We first set off for Jaffa. In Hebrew and the scriptures this is called Joppa, same place. Lots of history here. traffic was awful.
Common sites here in Israel. Checkpoints and military holding machine guns.
One weird thing is the Israel police always have there lights on. Always.
Joppa is where Jonah Boarded the ship to flee from going to Nineveh.
I really liked this little town right on the Mediterranean.
This rock is some rock in Greek Mythology.
This church behind us is dedicated to Peter. This is where Peter had the vision and was told to take the gospel to the Gentiles now.
Beautiful area.
We them set off for Caesarea. Had some pita bread on the way. They love their pita bread! It is the best pita bread I have ever had. Soooooo good!
The only golf club in Israel! Gotta be filthy rich to play here they said. Guess I couldn't live in Israel.
This is a fig tree.
Ancient ruins in Caesarea where Herod and many other people built a port and town.
This is many years worth of history in one. Some are 1st century and some are way after.
A great time to spotlight the Baker's. They are so funny! The ultimate travelers. They always had their fanny packs and canteens on them. They always had scriptures, a chair the tour provided and sometimes an umbrella for shade. Always made me laugh because I carry nothing.
Edith is so funny because she sometimes bosses Dan around. Right when she starts talking she wants to be heard and will go, "Dan! Yoohoo!!" so funny. Normal marriage I guess haha. She also tended to disagree with Steven our tour guide a lot. Kept things interesting. Dan is just salt of the earth. The perfect husband and the nicest guy in the world. I love hanging out with him. These two know there stuff too. They know so much about the scriptures! They definitely made me laugh and impressed me.
I'm grateful for them because if they had not come this week the tour could not have done a tour for just one person. Things definitely worked out in my favor there. Because our group was so small we could ask questions and it was great. The Baker's and myself had quite a hard time with how Steven our tour guide answered our questions though. Israeli people are just a little different than we are used to, generally speaking. They come off a little cold and not talkative and friendly. Of course this is generally speaking. We were always a little hesitant to ask questions but we did anyway lol.
I had many meals with the Baker's and really enjoyed my time with them. They were so nice to me. They made me miss my grandparents. These two are sharp cookies too so I learned a ton from them.
This was the old stadium.
I love this. 1st century stone with the name of Pontius Pilate on it. There is also one with Caiaphas on it in the Israel Museum. And of course Herod the Great is all over! These three tried Christ. There place in history is not only traditional or scriptural but archaeological and a historical fact. So much for those who say the scriptures are just made up by crazy men. That's what I love about the Holy Land, you realize how true the stories really are. It is nice to have your faith validated.
This was Herod's palace! Herod was a genius. He built this port over many many years for a variety of reasons. All of which helped the country and people. He wasn't all bad it seems.
They are pretty sure this is where Paul was imprisoned and "almost" converted King Agrippa.
This is a traditional Israeli meal. See all the salads.
This is the valley where Samson lit the yearly crops on fire with the 300 fox's.
The pictures below us the Valley of Elah. Right here in this valley David fought and killed Goliath. Fun to read that account right where it happened.
Right there!
This guy is named Mohammed. He lives in Bethlehem. We had to meet at a place where there is kind of gap in the separation wall from Israel and Palestine.
He has a crazy story. He met a Mormon and married her. It was tough for him to convert because its against the law for a Muslim to convert to another religion. He moved to the states, finally converted and they had a baby boy. His wife died right after the birth and he had a huge dispute with the US because they deported him but wouldn't let him take his son. The dispute is still ongoing. His son is 16 now and this summer they will finally meet again as his son will visit Israel. It is a horrible situation. His story has been in the Deseret News, Las Vegas paper and the Jerusalem paper. He became hard hearted for a while and stopped attending church. 1 year ago he changed his life and returned to full activity and is happy now.
Finally arrived back to the hotel. View from my room.
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