Holy Land Trip

During November Linda and I took a vacation to Israel and Egypt. It was the first time either of us were in the Middle East. We spent one day in the Tel Aviv/Jaffa area while we were waiting for the rest of our tour group to arrive. This is a picture of the port and part of the old city of Jaffa. Jaffa is a very old city estimated to be 4000 years old. It is mostly inhabited by Palistinians.

I should say we always felt safe and were welcomed by the Israelis every where we went in Israel.

The first part of the tour was spent in the northern part of Israel around the area of the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum. We spent several days in many of the sites where Jesus started his ministry. I can't cover all the the sites but they included the site of St. Peter's home, the location of the Miracle of the Loaves, Mt. of Beatitudes and the River Jordan. One memorable afternoon we took a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee this a picture of sunset on the sea.



We also stopped in Cana the site of Jesus' first miracle where we renewed our wedding vows.
We then left for the city of Jerusalem and the many Holy places in this old city. We walked the Palm Sunday ride into the City. Visited the Place of Ascension, Church of Pater Noster, walked the stations of the cross or Via Dolorosa to Calvary and the Tomb.















There are many famous sites in the city here is a picture of Linda on the steps to the Temple Mount a holy site to both the Jews and the Muslims.
We also took a trip into the West Bank to the city of Bethlehem. This required entry into the Palistinian controlled part of Israel. The passage from Jerusalem to Bethlehem is a short 5 or 6 mile ride. The West Bank here is walled off a very unacceptable solution to the Palistinians but has reduced the terror bombs in Jerusalem. The check point going was quick but returning later that night to Jerusalem was more intense with the guards checking our passports and carry-ons. While in Bethlehem we visited the Nativity Basilica here we are entering the Basilica and a second on of the inside. This is the location of the birth of Christ and it is controlled by an agreement between the Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Orthodox. This arrangement can often be contentious and the guards there often seem to be more keeping the priests in line than protecting the tourists. The Church does have the stone manger in a cave located below the floor of the church (not at all the version we see on Christmas cards). Back in Jerusalem this is us at the Western Wall or Wailing Wall on our final day there.










After leaving Israel and going to Egypt through the Sinai we had a long trip ending in Cairo. While in Cairo we toured many old Coptic churches and of course the Pyramids and the Sphinx. How can you miss one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
















Of course no trip is totally worthwhile without some souvenirs for those waiting for your return. In this case we thought the Bedouin head dresses were the most appropriate for ours.