Tag: Israel

Day 11-12 Israel 2018

Here I am in the shuttle from SeaTac to Bellingham- the final frontier on what seemed like a never-ending-story!

Days 11-12 all happened in one long continuous adventure!

We basically had Monday to explore on our own and we definitely did! We walked to the Cat Corner again for a cup of coffee and tea. We did a little money exchange to make sure we had exact payment for the shuttle then headed back to the hotel to check out and store our luggage for our eight hours wait. We also checked in on Charlie and Madeline. They had both been sick with this cold or upper respiratory thing some of us were suffering from. We made sure the shuttle was reserved for us and them.

We found a grocery store near the hotel where Savannah was able to find packaged halva – when we got halva at the market it’s much fresher but can’t be stored well. I got dates for Mark and some halva for everyone to try. And black dried plums like we had at breakfast every day. We took all these treasures back to the hotel to store with our luggage then hit the road on foot.

We headed back to Mahane Yahuda Market. I love that place! So much color and food and things to see and smell. I had an açaí bowl I’d been craving since our first day in Tel Aviv. It is so so so delicious. 29 shekels is expensive but it’s so worth it! We walked around trying to find something for lunch and I was very glad to find a fish&chips place!! The market had a lot of soldiers this day. They look way too young to be carrying around rifles but they were having fun eating and enjoying everything together.

We then headed across town to the Israel Museum. We passed some beautiful passionflower bushes along the way and picked a couple blossoms to add to my petals as paint on Refind Creations. Also some beautiful purple blossoms we collected in a bag.

The walk to the museum took us up a very steep hill and around the Knesset building.

We had about three hours to spend at the museum so we split up and covered as much as we could. The Dead Sea scrolls would take a lot more time but it was cool to see exhibits on many of the places we had visited on our tour and to remember things Yonatan had told us about. Could spend many hours there.

We walked back to the hotel and climbed about a hundred stairs that led up through a neighborhood. It’s fun walking everywhere — you get a whole different feel for the community.

At the hotel we went into the spa area and laid in the lounge chairs. Since the Ukraine lady wasn’t there we just made ourselves at home. Made tea and talked to a guy who came to use the steam room – and it was actually working! A couple from Russia or Ukraine came as well to steam then they used the showers in the ladies locker room together! Then they went back in the steam room and then back to the shower. They ignored us laying there on the loungers! We made tea and Savannah took a shower and I changed into my travel clothes– yoga pants and baggy shirt 😉 and bushed our teeth.

We then went to catch the shuttle and meet up with Charlie and Madeline. Glad they were able to extend for a late checkout to rest up.

The drivers in Jerusalem are crazy and the shuttle driver was crazy too! Holy moly!

We had a couple hours in the airport then we were taking off at 11:30 pm heading to New York. I took a crumb of melatonin which knocked me out for half an hour. Then a couple of hours feeling unsettled as they weirdly served meals and turned on lights rather than just letting people sleep. Super annoying! The flight was 11 1/2 hours but we coped well– better than our trip over.

We had a two hour layover in New York which was spent jumping through hoops at customs. Such a goofy process. But we didn’t have to open our bags. Savannah got a little extra grilling at check in as her passport is stamped for Indonesia, Mali and other countries.

And now to home we go! I’m craving Mexican food and a hot bath — can’t wait!

Thanks to all who followed our adventure. We have been blessed!!

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 10 -Israel 2018

Bittersweet freedom!

Today we woke up without a schedule for the first time since we left home. A much needed break from the routine of hurrying through breakfast to get on the bus. Bittersweet as we lose our daily dose of Yonatan’s teaching and the fellowship we’ve shared with the group.

At breakfast today we sat with Anna’s cousin Virginia- Anna was the lady who fell in Nazareth at the beginning of our journey. She told us how amazing America Israel Tours has been throughout this ordeal – sending an AIT representative to be with Anna at the hospital and how they have truly been there every step of the way. This is a huge thing to be grateful for and a good witness to the people who want to do a tour in the future. And a good reminder that buying trip insurance is an excellent investment!

So for our first day of freedom we decided to walk to the Mahane Yahuda Market. It was row after row of beautiful spices and fruits and candies and nuts and halva. Endless colors and textures and smells. We tried samples and ordered juice and walked and walked.

Then we decided to head over to Old Jerusalem. Along the way we got exasperated by our attempt to purchase a train ticket for our ride to the airport tomorrow. Multiple attempts to locate the holy grail of a Rav card left us a bit frustrated. We ended up talking to a guy who said the new fast train isn’t reliable enough yet and that we should ask our hotel to book us in a “special taxi” –a shuttle. We are planning to share a ride with our new friends Charlie and Madeline Burns. More about that later.

We entered the old city through the “New Gate” — we came upon a nice man who said he would like us to see his wife’s gallery. She is the only female shopkeeper. And he has a jewelry shop. Well you know we are a little leery of being hustled but sure enough he took us to meet his wife, a lovely British lady who sells art from local artists. She was so nice and she wanted to see my art which I have in the Art Market back home. She has a cat that hangs out at her shop and of course that got her and Savannah talking about feeding every stray cat in Israel that we encountered. The best part was that there was a watercolor print of that cat overlooking Jerusalem! Savannah is now the proud owner of her first piece of art!

As we left the gallery we forgot to turn left to go see her husband’s jewelry store but he caught us and turned us back toward his shop. He fuses ancient glass into beautiful jewelry and I bought a set for a Christmas gift. I am fairly sure it’s all authentic.

We had a good discussion with this couple about the concept of a “tourism mafia”. This is the thing where tour guides get a percentage of sales from prearranged visits by tour groups. This goes for restaurants and gift shops. There is a whole system designed to provide “discounts” to tourists. These coupons are tracked so the tour guides get a cut of the business it brings in. I think for restaurants this makes sense because of keeping to a fairly tight and rigorous schedule. The group sticks together and the food is done quickly. For shopping, though, it seems like a rigged system. Shop after shop sells the same exact items -/ very “cookie-cutter” souvenirs of low quality and lacking originality. Of course we bought some trinkets and gifts as any tourist does. It’s just a bit manipulated. And from what we heard it seems the little shop in Bethlehem is owned by some extravagantly wealthy families. I don’t know if it’s true but that’s what we were told.

Anyway, after shopping til we were ready to drop, time to eat. I have Schwarma and falafel coming out my pores so I really wanted something different. We sat down at one restaurant that’s upstairs over the market in the old city. We were not there but a few minutes when the guy told us if we weren’t part of a group we would need to move to another table. Grrr. So we left. We ended up going to a place Savannah ate at yesterday when she was rebelling against the tour system. They had shrimp and fries with a salad. Super expensive but again I could not think of eating schwarma or falafel.

We found our way to Jaffa gate and walked to “Cat Square” to sit and have tea and coffee. It was lovely. But then I realized I didn’t have enough shekels and they didn’t take dollars!! So I had to go find a change place and exchange a few dollars. Grrr.

Savannah fed multiple cats with the fish she took from the breakfast this morning. She has quite a routine of keeping scraps from our meals to feed the strays.

We made it back to the hotel and weary as we were thought it would be lovely to go to the pool and sauna to relax and revive. So we got our swim suits and robes and headed down to the pool. Closed. Ok let’s try the sauna. Can’t find it. No one is around in the spa area so we explored. We came out and a Ukrainian lady was at the front desk. She didn’t understand English. Sign language worked well enough and she took us to the sauna. A cold cold room with no controls and no steam. We went to find her and she was watching tv! So we just left and headed back to our room. Apparently Leonardo does not open the pool in the fall and apparently the spa is only an idea.

Another frustrating thing we encountered today was mentioned earlier — trying to get an affordable and reliable trip to the airport! Everyone we ask has a different idea. I had asked AIT what to do before we came on the tour and they said the hotel would get us taken care of. Well the hotel does not have a concierge and the guy Savannah talked to yesterday said it would be 350 Israeli Shekels for a taxi! That’s about a hundred bucks. Heck no. Yonatan said to ask for a special taxi (shuttle) and that it should be no more than 30 IS each. .. and so did the guys at the info place we talked to today. We really wanted to take that new fast train as it’s free but no one trusts the service time on that. So we went back to the hotel front desk and told the guy we need to arrange a shuttle for us and two others from our group. He says it’ll be 67 IS each! He tried calling to make the reservation but couldn’t get through. He said to check back in a couple hours and we were then told it’s confirmed! Goodness. Makes me wish we had just gone home when everyone else did tonight and it would have been all taken care of!

So here we are. Our last night in Jerusalem is underway! We have met so many lovely people. We have been blessed with such great care. Having Yonatan as our guide was such a blessing-/ we always felt safe and cared for. We never had to worry about anything because he knew exactly what to do in each situation. It’s bittersweet for sure. So thankful that we had this opportunity and I will always pray for the peace of Jerusalem and blessings on the Christians who are bound to live separated from the rest of the world in Palestine.

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 9, cont. Israel 2018

We just returned from an amazing show at King David’s – beautiful laser light show about the life and times of my favorite guy in the Old Testament.

As we were following Yonatan without our whisper devices for the first time we were talking about how it’s been this past week– if you wandered too far from his voice it became difficult to hear him and follow along. But as you moved close to him we could hear him loud and clear. This leads to a spiritual lesson. When God speaks he often whispers. If you’ve moved away from him too far it’s hard to understand or follow what he’s saying. And, just like when we were following Yonatan, when you wander too far you can start feeling afraid of getting lost or left behind.

It has been a trip of a lifetime. I’m so glad my mom wanted me to go and so glad she’s up there with Jesus for the past few weeks, seeing our adventure from his presence.

The tomb is empty. The cross is empty. Jesus rose in victory over 2000 years ago and the whole world is drawn to see the evidence of his life and times. He came to save and redeem and forgive all of us. Jew, gentile, Palestinian, Israeli, Black, white. Wise men still seek him. If you ever get the opportunity to come, take it. It’s not a vacation — it’s a spiritual adventure into the roots of our faith.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭122:6-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 9 – Israel 2018

Today was a full day in Jerusalem.

We entered the Jaffa gate and visited the 14 stations of the cross over the course of the day. We went to the place where pontius Pilate put Jesus on trial. We visited the place where Jesus was flogged. We walked along via de la Rosa – through the Christian section, the Jewish section, and the Muslim section. We visited the area where Catholics believe Jesus was killed and buried. That site was pure chaos and I was glad we moved through that area as quickly as we could. It really upset me that people there are acting so unholy. Pushing and shoving and getting angry. So awful.

We saw all the different sites and several churches and the site of the pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed on the sabbath.

Our very long trek ended at the tomb of Jesus in the Christian tradition. It was very well organized for getting everyone through. They said about 3000 a day go into the tomb. Afterward we had communion together and it was lovely.

One thing I experienced was that when there are so many people in one place it is very hard to focus on the deeper emotions and experience the true meaning of everything.

Oh – and I should say here that I accomplished the mission to get my mom a shofar. I went for a rams horn approximately 14 inches long. Yonatan blew it for me so I can now say it’s authentic!

We have traveled this past week with the nicest people and our tour guide has been excellent. I highly recommend that everyone takes the time to explore the roots of our faith. I will never read the Bible in the same way. I am blessed to be a pilgrim of Israel.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭122:6-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 8 – Israel 2018

O Little Town if Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie..

Today was very interesting, humbling, educational and enlightening.

Our world view is so easily shaped by the news, politicians, the internet, and prejudice.

Today at least we can say that 35 Americans along with their brilliant and fearless Jewish guide were able to have our world views impacted by a beautiful, precious, and amazing Palestinian Christian named Barbara. I can almost promise that when you hear the word Palestinian most Americans do not envision such a lovely thing as meeting one who is Christian.

And I’ll go as far as to say that most of us have no clue that Bethlehem is in what is now Palestinian territory. And I know for certain most have no idea that there even are Christian Palestinians.

We took the bus into this territory so that we could visit the birthplace of Jesus. It was miraculous that we did not have to wait long as it is usually very crowded.

First stop was at a beautiful gift shop operated by a Christian artist cooperative, Handmade items carved from olive tree wood —nativities so elaborate and ornaments, jewelry, trinkets, and so many beautiful things.

We were a bit taken aback by the people selling on the streets — very aggressively — and its hard not to hand all your money to a little boy holding onto his sheep as you enter the town. Adorable little gig he had going there. Poverty is obvious and a bit overwhelming.

Barbara was delightful and answered all our curiosities graciously. She cannot travel freely. She cannot come to Jerusalem. She has lived in Bethlehem all her life and says there is little to do — no entertainment. Basically except for her tour guide position she dabbles in learning to paint and hangs out with her friends. She lives with her entire extended family – parents, married brothers and their children. She has been to America once to visit a relative in Sacramento. To fly anywhere they must travel to Amman Jordan.

When we arrived at the church where the manger is, Barbara navigated us all through a crowded scene. We had to go down into the area under the church and there is a 14point Star where it is believed Jesus was born and an area where the manger would have been. This church is separated into sections based on three sects that have claim on it. Orthodox Greek and Russian if I remember right and one other. It is very ornate and unusual. It was too hot and crowded for me to fully experience what I was seeing. But I’m glad we got to go.

Next stop was Shepard’s Field — the area where flocks would have been kept and where the angels would have appeared to announce “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men”.

After this we walked to a restaurant. A lady named Ruth, another Palestinian Christian, owns this place and did a lovely job of feeding our massive group– schwarma and falafel, as usual. We bid Barbara a fond farewell and gave her a freewill offering into Yonatan’s hat.

This was all so valuable in helping us grasp even a tiny bit of reality.

We then headed to Mt. Zion and went to the place where Peter denied Jesus. A beautiful church. Then to the place where Jesus was held for trial. And to King David’s tomb, and to one place where Mary may have been buried.

We had to rush through as Shabbat was about to begin but there was so much beauty in the mosaics and paintings I’m glad we got to see it even briefly.

We have been blessed to get to know some of the people in our group, to know Barbara, Jonatan, and most of all to learn more about the roots of our faith!

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 7 – Israel 2018

Today started very early with a 5am walk into the Dead Sea. We were the only ones out there as the sun rose slowly. To go into the Dead Sea is like nothing else on earth. It was a little cool but as we gradually made our way in up to our knees we adapted. When we got waist deep Savannah said “It’s happening!” As you lift your feet you quickly go right into your back and start floating! It’s the craziest sensation – almost like wearing a life vest– you can easily turn over and over and be careful not to flail! It was so amazing! Like an ocean of lotion! So smooth and silky. We picked up hands full of salt and exfoliated. We gathered some salt and rocks to keep as souvenirs. It was magical.

After 45 minutes we headed in for showers then another breakfast buffet. We met our group and headed north to Masada. This is where Herod had a palace high above and the ruins are amazing. You should google it to learn the miraculous story!

It was very hot – in the 90s. We took a gondola up over the ruins then toured the vast walls and buildings with the most beautiful view of the Dead Sea.

We had lunch there and continued on toward Jerusalem. As we came out of the tunnel Yonathan played an old song about the city. It was powerful to see that city on a hill. We drove up to the mount of olives and toured the church at the garden of gethsemane. That too was very emotional to see the olive trees and the rock where it’s said Jesus prayed so hard that his forehead was bleeding.

We then walked down a very steep street to where it is said Jesus wept for Jerusalem. To see all the churches and the Temple Mount from the mount of olives was very moving.

Our bus then took us up to the Dung Gate. We passed through a security check point and went to the Wailing Wall. So many people and so many prayers pour out if that Wall daily. It’s very spiritual.

And now I’m exhausted and looking forward to a deep sleep before we head out tomorrow for Bethlehem!!

Once again no photos as the internet is soooo sllllooowwww

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 6 cont. Israel 2018

After another generous buffet breakfast we headed out – me with a runny nose and beginnings of a cold. That’s when it’s good to be traveling with Savannah, who has tinctures and remedies! Double dosed on elderberry tincture and lozenges.

We left the Sea of Galilee behind and headed to the River Jordan. Several people in our group of 35 decided to get baptized. As our fearless leader Yonathon is Jewish he found a pastor from one of the many groups and he did the dunking. A majority were catholic so I think they have never had an immersion. Next to us was a group of Brazilians who were very vocal and singing and shouting with each of their baptisms. It was quite a joyous occasion. The river was a beautiful emerald green and quite beautiful.

This is not the same place where John baptized Jesus. The river in that area is more like a ditch and full of sediment so the place we stopped is an organized place where there is a place to rent a white robe and towel and they issue certificates. Savannah and I washed our feet in the river.

At a gift shop I got honey for Nicki and date palm syrup for me and a bag of coffee for my hubby.

After this was all finished we headed to an area with Roman ruins dating back to BC. It was only uncovered in the 1980s and has the public bath house, amphitheater and bathrooms.

It was really hot today- up around 90. The air is dry and it gets quite difficult for some of our older travelers to walk around. But they are hanging in there!

We then traveled south along the border with Jordan and into the West Bank. You cross checkpoints going out but not coming in. We were waved through without any issues. We stopped in a place where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. We watched a brief film and went out to see the caves where they were first found by a 14 year old boy.

We continued south and the change in terrain became stunning. Huge, massive piles of rock mountains that look like they could crumble with just a sneeze. Miles and miles along the Dead Sea with the only real vegetation being acres of date palms. We saw the mount of temptation where Jesus was tested by Satan. We saw the caves in the mountains where David and Saul hid from one another.

We finally arrived at Herrods resort right on the Dead Sea. Just in time to get to our spa service we had ordered. Mine was a full body salt scrub and Massage followed by a jacuzzi tub soak. It was amazing. Savannah had a mud wrap and Massage.

It got too late to go float in the sea so we will arise at 5 tomorrow and go straight down to the beach before we take off for Jerusalem at 8.

Now we have eaten from another stunning buffet dinner with a huge population from Ukraine and Europe staying here as well. Our hotel is beautiful and luxurious and now I’m so sleepy I can’t say any more today!

I can’t add pics as WiFi is slow but trust me // it’s all amazing!!

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 6- Israel 2018

It’s morning on the Sea of Galilee

We kept the door open all night to have that gentle breeze wafting over our room. It’s warm and there are so many birds singing it sounds like a symphony with the ripples on the lake playing in the background.

I woke up suddenly at 2:30am from a dream I don’t remember but the reality of my mom being gone from this earth shook my soul. Though I know she is in the presence of the savior, who spent his life in the surrounding hills and water, I can’t fathom that I cannot tell her about this trip we are on.

I sat out on the balcony under that bright shiny moon and twinkling stars looking down in this famous body of water, trying to imagine Jesus going from this very spot. He preached, selected his disciples and lived his earthly life right here. Right where I am. It’s powerful.

I read half the book of Matthew while I was feeling restless. Seeing those ancient writings with this perspective is powerful.

Today we are heading to the Dead Sea. We are booked for Massage services later in the day. Some in our group are going to be baptized in the River Jordan today. That will be powerful stuff too! And of course I plan to float in the Dead Sea and experience the refreshing minerals.

Tomorrow we leave for Jerusalem. We found a shofar in Caperneum but decided to wait for Jerusalem to buy one!

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 5- Israel 2018

Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee started our day. The waters so peaceful and the breeze so refreshing. We are staying at the Leonardo hotel which has perfect views from our deck.

After a huge buffet breakfast we took the bus to the opposite side of the lake and went on board a wooden fishing boat. We were welcomed aboard with The Star Spangled Banner as the hung the American flag beside the Israeli flag. Then they played some contemporary Christian music as we were steered around the lake. It’s beauty is so much like Lake Roosevelt in Eastern Washington that I had to remind myself where we are! This is the place where Jesus walked in water. Where he called his disciples and where he spent so much of his earthly life. It was warm and sunny and pretty much perfect!

My eyes were filled with tears at the thought that my mom died two weeks ago and she would have loved knowing we were experiencing history live!

No photos to share due to super slow internet.

Sunny and high 70s

When we returned to shore we rode up to Caesarea Philippi where we could see ancient ruins of caves dedicated to the different Greek Gods. This is also the place where Peter and Jesus spoke about building the church.

We traveled along the Lebanese border to the Golan Heights and stopped in Tabgha at the site where Jesus fed 5000

After lunch consisting of falafel and salad we went to Capernaum which is the town of Jesus-/ where his ministry is centered.

We went to a museum with a fishing boat in display that dates to the first century.

We headed to the Mount of Beatitudes where a beautiful church has been erected. Our guide. Yonathan has done a good job keeping the scriptures relevant to what we are seeing.

And our final stop was Magdala – the city of Mary Magdalene. This was really touching to see first century ruins and a brand new church that has amazing paintings depicting several moments — the woman who touched jesus’ robe and was healed. Jesus walking on Water.

It has been a long day with lots of stops and starts. So absolutely beautiful

©Belindabotzong2018

Day 4 – Israel 2018

Sunny and high 70s

After a huge buffet breakfast we took the bus along the Mediterranean coastline north to Caesaria – considered the center of early Christianity. From there we went to Mt Carmel where Elijah challenged the false prophets. We had lunch nearby –falafel pita, which we ate outside on picnic tables.

From Mt Carmel we could see the Megiddo Valley where Armageddon will take place. We walked through old ruins that date back 30 generations. Beautiful sandstone and pillars.

Above/ Caesaria

Above-/ ruins on Mt Carmel

There were black millipedes up in the ruins that creeped me out. Otherwise we haven’t seen any wildlife except dozens of stray cats wherever we stop. And as my traveling partner is a crazy cat lady, Savannah makes a new friend wherever we stop.

From Mt Carmel we drove to Nazareth! Seems so surreal that we could do that. I imagined it to be quite rural but actually it’s built up on a hill in a mostly Arab area.

We went up to the large church which is built over the home of Mary, mother of Jesus. The home where she was when Gabriel came to tell her if God’s plan for a savior.

Inside that church we could get up close to her home and it was quite touching to feel that presence there.

The church and surrounding courtyards are filled with paintings or art depicting Mary. Each work is donated by a different country. It is a Franciscan Catholic Church. I saw the Mary from Italy, Brazil, USA and many other countries. Beautiful art in oils and stained glass and mosaics.

This was the first place we had to pay to use the bathroom. Two sheckles and NO toilet paper!

From there we walked back to our bus. I must say a word about our bus driver here. It seems he’s a magician as he maneuvers that huge bus up and down mountains, through narrow streets designed for a Donkey cart, and around roundabouts without blinking. He surely has some power that makes the bus stretch thin as people zip in and out and all around him!

Our final stop was to be the church at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast. We were dropped off and started walking down the alleyway of cobbled stones and were met by another group who said we missed the site– the church closed already. We were just going to read the story from the Bible when one of the ladies in our group stumbled. An ambulance had to be called and the police had to come get a report from our guide.

Finally we headed toward Tiberius to the Sea of Galilee and checked into the Leonardo Hotel. Its after sundown so we can’t see the lake yet but our balcony on the 9th floor overlooks the lake and the pool. Tomorrow we get to go sailing out there!

We just had a delicious buffet dinner/- oh my goodness so much food available. I can’t eat a lot of it but what I can eat is delicious.

Our tour guide has been awesome. He’s Jewish and about 40 years old. He’s extremely knowledgeable about scripture and history. He makes sure we read accounts in the old and new testaments to authenticate our experience.

I have to keep reminding myself we are really here, to pay attention and commit it to memory…and that I can’t tell my mom all about it when we get home.

©Belindabotzong2018