Let's Play Catch-Up: Travels in 2015 - Israel

We certainly got about a bit in 2015! After Sri Lanka and Dubai in August, we headed off to Israel during the October half term holiday. Hubby had to go for work, so DC,George Bear and I tagged along.

I must admit to being a bit nervous about travelling to Israel; hubby had been twice before for work and said it was absolutely fine, but taking DC along added to my worries - no-one willing puts their child in danger, do they? My worries were totally unfounded and we had a great few days in Tel Aviv. Our hotel was right on the beach, and this was the view from our room - not too bad, eh? I had no idea what to expect from Tel Aviv, but I certainly hadn't expected it to be so 'beach-y', if you get what I mean?!?

We arrived late on the Sunday evening so these photos were taken on Monday morning when DC and I headed out for a walk along the promenade that stretched all the way from our hotel down to the old port of Jaffa.

 We managed to avoid the rain all along the way

 right until we got to Jaffa, when the heavens opened and we had to take shelter under a porch

 Luckily it was a passing shower and we were able to carry on exploring.

When hubby finished work that evening we went out for a delicious dinner at a very good Italian restaurant

and afterwards we had some freshly squeezed juice from this fabulous stall.

 The following day, DC and I spent the day in Tel Aviv and around the beach.

 

And the day after that was road trip time! Hubby didn't have to work so we hired a car and headed south east. We had wanted to visit Jerusalem but hubby's work colleagues had advised against it, which was a pity, but it meant we were a bit more adventurous!

 Can you see the Sea?

First stop when we reached our destination was the cafe, where they served bagels bigger than your head!

 Next stop - the cable car.

Up, up and away....

This is Masada, the rock fortress where King Herod built palaces and fortifications between 37-31BC. The Roman historian Josephus tells us that in 73AD the Romans laid siege to the fortress and the 960 inhabitants chose to commit suicide rather than be captured. Archaeological finds don't (yet) confirm this, but who knows.

 You can see the outline of one of the Roman camps really clearly here.

 And another one here. Having studied Ancient History at university, I found this all fascinating. And, even better, hubby and DC were really interested too.

 The bath house

 with remains of the ancient version of underfloor heating!

 After our educational visit, it was time to relax at the beach...

 and float our cares away

 Yes, you really do float in the Dead Sea

 but no one tells you how difficult it is to get out with any of your dignity in tact! It's almost impossible to get your feet on the ground to walk out, so you end up bobbing around, turning over and generally looking like a right wally. Oh, and you really do not want to get any of the water in your mouth - bluuurggh.

The next day was our last. We spent the morning and lunch time in the centre of Tel Aviv, enjoying lovely food again. Then it was time for a last couple of shots of the beach before heading home.

We had a great time and I'd definitely recommend a visit if you get the chance.