Welcome back to Tel Aviv, Israel and the 2009 Holy Land Tour!
After some much needed sleep from the long journey, our pilgrims began their first full day here in Tel Aviv. Many couldn’t sleep past 3 a.m. Israel-time, so watched the sunrise through the mist that alighted atop the town and Mediterranean Sea.
Greetings from our tour guide Shai and bus driver “Honey.” Honey is an Arab Christian believer.
We began our day at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, the site where Israel became a nation in one day on May 14, 1948 in fulfillment of Isaiah 66:8.
Yet another Bible prophecy fulfilled.
Israel, once a wasteland for almost 2,000 years due to neglect, has indeed blossomed again. Flowers are everywhere, and the abundant vegatable and fruit markets boast of massive-sized leeks, radishes and every other produce all locally grown.
An example of an exotic flowering tree.
Upon reaching 18 years old, women are required to serve 22 months of service and men 3 years. Teenage soldiers can be found on most corners hanging out. Zechariah 14:2 paints a sad picture for those young female soldiers.
Tel Aviv is a mere 100 years old. The oldest part, the historic Jaffa (Joppa) where Jonah sailed from and Peter had his dream, is ancient. Here is the tour group traveling up one of the many winding alleyways.
Dr. Reagan presenting the salvation message outside the Church of St. Peter.
Napoleon conquered the seaport, and now “introduces” the ancient port deep under the ground.
We visited the assassination site of former Prime Minister Rabin.
We ended our day at Dugit Ministries, a Messianic Jewish congregation, one of 200 when just a decade or so back there were none.
Odd Observations
- Breakfast and dinner use separate plates and utensils to remain kosher, avoiding any possible contamination with crossing milk and meat products.
- Arab restaurants must wash a ton of dishes, serving every individual food item on its own separate plate.
- Tel Aviv smells like a vast mixture of cooking spices.
Tomorrow early for Day 4 we leave Tel Aviv and head up the coast towards Lebanon.
Sounds like fun. The best part about vacation (to me, anyway) is experiencing the culture through food. Is the food any good?
You made my day seeing pictures of Shia and Honey. About 10 years ago I went to Isreal with Dr, Reagan and part of the best tour was meeting them. Praise God because of those two everyone will learn and have a joyful time and of course between Dave and Shia you all will get history and bible prophecy. Your all so Blessed.
Well, if you like salad 3 meals a day. Israeli's have incredible salads. Stay away from the Arab "mystery meat." That didn't agree with me.
"Mystery meat"? If I ever get to Israel, I will remember that.
Honey was very happy to hear about the compliment, Anonymous.