thefouramigosblog

We woke to a beautiful sunrise over the Sea of Galilee.

We had a delicious breakfast. The fruit was fresh especially the melon.

At the buffet, they had a honeycomb to get fresh honey.

Our first stop today is the Jordan River where several of our travelers will be baptized.

It was a serene site along the Jordan River. Several horses grazed near the river’s edge.

It was a calm river with very little rippling.

A large number of our group were baptized today! Some have been here before and have been baptized in the past.

The pastor lead the way into the chilly water.

It was a beautiful stop and we left before the crowds arrived.

Our next stop is Beth Shean, located at the juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys.

The tool they used to move huge square blocks.

This city dates back to 4000 BCE and was occupied by Philistines, Egyptians then Israelites. In 732 BCE Assyrians conquered and destroyed the city. In the 3rd century BCE, a large temple was constructed. By 63 BCE it was ruled by the Romans. 18 levels of civilization have been excavated. A Roman Theater with mostly original stones.

A Roman bathhouse with many sections of it still in tact including the steps into the pool, the mosaic and the heating area.

There was an Avenue where shops would have been.

Beautiful original mosaics lined rooms throughout the ruins.

The last section we visited was the bathroom, lavatory or whatever you would call it. Literally, elbow to elbow.

We had lunch in Jericho, a Palestinian city in the West Bank. The food was delicious. The shop had some wonderful handmade items but I just couldn’t find anything for anyone.

Bruce liked this chair!

After lunch we headed to Ein Gedi, “spring of the goat”which is an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Along the way their was stark beauty in the sandstone mountains.

We walked to a waterfall in the park which was quite amazing because the surrounding area was so arid.

Ein Gedi is where King David hid from Saul and God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat.

We also saw a few goats roaming around and a baby goat too!

Our lodging tonight is at the Dead Sea. We arrived around 4PM and had time to float in the Dead Sea.

I wasn’t a big fan. It kind of made me feel itchy but it was interesting how buoyant we were.

Dinner was delicious and I had a hibiscus tea!

After dinner we played another round of cards! We have been playing canasta in many countries.

#israel#tours#deadsea#jericho#jordanriver#baptismal

We woke early this morning to begin our first day exploring Israel with Pilgrim Tours. This is really our first tour where we will be with a large group for 7 days. Our guide, Roman, is insightful but also humorous. There are 46 people on our tour so let’s see how this goes.

After breakfast we headed to Caesarea, a city on the coast of the Mediterranean. We visited Caesarea National Park where gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. Within the park we saw a Roman Amphitheater; much of it has been reconstructed but some of the slabs date back over 2000 years. .

We also saw the remains of King Herod’s palace, which he built on sand, so you can guess what happened to that.

A stone was found in the amphitheater with Pontus Pilatus inscription which was the only evidence that he existed.

The ocean looked lovely here!

Roman showed us what they used as a toilet, out in the open, elbow to elbow.

Then we entered the hippodrome, bringing back memories of watching Charleston Heston riding a chariot in Ben Hur.

This minaret is from a Mosque from the period when the Moslems ruled.

The aqueduct that brought water into the city and carried it 17 miles to Herod’s Palace.

The next stop was Megiddo, known as the Armagedfon Battlegield, where many people believe the end of days will be here. Battles have been fought here for over 3000 years with last time in the 1970’s.

We went down many steps into a tunnel that carried water .

Our last stop was Nazareth where we visited a replica of the Nazareth Village from Jesus time.

It was a busy day and we ended at our hotel in Tiberias, the Ron Beach Hotel. We had a great view of the Sea of Galilee.

#israel#ronbeachhotel#nazareth#seaofgalilee#pilgrimtours

We woke early for breakfast and we were on the road by 7:45, but I was able to photograph the morning as the sun was rising!

We traveled for about an hour to Dan which was up near the northern border. We could see Lebanon from an outlook. It was only about two miles away.

Dan is an ancient city dating back 4500 years and is mentioned in the old testament. We entered the park where the headwaters of the Jordan River are located. This was once Arab territory but has been under Israeli rule since 1967.

The Gates from the days of Abraham lie within Tel Dan. This existed during the time of Jesus.

Our next stop was Caesarea Philippi, and the Grotto of Pan, a pagan center of worship.

Our next stop was lunch. By this time, we had walked a few miles, over rocks and rivers and up and down. It was nice to have a break.

I had a fried fish – head and all!

We went for a cruise on the Sea of Galilee where we read scripture then sang and danced an Israeli dance! It was lively and fun! And such a beautiful day!

We visited Capernaum, where Peter lived.

Our last stop today was Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. It was only recently excavated and they found coins from 29 AD during the dig!

The Boat Chapel and four side chapels are next to the Sea of Galilee.

It was a long day with much exploring the biblical times from the old and new testaments. Tomorrow we travel to the Dead Sea! Pilgrim Tours covers a lot of territory!

#magdala#caesareaphilippi#dan#pilgrimtours

We had reservations for two days at the Vert Lagoon before our tour was to begin this evening. We started off with a delicious breakfast – Mediterranean style.

After breakfast we took a two mile walk along the promenade by the beach stopping to take in the beautiful coastline.

My foot is much better but it still smarts if I step on it wrong. However, two weeks ago I couldn’t do this walk.

More spectacular views of the sea!

An exercise course was set up along the way where Bruce did a few tricep dips and Scott did some sit ups.

An interesting sun dial was erected on the promenade. It actually kept good time!

The elevator to the beach was off limits due to landslides. it looked like a elaborate set up so I hope eventually they get it fixed up. Apparently landslides are a problem all along the coastline.

What do you see in this picture?

Rabbits everywhere! All except the white rabbit!

And I wasn’t sure what this was but it was a mosaic.

Our hotel, Vert Lagoon, was a wonderful place to stay.

We spent a few hours by the pool; I stayed mostly in the shade.

Lovely down at the adult pool!

The rest of the day we played some cards and then met with our tour group, Pilgrim Tours, after dinner. There will be 45 of us! Yikes!

To bed early because we have a wake up call at 6 am. Then on to Galilee!

#israel#netanya#pilgrimtours#vertlagoon#Mediterranean

Our last day at sea was relaxing, as we played card’s with Sandy and Scott and had coffee with some new friends. It was time to say goodbye to our waiters and cabin steward. Ketut, our cabin steward, was the best we ever had. Everyday in the morning and evening he filled the ice bucket so I could tend to my foot.

We saw a great show called art in motion performed by a young couple from the Ukraine.

The ship’s crew had a flag presentation in the Centrum, which was the center court of the ship.

I woke really early to see a crescent moon over Haifa.

Afterwards I went back to sleep for a few more hours because we weren’t getting off the ship until almost 9 am.

A few pictures from the port in Haifa.

I have to say the disembarking was almost as bad as the embarking. We were delayed an hour but luckily we stayed up at the buffet for most of it. The walk off the ship and through customs was long. We did get to take a golf cart for part of the distance because of my cane.

We walked to the train station dragging our luggage. Again, luckily it wasn’t too far! All aboard!

We had to change trains and we looked like the four stooges! Four of us on a 4×4 elevator with all our luggage! It was hysterical! Then trying to get a cab and haggling over price. And finally we arrived at our hotel, Vert Lagoon.

The view from our balcony was stunning!

Off for a swim, which was much needed.

More photos of the area around the hotel.

Now I’m icing my foot!

Dinner was buffet style and it was sumptuous! Couscous, Mediterranean salads, hummus, fried fish, fresh made bread.

After dinner we played cards. After 3 hands I was doing awful with no chance of return so we called it quits! It’s going to be a busy week in Israel!

#netanya#vertlagoon#rhapsodyofthesea#haifa

Bruce and I did not book anything for Mykonos but figured if we were up to it, we’d get off the ship and wander about. I viewed the Island from our balcony and it looked lovely.

We decided to give it a try and it was well worth it. There was a 2 Euro boat ferry right outside the port which took us to the town.

It was a nice little boat ride looking out at the white washed buildings.

We walked around the little alley ways, which created a maze through the town. You could get lost here!

Little churches were everywhere!

We also went by the Panagia Paraportiani which is a Greek Orthodox Church which was built between 1425 and the 17th century.

Bruce and I stopped at a little cafe for coffee and baklava!

We stopped in several shops but alas I did not find anything I had to have! Bruce was a little tuckered out so we headed back to the ferry and onto the ship for a rest!

From the little taste of Greece we experienced, I surely would love to return again!

It’s been a few challenging days on the ship. My foot continues to hurt a bit and now Bruce has a cold. But we persevere.

We went to a wonderful show with Salvatore Hasard. He played piano, saxophone, electric guitar, harmonica and drums. He also sang.

Salvatore played an afternoon concert to a packed house.

In the evening Bruce and I ate early and retired to our cabin, hoping to feel better for our Sicily excursion. From our balcony we saw a beautiful sunset..

In the morning Bruce wasn’t feeling great but thought he could handle a bus ride. Out on our balcony I captured a sunrise.

Out on the balcony I watched as the ship sailed into the port of Messina.

Although my foot is sore and Bruce is sick, we decided to go on our tour anyway. We boarded our bus after the usual hour in the theater waiting. This is one of the reasons I don’t like ship tours. Our tour guide Nunzio was charming and entertaining.

Along the way to Mount Etna, we saw some beautiful scenery!

We stopped along the way to take pictures of Mt. Etna. Our guide said it had been overcast the past few days and you couldn’t see it.

We visited a jewelry making business housed in a mansion.

In the front yard was a lovely fountain and many statues!

Although most of the jewelry is made at another site, they did have a set up to demonstrate their trade!

They also served us a lovely brunch which included cannoli and fruit.

We ate on the patio which was lovely! I think Bruce had his mouth full.

It was a lovely place to stop.

We traveled on to Mt. Etna taking in the views of lava rocks from the many eruptions, the latest in November 2022.

Chairlifts operate up the volcano for skiing.

I don’t know what we were thinking when we booked this tour. It was freezing up there and I was wearing sandals and a light jacket. Locals were dressed with winter gear, hats, gloves. Needless to say even if my foot was ok I wouldn’t have been able to go – just too darn cold.

We had more cannoli and cappuccino at the little restaurant near the top.

As we rode back to the ship, we took in more of the beautiful landscape.

We finally arrived back at the ship. The Postal Virgin Mary watching over the harbor.

We have a lovely view from our balcony for the remainder of the day.

We had coffee with friends and will have dinner at 7:30. Tomorrow is another sea day before we reach Mykonos. And then on to Haifa!

#salvatorehasard#mountetna#sicily#postalvirginmary

I think I have to say that of all the cities I have visited around the world, Malaga is my favorite. It’s a beach town with loads of history; and for those who love food and nightlife, it’s got all that and more. Yet, it’s not as crowded as Barcelona which is what appeals to me.

From the Alcazaba built by the Muslim ruled Al-Andulas to the Castle of Gibralfaro located at the site since 770BC to an ancient Roman amphitheater, the history of Malaga transcends multiple cultures.

We decided to take the Hop On Hop Off bus because my foot is not yet able to walk the many miles.

We have been to Malaga before. Once on a cruise and once for a week, to visit my dear friend Adriana. We only rented a car one time and that was to travel to Ronda. It was interesting getting a perspective riding atop the bus. Beautiful jacarandas were in bloom!

We saw parrots making nests in the trees!

We stopped by the bullring. Apparently Malaga still has bullfights during spring and summer.

Inside the building, a showcase of Pablo Picasso photographs were exhibited. Some with family and some while he worked or relaxed.

We drove past the beach. There were a few brave souls in the water!

Fountains abound throughout Malaga!

I would recommend doing this for anyone who can’t walk well. There were a total of 14 stops on the Iconic ticket, which was 25 Euros. If you wanted entrances to some museums and the 60 minute boat trip, the cost was 35 Euros. We opted for the Iconic. Although my walking isn’t great, it was a lovely day for a ride on the bus up top. We also were given headphones which were awesome!

I love the architecture in this antiquated city!

I finally had the opportunity to take a photo of our ship. It’s very small but it’s been comfy and easy for me to maneuver around. Only 10 decks and we are on 7.

We watched as our ship sailed away from Malaga – next stop Sicily!

#royalcaribbean#malaga#hoponhopoff#

Well it’s been a fun crossing! Lots of terrific shows. A cappella group.

A tribute singer to Celine Dion

Our cabin steward has been the best! Supplying me with two buckets of ice daily for my foot and some animal art!

A bit disappointing, however, is Royal Caribbean no longer has lobster night unless you want to pay $16.99 for a tail. And no more escargot every night. Bummer!

All in all the food has been good, service great and I’ve enjoyed all the shows. This morning we sailed into Madeira.

We slept in and enjoyed fewer people on the ship. My foot still hurts so we are not getting off the ship! We were here last year and saw a good part of this pretty island.

Next stop Malaga! I’m hoping my foot feels better!

#rccl#thealleycats#madeira

This past Monday, I went for my usual 3 mile walk in the morning but by the time I reached home, I could barely step on my left foot. I iced it and rested all day and Tuesday I went to a podiatrist who x-rayed it and gave me a shot. I have a bone spur on the bottom of my foot and the back of my heel. Yikes! Not good when I’m heading out of town for 27 days.

Well today is the day! All packed and ready to go. My foot hurts a lot so I decided to use a wheelchair. This made the embarkation easier. It was crazy at the port. Do I look like an old lady, or what?

We made it on the ship quicker then thosevwho had been waiting for hours. And what any good cruiser would do, we immediately converged on the buffet. The comedian last night was so funny talking about how we all looked like we never saw food before!

We are on Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Sea. It’s an older, smaller ship and easier to get around, especially with my foot hurting. I’m using a cane for now but I’m hoping with the exercises I will be good in a few days.

We haven’t been on a Royal ship since Australia in 2017. Our cabin is good with a lot of storage.

The ship is sort of rocky but the swells don’t look very big. It might be that the stabilizers are not as good on these old ships and we are sailing the Atlantic. Our cabin steward wasn’t feeling well this morning.

We went to our cabin for a little while.

Bruce had a little nap on the balcony!

We departed about four hours late. It had a lot to do with expanded security screening for the incoming cruise and the ICE people showing up a few hours late. But it was fun to watch the sail away from our balcony.

We went to dinner with our friends Scott and Sandy at 6:45 and our suitcases had not yet arrived. I was a little concerned but we stayed in our day clothes. I had prime rib and of course escargot.

The comedian was hysterical. Really a lot of belly laughs. It was relaxing to say the least.

Today we are taking it easy. No gym for me. We went to an Enrichment lecture on economics and played some cards. Tonight there should be a good show and we will probably go to the casino.

Nine days at sea before we hit our first port. I have to get this foot better!

#royalcaribbean#rhapsodyofthesea#cruise