A Journey to the Holy Land

In 2015 I was lucky enough to visit Israel for the 1st time, while on the Thomson Spirit.

Although I am not a religious person, we had a fantastic 2 day adventure visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and the Fort of Masada. Two very tiring but rewarding days, the memories of which I will always treasure.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem plays a central role in  three major religions.  For the Jews, Christians & Muslims it is a holy city, a centre of pilgrimage, and an object of devotion.  Jerusalem has retained a diverse and cosmopolitan character, particularly in the walled Old City. Here you will find Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim quarters. You will see Arabs in traditional and modern attire, Jews in casual and Orthodox dress and 100`s of tourists and religious believers flock here on a yearly basis. With Synagogues, churches, mosques, and dwellings in various styles, you will find a city with a unique architectural style.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a Palestinian town, to the south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. Surrounded by an ominous, grey wall, and entered past armed guards, it doesn`t feel like the biblical birthplace of Jesus. It is a major Christian pilgrimage destination, with the birth place marked by an inlaid silver star, under the 6th-century Church of the Nativity. It does make you feel small when you think of the significance of the place.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, which borders Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, is a salt lake whose banks are more than 400m below sea level. This makes it the lowest point on dry land. It is famous for it`s hyper-saline water, which makes makes floating very easy, as we found out. Although you are advised to float on your back so not to get the water in your eyes! The black mud, which is rich in minerals, is used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments.  The salt content is 34%, which is almost 10 times as salty as sea water, meaning no plants or animals can survive.

Masada

Overlooking the Dead Sea, is the ancient fortress of Masada. Only reached by either cable car or a long, winding, dusty path, you can guess which we took! Built in 30BC, Masada, it features King Herod’s Palace, which sprawls over 3 rock terraces, and a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors. There is also a museum, at the foot of the hill, which has archaeological exhibits and recreations of historical scenes.  It met with a violent destruction, and was the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D.

I had a magical time in Israel, a country that only seems to generate “bad publicity”. If you ever get the chance, then do yourself a favour and go, you will NOT be disappointed.

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