Up to Jerusalem

On May 4, we left the Sea of Galilee area and headed south towards Jerusalem. Our first stop was Beth Shean, a Roman city which was destroyed in an earthquake but which is now being partially restored so its splendor can be experienced.

A main street was bordered with columns on both sides with broad walkways of marble or inlaid mosaics that opened to storefronts. The original shopping mall!


The Romans lived an easy life with public saunas (the short pillars in the above picture supported a floor and allowed hot air to heat it), steam rooms, gymnasiums, pools and public facilities complete with running water. You'd go down for a steam, massage and manicure before heading over to the amphitheater to watch plays or sporting or gladiator events. When you'd eaten too much, just go outside to the vomitorium to relieve yourself.

Then we were off to Gideon's Spring where Gideon, at God's direction, reduced the number of his chosen soldiers to only 300 before going to battle against the Midianites (Judges 7) by selecting those who drank by cupping their hand while keeping their sword ready in the other hand.

Afterward, we had lunch and a swim in Sachne National Park where many chose to jump off a thirty foot cliff into the water. I chose to float and explore a luminescent cave. Since it was Shabat, and services would be closing, we continued south and then up to the hills of Jerusalem to our hotel.

Before arriving at the hotel, we stopped for a brief overlook of Jerusalem from one of the surrounding hills. The Dome of the Rock with its gilded surface screaming for attention amidst other older churches, buildings and fortified walls of the Old City.