Michael S. Liberman

Israel Day 6: Jerusalem

From the tunnels beneath the Old City …

I’m claustrophobic. It’s important to begin today’s blog with this admission. Read on for why.

We start the day down in the City of David Water Systems. This 1,553 meter tunnel was the source of water for the Old City. We descend a series of stairs to get to the tunnel, then wade through knee-deep water while crouching beneath the low tunnel ceiling. In complete darkness. With shoulder-wide walls. For over a mile. And again, I’m claustrophobic.

Israel Day 5: Galilee to Jerusalem

Traveling through the West Bank on the bus to Jerusalem …

Visiting a relatively smaller country means less time on the bus, but seeing more locations each day. And that means less time to work on blog updates on the bus and more places to photograph and write about. But the middle of the day is a long two-hour bus ride from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem. And I didn’t get much done, so this is coming to you from the Lobby Bar at the Jerusalem Ramada Inn.

Israel Day 4: Galilee

On the bus along the Sea of Galilee …

After a busy first day of touring, last night we had a relaxing evening at El Mul Golan. Wine by the kibbutz pool, dinner at the kibbutz dining hall, and more wine outdoors on the grounds of the kibbutz.

After breakfast at the kibbutz we explored locations around the Sea of Galilee. Out first stop – Capernaum, where two ancient synagogues are built on top of one another and also the home of Saint Peter.

Israel Day 3: Haifa to Galilee

I’m rusty. I haven’t done this for a while. And by this, I mean getting into travel mode – taking photos, shooting video, making notes, and working on the daily updates. After two days of travel, today we are out seeing locations in the northern part of Israel, and I’m starting to get my travel rhythm back.

We’re up early with a 5:30 AM wake up call. Of course being 7 hours ahead of east coast time, I’ve been up since 3:15 AM. But I slept well, I’m feeling rested, and looking forward to a day being a tourist.

Israel Day 2: Haifa

The overnight flight was smooth. When I landed at Ben Gurion International Airport I didn’t have to worry about finding the group in the terminal. They arrived at the next gate over. As I got off my flight, the rest of the group was getting off their flight. They were literally 50’ away.

And I’m glad that I quickly met the rest of the group. Our travel company – Explorica – arranged for a guide to help get us through the airport. It was complicated. First step, a biometric machine that scans your face and passport and issues a visa. Next passport control – very quick with the assistance of the guide! Then we picked up our baggage before heading to the temporary building constructed for COVID testing. Again having a guide was handy to direct us exactly where we needed to go. Without this assistance the entire process would have taken hours longer.