Jordan River

The Jordan River in the Middle East is best known in the Bible for the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.  In modern times the Jordan River is known for another reason.  The Jordan River has been part of a long-running border dispute between Israel and Jordan since 1967. When Israel joined the United Nations in 1949, a …

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the place that enshrines the location of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.  The interesting thing about the Church is that it is maintained and controlled by six Christian denominations, the three predominant ones being the Roman Catholics (called "Latins" in the Holy …

Nazareth Bike Shop

Walking along the streets of Nazareth, the line of bicycles caught my eye.  It's not uncommon for the shop keepers to display their goods on the sidewalk. (Click here for another Nazareth street scene.) Notice how gas cans are used as traffic cones to separate pedestrians from street vehicles, and, of course the discarded pop can, …

Bye-Bye

This morning I left for a 9-day trip to the Holy Land.  I'm excited about the Holy Land, but apprehensive about the Middle East. Hope to have some pictures up soon after I return. Thought for the Day:         Travel teaches toleration.           Benjamin Disraeli