21 March 2014

Haifa 21/03/2014

Found some decent WiFi in the terminal of the Haifa Port so grabbing the advantage before we board.
Second day in Haifa.  After the big day yesterday, we were late back to the ship (about 1930).  Today, I wanted to take in and capture the sights and feel of the not so touristy districts of Haifa.  Lesley and I took a stroll through the streets and back alleys of Haifa with cameras in hand.


Bahai Gardens
Today is Judy's turn on the sick roster.  She spent most of the night driving the porcelain bus so was feeling under the weather today and chose to stay in bed.
The view across the port as we departed Haifa

At 1700 we set off toward Piraeus (Athens) - it's a two day trip so tomorrow will be an 'at sea' day.
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Haifa 20/03/2014

We started the day with a 3 hr drive from Haifa to Jerusalem by bus. I have been reminded of why I hate bus tours. Off the bus - on the bus cramped in a seat for hrs. No free time to explore and photograph what I want to capture.
So the day was more an experience and personally witness the sites and history of the Holy Land.
Very surreal to touch and see these special relics of the stuff you learn about as a child.
Our guide, Isaac is a very knowledgeable historian and a character to boot.
We then headed over to Bethlehem where we visited the Church of the Nativity - another sobering experience.
We are currently on the long drive back to Haifa (where the ship is docked).  Everyone is catching some shut eye after a long and tiring day.
The cityscape here is much like I envisaged it.  There is no market for the paint industry. Absolutely every building or structure is bare masonry.  The countryside is very harsh - predominantly limestone.
Looking forward to a warm shower and a soft bed.
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