Ok, so I have been shamed.
My mom has a blog. I don’t have a blog and my MOM does! So the time has come for me to start a one.
I decided to write about my recent trip to Israel. I hope that it’s not too boring and that it inspires people who would like to make the trip to do so. I am glad I went.
What started out as a favor helping a friend take over her pets in cabin, turned into a life changing event? One of my best girlfriends moved to Israel last October. She has two dogs and asked me to help her bring them over there. So this past Feb 29th, we boarded a flight to Atlanta which then led us to a very long flight to Israel.
I am afraid this might be a long entry if I am to encompass 7 days worth of wonderful sights and sounds. Bare with me, I am sure you will learn allot. I did.
Before I go onto Day 1, let me preface the trip by saying we packed HEAVY! All together we had 7 huge suitcases, 2 carry-ons, and 2 dogs in their kennels. Imagine fitting that in a Jeep Liberty! I am here to tell you that you can stuff a Jeep full of luggage and not even need to tie a passenger to the top in a rocking chair like Granny Clampet. It can happen Jeep lovers!
Day 1 ~ Friday, Feb 29th - Saturday, Mar 1st
We packed the Jeep and headed off to the airport. We arrived 3 hours early and it was a good thing we did. Toting so much around makes you very tired when trying to get to a flight.
We had a few hours layover in Atlanta and so we took the dogs out to be walked. It was kind of chilly there. I had never been to Atlanta before (that I am aware of) and the place is huge! We went through security and got to our gate after snacking on some pretty expensive McDonald’s fish sandwiches.
The security at the gate was tight. Once you checked in for the flight, you had to go through another security gate; evidently the Israelis really want to make sure you are squeaky clean when you come into their country.
On the flight over, which is roughly 12 hours, the dogs were quiet and I got to mingle with allot of the people on the flight in coach. Seems that allot of people take "Holy Land" tours. Coming up on Easter soon, I have heard that it will only get busier. My friend Allyson (the one I went with) has a travel agency in Jerusalem and so I think she is excited about the number of people coming to Israel. Rami and Kali were very good dogs on the plane. Both Allyson and I were surprised.
So we land in Tel Aviv around 5pm the next day (Saturday, Mar 1) and Allyson's friend Ihab comes to pick us up. It was getting dark so I didn’t get to see much of Tel Aviv. It’s sad because on my way home it was dark as well, so I really didn’t see much of Tel Aviv at all really.
Once Ihab dropped us off at Allyson's house in Ram Allah, she and I went to a local eatery and got some chicken to eat at home.
Day 2 ~ Sunday, Mar 2nd
I was woken up this morning by the most interesting sounds coming into the window around 5am. I heard the Muslim call to prayer. Very exciting except that I had not gotten that much sleep.
On our way out of Ram Allah, we tried to drive through the Atarok checkpoint to go the short way into Jerusalem, but there had been some unrest in Ram Allah the night before and the checkpoint was closed. There were several military jeeps and tanks in the middle of the checkpoint as well as dozens of Israeli military soldiers shooting weapons. I am not sure if they were shooting live rounds, rubber bullets or just throwing percussion grenades, but still, my heart went out to the people surrounding the checkpoint. Allyson thought out loud when the said “I wonder if we will be able to get back home tonight.”
We drove into Jerusalem and up to The Mount of Olives. I rode a camel and got to see the amazing Valley of Kildron. Here you overlook thousands of graves. Jewish and Muslim tombs above ground lay across the valley from each other. It has been said that the Jewish and Muslims have to die to be able to live side by side in peace. How tragic that is.
We drove into the "Old City" or City Center, and parked. We walked through the Damascus Gate, along the cobbled streets of the old city. Shops were closed in this part as the Palestinians were supporting the people of the Gaza strip. Allyson says that normally, the streets are hustling and bustling with people. I am sorry that I missed that.
Walking down the Via Dolorosa, knowing that this is where Jesus walked, was a little surreal. I can imagine that Jesus knew every street around the walled city. From the outside of the wall it looks like a huge castle, on the inside of the wall, there are thousands of little shops crammed in between stone walkways leading to who knows where. Staircases behind metal doors show that there are more places than what I saw. Allyson mentioned that people live as well as work in the old city so that’s where some of the stone staircases may lead. I am glad that Allyson suggested that I wear tennis shoes as the uneven stone streets are probably torture wearing shoes that really don’t support your feet.
Our final destination within the old city was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Along the way to the church, we began to pass markings on the wall. Stations of the Cross they are called. There are fourteen places where something significant happened while Jesus was walking with the cross to Calvary Hill.
The church itself was amazing. Although I am not Catholic, I still felt the rush of reverence and love for my Heavenly Father as I looked around at the ornate surroundings that incase His death and burial.
The extravagant alter in which you can pray and slip your hand into a hole and touch what the Catholics believe to be part of Calvary Hill. I don’t know otherwise, so I accept this. Back down winding stairs, you find a very large slab of granite where they feel Jesus was laid after he died on the cross. It is called the “Stone of Anointment” and there were several people reverently kissing the stone and praying at it. I touched it and thanked God for His sacrifice.
We stood in line to enter this huge ornate building within the church. Amazingly designed with beautiful bright colored gems and places to light candles around the building. Allyson told me that inside this monument the Catholics believe that Jesus was buried. We went inside and went inside the first room, a small area where no more than 4-5 people can fit in at one time, then leaning down to pass through another opening that held the actual alter or tomb. I am a Christian and believe that Jesus was buried in the Garden Tomb, but I fully respect what others believe. It was still a very amazing site to behold.
We walked back out of the old city down the same winding stone road that we came in on. I am still amazed that I actually walked where 2000 years before, my Savior walked. In awe really, simply in awe.
Once we left the old city, we stopped by a close friend of Allyson’s house and had a light lunch. Sana and Rida were absolutely wonderful. I do hope to meet them again in the future. My first true Palestinian meal consisted of: Pita bread, Hummus, Hot dogs, Egg omelets, olives, and a salty white cheese. They call that a light meal but I got full pretty quick. I learned I don’t like hummus.
We left Sana’s house and went to Allyson’s office. It’s cute but small and very cold.
Day 2 ~ Monday, Mar 3rd
Today we drove through Jerusalem into Bethany. Bethany is where Sana and her sister Rida have their clothing shop. Very beautiful clothing. Sana took us to her new house. Oh my goodness it’s beautiful. I don’t think that I have ever seen such beautiful style inside a house. She served us a very unique meal called Malfoof. It is a cabbage roll type of food with rice and some meat mixture inside and then boiled. I don’t like cabbage as a rule, but these were so good that I think I will make them at home someday. My parents like cabbage so I might make it for them one day.
The view from Sana’s back verandah is AMAZING! You see the valley below in all of its splendor. Homes jutting from the edge of the valley walls, some made of stone (as are most of the houses and buildings in Israel) and some made of corrugated sheets of tin. There was a litter of puppies down in the valley. Ally said that if she could reach them, she would bring one home. I don’t think Rami and Kali would appreciate that too much.
It is sad, one thing I have noticed in the West Bank that there is trash everywhere. The scenery is very beautiful, but the hill sides are littered with garbage. Looking down into the valley behind Sana’s house, I saw more trash, just dumped down into the valley walls.
Before we left Sana’s house we heard some bells, we went outside and saw them most curious site. A shepherd was walking his flock of goats up the hill and right up the street. WOW! I got a photo!
We went back into Jerusalem and to Allyson’s office to work and do some emailing.
Once back in Ram Allah, we went to this quaint little pizza house called Osama’s Pizza. Very yummy pizza.
Day 4 ~ Tuesday, Mar 4th
Today we went into Bethlehem. Wow, what an adventure. No really, it was!
First, we went to a huge souvenir shop called Nissan’s. Nissan is a friend of Allyson’s and he is very sweet. I did most of my shopping there for all of my friends and coworkers back at home. I spent only around $150 dollars because Nissan’s employee George hooked me up with everything olive wood at a great discount. I am not going to tell you how much of a discount cause he may not be so nice to you. Hehe
Then we went to another friend of Allyson’s store name Kando Store. The store was full of an eclectic selection of amazingly expensive jewelry and artifacts from centuries ago to a large array of olive wood nativity sets and souvenirs. Allyson’s friend Shibly Kando is one of the owners of the store. The Kando store has one of the large jars that the Dead Sea Scrolls was found in. Very exciting.
I picked out a few things to purchase in his store and then went to check out and he so kindly gave them to me for free. That was nice of him. Allyson and I were killing time looking at the jewelry and I say a ring that I thought was dainty and beautiful. Allyson asked me if I wanted it (as a thank you for helping her bring her dogs… not that she had not done enough already by funding most of the trip) and she had them resize it to fit me. There is something about Allyson’s heart that just amazes me. Every time I look at my hand and see my new ring, I am touched by her.
Outside of the Kando store we heard some noise, so we went out to look. The Kando store is right in front of part of the wall that surrounds Bethlehem. It’s a tall concrete wall with iron gates and towers at various locations. One of those locations happens to be in front of the Kando store. Outside (West Bank side) of the gate/wall, the Israeli military solders were using a bull dozer to scrape the streets clean of rocks that the Palestinians had thrown at the iron gate. The bull dozer started chasing a few men who were standing in the street watching. The driver was a jerk. He was just messing around but I didn’t think it was funny. Perhaps he was trying to warn, scare or send a message to the men in the streets. Regardless, he was a jerk.
There were two Israeli military trucks outside of the gate and the soldiers were walking around. Evidently there were people down the street throwing rocks and causing a riot because the soldiers began to shoot tear gas canisters down the street. You can see the gas sailing in the air towards the people gathered. It’s a shame that the people of the PA (Palestinian Authority) have to resort to rocks to state their displeasure. They are not allowed other weapons. Rocks are all they have.
Afrom, Shibly’s cousin walked with me outside as I took photos. Afrom is a very nice person as well. I have yet to meet anyone who was not kind and gracious. What is the fuss about? Why are Muslims hated?
The two military trucks drove down the street and so Afrom let me walk into the street to take a better look down the road. I say he let me, I didn’t have to obey, but I trusted his judgment and asked him if I would be safe walking in the street to get a better look. I took more photos of the soldiers down the street and even caught some of the soldiers loading two people into the back of one of the trucks. The guard in the tower yelled at us to go back inside the parking lot and Afrom and I went back inside the store. When we looked out a window in the front of the store, we saw them unload the two people they caught and they took them inside the gate (the Jerusalem side) and the trucks followed them. I guess the riot was over for a bit. One of the things Afrom said will stick with me forever. He said “It’s possible that those two people will never come back out of the gate again.” How sad to see that they may either be killed or imprisoned for just defending their voice. For doing something that people here in America take for granted, the freedom of assembly and speech. It’s heartbreaking to know that it’s true when Allyson says the people live in a prison with out a roof and that the birds have more freedom than the people.
We ordered lunch from a little restaurant down the street and they delivered it (I think, either that or it magically appeared on the table…lol.)
Day 5 ~ Wednesday, Mar 5th
Today was exciting. We drove to the Dead Sea. The drive south takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on where you access the beaches. The road down to the Dead Sea was absolutely amazing. I am still in awe of God’s might hand and His splendid wonders.
Passing Bedouin camps along the road was interesting. Knowing that these people will pick up and move around again and have for thousands of years with simple belongings, makes you wonder if they know more than those who settle down and collect stuff. Not that I am considering taking up that kind of lifestyle but it does make me wonder about the “stuff” I have collected and is it really necessary to surround myself with possessions?
The mountains that you drive through show the layers of time. Herds of livestock (mainly sheep and goats) dot the hills and every once in a while you see a camel tied up to a post on the side of the road. I am not sure why as there wasn’t anyone around to watch them. * shrugs *
As we went further and further below sea level you see markers along the way stating how far below you have gone. At 1,378 ft below sea level, its shores are the lowest point on the surface of the Earth that is on dry land.
We passed palm tree farms and side roads leading to spas and various oases along the way. We also passed the road that leads to the Qumran caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. *More about the Dead Sea Scrolls in a later post.
We spent about 4 hours on the beaches. I floated in the Dead Sea! It was amazing. Feeling the oils and salts on my skin, just enveloping me in a smooth skin sensation. I collected salts to take home in a bag. There was a group of Nigerians who didn’t get in the water as they didn’t have the time or the clothing so I scooped up salts in my shoes and gave the salts to them. It was funny, they didn’t touch it at first and then when one did, they all wanted it. They kept bringing me soda bottles, plastic cups, and plastic bags to put salt in. They were almost fighting over who would get some first. Ally says I have a knack for making friend wherever I go.
There is a McDonald’s down at the lower part of the Dead Sea, in the area of En Boqeq. The sign is in English on one side and Hebrew on the other. Inside the menu and all written items are in Hebrew. Unless you know what the photos mean, you can’t understand anything unless you read Hebrew. Luckily I know what the fish sandwiches look like. If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get cheese on anything that has meat on it. Israel is kosher. Don’t worry, I asked for cheese on my fish sandwich.
On the way back to Ram Allah from the Dead Sea, we stopped for dinner in Jericho. Allyson suggested a wonderful restaurant called Temptations Restaurant. She knows the owner Walid. As soon as he saw her drive up, he rushed to the car and told her he was going to make her favorite meal. Lamb chops. There was a fruit stand outside and I wanted some fruit. I picked out oranges, grape fruit, strawberries and apples and went to pay for them but was told that there was no charge for me. Such nice people.
We ate a dinner consisting of mezze which is like an appetizer. There were Turkish salad, tahini (parsley salad), fried cauliflower, hummus, olives, and chicken wings and then came chicken breasts and lamb chops. All served with a never ending flow of very fresh lemonade.
For dessert… oh my goodness, if I could ever find it here in the states… I would never eat anything else. It was a pastry of sorts made from layers of pastry dough and sweet cheese. It was a layer of dough, a layer of sweet cheese, another layer of dough then topped with a shredded fiber substance and baked. Melts in your mouth.
I walked around the souvenir shop and picked up some t-shirts for my nephew and other little things and then we left for home.
Day 6 ~ Thursday, Mar 6th
Today on our way to Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity, we had car trouble. So we stopped at Kando store again as they also have a gas station/garage so they worked on Allyson’s car while we waited. I got to pick up my ring and a few other things that Shibley gave me.
We went to the Church of the Nativity and found the Nigerians again. The church has such a reverent atmosphere. Seeing where Jesus was born and the manger emitted such a strong emotion in me. Walking in the hallowed halls of the church, listening to a group of tourists sit in the pews where Mass is held, singing songs of worship brought on chills. Walking into the court yard and looking up at the bullet holes in the façade where the church was shot at in a standoff a few years ago saddened me. Once we gathered our emotions we left.
We stopped by Allyson’s hairdresser Elias and he cut my hair. I cried when he cut my long hair into short layers. A lot of people tell me that my hair looks better now so I guess he knew what he was doing. He has such a heartbreakingly beautiful son.
Once we left Bethlehem and were back in Ram Allah, we got home and waited for Ihab to come and pick us up. He wanted to take us out to dinner. He took us to a nice authentic restaurant called Zahora’s. it was nice; I ordered something familiar that I have had in the states. Chicken towooq, meaning chicken kabob. Yummy stuff.
Ihab dropped us off and I packed for the next day.
Day 7 ~ Friday, Mar 7th – Saturday, Mar 8th
Today I am leaving. I am excited about seeing my cats and family but I am truly going to miss the life I have had for the last week. Everything is at a slower pace. No one is in a rush (except for the taxi drivers) and the people seem to take time for each other. It is nice. It makes me appreciate spending every Friday evening with my mom even more.
Since I packed last night, I showered and dressed. Ally and I sat on her patio and enjoyed the morning. I made fruit salad using the fruit we got in Jericho and it was great.
We loaded the suit cases in the car (only 2 came home with me) and then went into Allyson’s office for a few hours until Ihab came to pick us up and take me to the airport in Tel Aviv.
On the way to the airport, Ihab gave me two small containers. Each had a rosewood rosary inside. One for me and one for my mom. I don’t know why he gave them to me but it was a very sweet gesture on his part. I very much enjoyed meeting him. He is a great person.
I got to the airport and went through a violating screening before heading to my gate. I am excited to get home at this point and not looking forward to the 14 hour flight home.
I didn’t sleep a wink on the flight to Atlanta; in fact I watched 6 movies. Grrr.
Back in Atlanta it started to snow and sleet. I got to my gate and boarded the 2 hour flight home. When I got home I almost kissed Texas land!
I got my Jeep and headed home to my babies. Oh my gosh I had missed them. I cuddled with them for an hour or so and then we laid down for a nap.
Got up and went to my mom’s house to see her and my dad. Did laundry and sorted through bags and bags of souvenirs.
I had a great time and would go back in a heartbeat.
Thanks for reading,
Dream in Pink!
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