Rest and Relaxation, Mostly

Yesterday, Saturday, was a touring day. However, there was much walking and climbing, so I didn't go. I do wish my legs had the strength to tour Israel's rocks, hills, and all, but alas, 'tis not to be! John was worn out, so we both stayed home. We washed clothes, took naps, and I did some work for my registering. It was a much needed restful day.

The group went to Herodian, Herod's last palace and the place where he died. Last year, we saw a tremendous video about Herod. He was a brilliant architect and builder, but he was also cruel to enemies and his family. He was probably either schizophrenic or bipolar, it is thought. When he died, he was buried at Herodian, but his sarcophagus was empty when it was discovered  His body was probably stolen by his enemies.  

Reconstructed tomb of Herod,
based on architectural drawings

Steep walk to the top - why I didn't go up

View from Herod's tomb

After Herodian, the group went shopping! Old Jerusalem is a fun place to shop, if you don't mind many people going up and down a narrow rock path, much of it underground. Actually, I enjoyed it last year. The shops are amazing, small cubicles carved out of rock lining both sides. They sell everything, and the shops aren't in any particular order, so food will be next to children's shoes, next to a shop selling expensive necklaces and bracelets. Trying to bargain for a lower price is expected, which is actually great fun. I don't know whether or not I got any bargains, but it was fun to try. 

Jesus probably had to walk through the same walkway (except two levels down) carrying the cross on the way to His crucifixion. 

There was another stall with hanging meat, but I chose not to post that picture. There was a skinned goat hanging in front; we knew it was a goat because his tail was still attached. Not on my list for dinner! However, we had goat meat when we went to Asi's home for dinner last year, and the tiny taste I had was actually good.

The hot pink "stuff" in this picture is pickled cauliflower. Why is it pink? 

                                         Who knows? I, needless to say, didn't buy any!

The fruit (and the veggies I like) here are out of this world! Part of the reason is that produce is picked when ripe one day and appears in the store the next. Last night, while relaxing on the steps before going off to bed, a group of us had some strawberries that two of the ladies bought at the market, and they were wonderfully ripe and delicious. However, they probably wouldn't have lasted long, even in the refrigerator.

Just so you know, I tried to post last night, but the wifi wasn't working. On our list for next year will be a portable wifi box. Yes, there will be another year. We have accomplished this year's "final" goal, but in the process discovered that the small cavern at the bottom is actually very large. So the archaeologists are planning for us to come back to explore the cavern, with the expectation of great things, including the source of the water. There is much excitement about what we have found so far, so there is a celebration of hitting the bottom of the cistern on Wednesday, with many dignitaries. It should be fun. We are sworn to silence about coming back!

Must go. I'm going to go take a short nap before dinner.

Love you all!

M.