Arizona State Fair

So the Saturday I flew back from Israel I had my roommate pick me up at the airport so that we could go right to the Arizona State Fair. I typically wouldn't have tried to pack that much into one day, but I didn't want to miss my favorite part of the State Fair. That would be the demolition derby. I was actually introduced to demolition derbies about 3 years ago when I moved to Arizona. For those of you who don't know what a demolition derby is I've posted a short video, but basically what happens is that they take old cars and play with them.

Then they take those cars and it's basically the last car moving is the winner. They spend a few minutes ramming into each other in a mud field. It's amazing how quick you pick a car you want to win. It's enjoyable not only to watch the demolition derby, but to also watch the people that are there. After the demolition derby we spent some time walking around the rest of the fair. We had to get something fried to eat (since that's what you do at the fair). There were a few people that actually got (and ate) chocolate covered scorpions. I was not one of those people, but I did take pictures to document it. We played some fair games, but couldn't seem to win any of the big prizes... actually we couldn't win any of the prizes. Finally my roommate decided to play a game that she would win. Some game on the iPhone, but she won that was all that mattered.

Israel- Roman Aqueduct

One of the last stops for the day (and the trip) was to the Roman Aqueduct. It was located relatively close to the city of Caesarea. We got to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea while we were standing on the beach near the aqueduct. It was a beautiful way to end the day and the trip. After the aqueduct we headed into Jaffa to get dinner. We enjoyed our dinner while sitting at a park over looking the city of Jaffa. Then sadly we were headed to the airport to head home. Honestly my trip to Israel has been one of the best trips that I have ever been on. I've had some amazing experiences, meet some amazing people and saw some amazing things. I'm so thankful to the Gee's for making the trip possible and successful. So thankful to Jimmy and Ahmad, our tour guide and bus driver, for taking us all over Israel. So thankful to all the people I meet who made the trip as fabulous as it was.

By the way this is Finally the last post for the Israel trip. It's been fun to remember all my experiences, hope you enjoyed some of them too. If you are interested in seeing more pictures look here. And as a note if any of you EVER get the chance to go to Israel... TAKE IT! It's a fabulous experience. Here's the info for the group I went with, called Discovery Expeditions & Adventures.

Israel- Caesarea

Our next stop was to Caesarea, which is a large port city located on the Mediterranean Sea. There was a really well preserved and partially reconstructed amphitheater. The view from the amphitheater was a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea. We spent some time walking around the ruins learning about some of the history associated with the area. We spent some time on the beach enjoying the feeling the the sand between our toes. I was actually a little surprised at how warm the water was.

Israel- Megiddo

Our next stop was out to the ruins of Megiddo or Armageddon. It's a settlement where many important battles have and will take place. There isn't really much of what was there at one time.

Israel- Jordon River

Our first stop on Friday (our last day in Israel) was to the Jordon River. We visited one of the sites that is believed to be the site of the baptism of Jesus. The river is really pretty with all the trees hanging over the water.

Israel- Mount Tabor

Our next stop was to Mount Tabor. Our bus actually couldn't make it to the top of the mountain. We had to stop at a certain place up the hill and get into smaller buses that shuttled us to the top of the mountain. The road up to the top was a little crazy and since the drivers drive it regularly they drove it super fast. Mount Tabor is believed to be the location where the Savior was transfigured and where Moses and Elijah appeared. The church at the top of the hill was in my opinion one of the more pretty churches we had been in. It was made of the light colored stone and was very open and light inside. I also like the wooden beams in the roof. The church was also surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Israel- Yigal Alon Museum & Boat Trip

Our next stop (after lunch, which was St Peter's Fish) we went to the Yigal Alon Museum. This is where the museum where the Jesus Boat is located. The boat was discovered along the shore of the Sea of Galilee late in the 1970's. It was discovered that the boat was built nearly 2000 years ago. It was kind of cool to see the boat and interesting to see how the boat was brought up. After seeing the Jesus Boat we got to go on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. They are wooden boats and ours was named Noah. We got the boat to ourselves which was probably good, because we were just goofing around. We took some fun pictures jumping around. It was a nice little trip around the lake. Definitely relaxing.

Israel- Mount of Beatitudes

Our next stop was to the Mount of Beatitudes. There was a church located on the top of the hill surrounded by a beautiful garden. The view of the Sea of the Galilee from the top of the hill was amazing too. Up on top of the hill Katrina gave her devotional about the Sermon of the Mount. We had a little time to walk around and enjoy the beauty and peace of the garden. From the church on top of hill we walked down to the bottom with Jimmy. As we walked down the hill we stopped at a cave in the hillside. We sat inside for a while just enjoying the view.Jimmy explained that a cave similar to this one is where the Sermon on the Mount would have occurred.

Israel- Capernaum

Our next stop was up to Capernaum. Capernaum is another town of ruins and is believed to be the city where Peter is from. The ruins weren't very big, but there were definitely some beautiful flowers around the city.

Israel- St Peter's Primacy and the Sea of Galilee

St Peter's Primacy is a church that was built right along the Sea of Galilee. The church was small, but had wonderful acoustics again, so we had to sing a song. Then we spent a little time outside along the edge of the Sea of Galilee. A few people wanted to pick up some rocks.

Israel- Tiberias

So while we were up in the Galilee area we stayed in Tiberias at the Caesar Premier. It's located right on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. The view from our room in the morning was amazing! Couldn't ask for much better of a view to wake up to in the morning.

Israel- Nazareth

Our first stop in Nazareth was to the Nazareth Village. It's an area in Nazareth where they have recreated what the village life would have been like during Jesus' time. It's interesting to see the old village but to be able to look out and see the modern city of Nazareth. In the Nazareth Village we walked around with a tour guide to see a few different stations. We saw a shepherd watching over his flock. We also saw an olive orchard with trees that showed how branched were grafted into the olive trees. We also saw how the olives where pressed to create the olive oil. It was interesting to see the process. We also got to visit with the 'local' carpenter. He showed us some of the tools of the trade. He even let us try out the drill. It made me very thankful for power tools, it would take so long to get anything done. We also got to visit with the weaver. She was a super friendly lady who kept telling us that we made her feel young again. She showed us how they would weave the sheep's wool into thread. We also had to take a group picture with her, cause she really did enjoy being around such a young crowd. The last stop on the tour was to the synagogue. There our tour guide talked about the importance that the synagogue played in the village. She also shared a simply testimony how Christ still lives and that we are responsible to share his light with the world. Once again it was so refreshing to hear the testimony of someone who isn't necessarily a member of the church, but believes in Christ and the goodness of his life. After we left the Nazareth Village we head up to the Church of the Annunciation. The church is built over the site that is believed to be where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. One cool thing about the church was that all around the church were depictions of Mary and Jesus from different countries around the world. After the Church of the Annunciation we headed to St Gabriel's Church and the site of Mary's Well. There is a special spirit around Nazareth that it kind of cool to feel.