Last Day in Israel -- Visit to Bethlehem

Bethlehem (from the World English Dictionary):  A town in the West Bank near Jerusalem; birthplace of Jesus and early home of King David. 
Little did I know how close to Bethlehem I was during the Jerusalem Marathon last Friday.  The border crossing into Bethlehem in the West Bank was less than a mile from my turn-around at 20Km.  Picked up by a Taxi around 9am following breakfast, I was taken to a gift shop where three others, a family from France, and I were treated to Turkish coffee and a look around the shop.  The tour operators arranged to drive us across the border vs walking.  They said it was much easier.  The van took us through the border crossing into the West Bank of Palestine Authority without incident.  I'm used to seeing police and military uniforms carrying weapons and the border guards were no different. 
Weather was nice and sunny as the van continued through Bethlehem, also full of hills, to locate our guide.  The guide was very nice and spoke English very well.  The French family understood him as they were fluent in English as well.  Our first stop was the Church of Mary, the place where her mother's milk dropped to the ground which was instantly covered in white--the explanation of the guide.  The new church was built atop the cave or grotto where the first church was thought to have been.  This is what I've seen throughout my visit to Israel, also known as the Holy Land. 
The next stop was the Shepherd's in the Field Church in the valley below the Church of the Nativity.  From Shepherds field in the distance I could see the border between the West Bank and Jerusalem, much like what I saw between Israel and Jordan on the previous day--fence with barbed wire with a patrol road alongside.  Up close were the archeological ruins of the ancient civilization.
The Church at this location was built with funds donated by Canadian Catholics.  Small sanctuary where mass is held with the altar in the center of the round room.  Was able to view the interior when the service or mass was over.
The last stop on the tour was the Church of the Nativity--the place where Jesus was thought to have been born.  Again, the church was built over the cave or grotto where the stable and manger where thought to have been.  Of course it was crowded because it was Sunday, the day of Christian worship.  The guide made arrangements with the archbishop to let me and the French family observe the last 10 minutes of mass in the birthplace below the main altar.  Very interesting with the songs, chants, and insence before communion completed the service.  We were rushed through as the guide pointed out the birthplace of Christ, the manger, and the place where the gifts from the three wise men were placed in the tiny room.
The local parishioners were coming out of their Sunday mass at the church upstairs, so went into this one too. 
From there the tour was over and once again was back in the van and headed through Bethlehem and back across the border in to Jerusalem.  There a taxi awaited to take all of us back to our respective hotels.
My stop was first, but the way was blocked by a protest by the Parliament building.

Nazareth and the Sea of Galillee

My tour to Nazareth, Cana, Capurnam, Galilee, and the Jordan River was great.  Weather was sunny and warm the entire day, which would have been too warm for a comfortable marathon.  So guess I ordered the correct weather--or someone was listening? 

Israel is an amazing place.  Would you beleive that the Christian population in Nazareth is a minority?  Surprised me, but the majority is Muslim.  In Israel, religions live together in harmony--Jewish, Christian, Muslim. 

Tomorrow I visit Bethlehem (Palestine Authority) for a half day before I head out to Tel Aviv for the LONG flight home. 

Inaugural Jerusalem Marathon -- DONE!

Great day for a race!  Weather was great [for a marathon] but just a bit cooler than I would have liked.  At least it didn't rain.  Jerusalem needs rain, but it rained off and on for two days prior to the race--thankful that it didn't impede my effort attacking the very hilly course.  I finished in 6:34 which is my best time so far this year, and I am certain I was the very last finisher.  The quarter mile lane into the finish line was as challenging as the hills.  Because of the rain, astroturf was placed over mud so every step was like stepping on a sponge.  Not the best footing for accelerating at the finish.  I just wanted to keep upright and avoid a face plant.  Race report to follow. 

My new friends from Sacramento were there for me at the finish, smiling and cheering for me all the way.  So thankful to have a cheering squad completing one of the most difficult courses I've experienced.  We walked back to the hotel and arrived just as the rain began.  Post-Race festivity was a warm shower--the best!

Waited too long to order HOT food, as Shabat begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.  This is when the Jewish religion honors the day of rest.  All the restaurants are closed, or serving only cold food; the computers and televisions in the hotel lobby are turned off.  Few cars are on the streets and the busses don't run.  Elevators in the hotel are pre-programmed to stop on every floor.  In my hotel one of the elevators stopped on even numbered floors, the other stopped on odd numbered floors.  Definitely a short night--lights out early for this kid.

Pre-race Day in Israel

All rested and ready to pickup my packet at the convention center right next to my hotel.  Meeting up with a Pat from Sacramento in a few minutes to go together.  She's been to Israel nine times and very familiar with the layout of the city.  Once we get our race stuff, we're off to the Old City for some shopping.  Our tour yesterday did not allow time to shop, but knew that we had enough time today to go back to that area.  Pat says that's where the best deals are found by bartering with the shop owners. 

Weather today has already been quite the variety.  I awoke at 7am this morning with the bright sunlight coming through the terrace windows.  Snapped a few pix of the large clock on the outside of the central bus station, part of my view of the city.  Quite the rain and wind storm came through at breakfast and now it's nearly clear again.  Just hope the rain holds off for the marathon tomorrow.

All is calm in Jerusalem

Just received an email from my sister that alerted me to the bombing in Jerusalem earlier today--near the Central Bus Station.  I am very near the Central Bus station and even had dinner there last night with another marathoner and her husband.  We walked from our hotel right past the area I saw in the news video.  Had a Kosher meal at McDonalds as the bus station is also a shopping mall.  Had to go through metal detectors and baggage xray just to get into the bus station--probably why the attack was outside of the building by where people catch the bus.  So sad that people were hurt and one woman killed.  At least you know that this area is now probably the safest around Jerusalem.  I am really surprised with the police presence along with many in military uniform. 

The trip so far has been great.  Wonderful weather yesterday on my tour to Masada and the Dead Sea.  Masada is a stronghold built on top of a mountain that overlooks the southern end of the Dead Sea.  Views were spectacular and a ton of history.  On the way back, the tour bus stopped by the Mineral Beach on the Dead Sea.  Here where I smeared mineral mud all over my body and let it dry in the sun.  Then I went into the water, walking carefully with flip flops on over the salt crystalline beach into the water.  Oh my, oh my--I just leaned backwards and floated with no effort whatsoever!  Amazing!  The water is so full of salt you just float.  Nothing lives in that water because of its chemical composition.  Full of magnesium it really feels good on joints and it was warm!  Ultimate experience of the day and the trip so far.

Today was good too, as I visited several historic areas of Jerusalem including walking the stations of the cross to the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified.  The stone where his body was anointed with oils was also there.  This was after visiting the Jewish Wailing Wall.  So much to see.  The afternoon took me to the Holocast Museum along with a view of the city from the Mount of Olives.  Got back to the hotel around 7pm.  

Tomorrow is going next door to pickup my marathon packet and rest for most of the day before race day on Friday.

All is calm in Jerusalem tonight.

Up Up and Away!

Preparations for travel progressed without incident on Saturday. Completed last minute work tasks that are due while I'm gone, readied the house, Always like to tie up loose ends. I even took the time to drop in on my Son and his family for a short visit in Troutdale. Will attempt to send this post to the blog via email before I leave the country. This will be a first as I normally travel with a laptop domestically and rely on Internet Cafes and hotel business centers internationally.

My aisle seat preference was not originally assigned, however I was fortunate to score aisle seats on both flights when I checked in Saturday night! Gotta love online check-in day before flight. Front of the economy section from Portland to Newark NJ (PDX to EWR) a 5 hour flight.

Took a break away from the blog to watch the feature film--Accidental Husband. Cute comedy; LOL entertainment. The plane is on decent now for EWR. Seems like a long flight but just a primer for what comes next-- a little longer than a 10 hour flight, whew.

One of the flight attendants gave me a primer on what to expect at the gate for my flight to Tel Aviv. Once I pass final screening and enter the waiting area I will not be allowed to leave. The caveat that followed was invaluable--there is NOTHING at the gate area. It is void of shops, restaurants, snacks, beverages, and even RESTROOMS! Want to make sure I enter that area just as the plane is boarding. Really glad I chatted up the crew while begging a final cup of coffee. Soon will find myself once again at Liberty Airport in Newark, New Jersey.

The lines were so long at Smashburger, had to know what the fuss was all about.  i ordered the Classic and it was okay.  They boast that there are two types of people--Those who crave Smashburger, and those who have not yet been here. like said, it was good but don't expect I will be developing a craving.

2011 Inaugural Jerusalem Marathon by Invitation

Social media brought the invitation to the Inaugural Jerusalem Marathon in Israel to my attention.  While perusing the latest feeds on Facebook, I saw it--posted by Marathon Maniacs, an invitation from the Israeli Embassy in San Francisco for Northwest marathoners to participate.  The trip was offered with departures from SFO, SEA, and PDX.  After reading the details, I was hooked.  Marathon Maniac #1752, SIGN ME UP!