Tonight we sleep in Jerusalem!

Let's see if I can make sense of these pictures. #1 here should be a tree-lined avenue at the Kibbutz where we had lunch this afternoon -- with a wonderful discussion of the kibbutzim (plural of kibbutz) with our tour guide, Eliezer (of Jerusalem, not Damascus).

#2 should be one of our first views of the Holy City, Jerusalem from Mt. Scopus and Mt. of Olives to the east. Sounds so easy here, but the traffic at 5:00 on Thursday afternoon is an example of God's punishment on intentional sinners. Not easy to get around town here.

We are settled at the King Solomon Hotel in Jerusalem, and supper is over. It is about 8:30 pm, and we nixed the idea of going out for a walk tonight. Most of us are not getting a really good night's sleep.

The morning began by the Sea of Galilee -- I have a couple of nice shots over the Sea, though it has been hazy here from low pressure in Europe bringing Arabian Desert sand up over Israel. We took a short trip to Tiberias, still on the Sea. Visited the Caprice Diamond Company, one of the world-wide procurer, cutter, polisher, and distributor of diamonds. Jan says, "Great opportunity to make a good impression, Doug." After a short video on how the gift of diamonds equals a heart-felt expression of love, I told Jan how fond of her I was. And am. Jan got to put on a 2-ct diamond worth over $100,000 -- no, Fabian, they don't give out free samples.

Went on to Yardenit -- a garden-lke site on the Jordan River, where we had a Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Someone was kind enough to video the experience, and we are bringing back a copy of that video. And some Jordan River Water. Jan thinks she has been drinking out of the right bottle, but we will see what her intestines say after sleeping on it.

Saw some close-ups of the border with Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, and excellent stories from our guide, who lived the '67 Six-Day War and '73 Yom Kippur War. Had a wonderful tour of Bet She-an, one of those rare, well-excavated sites with ruins from pre-Canaanite settlements of 1800 years BCE, as well as Egyptian influence from 1500 BCE. Gordy, Kathy, Suzi, and I climbed up to the Acropolis -- a bit of a hike. Pretty hot today. But what a view! Pictures available upon request.

Had lunch at a local kibbutz, the kibbutz conversation, and visiting a 1400-year-old synagogue only uncovered several years ago when a tractor hit some stones while plowing. Beautiful mosaic floor.

Then off to Jerusalem along the Jordan River valley, through the Palestinian Authority, and into the Holy City. More to follow tomorrow. All are healthy, though jet lag is real and there have been a couple of queasy stomachs. Everyone is trooping along, and I just noticed that Jan is asleep on the other side of the room. For those who are interested, internet connection here is 1 shekel/minute, or about $10/half hour. You are worth it, friendly followers! Also, Lamar -- Gordy picked up an excellent scroll for you, guaranteed by our bedouin shepherd to be an authentic, 2000-year-old specimen from the Dead Sea, containing the complete Bood of Ezekiel. Got it for $12.00 US. We will be looking for more of these tomorrow.

Doug