Tag along...: November 2015

Nothing better than throwing rocks into a large body of water. Near Savona, Italy just outside our hotel balcony.

Kids are growing up!

Nice shot, Zane!

After boarding Costa Pacifica (Nov1, 2015), we headed directly for Olympia, Greece. One of the first places was a museum just next to the archeological park housing the Temple of Zeus.

Nixon was admiring the interesting pine cones lining the sidewalks.

Inside the archeological park on the way to the temple ruins.

Some of the downed columns of Zeus' Temple.

This stadium was the location for the first Olympics ever to be held.

Zane admiring his name being listed on information boards.

Some more ruins. One might ask why I did not crop out the dude on the right. Well, Zane ran into him on multiple occasions while on the ship and they had some good conversations and ping pong battles.

Handsome ole' dude welcoming visitors to the grounds with some fancy clarinet playing in exchange for some spare change. He was kind enough to let me take his picture.

Next stop (unexpected as the other port was on strike) - Santorini, Greece. Home of the RedBull Free Running Championships. One can see why they picked this place for the competition. Breathtaking views with back-to-back buildings and homes.

The kids...well us too...always like taking a less serious picture. This one turned out a little awkward, however.

A friend from our church said that Lucky's had some of the best food on the island so we decided to hit it up. Best Gyros and Tzatziki I think I have ever had!

After dinner, time to head back to the ship!

The prospect of going to Israel is probably the main reason we took this cruise. We were on edge the whole time given the civil unrest seen in the news with multiple stabbings occurring weekly. Our port was changed from Ashdod to Haifa. However, after discussing things further with our guides, they were confident with our safety and we pressed forward. Haifa added a about 2.5 hours travel time from the port but we were able to make a pretty neat trek through places we have spent our lives reading about. They suddenly became real. Tangible. Audible, with a smell of rain. The maps looked over many times in primary and Sunday school finally began to make sense.

View of Nazareth at about 60mph. Had to make up some time.

We were able to make a the trip from Nazareth to Jerusalem in a small fraction of the time it would have taken our Lord.

After passing through Jerusalem we were able to see the West Bank and the wall separating the territories.

Bedouins along the roadside. Apparently they are incredibly hospitable. However, if they poor you a full cup of coffee your visit should be a short one. A half cup means you are welcome to stay as they will continue to fill up your cup.

The land was rather barren as we travelled down below sea level.

300 meters below sea level. Off to the left, Jericho was barely visible through the dusty and rainy weather.

On our way to Masada (to the left was the Dead Sea) we passed by a rather mountainous region with multiple caves lining the cliffs. The oasis seen on the right is where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

Masada. I think. This may have been the ridge just to the right.

Awaiting the gondola ride up to the top.

Ruins of one of King Herod's palaces can be seen above Nixon's left arm and hand.

Not sure what Zane was doing...

Overlooking the Dead Sea.

Interesting cloud break.

After swimming (floating) in the Dead Sea we headed back up the hill and crossed over into Palestinian territory in Bethlehem. Here along the wall were graffitied dreams and wishes of many of the Palestinian people. It is hard to see walls built in this manner. One of my favorite phrases I read was, 'Make Hummus Not Walls'.

We then drove by the field where they believe the shepherds saw the star that appeared at Christ's birth and found an ATM to get money for dinner. (I found it amusing that we stopped at an ATM in the West Bank.) After an amazing dinner we crossed back to Jerusalem. Did not realize that our hotel was within the old city walls. We stayed in the Muslim quarter, in a Muslim hotel. It was beautiful to see their hospitality, generosity and kindness in a world that is increasingly generalizing all Muslims as radicalized. Not too mention the chef made a pretty awesome breakfast omelettes.

Top floor of the hotel overlooking old city Jerusalem at about 5am. Unfortuantely, Dome of the Rock was pretty well hidden by the fog. It is surrounded by the bright white lights off to the right. I made all the kids wake up to take in the views at 6am.

Breakfast at the bottom of the hotel.

Businesses starting to open in old city Jerusalem.

On our way for some site seeing before going to church.

Many were on the way to the Western (Wailing) Wall.

Western Wall with Dome on the Rock in the background.

After the Western Wall we were approached by a store owner who lead us to the rooftops of the old city which offered some pretty neat views. Unfortunately the weather did not quite cooperate.

Nothing like a little free running by Nix!

Our latter day warriors.

Gate leading into the old city.

After church at the BYU Jerusalem Center.

The only gate leading into the old city that is sealed off. I believe it is named the Golden Gate. Some believe that when Christ returns he will open this gate. These pictures are taken from the Mount of Olives and Orson Hyde Memorial Garden.

The place in which many consider to be the Garden of Gethsemane.

Golgotha. The shape of the rocks used to make the shape of a skull when viewed from far away. Hence the description in the New Testament.

Our driver, Johnny, and tour guide/olive wood shop owner, Jimmy. Two awesome guys that made our experience so memorable. Obviously, Nixon was thrilled. That wrapped up Jerusalem.

After Israel, back to Greece. This stop. Athens.

Changing of the guard.

Rome!!! (A little lunch while waiting for the train.)

Colosseum

Ruins surrounding the Forum.

This arch (Arch of Titus) was interesting to see, especially after having visited Israel and Masada. This was constructed to commemorate the Romans victory over the Jewish Nation.