Haifa Israel

Israel is an interesting country because it is a relatively new country, established in 1948 after World War II,  and 4 of the world's major religions have important sites here. Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Baha'i  share this land. 

This is on the road to Nazareth in Israel. Every sign is written in three languages - English, Hebrew and Arabic. Can you read any of the sign? If you read the top two be sure to start at the right  and read to the left.  Backwards?? Just because you learned to read in the United States. If you learned to read in Israel or Egypt, you'd always read right to left.

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Dipping my hooves into the River Jordan.  This is an important spot for Christians because Jesus was baptized in this river. Some people visiting here rented white robes and were dipped underwater. Denali wouldn't have survived the experience. 

I'm sitting on a rock in the Golan Heights overlooking the Sea of Galilee. This photo would not have been possible before 1998 because this strip of land was being fought over between Syria and Israel. The two countries negotiated a peace treaty and it is now safe for me to be here.   

Hey, not my best angle! I am in a Jewish temple that is 2,000 years old and I'm pretending to listen to the  discussion by the Rabbi at the front of the meeting place. 

I'm overlooking the city of Haifa and the gardens of the Temple of the Baha'i faith. This is another religion  with ties to this area and the reason these are  called "The Holy Lands". 

Looking up at the gardens of the Temple. This is the spiritual and administrative heart of the church. At the top is the temple and the extensive gardens are tiered down the hill with fountains and manicured plants.