Breakfast in Israel -- What would you imagine an Israeli breakfast would be? We had no idea what to expect. When I get to the table about 8:30, I find a table full of cereal, yogart, olives, avocado, fresh bread, fruit (strawberries, oranges, qiwi, banana and grapefruit), cheese (Bruce's favorite cheese is a soft, white cheese called "Ski" that Israeli kids love!), cereals (muesli or "Fitness") and choices of juices. Tea picked from the bush outside. Coffee made in the cup. YUM! After stuffing ourselves, we head out at 9 to go northwest today.
The Grottos and Rosh Ha Nikra (Roash Haw Nee'kra)
North of Haifa, along the Mediterranean Sea coast, we went to Rosh (means "head") Ha Nikra (means "caves") which butts up against the border with Lebanon. We tried to walk across the border just to say we visited Lebanon, but we were surprised to see that there were no tourists - just a white car marked UN. Then I found out it was because Lebanon lobbed 2 rockets over the border into Israel yesterday, hit a house with old people in it not far from here, and all the tours had cancelled! OK, I admit I was a little shaken. But today is peaceful so far and what are the chances, right? On with the plan.... I was awestruck by the incredible beauty of this site. Beautiful beaches - pounding surf - fishing from the shore. The coast walls rose hundreds of feet and are vertical white chalk, sand/limestone and mixed thousands of with small flint nodules. It's impossible to describe. The limestone is white and the flint is black - a dream come true for those who shoot flintlocks! The water has carved the rock and created caves. The blue water of the Med was active today. Waves crashing in and out of the caves. A cable-car takes you down almost to the water - you walk inside the caves and watch the show! Wow! We spent the whole morning and early afternoon walking everywhere we could and taking many pictures. Bruce and Niam did some rock hopping above the surf to get a better view outside, and then we drove south along the sea away from Lebanon's threat. 24 degrees celcius today.
Meggedo
After lunch of hummus, peta bread (the US has lots to learn about making good hummus and pita bread!), olives, salads and spices, we drove off to the Jezreel Valley and Meggedo (also known as Har Megido or Armegeddon). This valley is where the battle of Armegeddon is supposed to take place in the final days, according to prophecy. It gave me goosebumps to look down into this beautiful, lush, green, productive valley that the people of Israel have made bloom. Historically, more people have died in battles in this valley than any other place, ever! It is a strategic commerce route that has been fought over for milleniums, dating back 4,000-5,000 BC. Joshua's village is on the valley floor ("Joshua fought the battle of Jericho ..") The area closed early so we headed home for an early evening. Schlomit made a delicious dinner and time for me to get this done.
We are having a great vacation. Tomorrow we leave Naim and his family and head for Jerusalem. Naim is driving us there and he will be picking up his oldest daughter (who is in school) in Jerusalem to bring her home for break. We are so grateful to Naim. He has given us 5 days of his time and his williness to show us his home, his community, friends and his part of this awesome country. What a blessing he and his wife Schlomit have been to us. She is the village MD. We may not be able to write for a few days. We will be in Jerusalem for 5 nights, staying at an Austrian, Christian Guest House located 1/2 block off the Via Dolorosa! Bye for now!
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