Holy Land Tour Day 2

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Day Two started out in Caesare. This city was built in 22 BC by Herod the Great in honor of Augustus Caesar. The harbor had to be "built" as there was no deep water. Herod devised a way to build walls "under the sea", and the city flourished. It is midway between the trade routes of Damascus and Egypt. The Crusaders also "used" Caesare, after the Roman Empire fell, and many earthquakes, and conquerors put an end to this city's importance, not to mention destroying its man made harbor.

The amphitheater, hippodrome, and aqueducts are the large remaining structures. The amphitheater has been refurbished, and in good weather, is used as the ancients did..concerts, rallys, etc.

We saw the courtyard where Paul appealed to Agrippa, as to why he was being arrested, and what he had done. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he left for Rome from Caesare and was beheaded for his "crimes". Roman citizens were killed quickly, so as not to suffer.

The aqueducts were built to bring water from Mount Carmel (10 miles)and we got a good look at them on Caesare Beach. Many people were spending their Shabatt enjoying the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean.

We then traveled to Mount Carmel, where we visited the City of Haiffa and the beautiful Bahi'a Gardens. We also visited a small church called Stella Mares. The supposed site of Elijah's Cave is in this church, surrounded by beautiful adornments commemorating Elijah's important roles as a prophet. It is believed this is the cave in which he hid after challenging, defeating, and then killing the prophets of Baal on the top of Mount Carmel.

We had lunch at a little "cafe" nearby. The Falafel was excellent!!

As we left Haiffa, Sam told us about the Hezbollah missiles that actually landed in this city. We saw the restored house that had been completely destroyed.

It was then a short trip to the Jezreel Valley and the ancient city of Meggido. This city had a 7000 year history of human settlements..26 to be exact. Each one was built on top of the other. A few layers have been uncovered, and excavations continue on. This place was fascinating, and I would love to visit again and spend more time. As you stand atop the city, and view the Jezreel Valley, you can understand why John's revelation saw this as the site for the final battle of Armeggedon. Here is this valley surrounded by Mount Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal, the mountains of Samaria, Mount Tabor, where Jesus went through His Transfiguration, and the mountains of Nazareth.

It was almost my Armeggedon, when we had to walk down 186 steps to the springs, and then back up 80 some steps to the top....PHEW!!!

Back on the bus we went for our trip to Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee. We checked into our hotel which is right on the Sea, which really is more of a very large lake, fed by the Jordan River.

After another wonderful dinner, we have retired to our room, ready to embark on a wonderful day revisiting some of Jesus' miracles, teachings, and the calling of the first twelve disciples. Until tomorrow....