|
|
We met early in 1996 and from May to November 1996 Dale had a UN tour of duty
to serve in the Golan Heights of Israel. It was a perfect opportunity for me to travel! So I packed up and flew over
late in the summer of 1996 while he was on leave, to the beautiful Holy Land. He had spent 3 months learning about the Middle
East and was an awesome tour guide for me, and this was to be the best vacation of my lifetime.
We were in Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean Sea for nearly a week and during this time
we travelled around on the coast and through the city of Jerusalem. So happy to be on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea! I ran
out a few hundred yards in my clothes, oh also, the airlines had 'misplaced' my luggage so I only had the one change of clothes
which luckily I had stashed in my carry-on along with my emergency supplies, hair dryer and things!
|
From Tel Aviv on the coast we travelled north to our destination
- the Golan Heights and the military base where Dale was stationed. From there we went to Nazareth, the Jordan River and Sea
of Galillee and Capernaum where Jesus lived. It was a remarkable experience to walk where Jesus once walked, preached and
performed miracles.
|
|
In Tel Aviv
Right is our Hotel, which
was one block from the Sea and although not one of the skyscrapers on the coast, it was quaint and had the most awesome fresh
breakfast buffet each morning. Their breakfast was my introduction to Middle Eastern food which I love to this day and could
make a diet of it. The fresh tomatoes and cucumbers with pita breads and fruit were the best way to start a day.
The coffee of course is probably 10 times stronger than what I narmally drink but talk about a wake up! It was great
:) The little dining room was homey, warm and friendly. I would go back in a minute.
|
|
|
Dale and I walked for hours and miles along the Sea on the
beautiful Promenade in Tel Aviv. During the night it was lit up beautifully and in the morning early we would pass joggers
and people strolling with their coffee. The Hard Rock Cafe Tel Aviv is on the Promenade and we had dinner there on our
first night, it was fabulous! Plus Dale bought me a Cafe T-Shirt, the first item of my 'waiting for luggage' wardrobe :)
|
|
|
Mt. Hermon, Nimrod's Fortress
The next few pictures are at Nimrod's Fortress which was built on one of the highest points in Israel in the
Golan Heights. Remember the story of how Nimrod wanted to build a tower to reach Heaven? Well that's the place. It was fascinating
and we were pretty much the only two exploring around in the fortress. From the top of the hill you can overlook
Israel, Jordan and Lebanon, it's totally beautiful.
|
|
|
|
|
In Nazareth
We spent a day in the beautiful city of Nazareth, eating scrumptious Greek food,
shopping (mostly bargaining) and looking at the sights. The most amazing place that we visited was the Basilica of the Anunciation. The
place where the Angel made it known to Mary that she was going to become pregnant has been identified by
an alter which has been preserved although the Basilica has been updated and renovated over the centuries. It's
an incredibly Holy place
the Basilica of the Anunciation
|
Inside the Basilica of the Anunciation
the Holy Altar
|
|
|
|
In Jerusalem
|
