Adventures with Sergio & Rhoda
- Virtual Traveller 86
- Apr 25, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2020
Day Two: Country No. 3
ISRAEL - arriving 4:54am
I was advised that the easiest way to travel from Petra into Israel was by road. A journey of 446km and just under six hours in total. I had heard that crossing the border might take some time too but as you’ve come to expect...I sailed right on through!
Jerusalem 4:54am
I have always wanted to visit Israel and to follow the footsteps of Christ. As a child I thought taking a physical route that would follow the sequence of events recorded in the gospels was my own unique idea. It wasn’t until adulthood that I discovered there is a whole tourism industry doing exactly this! However if the tour I initially took is anything to go by, well let’s just say I didn’t find it very credible. Thankfully I found another guide who was willing to give me a quick tour of some of the key locations (biblicalisraeltours.com). He was excellent and by the end of it I was actually left quite emotional. To see the beauty of the landscape and know that the feet of Jesus had walked amongst the same hills and ancient olive groves was really moving.
Back in the centre of Jerusalem whilst looking for souvenirs I met the lovely Sergio and his wife Rhoda. It turns out they run tours to various locations across the country (look for ‘Sergio and Rhoda Tours‘ on YouTube). When I met them they were waiting for a friend who was visiting from America and they invited me to tag along with them (yes I am taking liberties with artistic license. And having great fun doing so!).
Jerusalem: Via Delorosa
The Via Dolorosa is the road that some believe Jesus walked along as He went to the cross. Much debate has ensued about this over the centuries. What is clear is that today’s Via Dolorosa is a medieval road surface. Rhoda and Sergio had heard that the partial remains of a much earlier, Roman road, had been discovered underneath the existing Via Dolorosa. And they were going to take us to see it! I’d encourage you to watch this brief video that was taken of the tour. https://youtu.be/hO3nAAq4LsE
In the meantime here are some shots I took.
Key
a. There is some debate over the exact route Jesus took on the way to His death (and ultimate resurrection!). This map shows the main two routes proposed. The red and yellow line follows the historical route (including Via Dolorosa). The route in blue is a more recent proposal following archeological research. Sergio and Rhoda can also take you on an exploration of this latter route (see YouTube).
b. Entrance to the remains is not visible from the street.
c. Inside the underground vault.
d. Stone flags dating back to the Roman period.
e. Part of the earlier road
f. Back at street level we tasted fresh almonds (they eat the shell too).
g. Present day road sign
h. “Jerusalem Cake” (looks like bread).
i. Tearing off a chunk of the cake you then dip it in fresh hyssop. Tastes lovely (so I’m told!).
Capernaum, Galilee
Having had such a good time in Jerusalem, I went with Sergio and Rhoda on two more trips. Having read of Capernaum in scripture it was amazing to actually be there, even though almost all of it is now in ruins. One part of the ancient town is now owned by the Franciscans and the rest is owned by the Greek Orthodox church. What’s interesting is that the Franciscans have carried out extensive archeological excavations and even built a new chapel building. The Greek Orthodox church have left much of the land they own untouched - as a holy site to be left undisturbed.
From Mount Hermon to the Dead Sea
My final adventure was a mammoth trip. A challenge to see if it is possible to travel from the heights of Mount Hermon all the way down to the Dead Sea - within 5 hours. About 250 miles in total. This would involve travelling from snow to sea to desert. Below are photos from this brilliant trip together with a list of the locations.
Key
Sat in traffic waiting to get to Mount Hermon (in distance). It’s a popular ski resort.
Sergio himself at Mt Hermon 9:01am, Temp: 1°C/ 33°F, Elevation:1670m (5480 feet)
Leaving Mount Hermon behind us.
Galilee Mountains 10:30am, Temp: 16°C/60°F; Elevation: 40m (133 feet)
Rhoda, at Caesarea 11:38am, Temp: 19°C/66°F; Elevation: 4m (13 feet)
By the sea at Caesarea
Judean Foothills 2:04pm, Temp: 22°C/ 72°F; Elevation:160m (525feet)
Negev Desert 3:49pm, Temp: 24°C/75F, Elevation: -163m (-535 feet)
Dead Sea 4:25pm, Temp: 26°C/79°F; Elevation: -421m (-1381 feet)
Dead Sea
Total drop from Hermon: 2091m (6861 feet)
Total Temperature Change: +25°C (45°F)
A bit longer than five hours but then we did stop for food a couple of times. Apparently in Israel a Macdonald’s beefburger is considered meat of the best quality (for fast food). I took their word for it!
With regret the time came to leave Sergio, Rhoda and my adventures of Israel. I definitely could have seen more!
I am doing this challenge to raise much needed funds for the Scoliosis Association UK and the NHS Charities.
Huge thanks to those who have already donated. Please do feel free to share this Blog. I am trying to raise at least £150. Many thanks.
Exiting Israel at 7:35am.
Next stop....
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