Farewell Israel

Today was our last full day in Israel.   We left Tiberias and headed for Nazareth, where tradition says Jesus spent his childhood and youth, and visited Church of the Annunciation.  It was pretty fascinating.  All the murals and stained glass windows - gorgeous.  The current church is a two-story building constructed in 1969 over the site of an earlier Byzantine-era and then Crusader-era church. Inside, the lower level contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed by many Christians to be the remains of the original childhood home of Mary.

Our next stop was Haifa, which is on the Mediterranean.  The dust/sand was still causing poor visibility so my pictures seem fuzzy, but you'll get the idea.  The Baha'i Gardens and Baha'i Shrine (large golden dome building) are pretty magnificent.  I can only imagine what they look like on a clear day.  The Baha'i Shrine is the burial place for Abdu'l Baha, one of the central figures of the Baha'i religion.

The next stop on our way to Tel Aviv was the aquaduct of Caesarea and then the ruins.  Caesarea was brought about and constructed under the vision and direction of King Herod as a man-made seaport and contains ruins from the Roman, Byzantine and Crusader periods.  A large portion of the hippodrome and Roman theater still remain. In fact, while we were there, a stage and equipment were being set up for a concert in the theater.

The last stop and home of the airport we will leave from early, early morning is Tel Aviv.  We had a small city tour and dinner on the waterfront Promenade.  Unfortunately not much time to wonder around - must get a few hours shut eye before I have to head to the airport at 1:30am.

Our hotel is called the Cinema Hotel (an old movie house), so there are lots of movie and old camera/projector memorabilia around the hotel and in each room.

Hope you've enjoyed seeing my journey as much as I have taking it.  Until the next adventure. Shalom