Tebowing in the Holy Land

I recently spent 2 weeks in Israel. Here are a few of the highlights in no particular order.

The Western Wall (aka Wailing Wall). This wall is believed to be part of the Second Temple that was built by King Herod in 19 BCE. The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans.

The Western Wall on Friday at sundown. It was absolutely packed. The fence separates men and women.

This is the spot where it is believed that Jesus' body was prepared for burial after the crucifixion. Everyone was touching it, so I thought it couldn't hurt.

Found this place in Bethlehem. Better than the real thing.

The security barrier separating the West Bank from Israel. Getting back into Israel from the West Bank was crazy: 2 x-ray machines, 3 metal detectors, and a lot of guards with guns.

Baptizing myself in the River Jordan. This is where Jesus was supposedly baptized by John.

This is the olive grove where Jesus was supposedly betrayed by Judas. Carbon dating on some of the trees confirm that the trees are over 2,000 years old.

Shayna and me on the Mount of Olives with the Old City in the background. Immediately behind us are Jewish graves. It has been a gravesite for over 3,000 years and has over 150,000 graves. According to the Bible, those buried on the Mount of Olives will be the first to be resurrected when the messiah comes.

This is the "exact" spot where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It is located within the Church of the Nativity.

Hummus is legit.

The Dome of the Rock is on the Temple Mount. It was built around the Foundation Stone in 691 CE. The Foundation Stone is the holiest site in Judaism because it is believed to be where the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the Second Temple. For Isalm, it is the spot where Muhammed supposedly ascended to Heaven with the angel Gabriel. It is also supposedly where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son to God. Non Muslims are not allowed to go inside.

Dome-bowing.

The Damascus Gate. One of the entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem.

Tebowing in the Crusader tunnels in Akko. Akko is a fantastically preserved city in the northern part of Israel.

This is supposedly the spot where Jesus was crucified. It is located within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Bethlehem street.

The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa are 18 garden terraces around the Shrine of the Bab on Mt. Carmel. The Baha'i Faith is one of the world's youngest religions. It might be the most tolerant religion in the world.

I wonder how many people were tricked into thinking that Armenian "Pizza" is actually good.

We attended an Armenian service at the Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem. For such a small population in Israel, the Armenian Church has a surprisingly large presence in Jerusalem and Israel.

Akko sea wall facing the Mediterranean.

In most Israeli bars, happy hour means 2 for the price of 1.

Trying to read the Lord's Prayer in Armenian.

Tomb-bowing.

Inside a Crusader fortress in Akko.

We Couchsurfed in Haifa with this awesome family. I think this was the seventh day of Hanukkah.

Best part about Israel: Guinness on tap everywhere.