Mark:
We have experienced quite a bit since our last update when we left Athens. We have not had convenient access to the internet (only 1 workstation available in Tiberius, Gallilee) and have been on a constant move. We are now in Jerusalem and where our remaining days of touring will be spent. In a nation that is comparable to the size of New Jersey, we quickly realized that the driving distances between our points of interest were relatively short (max 1 ½ hours) and there is much to see, touch, smell and hear. Here are some highlights from our time in Israel so far.
We arrived in Israel at a predawn hour and after breakfast and quickly paced through Tel Aviv enroute to Caesarea. Herod the Great rebuilt Caesarea in 21 BC with permission from the Romans. In so naming it, he honored Caesar Augustus and designed it with a massive harbor, castle, theater and hippodrome facing the Mediterrean Sea. Pontius Pilate later ruled from here during the time of Jesus as the Romans controlled Israel. The Romans enjoyed the competition of chariot racing in the hippodrome, but our imagination was filled with the many crashes that brought roars from the 20,000 spectators. This seaside town is where Paul would have sailed during his travels. It is also where Peter brought the good news of Jesus to a Roman centurion (Roman commander) named Cornelius found in Acts 10.
While the ruins filled our imagination with the life experiences of what many encountered in Caesarea, it was soon time to move on. We traveled to Mount Carmel and crossed the Jezreel Valley. The vi
ew was spectacular and gave us a perspective on Elijah and King Ahab’s encounter with the idolatrous folly of the prophets of Baal and their destruction (I Kings 18). Across this valley, you can see Nazareth (town where Jesus grew up), the international road and up into the Megiddo valley. Many other biblical accounts are recorded or referenced here among the lush olive three lined forest and fertile valley. Solemn to think that on this valley, John the revelator, has described the scene of what will be the battle of Armageddon.
We arrived at our hotel in Tiberius for the evening, resting on the edge of the Sea of Gallilee. The surrounding mountains have not moved and would have been the same view as what the fishermen of the early century would have enjoyed, as well as Jesus. More to come on the sea of Gallilee – a favorite….
Although this blog is brief, we look forward to sharing our full account with you all. Our days are packed and we are worn out when we get back to the hotel. Thus our blog encounters are sporadic… so keep your comments coming as we find them encouraging. I am sure that you will find the accounts from our family interesting and entertaining.
Hannah:
We went to the city of Caesarea today, which was so far, my favorite area of ruins. Here, we’ve learned of Chariot racing, The Romans love for blood, & the two items that the Romans created – the bikini and concrete
. We also learned of the public toilets they used back in King Heorods day. They would have toilets lined up and both men and women would use the bathroom. What would they wipe with? Yep, you’ve guessed it: Their hands! Also, there would be a stream flowing right in front of them, and that’s where they would wash their hands. Caesarea was a fantastic place to be able to visit and see with our own eyes. Caesarea was definitely one of the highlights of this trip for me.
(sea of Galilee boat ride?)
Saturday, August 29th:
We have experienced quite a bit since our last update when we left Athens. We have not had convenient access to the internet (only 1 workstation available in Tiberius, Gallilee) and have been on a constant move. We are now in Jerusalem and where our remaining days of touring will be spent. In a nation that is comparable to the size of New Jersey, we quickly realized that the driving distances between our points of interest were relatively short (max 1 ½ hours) and there is much to see, touch, smell and hear. Here are some highlights from our time in Israel so far.
We arrived in Israel at a predawn hour and after breakfast and quickly paced through Tel Aviv enroute to Caesarea. Herod the Great rebuilt Caesarea in 21 BC with permission from the Romans. In so naming it, he honored Caesar Augustus and designed it with a massive harbor, castle, theater and hippodrome facing the Mediterrean Sea. Pontius Pilate later ruled from here during the time of Jesus as the Romans controlled Israel. The Romans enjoyed the competition of chariot racing in the hippodrome, but our imagination was filled with the many crashes that brought roars from the 20,000 spectators. This seaside town is where Paul would have sailed during his travels. It is also where Peter brought the good news of Jesus to a Roman centurion (Roman commander) named Cornelius found in Acts 10.
While the ruins filled our imagination with the life experiences of what many encountered in Caesarea, it was soon time to move on. We traveled to Mount Carmel and crossed the Jezreel Valley. The vi
ew was spectacular and gave us a perspective on Elijah and King Ahab’s encounter with the idolatrous folly of the prophets of Baal and their destruction (I Kings 18). Across this valley, you can see Nazareth (town where Jesus grew up), the international road and up into the Megiddo valley. Many other biblical accounts are recorded or referenced here among the lush olive three lined forest and fertile valley. Solemn to think that on this valley, John the revelator, has described the scene of what will be the battle of Armageddon.We arrived at our hotel in Tiberius for the evening, resting on the edge of the Sea of Gallilee. The surrounding mountains have not moved and would have been the same view as what the fishermen of the early century would have enjoyed, as well as Jesus. More to come on the sea of Gallilee – a favorite….
Although this blog is brief, we look forward to sharing our full account with you all. Our days are packed and we are worn out when we get back to the hotel. Thus our blog encounters are sporadic… so keep your comments coming as we find them encouraging. I am sure that you will find the accounts from our family interesting and entertaining.
Hannah:
We went to the city of Caesarea today, which was so far, my favorite area of ruins. Here, we’ve learned of Chariot racing, The Romans love for blood, & the two items that the Romans created – the bikini and concrete
. We also learned of the public toilets they used back in King Heorods day. They would have toilets lined up and both men and women would use the bathroom. What would they wipe with? Yep, you’ve guessed it: Their hands! Also, there would be a stream flowing right in front of them, and that’s where they would wash their hands. Caesarea was a fantastic place to be able to visit and see with our own eyes. Caesarea was definitely one of the highlights of this trip for me.(sea of Galilee boat ride?)
Saturday, August 29th:
On Saturday, we went to the mount of beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, and preformed many miracles. Later, we went to Capernaum, where Jesus, Peter, and his mother-in-law lived for a certain amount of time.
Ben:
When we got on the plane I was really tired so I ate then went to sleep. Once the plane landed I was ready to get off. Then we waited for the bus leaders and drivers. Then we put our luggage in the bottom of the bus. (We went on the a different bus because our bus was not on at the air port so we took the blue ours is the purple. Then we went to breakfast and it was at A hotel (not the one we were staying at). It was really good! Then we left for the hotel that everyone was staying at the we took them and went on the purple bus. On the bus we drove to Caesarea and it was really cool! I learned that there they created concrete. So the king created a base out on the shore line and made a pool and a house on the farther side (by that water). And also they have a horse cart racing area and a lot of people played there and the prize is the blood that the people that died in the game. They died by the turn. If the driver was going to fast the cart will flip and the people that were sitting there will get some parts of the cart flying at them. At the entrance was a place where men will use the bathroom and its right in front of the other people. NASTY! You wipe your hands with your left hand because you shake with your right. The sink was underneath your feet and it runs down the front of all of the toilet. (I hope no one put there hands in when the other persons poop hand was in it and the poop will go on your hands then you will really need to wash your hands) NASTY EH?
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