Israel! Tel Arad, Hebron, Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Mtns

Our second day was just as busy. We left Beersheva in the morning and our first stop was Arad. Arad is an ancient city, dating back to 3000 BC, built on layers as a lot of the cities are. In Numbers 21, it is called Horma.



On top of the fortress mound, there was a temple,


and the lookout tower that overlooked the Canaanite city. It was so cold and rainy, we did not go down to the city ruins, but I just took a picture from the top.


The Negev plains were below (we are to the north of Beersheva, so it is farmland).


We continued on to Judean mountain, where we had snow! (Again, another first according to Pastor Rick!)
Abraham lived in the capital, Hebron. (Gen 13:18). And David ruled as king over Judah fom Hebron. Over the years there has been so much conflict in the area.
In 1929 during WWI British Jewish families settled Hebron, then were killed by Arabs. Arabs controlled until 1949, when Jordan became the occupying presence. In 1967 after the 6-day war, Israelis returned. In 1991, it was shared but now is a Muslim town again. 1991 there was a negotiation with 3 zones, 1) Civilian Palestinians, 2) Mutual, and 3) Israel. It has not been implemented yet, and in 2011, the 2) Mutual was cancelled.

Herod the Great was one of the greatest builders in the history of the Holy Land. He built a shrine over the Cave of the Patriarchs, or the Cave of Machpelah, the burial site of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah. The only Matriarch missing is Rachel. Genesis 23 tells of Abraham purchasing the field as a burying place. Records in Genesis tell of them being buried there.


This is considered the second holiest place to the Jewish people, and many still come to pray and leave prayer notes

Another place he built was the Herodion, which was one of his most impressive constructions.




The fortress was on the upper city and a palace on the lower city. Water cisterns consists of an underground network of tunnels from the first and second Jewish revolts against Romans.



This opening is from the courtyard to draw water up. It was a little eerie to be where the water actually was.
A panoramic view of the fortress.....hope you can see it okay! I cannot figure out how to make it bigger, but it does give a better overview of the structure.


I think what amazed me about all of the ruins we saw was the scope and size. The ingenuity, time and labor that went into these structures was truly unbelievable.
All of the views were fantastic...... NE to Jerusalem
SW to Bethlehem
E to the Dead sea ( Hope you can make it out, it is just passed the mountain ranges)

As we continued to Bethlehem, it continued to snow.
The bus driver graciously pulled over for the benefit of these disadvantaged CA folk who do not get to see snow!!


One of the highlights for everyone on the trip was our encounter with a Romanian group of Christians at Ruth's Restaurant in Bethlehem (Best Falafel we had!!) We had just finished eating and another group on the other side of the restaurant started singing "Blessed Assurance" in their language. Recognizing the tune, we joined in English! They all stood up and came over and we sang some more, including "Hark the Harold Angels Sing"


After lunch, we visited the Basilica Nativity,
where the Manger and birthplace of Christ is enshrined.


The door was really short... to prevent horsemen from riding in!

The inside was almost distracting to me, considering this is honoring the place (a stable) Christ was born.



The Greek,
Armenian

and Catholic

each have a place to worship here.

To me, this scene in the courtyard was more of a depiction of his birth!


As we walked away to get on the bus, we passed the Stars and Bucks! Starbucks was in Israel for about 6 months, but the coffee was not strong enough for them. Seeing Paul's coffee, I can understand.... the spoon could stand up in it!


We spent the 3rd-7th nights in Jerusalem at the King Solomon Hotel. This is in the lobby.


Again, our room was fabulous!
And we had a fabulous view of the western wall of old Jerusalem!

The Leonardo had a great buffet but the King Solomon had an even better (if that could be....) one.

Salads galore

Desserts and main dishes

And just as much or more for Breakfast, including desserts!!

Since we still had no luggage, we decided to get a few things at a mall close to the hotel

When we got back, of course, the luggage was waiting for us! Insurance that the weather will now warm up for us, since we have our rain coats and umbrellas!

There was rioting at the Dome....our guide was good about changing our schedule due to the unrest, and we felt very safe!