A World Away and A Step Back in Time

I have been off the grid for the past 10 days or so...traveling with a group to Israel.

8088 Miles from LAX to Tel Aviv - That's 15 hours on a plane, just sayin.
I believe I deserve an "atta girl."

However, the trip was amazing, in spite of the long plane trip.  

If you have never been, start saving your shekels and go.  You won't regret it.

I wish I could say I visited at least one quilt shop or fabric shop while I was there, but I did not.  I  checked Google Maps before I left the U.S. to see if there were any shops.  There appeared to be some but not close to anywhere our tour went or within walking distance of our hotel. (And, yes, I do recommend a tour.  Our guide was so knowledgeable, he made a big difference, I'm sure.)

Even though we did not visit any quilt shops or fabric stores, there were patterns and color every where.

Walking through the market place in the old city and down the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering) 

 the colors were vibrant and beautiful.

Crowded Market Streets

Spice Shop

 The shops had garments and shawls hanging all around, 

and of course other souvenirs.

 



 I even saw two crazy patchwork quilts !

The pink one was for sale, not sure if the red one was for sale.
They were both hand pieced.

The Red one was in a little alleyway off the main passage.  I stepped aside just long enough to snap a picture.  This is not a place you want to lose your group!

 

The sides of many buildings were adorned with bright tiles and intricate patterns.

Dome of the Rock

Tile Work on the Dome of the Rock

 

Jerusalem.  Anyone else see Jen Kingwell's  My Small World.

Floor in the Church at
The Mount of Beatitudes.

 

 

   

We visited various historical and Biblical sites as well as excavation sites.  

More intricate patterns on the walls and floors.  

From the beginning of time people are the same the world over.  

They are creative and artistic. They like their space beautiful. 

All their points meet up perfectly! 

The patio in the Garden in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee.

 Beit Shean, a Decapolis Capital.  Israel's largest excavation.

 

Tile work in the bath house in Beit Shean

 

 One our our final destinations, Masada.  

 Click HERE if you would like to read about Masada.
The tale was quite interesting.

Tile Work in Masada.  HEXIES!

 

It was a trip of a lifetime and as I said at the beginning; if you've never been, GO.

Even though I am a Believer in Jesus Christ, this trip was not a religious pilgrimage. 

It is  an ancient, historical place filled with beauty and wonder.

And, you can float in the Dead Sea!

The lowest point on earth.

Miss Vivian and Me
Yes, the water was cold.