L’Chaim! To life! Israel is such a stunning and history rich city. I actually got to walk where Jesus walked and it was an emotional experience I’ll cherish forever. Israel is located in the Middle East on the continent of Asia.
I flew Delta to Israel and stayed in Leonardo Suite Hotel in Bat Yam in the Tel Aviv area. Tel Aviv was a good central city to stay in to take the day trips. The day trips were booked through Tourist Israel.
Tel Aviv
The first day we stayed in Tel Aviv and explored the city and went to the Jaffa Market. This is where I got my jewelry and shirts. I got two rings in Hebrew that said one God and L’Chaim: to life.
We then walked to the Tel Aviv Beach and saw the Ben Gurion statue and the big Tel Aviv beach chairs.
Jerusalem
We took a day trip to Jerusalem. The tour took us to all the holy sites. We got to see the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified and laid on the stone. It was such an humbling experience to see where Jesus was laid on the stone and touch it.
We then went to the Western Wall. This is the most religious site in the world for Jewish people. It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. When you approached the wall it was divided women and men. You had to wash your hands before you go to the wall and wear a head piece. You can write a prayer on a note and place it into the wall.
Bethlehem
We then go from Israel to Palestine. Now we go from Hebrew to Arabic. Also we had to change drivers and tour guides to go over because Israelis were not allowed in Palestine. We got to go inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Dead Sea
We then went to the Dead Sea in the tour. This is located below sea level and has minerals found no where else on earth. You can actually float on your stomach and back and it’s really neat. The high volume of salt makes you float. You can also rub the mud all over your body and your body feels so soft and smooth.
Don’t:
-Don’t Stay in longer than 30 minutes
-Don’t Put the mud on your face or body if you have sensitive skin
-Don’t leave the salt water on you. WASH IT OFF AFTER!
-Don’t get it in your eyes
-Don’t trip, and walk super slow in the water
The view is amazing at the Dead Sea. I went on the Israeli side. I had an allergic reaction to it because I stayed in too long and don’t rinse off after I got out.
Nazareth
The next day trip was Nazareth and our first stop was the Church of the Annunciation where Mary was told she was pregnant with Jesus. We got to see where Jesus carpenter shop was.
We then got to go to Cana where Jesus turned water to wine and get their wine they served there called the Miracle Wine.
We then went to Tabgha and got to see where Jesus fed the 5,000.
The next stop on the tour was
Capharnaum the Town of Jesus.
We then went to the Sea of Galilee and got to eat lunch on the Sea.
Jordan River
Our last stop was Yardenit, the Baptismal site on the Jordan River. This was such a holy experience. I paid $10 for a robe and got baptized in the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. I walked down there and a group was being baptized and two pastors were doing it and baptized me and another lady in our group. You can change your clothes and dry your hair in a dressing room after it too.
My favorite place we ate in Jaffa in Tel Aviv was Aladin Restaurant. It overlooked all of Tel Aviv and was Israeli food.
*Our day trips were booked through Tourist Israel and were $110 for each trip.
*The first day trip included: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea
*The second day trip included: Nazareth, Tabgha, Sea of Galilee, Capharnaum, and the Jordan River.
Helpful Tips:
-I booked this trip for $1200 through Expedia and it included the flight and the hotel.
-We got around Tel Aviv with taxis.
-Be sure to convert your money to the Israeli New Sheqal.
-I never felt unsafe
-They speak Hebrew so you may have to use google translate at some times. In Palestine everything was in Arabic.