April 28th -Day 1...
Leave Salt Lake City, fly to Cairo....via Chicago & Paris. Holy Crap was that a long day of travel!!!
April 29th -Day 2...
After traveling for well over 24 hours and losing 9 hours, we finally arrive in Cairo and make it to our hotel with energy for dinner and that's about it!
April 30th - Day 3...
Exploring Cairo and the Pyramids! This was a very FULL day!
The ancient city of Memphis, (founded in 3100 BC) - there are some incredible ruins and a HUGE rock carving of Ramses almost fully in tact. Very cool!
Egyptian Museum - I am not usually a huge museum person (sometimes they are a little boring) but this was really cool. It houses all of the artifacts recovered from King Tut's tomb. His fully intact tomb with all his possesions was discovered in 1922 in nearly perfect condition. It was very cool. Some of you may have seen parts of this exhibit at BYU. It is pretty fascinating. We saw gold plated thrones, jewelry, chairs, sarcophagus' and more.
We finished the day with a sunset cruise along the Nile. Truth be known...the Nile is one of the most disgusting, vile bodies of water I have ever seen, however it still seemed magestic to be "Sailing the Nile". It also gave us some great views of downtown Cairo.
May 1st - Day 4...
A little more Cairo and a LOT more traveling as we head to Sinai.
We stopped at the Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque (Mosque of Mohammad Ali)this morning. Although nowhere near the oldest, it is one of the most popular Islamic mosques. It was interesting, but I did not like having to take my flip flops off and walk around barefoot with all the other people. It kind of grossed me out and I was pretty anxious to leave!
Alabaster Mosque in Cairo
Next, it was time for a ridiculously long bus ride as we headed down south towards Mt Sinai! It is about a 7 hour drive through the wilderness....literally.
We went through the Suez Canal which was cool and then it was vast nothingness!!! We reached the base of Mt Sinai that evening and visited St Catherine's Monastery which is beautiful. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world at over 1400 years old and it is beautifully maintained. It is built around what is believed to be Moses' Burning Bush. It was really beautiful and very interesting.
Monastary Entrance
The Burning Bush
May 2nd, Day 5...
How about a 1:30am wake up call, a summit climb, more long bus rides and a cruise across the Red Sea only to end up in another country! Now THAT is an action packed day!!
Sunrise on the top of Mt Sinai! AWESOME----but one of the hardest things I have done! You can take a camel about 2/3 the way up then you have to climb the rest of the way. It is a rocky stepped climb and very hard. Chris, my 76 year old Dad and I all did it. (My mom was smart and stayed home in bed) Although, you couldn't get me to do it again, it was so worth it to get to the top. It was so humbling and absolutley breathtaking!! It was freezing up on top and I had not taken enough warm clothes, so Chris just kept shedding layers and giving them to me. He is the best and definately got the award for the Toughest Man....they were people up there in full winter coats, still shivering and Chris was in a T-shirt while I was wearing my own clothes and all of his! I love that guy! After the sunrise, it was time to head back down this time the whole way...no camels. It was every bit as hard as going up. Coming down on steep rocky paths killed my knees. By the time we reached the bottom, my legs were like jelly! It was brutal! I was so proud of my Dad for doing it! He was amazing!!! It killed my 32 year old (now 33) body and he kept up the whole way and even sprinted the last 50 yards! WOW!
My awesome Dad!
My cute friend Ranae & I...we were tethered together on the camel ride up. Fun Memories...Fun Lady!
WE MADE IT!!!
FREEZING, BUT SO WORTH IT!
Trying to blend in with the camels! This picture makes me smile every time! I love this guy!
After a quick shower and breakfast it was back on the bus for a drive over to the Red Sea. We stopped at a beautiful resort and had lunch and played in the water for a little bit. After our early morning hike, I was tempted to stay there on a hammock for the rest of the 2 week vacation. But, alas we boarded the yacht for a cruise across the Red Sea and into Jordan. It was so beautiful! Chris and I could definately go back and stay along the Red Sea. It was amazing!
Red Sea Resort 
Hotel in Jordan
May 3rd, Day 6...
PETRA! Nothing to say but incredible....we could have spent many days there! The pictures will never, ever do it justice. It's believed that 85-90% of the city is still buried...I hope to go back again someday.
My cute Mom and her fancy matching horse on the way into Petra
The narrows on the hike in were breathtaking!
The famous treasury
After leaving Petra we were off to the Israel border crossing, which was a little bit of a process, but worth it! Once we got through the border, our Israeli tour guide came on the microphone and said "Welcome to Israel" and we all cheered. It was a really awesome moment, and one I will probably never forget. Not long after crossing over into Israel, we crossed over the beautiful Jordan River and continued to make our way up to the Galilee! Israel was so much more beautiful than I imagined and expected. It is green, there is lots of agriculture and it just felt good to be there! We finally made it up to our hotel in Tiberias which was site on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was amazing and so beautiful! Surreal is the word that kept coming to mind!
The day ended with the highlight of being able to attend a short sacrament meeting service at the LDS branch building in Tiberias. Chris was asked to help pass the sacrament and Dad was asked to speak. It was really amazing to be in a beautiful, small LDS chapel overlooking the Sea of Galilee, singing and partaking of the sacrament. This is why we came on this trip!
May 4th, Day 7...
We got up early to watch the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Galilee! It was so lovely, things continue to feel surreal! I understand why the Savior loved this place so much, it is beautiful.
Just outside out hotel watching the sunrise....Breathtaking! (the sunrise...not ME)
We also visited:
Tel Megiddo - site of the final battle of Armegeddon. It is ancient ruins that have been built one on top of another. I think our guide said that they have found 25 layers of civilizations, dating back 3000-4000 years!
Mt Carmel - We spent some time reading scriptures here in a grove of trees. It is awesome to read the names of places in the scriptures and realize that you are sitting right there!
Caesarea - We drove out to the Mediterranean coast this afternoon to Casarea. It is a city right on the coast, built by King Herod about 22 BC. It is amazing. You can see the foundation remains of a HUGE palace that he had built as well as an amazing theatre/coliseum. We read the scriptures and sand hymns while sitting in this theatre looking out at the Med. Ocean. It was awesome. Caesarea is also where a stone was found that was engraved with Pontius Pilate's name. Pretty Cool.
Caesarea
Me and my gentelmen friend in King Herod's Palace...Caesarea
May 5th, Day 8...
Every day seems to get better than the previous if that is possible! Today's highlights:
Caesarea Philippi -"Who do men say that I am?" We read very powerful scriptures here. It is also the said birthplace of the greek-god Pan.
Caesarea Philippi
Tel Dan - Now a beautiful nature preserve, once was important in Caananite history.
Beautiful Tel Dan
The Mount of the Beattitudes - So beautiful and such a strong spirit. Reading the Sermon on the Mount and being there looking out over the Sea of Galilee was incredible.
Tabgha - The site of the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes---we also had lunch at a great restaurant on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and ate the "Peter Fish" as it is called. What a great day!
Tabgha
Check out our lunch!!
Capernaum- This afternoon, we spent in Capernaum, a very special place where Christ spent much time during his ministry and performed many miracles. There are some incredible ruins of a synagogue as well as what is believed to be Peter's house.
The arc of the covenant rock
Galilee Musuem - About 10 years ago, some fishermen on the Sea of Galilee discovered a boat buried on the shore that is confirmed to be from the time of Jesus. It is absolutely incredible to see. They call it the "Jesus Boat" and although there is no proof that the Savior had any link to this specific boat, it was fascinating to see how they uncovered it and preserved it after over 2000 years. Very cool!
This is a picture showing how difficult it was to raise the boat without it disintegrating. They covered it completely in foam to keep it in tact.
Here it is now, fully restored and on display.
Oustide the Galilee Museum...trying to blend in with the other faces!
Sunset Cruise on Sea of Galilee - We could not have ended this amazing day any better! We sailed on the Sea, sang songs of worship, read scriptures and imagined Peter walking on water, all while the sun was setting on this beautiful place. It was one of my favorite memories of the trip...
Having a "Titanic" moment...
Always a schmoozer with the ladies!
May 6th, Day 9...
Our last day up north in the Galilee region. What a beautiful place The days' highlights:
Mt Tabor (Mount of Transfiguration) - beautiful once you get on top, but horrible, windy road to get there!
Incredible views from the top!
We really liked these trees behind me...kind of like a cross between palm trees and pine trees!
Gideon's Spring - great scripture stories to read here....but the flies were TERRIBLE.
Nazareth- The afternoon was spent in Nazareth which was another one of my favorite places. We visited the Church of the Annunciation, which had many tributes to Mary. Some of them were interesting, but it was powerful to reflect upon her faith ad pay tribute to her. We also visited an old synogue in Nazareth where we read scriptures and sang hymns. It was amazing...I could have easily enjoyed the spirit that was felt there all day.
Church of the Annunciation
Synogogue in Nazareth
May 7th, Day 10...
This morning we checked out of our hotel in Tiberias and started making our way down toward Jerusalem. The first stop was right near where the Jordan River comes out of the Sea of Galilee and right near where it is believed that Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. It was beautiful and exactly what I had pictured in my mind. I couldnt help but to think of the beautiful image here where Christ looked so overjoyed and happy. That image and the scenery of this place will forever be etched in my heart. It was a beautiful morning!
We continued on to Jericho, which was interesting. Jericho is controlled by the Palestinians and so it is like a border crossing to get there. We read scriptures as we sat near the Mt of Temptations. From Jericho we continued on into Bethany just outside Jerusalem, which is also Palestinian controlled. We visited the Tomb of Lazarus which was fascinating although not for the claustrophobic! We once again read of this amazing miracle performed by the Savior as we gathered around the outside of his tomb. Another memory, not to be forgotten.
Jericho---with the Mount of Temptation in the background.
Lazarus' Tomb
Bethany
After leaving Bethany, it was just a short drive before we came up over the hill and into Jerusalem! Wow...we continued over to the other side of town to a look out point where we could see the whole city and get our first pictures and views of the Old City. It was awesome. Our Jewish tour guide had a traditional welcoming ceremony where we broke bread (challah bread) and drank wine (or grape juice, in our case). We sang and danced and it was incredible! That is until this d@#* bird pooped on my foot!! Nothing like ending a celebration with the fear of the bird flu! :) It felt so good to get to our hotel and get a shower, as I continue to pinch myself. I can't believe we are really in Jerusalem!
Aria and the beautiful Challah bread
Have a little wine...aka grape juice
This will dampen ANY party! Stupid bird!
May 8th, Day 11...
DEAD SEA DAY!!! Another one of my favorites!!
We visited Ein Gedi which is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the wilderness. We also visited Masada just a few days before Mr. President was there. What an amazing place! It almost leaves you speechless! That King Herod was quite a builder! WOW!
Wow...isn't she strong?! (Ein Gedi)
Ein Gedi
Masada
The highlight of the day was our visit to a resort at the Dead Sea! We got to do the infamous "float" which was amazing. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and the saline content is 32% (10x that of regular ocean water and 3x more than the Great Salt Lake). You are so buoyant and it is very fun! The bottom of the sea is this mud that is said to be the closest thing to the fountain of youth there is. It is packed full of nutrients and minerals and you lather it over your whole body. As you can see, it is much darker and thicker than I had expected, but it feels soooo good. It kind of leaves a strange smell on your skin after you wash it off...but it feels great and leaves your skin very soft! What a fun afternoon we had!!!
We finished off the day exploring Qumran, the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. It was also very fascinating!
Getting ready to take the plunge...
Yep...we float!
Looks gross...but feels good!
Nice!
...always wanted to drive the big rig!?!
On our way back to Jerusalem, we stopped at this amazing lookout point. You can see a road below that goes from Jericho to Jerusalem and probably the road traveled by the Good Samaritan. We read the story and spent a few minutes reflecting. It was really neat.
The road from Jericho to Jerusalem.
I love this picture... this bedouin and his camel were just hanging out!
May 9th, Day 12...
This trip just keeps getting better!! Today, we went on an archeological dig...a REAL one! So much more fun than I could have imagined. We got to dig in the dirt and be the first person to touch things that had been buried for over 2300 years. Way cool!
I found a wish bone... I'm feeling lucky!
We also spent the afternoon in the Old City, shopping, eating falafels and "people watching" at the Western Wall. On Friday evenings at sunset, the Orthodox Jews welcome the Sabbath and oh what a sight. It was a pretty powerful thing to observe, they are all immaculately dressed and they sing and dance and pray and praise and there are soooooo many people! It was awesome to see them truly "delight" in the Sabbath Day. I learned a lot. It was freezing...and I mean freezing, but we couldnt miss this and I am glad that we didn't.
Getting ready for sundown...overlooking the Western Wall
May 10th, Day 13...
SHABBAT! It is the Sabbath Day here in Israel and another wonderful day! Here's some highlights:
Nebi Samuel - more incredible views of this beautiful city!
Nebi Samuel
Sacrament Meeting at the Jerusalem Center - one of the highlights of my life. AMAZING!
Exploring the Old City---Antonio's fortress, Church of the Holy Sepluchre, the Pools of Bethesda and St Anne'cathedral. Reading of Christ healing the lame man at the Pools of Bethesda and then going into the cathedral and singing "I know that my Redeemer lives" was an experience of a lifetime. It was so beautiful and powerful.
The gardens near the Pools of Bethesda...beautiful
More of Pools of Bethesda area
The Lion's Gate
After most of our group took off back to the hotel, Chris and I along with one other lady from our group stayed to explore some more. We tracked the Via Delorosa looking for each of the 14 stations of the cross and ultimately made our way back to the Church of the Holy Seplucre just in time to be right in front of the daily Greek Orthodox procession. What an experience. Pictures will ever do it justice. It was an incredibly neat thing to watch.
Part of the procession inside the Church of the Holy Seplucre.
Jaffa Gate
May 11th, Day 14...
The trip is winding to an end, but today was another packed day...
City of David/Hezekiah's Tunnel - This is a very cool hand chiseled water tunnel that starts in the City of David and comes out near the Pool of Siloam. The water is between ankle and knee deep throughout the tunnel and it is pitch black. It takes about 15 minutes to get through it and it is very fun! We loved it! Not far from the edge of the tunnel is the Pool of Siloam. Within the last 2 years, they have mad some archaelogical discoveries and uncovered the steps of the pool several yards from where they originally thought it was. We read of Christ curing the blind man and just had some time to reflect. It is so fascinating to see how much archeology is still going on and how much they are still discovering. I can't wait to come back to see what else is uncovered!
City of David gardens
Heading into the tunnel...
Pool of Siloam
Back to the Old City to explore the Jewish Quarter and Temple Mount - Another amazing afternoon of reading scriptures and feeling of the spirit. There also continues to be a lot of excavation at the Temple Mount site and in the last 10 years they have uncoved the remains of the arch that led to Solomon's porch and the steps leading to the Temple Mount with all the Mikvah baths. It was so interesting. Sitting on the steps of the Temple in Jerusalem, where our Savior once himself stood, was an incredible opportunity and one I am very grateful for.
Dome of the Rock
On the steps of the Temple
Sitting in front of the remains of the arch that led to Solomon's porch
my prayer at the Western Wall...
The boys at the Wall...
We spent the evening hanging out down on Ben Yehuda street eating the best freaking crepes I have ever tasted! (Thanks Linds) YUMMY!
May 12th, Day 15...
Another beautiful day in Israel.
Bethelem- We started with a short drive to Bethlehem, which is also in Palestinian control, so it was another "border crossing/change buses". Once we were on our Palestinian bus, we went to the Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. It was very interesting to say the least. So many of these sacred, holy sites have churches and shrines built upon them, and of course everyone's method of worship and adoration is different. This was a wonderful place to visit, but I left feeling like I would prefer to remember Christ's birth the way I had always imagined it in my mind....a simple and humble manger in a small stable in the little town of Bethlehem. I had a hard time getting past all the candles and incense and marble stone marking the place of the manger. As our tour guide said..."the beauty is there, you just have to look for it". After we left Manger Square, we went to the Shepherds Fields and read the Christmas Story from Luke and sang Christmas carols. It was amazing how much opening the scriptures instantly brought the spirit. The Family Christmas Nativity Pageant will certainly never be the same.
Entering the Church of the Nativity
The spot marking where the manger lay
Outside the Manger Square
Back to Jersulem and the Old City - we visited Caiaphus's house and talked more about the last week of Christ. It was incredibly humbling to see where Christ might have been imprsioned and to think of all that He has done for me in my life. We also visited The Upper Room, and talked about the Last Supper. It was a beautiful place but we were interupted by a Pentacostal group recreating Acts and the speaking of tongues. It was the most bizarre thing I had ever seen. We were sad that our time there was cut short due to the disrepect of others.
Outside the house of Caiaphus
The Upper Room - site of the Last Supper
Israeli Museum- the remainder of the day was spent at the Israeli Museum, which was really cool! They have a huge scale model of what Jerusalem was like at the time of Christ. It was really helpful to put everything together after visiting so many of these places the last several days. The Musuem also houses the actual Dead Sea Scrolls and other artifacts found which was amazing!
The day was capped off with a lovely devotional where Camille shared with us more about the Savior's last days and her testimony. She said some very powerful things that have no doubt changed my life. I am so grateful for this trip and how I have felt and all that I have learned!
May 13th, Day 16...
This trip has exceeded my expectations in so many ways, my heart is very heavy as it comes to an end. What an amazing day this was. The perfect "finale" of an amazing trip.
Garden of Gethsemane - We spent the morning in the garden pondering and reflecting the reality of it all. We read scriptures together and sang "I stand all amazed", I had a hard time getting through the song, the words difficult to get out. We then had some time to ourselves to read, write, pray etc. It is a place that I could have stayed for a long time. Never before have I ever had a better understanding of who I really am and how very blessed I am and then the realization of my responsibilities and what is expected of me because of this knowledge.
Mount of Olives / Orson Hyde Park - As we left the garden, we continued on up the hill to the Orson Hyde Park. Here the priesthood holders were able to consecrate small bottles of olive oil to bring home. It was awesome to witness Chris and my Dad being able to be a part of this. What an incredible souvenir.
BYU Jerusalem Center - We go t to spend a little more time at the Jerusalem Center today. We took a tour, listened to the incredible organ music while taking in the amazing views. What an amazing place!
Golgatha & The Garden Tomb - Never could a trip have a better ending than this. I can't find words to express what being here at the Garden Tomb was like. The best words were on a plaque on the door..."He is not here, for He is risen". What a blessing it is! And what an incredible finale to this incredible adventure!
Never could I ever sum up and express all that I learned and experienced during these 16 days, it was remarkable. The pictures just don't do it justice and neither do written words...one of my favorite things that I heard Camille, our host say was that "You can always send your spirit back, free of charge"...that is definately something that I plan to do. What an amazing opportunity. I highly recommend that anyone who has ever wanted to take this trip and been a little unsure...DO IT! It will change your life in ways you did not expect!
Our guides were incredible....the amazing and dedicated Laurie Sumsion, Time Out Tours/Deseret Book, our incredible bible scholar Camille Fronk Olson and her awesome husband Paul, I could listen to her all day and of course our awesome local tour guide Aria...thanks for the wonderful memories and awesome adventure of a lifetime!
3 comments:
Wow!! It sounds amazing. I'm so glad you got to go. I probably will never have the experience, so I'm so glad you shared yours!! Love your guts.
Your tour guides did a great job packing that all in!!! So fun to read about. I'd still love to see your pictures and hear more about it. It almost made me home-sick. :)
I want to go on this trip so bad! It gave me goosebumps to think about going to some of those incredible sites like the Garden of Gethsemene. What a cool opportunity!
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