Israel (Bruchim Habaim)

          The country of Israel offers plenty of opportunity for adventure, fine dining, or just plain fun. It is an ancient country with many exotic locales that encompass a wide area of historical places. Visit Jerusalem, with it's ancient temples and cultural diversity. Learn about the Crusades in the port city of Acre. If you prefer 21st century fun, I advise you to travel to Tel Aviv and take advantage of the night life. Indulge under the Mediterranean sun in Caesarea and learn about the marvelous ancient architecture commissioned by Herod.. The weather is moderate, the people are friendly and the food is great!

 Map can be located at: http://start.csail.mit.edu/startfarm.cgi?query=Can+you+show+me+a+map+of+Israel

Brief Background:

          The nation of Israel is situated in the Middle East surrounded by Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. I had the pleasure of visiting Israel numerous times beginning with a port of call with the U.S. Navy. Out of all the places in my visit Jerusalem resonated with me the most. It's majestic temples combined with different historical periods all in one geographical location. On one corner near the old city walls you can catch a glimpse of Muslim pilgrims visiting the Temple Mount. Facing the Wailing Wall Jews offer prayers for guidance while Christians visit the different cathedrals within the old city walls. The country is full of history and offers many opportunities for fun in the sun. I marveled at the diversity that Israel has to offer. 

         The modern state of Israel was created in 1948 as a homeland for the Jews. Theodore Herze, a member of the Zionist movement initiated attempts to establish Israel. Under the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and support from the British Government, the creation of a Jewish homeland in the land of Palestine began to gain momentum. For detailed information please visit this link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3581.htm#people

Jerusalem

          I approached the city walls in Jerusalem with amazement! The streets were packed with tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.  The aroma of fresh fruits, vegetables and roasted meat all add to the experience of travel. Like many ancient places the old city was constructed as a fortress, protecting the inhabitants and religious temples within the confines. Subterranean canals were built to allow for the flow of fresh water and in some cases to provide secret passages. The picture below illustrates an old channel built before the time of Christ. Remember Jerusalem is more than 5,000 years old. One cannot help but marvel at the engineering feat required to design, build and then implement these wonderful works for the benefit of all its inhabitants. Jerusalem is also heavily influenced by many other cultures including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantium, and European Christianity. Jerusalem definitely offers old world charm as you can see from the images.

          Take a look at the photo below! Our tourist guide told us that this is where the Last Supper supposedly took place. Notice that there is something strange with this theory. The answer lies within the architecture. The building has a Romanesque architectural design structure and it was built during the Crusades. Throughout the centuries many Christians visited Jerusalem as pilgrims to pray or collect sacred relics ( for example a piece of the cross, etc). The Crusades were wars fought between Christians and Muslims both claiming the Holy Land as a sacred place. These wars lasted for several centuries.  

Acre 

           Acre is situated in the northern part of Israel. The city is heavily influenced by Arabic cultures and makes it a prime location for sun bathing, dining, and more dining. If you like authentic foods Acre is the place to visit. The dishes are prepared with middle eastern spices coupled with vegetables and tasty meats. For seafood lovers there are plenty of fresh fish. Amidst the ruins left by the Crusading Knights, Acre offers excellent opportunities for souvenir collecting as well. Sitting with family and friends at the restaurant I could not help notice the local kids diving from the old city wall pictured below. I guess the water is not shallow around those parts! After lunch we visited the museum of the old Turkish Bath. The bath was a meeting place for many locals to conduct business, catch up on the latest gossip, or just relax. The people living in Acre are very friendly. Just walk through the streets and glimpse at the myriad of enticing colors, talk with the people, or just enjoy a cold glass of freshly squeezed lemons.



         

  Images of old city wall and arches from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Akko-Citadel.jpg  

http://en.enwikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pizaniwall.jpg

Photos from the market place in Acre:

Caesarea

The ancient port city of Caesarea is located between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The city was revitalized by King Herod the Great and named after his patron and benefactor Augustus Caesar. Many of the ancient buildings were commissioned by him and still stand to this day. The maritime port was the envy of the ancient world allowing merchant vessels to bring goods and trade, spurring the local economy. King Herod encouraged these activities but was not liked by the majority of his people.  

          



                                               

Roman Aqueduct courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caesarea.jpg                             

                                                                                        
   

Take a look at this video which provides a glimpse of what Israel has to offer:

Video can be located at youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or476fgFnV4

"My contemporaries in Israel have a love for life that`s amazing. There, there is not the luxurious and rich existence of material goods of Hollywood films, every day they struggle to survive, but they still have an enthusiasm difficult to find elsewhere."

-Natalie Portman