CAESAREA TO HAIFA, ISRAEL DAY 3

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TO CAESAREA AND HAIFA - DAY 3
We left Tel Aviv at 9:00 am for the drive to Caesarea to see the seaport planned and built by King Herod. On the way we passed through Netanya but didn’t stop. Caesarea is a very interesting area with a lot of historic events happening there. Please note that if you’re interested in an accurate and thorough history, you should read some of the very many well researched and scholarly books available on these subjects. I’m only giving my touristy impressions and my main source of information is the very capable tour guide(s). Over a period of 12 years, Herod made Caesarea into a grand city and major seaport dedicated to Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, who had returned it to Herod after wresting it away from Cleopatra. We viewed the remains of Herod’s palace and a spectacular Roman amphitheater that is still used as a performing venue today. A walk through the hippodrome brought back memories of “Ben Hur”. It was Saturday and many Israeli families were enjoying the venue and having good times. Over the centuries several groups occupied Caesarea, one of the last being the Crusaders. They built their fortress in the northern section of Caesarea and was home to our restaurant “Helena”, named for the mother of Constantine, the Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity at his mother’s urging. Great meal, beautiful view, great weather. My slacks are already shrinking. After lunch I visited a small but technically superior museum displaying events and people involved with Caesarea and the development of Israel. There are also a few quality gift shops in the area. Before driving to Haifa, we went by the Roman aqueduct, an impressive structure still standing after all this time.

Haifa is the international headquarters of the Baha’i Faith, and the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens on famous Mount Carmel. A succession of 19 manicured garden terraces lead down to the Shrine of the Bab, entombing the remains of the Bab, Baha’i Allah, the herald of the Baha’i Faith. Our tour guide is one of only three in Israel allowed to lead a group through the gardens. We were very fortunate to have her. We had 700 steps down the mountain through the beautiful gardens.

I’m glad we had a bus to take us up Mount Carmel to our hotel at the top. I am on the eighth floor overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea and, on a clear day, Lebanon is in sight. Dinner was a fine buffet in the Dan Carmel Hotel’s main dining room. Up early tomorrow for a day at the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, visit to a kibbutz and a panel discussion of the main religions in Israel.
ILYS

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Photos

ROMAN THEATER
STILL IN USE

ROMAN THEATER
ANOTHER VIEW - HOLDS ABOUT 3,500

RESTAURANT VIEW
HELENA RESTAURANT

BAHA'I GARDEN
LOOKING UP 700 STEPS

HAIFA AT NIGHT
FROM ROOM 809

Comments

[Elly & Bob]

Almost there
Chuck you have made the trip come alive. This is now on my bucket list of things to do. Your blog is very descriptive and clear. Safe journey friend.

[Shara]

Great Pics!
Looks like you are having a good adventure - really enjoying reading the entries, safe travels!