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Our first adventure on this part of our tour was learning that Israel takes seriously the seatbelt law. Norbert was not wearing...driver got summons. The west coast of the Dead Sea is a vast desert broken occasionally by date groves or condensation farms that are covered with plastic sheets and take what little moisture is in the air. The Dead Sea is all that you have heard. Floating is so sensational that everyone around is smiling broadly if not laughing outright. The mud oozing through our toes is on sale here in the U.S. for $5 per small jar. The Galilee is lush with vegetation in comparison with the arid desert to the south. There is a church or chapel in every location in which Jesus was supposed to have done something. These places were either named by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, or designated by the natives who were eager to sell crusaders whatever relics they could. If you are looking for the flavor of the gospels, you will need to use much imagination. |
Writing the summons | There is just desert between Jerusalem and Dead Sea. But one always needs gas. | Pilgrims at Dead Sea scrolls | Alternative for taxis. |
Desert, desert, desert surrounding Masada | Masada | Many pilgrims | Leo and Donna amongst the others | Remains of an ancient encampment besieging Masada |
The pilgrimage is a learning process |
Date grove in the Middle of the desert on the way to the Dead Sea swim | One just must bathe in the Dead Sea. | If you look carefully you can see Donna |
A market in Jericho | Jericho Greek monastery... | ...where Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights battling Satan | On the peripheríque up to the monastery |
Entrance to the monastery | Caves | Our driver and guide | Jordan River baptism |
Colombians on a pilgrimage to be... | ...baptized in the Jordan, but... | what is la rubia doing among the pious pilgrims? |
The beautiful Jordan River | Chapel near the mount of the beatitudes | Feed My Sheep |
St. Peter`s Memorial | A pilgrim at the Sea of Galilee | Remains of synagogue |
View from St. Peter`s | Nazareth back street | The church where was supposed to be the wedding at Cana Church | Nazareth main drag... |
...with Church of the Annunciation in back | Church of the Annunciation | Inside |
Free parking if you can find a space |