Wow what a day. We got up early and were on the bus to Jerusalem at 7:30. We were ready to go at 7:00, but the police had the road to Tiberias blocked so the driver had to take an alternate route to get to En Gev. The bus was the nicest one we've had so far. The only thing that could have made it better is if the driver had remembered Daniel's camera. :(
Anyway on the way to Jerusalem we saw Jericho from afar and the wilderness where John the Baptist hung out eating locusts. Really the wilderness looks a lot like the Mojave Desert foothills, the Little San Bernardinos. It was quite a climb up the hill in the bus even though it was very new. The weather was fairly pleasant, a bit warm, but less humidity.
We were dropped off at the Gaffa gate. I am going to try to list the things we saw and did:
Dropped off Dan and Harry's bags at the Lutheran Hostel.
Walked through the suq /sook/ through many sections (Jewish, Muslim, and Christian) where one could buy gifts, trinkets, and goods.
Hiked the Mount of Olives. What a climb! It was so steep at times you could slip on the asphalt.
Saw the church commemorating the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept". Modest dress was required and for the first time some of our group were not allowed inside. Luckily Daniel and I were OK.
Saw the church commemorating Jesus praying on the rock. The garden of Gethsemene (sp.)
The western wall, AKA the wailing wall. Touched it! Left a prayer in it. Men and women are segregated and in separate areas.
Ate bagels.
Saw St. Mark's church that commemorate.s the maid that left Peter at the door to go tell other disciples, when he was released from prison by an angel.
Approximated the via delarosa. Where Jesus walked on the way to His Crucifixion.
Toured the Curch of the Holy Sepulcur.(sp) My favorite part of the whole trip. Dans's favorite part was when he realized he was standing on Mt. Calvary.
Went shopping, bargining in the suq for gifts to bring home.
It was an awesome day. Most thought it was too short. We came home in time for the Shabbat meal. They were serving goose and I celebrated with about two ounces of red wine on such a special occasion. We had devotions at 7:30 and then I walked over to the Fish Rest. for a soda water or two with the girls.
On the way back to the kubbitz we saw a full moon over the Golan Heights and I took a picture for you.
Other stuff..
Glenn was nice enough to look up the little snake I saw and we think it is an Arabian Sand Snake.
Linda, Arnie, and Nancy found a place across from the kubbitz that has hamburgers and fries and real T-bone steaks.
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