Israel – Jerusalem

The Western Wall has survived since the days of King Herod and has been Judaism’s holiest place for two millennia.

The women’s section is separate from the men’s.

In the plaza you see an amazing variety of detail in the traditional dress of the men.

After the Six Day War archeological excavations began across the Jewish Quarter. Jerusalem’s Upper City from the days of The Second Temple and King Herod was uncovered. Our tour today took us through tunnels under the Western Wall Tunnels which combined history, archeology, interfaith conflicts, and crumpled prayer notes stuffed between the Wall’s crevices.

Our guide standing beside a 2,000 year old column that was part of the city market place.

We have a hard time resisting the treats.

Israel – Jerusalem

Dec 12 Today we oriented ourselves to the Jerusalem bus system by heading down to the Old City. Getting there was fine but stopping at a grocery store on our way home turned us totally around so it was a taxi the rest of the way. The Jewish Quarter has such interesting old winding streets with lots of shops. People here are so very friendly.

Look at the writing on the wall in the above photo then a close up below.

The streets have so much character.

Israel – Tel Aviv

In Jaffa John downloaded an App that allowed us to unlock this Chinese bike and rent it to ride the length of the beach.

Hard not to photograph all the gorgeous flowers.

The night before I left for Canada we went to a free jazz concert in front of the museum. We walked from our Airbnb using the google map walking guide which we have finally figured out. So cool after being lost so many times.

The skyline of Tel Aviv has many interesting buildings. This one where one part of he building looks as though it is falling away from the other is very striking.

Israel – Haifi

A delay in sending posts has arisen due to my mother having had a stroke. She passed peaceful in Canmore, Alberta on Dec 4th. She was 97 years old.

One of our last adventures before I left for Canmore was an overnight train trip to Haifi. The Bahia Gardens were gorgeous.

We toured the Old Germany Colony. The Christmas lights were wonderful.

We enjoyed the antics of the resident restaurant cats

and seeing this one sitting quite contentedly at the church gate.

Israel – Tel Aviv

We are staying in a room in a lovely apartment in Tel Aviv for twice what we paid for an entire apartment in Fethiye. The prices here are like home for food and accommodation. The view from the balcony is akin to Hong Kong.

The old port city of Jaffa was interesting to explore.

The Ilana Goor Museum is a must see here. She lives in the ancient building constructed in 1742. The museum contains her work and many of her collected art pieces.

The building housing the Tel Aviv Museum of Art was so architecturally pleasing to be in, I wanted to photograph it from all angles.

John has a little difficulty with contemporary art.

While we were here we also visited an exhibit from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Rodin sculptures were magnificent.

Israel – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv airport.

My first fascinating impression of Tel Aviv is the way the Hebrew language is written.

First corner we see what appears to be military having a break from a training session.

Every citizen once they reach 18 must do two or three years of military service.

John was pleased to find a coffee shop where the wait staff spoke French.

You need to be careful walking here as half of the sidewalks are designated bike lanes.

So many beautiful huge lush trees.

We caught a local bus to Jaffa and walked around the port. Going there and coming back locals on the bus were interested to make sure we got off at the right stop when they heard us ask the bus driver where our stop was.

Waiting for me again.