While docked in Israel, I took the opportunity to get this shot of the S.S. Universe Explorer (otherwise known as the Great White Mother), in all her glory.
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While docked in Israel, I took the opportunity to get this shot of the S.S. Universe Explorer (otherwise known as the Great White Mother), in all her glory. |
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Within ten minutes of stepping off the ship in our port city of Haifa, we were aboard a sherut (shared taxi) to Jerusalem. We did stop for a quick break at a gas station just outside Jerusalem. And attached to that gas station was what we came to Israel for. The Elvis Inn. (don't ask me to explain) |
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Okay, maybe not everyone was there for Elvis--there are a few other things to see in Israel. As home to three major world religions, Jerusalem is steeped in religious history. The Dome of the Rock is one of the holiest sites on earth for Muslims, after Mecca and Medina. |
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As the only remaining wall of one of the first temples, the Western Wall is a solemn place for Jews. That person in the middle who doesn't quite look like the others is my colleague Juan. |
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At the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, we saw the very spot that is considered to be where Jesus was born. It is so holy, they couldn't even put any ground there--just a hole (get it? it's holy? hole-ly? oh, nevermind). |
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Everyone else was coating themselves in mud, so we thought we'd join in the fun. This is at the Dead Sea, so called because of the extremely high concentration of salt in the water (I learned the hard way that you should never get any of that water in your eyes or mouth). One of the lowest places on the surface of the earth, the sea is also one of the most dense bodies of water. |
