August 28th, 2004 (Mini Israel)

Welcome to my pictures from Israel! I have sorted them by date, though a day or two is missing (from the start and at the end) to spare you from pics that might not interest you (I don't think you really need to see a pic of the airplane I flew in, for example). Take a look around and enjoy. Share any experiences or information on the sites, if you feel moved to do so. I can't remember details about everything, I saw so much in such a short time. Happy Viewing!

note: pictures from my trip last year can be found here.

First important place to visit in Israel... Mini Israel! Here you can find all the important sites in Israel in ONE handy place, all scaled down to a fraction of it's real size. Little models of historical sites, for all to see! I thought it was a lot of fun, and good way to preview things to decide what you want to see in real life during your trip!

just to give you an idea of scale, there are some people in the background. ;-)

you're gonna hear it a thousand times from me throughout this photo album...I love the architecture in Israel.

mini Jaffa! hee

mini Dome of the Rock

Me again, towering over Israel. LOL (and kindly disregard the strange wrinkle in my shirt. sometimes these things just can't be helped)

August 29th, 2004 (Jerusalem)

One of the first destinations on my agenda was Jerusalem. I wanted to see as much as I could, and that included Christian as well as Jewish sites. To see and learn is to understand. And what I saw was amazing and beautiful...

I could just sit and look out over Jerusalem forever.... I love it so!

Another moment where I was moved by the history of the place where I stood. This is Damascus Gate, riddled with bullet holes from the Six Day War in 1967.

A distant view of the Western Wall and in the background, the (Muslim) Dome of the Rock
If you would like to see a live webcam of the Wall click here.

That's me by the Kotel. I very much looked forward to returning to the Western Wall on this trip, and even took the time to slip a piece of paper with my requests, into the wall. Just being there, able to touch the history..is something I cannot put into words.

The Kotel (Western Wall)

women praying at the Kotel

King David's Tomb

I liked walking around the areas in Jerusaelm where all the churches are right next to one another, creating these sort of alleyways in between them

it comes as no surprise to find some of the most beautiful churches in the world here in Jerusalem

This is the hall where Jesus is said to have had The Last Supper (a Passover meal, I might point out). As I looked around I said... "Wow, it's like in the paintings!". lol It must have been the big columns.

that's the "Tree of Life" there in the background (here's the Kabbalah version)

This dark image shows the main area in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I am not going to go into details about the church, for I know very little, and don't want to misinform. I can admit when I don't know much! More info can be found here.

Throughout the church were murals/paintings and sculptures donated by various countries. Each got their own little spot/cove in the wall, and each had a distinct look, based on the country and culture from which it came. Unfortunately I did not have time to note where each came from, so if anyone knows, feel free to share.

Mary

I especially liked this mural, painted by a Mexican group of Christians.

Here is the area said to be the tomb were Jesus was laid to rest (and later to have risen from); the Holy Sepulchre. It is housed over now by a sort of...chapel. It is by no means large, with only a few people being allowed in at a time. When you first walk in, you are in the larger of two areas called The Chapel of Angels. Then you duck down and walk into the smaller area, the Tomb. Very cool stuff!
For a more intelligent and concise description, including pics go here. Or ask Havdala. lol

I know, this is a lousy picture, but inside the actual tomb it is VERY very tight. you can only fit in about 3 -4 people at a time, and I couldn't step back far enough to get a good shot (but hey, I was trying to get a picture for si, so...). Inside the tomb was a shrine with pictures, candles and such decorating the area. Two women with rosary beads were knelt beside me praying, so I didn't wish to disturb by taking too many pictures.
For better pictures and more (accurate) information, go here.

these beautiful ornamental candle holdes hung from the ceiling inside the Chapel of Angels and inside the tomb of Jesus. there were SO many of them...

more of the candleholders

this is the spot where it is believed that Jesus was crucified. It was fascinated to see, and interesting to watch people file in and touch the exposed ground where it is said the cross was driven in. (why I didn't take a picture of THAT I don't know. probably because I was doing my best to be respectful)

an alley

a rooftop view

a street in Jerusalem

These are some new apartments being built in Jerusalem. I just thought they looked cool and I liked the architechure

August 30th, 2004 (Tel Aviv)

Tel Aviv. Time to walk around, explore and do some shopping!

That's me leaning on a billboard by the market. And that tasty beverage in my hand would be a lemon and mint drink. Tasty!!

One of my goals on this trip was to go back to the markets in Israel... I can't get enough of them. This is Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv. (note the big blue tarps over the booths to create shade)

I don't know how these chocolate bars don't melt to a pile of goo in the Israeli heat!

and what would Israel be without... olives! too many kinds to count, it was great!!

This is one of my all time favourite pictures. Here is a man who sells bras in the market.. but obviously he was a bit tired and drained in the heat. He was fast sleep when I took this picture, and never once moved. LOL!

candy as far as the eye can see!

Fish can be found in the market...even lives ones! there's another area that has live fish in tanks

yet another reasons why I love the markets so much... piles and piles of fresh fruits and veggies