It all started one day when a fellow Topdeck traveller voiced his desire to go to Israel. I've been raised a catholic so the opportunity to travel to the holy land stirred a desire in me that would see me make the journey from Dahab in Egypt to the neighbouring country, Israel.
Under the cover of the stars, myself and my fellow Australian and Canadian traveller companions made the journey to Israel via an overnight coach. We found ourselves surrounded by around fifty Russian travellers and alas, none spoke English. This would set the tone for the remainder of my short but memorable trip to the holy land. It would turn out to be extremely hard to pin point where in fact we were and where we were travelling throughout the journey, however I was not to be deterred that easily!
Arriving at the Israeli border crossing in the early hours of the morning, tired and exhausted, I couldn't contain my excitement of discovering a new and exciting land. What was excitement soon became frustration as the sun began to rise and we were yet to proceed through the border crossing. Now what we didn't know at the time we were waiting anxiously, for an entire eight hours, was that there was civil unrest near Jerusalem. This would explain the nosies I misinterpreted as fireworks later that evening, which in fact turned out to be bombs! After an ebola temperature test, lengthy questioning as to why our small party was travelling with a Russian tour bus and near the point of complete exhaustion, we finally stepped foot on Israeli soil!
Our biblical short but sweet pilgrimage was now underway!
THE DEAD SEA
LOCATION: Jordan, Palestine & Israel
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Dead Sea represents God's judgement on sin
Under the cover of the stars, myself and my fellow Australian and Canadian traveller companions made the journey to Israel via an overnight coach. We found ourselves surrounded by around fifty Russian travellers and alas, none spoke English. This would set the tone for the remainder of my short but memorable trip to the holy land. It would turn out to be extremely hard to pin point where in fact we were and where we were travelling throughout the journey, however I was not to be deterred that easily!
Arriving at the Israeli border crossing in the early hours of the morning, tired and exhausted, I couldn't contain my excitement of discovering a new and exciting land. What was excitement soon became frustration as the sun began to rise and we were yet to proceed through the border crossing. Now what we didn't know at the time we were waiting anxiously, for an entire eight hours, was that there was civil unrest near Jerusalem. This would explain the nosies I misinterpreted as fireworks later that evening, which in fact turned out to be bombs! After an ebola temperature test, lengthy questioning as to why our small party was travelling with a Russian tour bus and near the point of complete exhaustion, we finally stepped foot on Israeli soil!
Our biblical short but sweet pilgrimage was now underway!
THE DEAD SEA
LOCATION: Jordan, Palestine & Israel
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Dead Sea represents God's judgement on sin
Water stretched as far as the eye can see. It isn't hard to believe that this incredible sea covers over 50 kilometres. Upon entering the sea I could feel the salt burning my skin as I proceed to swim out further. By swim I mean awkwardly bob up and down! The salt content here is 9 times greater then the ocean and it is near impossible to navigate through the water. You are forced from the standing position to floating in seconds. I thought chlorine burnt your eyes. It has nothing on this! Now I may have sensitive skin but after a few minutes I was more then ready to make my way back to shore. My skin burnt unpleasantly and the showers located on shore were all but a short relief. I can honestly say I whole heartily know why no living thing can survive in this sea. For once the name 'Dead Sea' is not an oxymoron! As the pain subsided and the previous burning sensation turned to a mild tingling feeling, I took in the beauty of the scenery around me.
CHURCH OF NATIVITY
LOCATION: Bethlehem
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This church is believed to be built on top of Christ's birth place
CHURCH OF NATIVITY
LOCATION: Bethlehem
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This church is believed to be built on top of Christ's birth place
As I approached the simple understated entranceway, I ducked my head to pass through the incredibly small sized passage. Upon entering I was taken aback at the true size of the church within. Looking past the scaffolding equipment covering the interior, the church was simply exquisite. Surrounded by travellers from around the world, mainly those for northern Europe, I took in one of the most holy sites. If you look hard enough there are plenty of hidden passageways to explore and isolated spots for reflection. I can't believe I made it. I was finally here!
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE
LOCATION: Jerusalem
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is believed to be both the spot of Christ's crucifixion and tomb
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE
LOCATION: Jerusalem
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is believed to be both the spot of Christ's crucifixion and tomb
In all the churches I've been to in my life, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre truly took my breath away. As I sat in silence with my fellow Australian travel companion, I soaked in the beauty of my surroundings and paused to reflect. I reflected on my life, the decisions I have made and the decisions I would make. If there was anywhere I had felt most connected to my faith and beliefs, it was here. In that very moment all the frustration and exhaustion from that morning melted away. For in that moment I felt a strange sense of peace and purpose in my life. It was a life changing moment and I can now understand why millions of believers around the world make the pilgrimage here.
WAILING WALL
LOCATION: Jerusalem
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is here that Abraham offered Isaac in sacrifice on Mount Moriah which is located behind the wall
WAILING WALL
LOCATION: Jerusalem
BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is here that Abraham offered Isaac in sacrifice on Mount Moriah which is located behind the wall
One of the most sacred Jewish sites, the Wailing Wall is alluring in every sense. Everywhere I looked there were believers laying their lands on the wall praying. Small scrolls littered the wall in all nooks and crannies. Within the scrolls were hand written prayers and wishes left by those that had made the pilgrimage here.
As the sun set over the ancient historical city of Jerusalem it was time to begin our journey home.
After a long exhausting emotional and physical journey, I bid Israel goodbye as I gazed out the back of the bus window. I knew in my heart at that moment that I would never forget my memorable trip here. Oh the stories I could tell! Excited to be heading back to Egypt among fellow travellers that spoke english was secretly my biggest anticipation. Would I travel to Israel again? Most likely not. Do I regret it? Not for a second!
As the sun set over the ancient historical city of Jerusalem it was time to begin our journey home.
After a long exhausting emotional and physical journey, I bid Israel goodbye as I gazed out the back of the bus window. I knew in my heart at that moment that I would never forget my memorable trip here. Oh the stories I could tell! Excited to be heading back to Egypt among fellow travellers that spoke english was secretly my biggest anticipation. Would I travel to Israel again? Most likely not. Do I regret it? Not for a second!
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