Finished Touring Israel

Sunday we decided to head back out to the Sea of Galilee to see a few places that were closed when we were there last week. It was raining most of the drive there, but were able to see the Jordan River, Capernaum and St.Peter's church in between showers. Back in town we took a trip to the grocery store which was fascinating for Mom and Dad. Dad and Ken spent most of the time next door in the “home store” finding all sorts of cool plugs and tools that they use here in Israel.

Monday we took another trip to Jerusalem. There is so much to see there. We left our house by 5:30am to participate in the tour that took you under the temple mount through the tunnels. It was fascinating!!! They had a great model showing what the temple area (Mt. Moriah) used to look like before all the buildings were constructed and shared some great history about the walls. After this tour we went through the Dung Gate and out to the City of David which also had a tour that was just starting so we quickly joined up with them. They showed us a short 3-D video and then we walked around the ruins of David's palace. We finished this tour with a walk through a pitch black cave, maybe a mile long which King David's men dug when they overtook the Jebusites living in the city. Later King Hezekiah expanded the tunnel to create a water source inside the city. Some people brought flashlights and Mom had her camera flash to light the way. The water in this tunnel went up past my knees in some places! It was a very cool tour.

Yesterday we had planned to go to the Tel Aviv Safari/Zoo. Ken and I had such a great time there earlier this summer. Unfortunately it looked like Portland weather here in Israel. It rained almost all day. By the time we got to the Safari/Zoo they told us all the animals are inside hiding from the rain and it probably wouldn't be worth it and that the park closed in 2 hours. It was disappointing that we didn't end up going. We drove to Jaffa where the prophet Jonah fled to Tarsish instead of going to Ninevah before heading to the airport. I dropped my parents off at the airport and then headed back home. It's so sad to see them go :-( We've had a fun/busy week.