Early Monday morning we left the ship with no specific plan except to visit Jerusalem. Troy and I wanted to avoid the madness of a large tour and set out to find a guide and a taxi driver to take us from the port into the Holy City. Luckily we found both in one person, a colorful Georgian whose family escaped the Soviet Union and settled in Israel in the 1970s. All of the plants we enjoy in Texas were on brilliant display along the highway. Bougainvillea, oleander, plumbago were in full bloom. Vineyards, cotton fields, olive groves reminded us that this small country is still agricultural. Fighter jets, and helicopters and tight security reminded us that this is not a peaceful country. However, we found peace when we lit candles in the Church of the Holy Sepulchral, witnessed the joyous celebration of numerous Bar Mitsvahs and listened to the call to prayer from a mosque. Our guide was delightful. Knew just when to slow down for us, gave us info when we needed it and left us alone when we wanted privacy. Tomorrow we will be in Haifa for more adventures. I will post pictures a big later.
