lost to Steve & Jack.

Jack grilling steaks

I was a little bummed about the zipline being closed, not going to Hebron or Neve Daniel (which all of those are a possibility later in the week) but learning about the history of Gush, meeting and thanking IDF soldiers, meeting Jewish people and going to their homes and spending time with them truly makes for an amazing day...one which most tourists do not get a chance to experience. Well it's almost midnight and we're headed to Galilee at 5am so time to get a nap (normal nap time at home).

3.12.17 "Purim"

Woke up this morning after finally getting some good sleep. Visited with the kids and had breakfast & coffee. At 10:00 we went to the Synagogue for the reading of Esther because today is Purim. The reader practically sang the whole story in Hebrew and everyone spun their groggers and booed every time Haman's name was mentioned. I speed read the book of Esther to keep up with the guy reading it to the congregation.

Guests at Purim party

Purim is a festive day with people dressed in costumes and exchanging goodies with neighbors kinda like trick or treat. Jack & Shannon hosted a brunch so tons of people came by for food and goodies and got their pics taken with Egyptian props.

Photo booth

I spent most of the time visiting with Dr. Moshe Dann who helped arrange our schedule for the week. After everyone left and we cleaned up, Shannon took us to Jerusalem. There we visited the Friends of Zion museum. It is an amazing interactive walk-through tour of Israel's ancient and recent history. Very moving experience.

Friends of Zion Museum

After that, we ate dinner at 5pm at Eucalyptus restaurant which is right across the street from the Jaffa Gate in Old City. It was a lovely atmosphere but because of holiday we were basically the only customers.

The Eucalyptus

Maklubah (my meal)

Selfie at The Eucalyptus

When we got back home we visited with Jack & Shannon and video chatted with the kids around 8:30 so they had just got home from church. It's 9:15 now and I'm dozing off. Praying for no rain tomorrow so we can go zipline and drive ATV's.