http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Rasean/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from Rasean en-us Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:02:59 +0000 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:02:59 +0000 After a pretty restless night it was pretty rocky I awoke to Greg telling us all to wake up before we missed the sunrise. A half hour later the sun began to slowly rise over the mountains of Jordan. It was incredible My pictures don't do it justice. After the sunrise a few went bent to sleep while others jumped into the crystal clear water. I'm still amazed on how clearly I could see th http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-16943.html Today was incredible In the midst of the campground I was able to find a little remote area nestled between 2 trees where the water was just starting to become rapid. I was able to read my bible and reflectpray on how many blessings God has giving me. Including being able to come to Israel and spend time in the area that Jesus lived. This has been an amazing experience for me most of which http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-14552.html So when I left off the plan was to go to bed. But somehow that did not happen. I stayed up until 6am. It was cool though. I spent time talking with Mary Eileen Denver and then Analia came in from Bolgaria. Somehow or another I managed to wake up at 9am. Shibolit made Turkish Coffee for me. It smells like Cedar yes the tree and it looks like there are little bits of bark in it too. It was ve http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-12673.html Another early morning loading into the bus. But this time we were headed South. All the way South to Elat to be exact. On the way we would be making a few stops. Where I have no idea so as I write we can be suprised together. Our 1st stop was at Tel Beer Sheva or Bersheeba. Bersheeba well of the oath dates back to Genesis. It's believed to be the place were Abraham made an oath http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-16044.html After gathering outside Damascus gate and taking pictures with the military we loaded up on a bus and went to the Mt. of Olives. The views here are fantastic. You can see the Dome of the Rock the Old City Gethsemene and the City of David. It is believed that Jesus ascended from Mt Olives Acts 1311. It's quite remarkable to think about Jesus' disciples sitting there watching him ascend http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-13286.html After being awake for 36 hours I finally crashed. And by crashed I do mean crashed. I slept for 12 hours straight with the exception of periodically waking up to Lisa Shibolit's kitten trying to use me as a play toy. So when I finally got out of bed it was 4pm Can anyone guess what the first thing I did was You got it. I made coffee Instant Nescafe but it tasted great About 12 hou http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-12340.html After 3 days and 4 flights I finally made it to Jerusalem. I made it through customs with no issues and found my way to the baggage claim still unsure exactly where my ride Greg would be meeting me. I think my bag passed by me about 3 times before I realized it was mine. At which point I had to sling all 65 lbs of it across the belt almost taking out myself and a 9yr old boy in the process. http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Israel/Jerusalem-District/Jerusalem/blog-12261.html On my way to Israel I had an overnight layover in Montreal. I got in late after a confusing shuttle ride from the airport that involved a bus transfer onto a minibus only slightly larger than my suitcase. But my room was fantastic. Dark hardwood floors and white furniture aahhh... I ventured down to the neighborhood late night cafe and got some yummy fresh homemade potato chips. The next http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/Canada/Quebec/Montreal/blog-12250.html