The thing is, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula is actually closer to Israel than Cairo! From Eilat, the southern city of Israel, it takes only 2.5 hours to the most beautiful secret resort at the real Red Sea. And you can watch the legendary sunrise at Mt.Sinai the next day! So many backpackers and travelers have done this… and even I have revisited the place after …. a long time! (Didn’t have a nice camera back then)

Don’t miss this one out!

The Glance: Mt. Sinai 

Maybe add a little touch of “Egypt” for your trip to the Middle East?

This is one of the hikes I did in my early 20s, as a girl traveling solo in Egypt.  I didn’t know how hard the hike was (there weren’t that many blogs and certainly not vlogs 8 years ago)

Let me show you the amazing sunrise first! (And what the trip looks like)

The easiest way to get there from Israel is to go with Abraham Tours. All the details are there and pretty accurate. If you want to be really precise… all you need is 29 hours!!

Total Costs

1. The 2D1N Package $ 159

2. Border Fees: Israeli Exit Tax 102 + 5NIS from Israel exit (approximately $ 31) and Egyptain Entry Stamp 400EGP (approximately $ 26)

3. Lunch: Bring your lunch, I bought coke for 25EGP (about $ 2)

4. Camel fee: 250EGP (or $ 20)

5. Blanket rental fee: 50EGP (about $ 3)

= about USD$ 238 per person

History? Some history about Sinai 

The Sinai Peninsula briefly under Israeli control between 1967 and 1982 (after the Six-Day War). But the peninsula is 3 times bigger than the size of Israel!  Israel found it difficult to defend the border, so Israel gave up the control and returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt after the peace agreement made with Egypt. But the point is, basically from then until now, relations between Egypt and Egypt have been very good. I even met a guide from Dahab who loves Bamba!! (An Israeli snack! And he said he never liked Bisli, which is another Israeli snack. I found the conversation interesting :P)

If you want to go back the history, watch “The Prince of Egypt” or just read Exodus. Moses led the people of Israel from Egypt, and here he received the Ten Commandments. The people of Israel made a covenant with God, He would be their God, and they would be His people. And we see the rebirth of Israel, we know that God’s promise hasn’t failed!  This love has lasted for at least 4000 years! What a romantic place!

After Constantine legalized Christianity in the 4th century AD, his mother Helena, designated this mountain in the Sinai Peninsula as Mount Sinai. The monastery was built here and named after Catherine, a devout female believer who didn’t give up her faith under persecution. The St. Catherine’s Church in Bethlehem is also named after this lady.

Get Ready! Things to Pack

1. Energy:

2. Equipment: Hiking boots/sneakers, headlight (you need this! Don’t attempt to rely on your phone), water bottle (I brought a thermos), hand warmer (if in January), a very warm jacket (I went with my Superdry wind-cheater and lots of layers)

It’s VERY COLD up there!! If there’s only one piece of advice that I can give you… please dress warmly!

The 2D1N Itinerary

With Abraham tours, you meet at Eilat at 11AM (the tour leaves only on Monday I think). You’ll cross the border with your group, and the van will take you to the resort around 13:30. Dinner is at 19:00. Then you meet again at midnight.

Mount Sinai and Red Sea 2 Day Tour

Level of Energy Required：

Departs：Every Monday

Fee：USD$159

1.Departure

The security in Sinai is strict. Though for sure you should still try to get as much sleep as possible along the way, you’d still be interrupted by 3-5 checkpoints. Make sure to bring your passport!

2. About 2:30 AM: Arrive at the foot of the mountain and climb the mountain

We met our guide at the parking. After a short walk (15-30 minutes walk), we saw so many camels! From here you can take a camel (should be 7 kilometers), or walk about 1.5 ~ 2 hours. It’s FLAT but LONG!!  And …. just not easy to walk when it’s so dark. I prefer taking the camel taxi   (More details later)

3. At About 4 AM: Hike up to the Top from Upper Camel Stop

At some point, the camel cannot go further. Then you need to climb 750 steps by yourself, which is the hardest part. It takes about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours …

If you are a girl, there will be a Bedouin who enthusiastically asks you to hold his hand, the friendly gesture is to “help you”. But coming from Asian background.. well I’d rather not take advantage of this.

There are toilets and tea stops, the fee is 1 US dollar or 20 EGP. (I heard it’s super dirty) A cup is tea is the same price. So… I was glad that I had my thermos.

4. Wait for the Sunrise

It’s better to go up and wait for the sun first, because we can wait for the sunrise but the sunrise can’t wait for us … so that’s why we started the climb an hour early! My sunrise was at 06:22, and I arrived before 5AM… so I had to find a place to sleep. It cost 50EGP (about USD$3) to rent a blanket.

In the beginning, I hesitated because who knows how clean the blankets were (it’s so dark, you can’t see…. ) I asked the vendor: “Is it clean?”  He replied, “It’s for tourists!”

Well, I suppose the blankets were never washed. But it turned out to be okay.

The best place to sleep…. er, I meant, to watch the sunrise, is to your left. I found this by accident because I was sleeping against a wall, and woke up seeing people talking towards me. And the sunrise was exactly behind me…. lucky me  :O

The spot… if you see from this picture, you will hike up from the stairs. And pass the chapel (on your right on the way up), and then you’ll see a small observation deck. The sunrise will be on your left if the chapel is behind you.

Taking a photo for my Chinese blog… www.israelmega.com

5.Downhill: 2 to 3 Hours

The sad news… It will not be any easier to walk downhill!  The main reason is that your body will be exhausted after not having enough sleep. It will take at least 2 hours to go down.

I made a short video to show you the way down the mountain from the beginning to the end. You can see the camel station at 02:00. From there it’s still a flat but LONG walk to the monastery at the foothill. That’s why I’d recommend taking the camel at least one-day.

6.About 9AM: Breakfast Time

Our breakfast is included in the package.

Another tip!

If you want to use the toilet, it costs 5EGP per person at the Catherine Monastery, so it is important to have Egyptian change with you! And it’s amazingly clean compared to the toilet in the mountain, which costs 20EGP per visit!

7. St.Catherine Monastery

It’s free to visit this 1500-year-old monastery. I liked it. Not so different from churches you see in Israel at around the same era, but it’s still nice. (I liked how our Muslim Bedouin guide was inside the church, talking to a greek priest)

You cannot take pictures inside the church, but you can take pictures in the compound. This is the burning bush (of course not).

And this is Moses’ well.  (Questionable, but the well has water !!)

Going Back To Israel 

The van will take you back to the resort. From noon to 3pm you can take a nap or spend time on the beach. The van will take you to Taba border at 3pm (takes about 30 minutes). You’ll cross the border on your own. And the public bus stop(15/30) is right at the exit of border control in Eilat. If all things go well, you can take the 5pm bus (444) back to Jerusalem.

Please book your bus in advance! 444 is extremely popular and impossible to get a last-minute free seat!

How hard is the hike? 

Well, the definition of “hard” is because the total of this hike takes 3 hours one way, and instead of sleeping in a bed, you are telling your body to walk. If you are not used to staying up the whole night (which I’m not), it’s very difficult and drains out a lot of energy.

So, my strategy is to take the camel up. It’s not expensive, but don’t talk to the camel man directly, always let your guide do the communication. The normal price is 250EGP or $20 one way.  I enjoyed the ride and watching the big sky dressed with thousands of stars! And then the 750 steps didn’t seem that hard afterward.

The Real Mt.Sinai

Not to spoil anything, but this Mt.Sinai is the traditional site. Recently some archaeologists found a chariot in the Red Sea from Pharoah’s time. And the Red Sea is actually “The Reed Sea” (mistranslation). Watch the video here for the real Mt.Sinai in … Saudi Arabia !!! With more archaeological findings.

Where did we stay? Aqua Sun Resort

We didn’t get much sleep but spent two afternoons here. Aqua Sun Resort is literally in the middle of nowhere and you cannot find it on Google Maps! The place is serene and amazing!

Just this resort, the Red Sea and us!

The lounge! The owner is an Israeli who has lived in Sinai for over 30 years.

Two restaurants. This is where we had dinner. (Included)

We stayed in one of these huts! So cute!

Inside is a double bed, a shelf, a rug, and a lamp, and you can charge your electronics too. It’s basic but cute!

Female toilet and shower room! (So clean! But no hot water… I wish this would improve)

And the amazing beach! There’s no Wi-Fi here (well, it’s connected, but it didn’t work…), so bring a book or something. Or just relax.

The Dinner

At about 5 pm, you’d be asked what you’d like to have for dinner. Options were chicken, fish or pizza.

This is the lentil soup

Salad and hummus~

My main dish was fish Pita and french fries were included.

And Arabic dessert. Kanafe in mini ball form!

Going with Abraham Tours

The whole experience I had was with Abraham Tours. You could travel independently, but Egypt is not a place that I’d travel alone. If you are short on time, just leave everything to Abraham.

When you travel in a group, you are more secured. And once you get out from the border, a van is there to pick you up! And you go straight to the resort! You don’t lose any time!

We even made 2 photo-stops on the way!

How to visit Mt.Sinai independently?

The security in Sinai is pretty strict, it will be too naive to think you can just go in any taxi to take you to St.Catherine. You need to find a local travel agency, and you’d be put in a group with other travelers. A guide needs to be responsible for the group.

What you could do, is catch the bus at 3pm to Dahab(there’s only a bus a day), or spend 1000EGP for the taxi ($70). And you’ll arrive around 6pm. Find a hotel, and purchase the package there. But I can already imagine how tiring it is to do so many things in a day, and it won’t be a pleasant experience to hike up the mountain the next day. And if you are short on time and you don’t visit the Middle East often, with the time you saved, you could explore Jordan! Wadi Rum and Petra are not to be missed!  I  loved the jeep ride and sunset there!

Final Thoughts

This is the easiest option if you’d like to see this amazing sunrise in Mt.Sinai! And it’s a very quick trip from Eilat! You’ll see a sunrise that you won’t forget! The whole experience was smooth and saved a lot of time and confusion. If you have more time, the Petra&Wadi Rum tour is not to be missed, and more accessible.

Also you can stay longer in Taba if you wish (which I did! The Movenpick Hotel there is cheap and wonderful!)

Ein Bokek – Dead Sea Public Beach

 Opening Hours：07:00-17:00 (You can probably still stay around since there isn’t really a “gate”)

 Fee：Free

 Facility：Shower, lifeguard

Location: At the southern tip of Jerusalem. It takes 1.5 hours from Jerusalem

Travel Tip

Take #444 or #485 from platform 4 on the 3rd floor of Jerusalem Central Bus Station. (Book in advance if you are taking #444, Customer Service Center *2800)

Use the Rav-kav machine nearby before getting on the bus, and find #375 day pass (a special contract that allows you unlimited movement in the designated area, read more about it here)

 The #375 contract costs 40NIS. It will include all your transportation in Jerusalem, and down to Ein Bokek, Masada etc. A single ride to Ein Bokek costs 30NIS, so you are saving a lot! I strongly recommended making the effort to buy it!

The Get-Off Location

I took 444 and told the driver that I wanted to get off at Ein Bokek. Somehow I was dropped at Hod Hotel, still, an 8 minutes walk to the beach. The closest stop would have been Oasis Hotel.

On the good side, there’s a mall in Hod Hotel. There’s a McDonalds inside plus souvenir shops. You can get Dead Sea mud for 5 NIS!

Ein Bokek Public Beach

If you have been to Jordanian side… yes, the public beach in Ein Bokek will surprise you! The beach is clean and chilled! It’s incredibly beautiful and pretty much everything you have been dreaming about the Dead Sea!

Maybe just try not to come during summer. Haha!

Facilities

There is a couple of shower facility in the open area.

Changing room! Very basic though, there’s no door.

Say hi to the lifeguard! (He’s inside) (Don’t say hi, I’m kidding)

I think I was supposed to see a water drinking facility and lockers… but I didn’t. Anyways, I saw toilets and amazingly it is free to enter!! When you just got used to how expensive everything in Israel is…. and Israel surprises you again!

Oh, but it isn’t too clean here. It is bearable.

Paid Facilities

You can rent a parasol for 10NIS, beach chair for 10NIS, sunbed for 15NIS and a table for 10NIS.

I guess, if you want to stay for a long time, you do need a chair.

J Ticket Price  

Webiste：https://www.rova-yehudi.org.il/activites/jtickete/

Price：75NIS

Pick Up Locations：Burnt House、Hurva Snagogue、 Herodian Quarter Museum

You can use J-Ticket for any 4 attractions below! The ticket is valid for a month!

Where can you use J Ticket?

Most attractions that J-ticket can be used are in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. (Zedekiah’s Cave and the Rampart Walk are probably the only two exceptions)

These are 7 attractions that I personally like. I think it is pretty obvious that J Ticket is good for value!!

• Archeological Park Davidson (Price: 29NIS) -> Get J Ticket for this!
• The Temple Institute (Price: 35NIS)
• The Wohl Museum-The Herodian Quarter  (Price: 20NIS)
• Hurva Synagogue  (Price: 20NIS)
• Burnt House   (Price: 30NIS)
• Rampart Walk  (Price: 18NIS)
• Zedekiah’s Cave (Price: 18NIS)

Money Saving Tips: The Too Good to Be True J.Q.Tour (2 hours for 15NIS!)

In case you didn’t notice, you can book  J.Q.Tour on the website for 25NIS. And if you purchase it with your J Ticket, then it costs 15NIS only.

J.Q. Tour shows you around of the Jewish Quarter for 2 hours.

Wait, 2 hours? Can you get a tour in Jerusalem for 15NIS for 2 hours? I don’t think so! Even the  “free” walking tour in Jerusalem suggests 50NIS tip….! But there’s more!

The tour INCLUDES your admission to Hurva Synagogue, Burnt House and The Wohl Museum!

Let me repeat, haha, the tour pays for your entrance to Hurva Synagogue, Burnt House and The Wohl Museum! These 3 attractions should have cost you 70NIS! And it means you don’t need to use J Ticket on these 3 attractions if you intend to do the tour and buy J Ticket.

I booked a 3 pm tour, and we entered from the backdoor. It felt like VIP, and it was a lot of fun to have conversations with our Israeli guide (she’s guiding as a part of her national service)! I enjoyed it!

J Ticket Experience

I got my ticket from the Burnt House. I picked it up a day earlier. And I think J Ticket is a good deal, and J.Q.Tour is really too good to be true! Ha ha!

If you are not doing J.Q.Tour, then I’d recommend using 4 attractions of J Ticket on:

• Archeological Park Davidson (Price: 29NIS) -> Get J Ticket for this!
• The Wohl Museum-The Herodian Quarter  (Price: 20NIS)
• Hurva Synagogue  (Price: 20NIS)
• Rampart Walk  (Price: 18NIS)

In a random alley near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, you’d see a sign that says “The Garden Tomb”. This place could be the real calvary, the place where Jesus’ tomb is. And where the Messiah resurrected.

I have no idea why 2 soldiers were particularly guarding this place. Israel is genuinely safe. But I guess 2000 years ago soldiers were standing outside Jesus’ tomb? How interesting.

In Israel, especially in Jerusalem, there’s a clear line between religions. Though this land belongs to the people of Israel, for more than once the land was occupied by Islam and Crusaders, and conflicts still exist. It’s relatively ‘recent’ that this land was returned to Israeli.

You need to register with the administrator at the reception. The place is open to everyone.

The reception lady gave us pamphlets in Chinese (20 different languages). Entrance is free, and you can borrow Bible for free (only in Arabic, Hebrew, English, and Russian though)  Though the place operates on donations.

It’s relaxing to be here. The garden is green and fascinating. Small as it is, there are peace and tranquility in the air. It won’t take you more than 30 minutes to see everything. When walking around, you’d see scriptures from the Bible.

But this isn’t just a garden. This is the place where it could be a possible location of Calvary. And Jesus (or His Hebrew name, Yeshua) was laid and where he resurrected.

Oh! Romans 1:4 in Chinese! I was surprised to see this! 

Though this is Israel, it feels like home. Everything seems so familiar. I felt a great sense of security. It feels like a place to meet God as if the next second I’d hear Him say,

“Arise, come, my darling,
    my pretty one, and come, come!“

But I have to admit that, I like this place more than Holy Sepulchre probably because it meets my definition of ‘Christianity’. But the feeling isn’t the most reliable thing in the thing in life. We should strive for the truth and not tradition. And I’m still learning.

Okay, so why is Garden tomb a possible site for Calvary? Because it looks like a place of a skull!

 Then they took Yeshua. He went out, carrying His own crossbar, to the Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.（John 19:17）

Indeed, a skull can be seen at this ancient quarry. Traditionally Jewish people stone people at a quarry, so it is possible that the Romans used the same place for execution. Also, this location is by the main road, and outside the city wall.

There’s a large cistern that existed before the time of Yeshua, proving that this place used to be a garden first. And then an old and huge winepress was found… it means the owner was rich. Then this would fit the description of Joseph of Arimathea, a respected council member

Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. (Mark 15:46)

And for sure, this tomb was carved from a natural cave. The tomb was cut out of the rock… And there’s a track for stone covering the entrance.

Personally, I would believe this place as where Yeshua was laid and where he resurrected. However, the layout and style of this tomb were 700-800 years prior to Yeshua’s time. So it wouldn’t be possible that this tomb belonged to him. And then the tombs nearby wasn’t from his period either. And then this track, according to archaeologists, was added by Crusaders.

But the point is….. Yesha resurrected!

There’s so much more towards His resurrection.

On way out, there’s donation box and souvenir shop. I bought postcards here (₪2-3 piece) and my mom bought anointing oil from here. Prices are reasonable. So I think it’s a good idea to shop here and support this well-maintained place.

Note: A British general Charles George Gordon found this place. This person came to China to assist Li Hongzhang and Liu Mingchuan against the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. And he was named as “Chinese Gordon” by an emperor in Qing dynasty.

Bahai faith, a religion with 6 million followeres in 225 countries. The founder is buried right here in Bahai Garden in Haifa.  Since 2008, the place is chosen as UNESCO world heritage site. The view is spectacular from here. For many tourists from non-Christian background, this is the top destination in Israel. So what’s so special about this place? And what is Bahai faith about? 

The garden has 3 parts.  Think it as 3 different parks because entrances are separated, opening hours are different and they are not connected to each other.

• Upper Garden (45 Yefe Nof Street)：Free Guided Tour Meets Here! English Tour at 12 PM and sometimes 10 AM (Entrance is allowed only with a guided tour. Go to Balcony for good views on 61 Yefe Nof Street if you miss the tour)
• The Shrine (80 Hatzionut Avenue)：Open till 12 PM
• Lower Garden (German Colony Plaza)：9AM-5PM

This is the view from Upper Garden. You have to attend a guided tour (free) to see this.

And the view from the lower garden is like this. It’s still nice but not as nice.

You’ll notice this park from afar. And you will see how pretty it is from outside. The lower garden (9am-5pm) is from the entrance here to the first white balcony in this picture. That’s it! So I would recommend taking the free panorama tour to see the upper garden!

Free Panorama Tour

There is no tour on Wednesday. Tours in English are available at noon. I think I high season, the extra tour is available at 10 am as well. Always check the official website for details. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before starting time.

The exact location is marked Upper Terrace Tour on Google Maps.

It’s 2 minutes walk from the bus stop.

Panorama Route would take you from upper garden to the shrine. From 45 Yefe Nof Street, you’ll end at 80 Hatzionut Avenue. And if you wish to return to Yefe Nof Street for Louis Promenade… you cannot walk through the garden. (So plan your trip accordingly! Leave some time to visit the promenade first). And the shrine only opens till 12. So if you attend the tour at 12, you won’t be able to see the shrine inside.

Things to Know

Eating, chewing gum, touching plants are not allowed. Turn your phone on silent. Be careful with slippery floor etc. Photography is allowed. Modest clothing required (no pants above knees for men and women).

If there are more than 50 people, they might not take more visitors. But from my experience, there were 2 guides and we were split into two groups, with about 30 people in each group.

Before entering, bags will be checked. Your food will not be confiscated but you are not allowed to eat anything inside the garden.

The Origin of Bahai Faith

According to the guide, there were two founders of Bahai Faith. The first founder was born as Siyyid `Alí Muhammad, a Shiite Muslim from Iran (Persia).  When he was 24 years old, he founded Bahai faith in 1844. He said he was the Messiah, and his name changed to Báb, the meaning is “door”. He was influential and had many followers, and so he was persecuted and killed at the age of 30.

His followers were persecuted, but still, some chose to hide his bones (very risky). And later in 1909, his remains were brought to Mt.Carmel, and he was buried where the shrine is. Mt. Carmel, “God’s vineyard” in Hebrew, is holy to Jews, Christian, Muslim, Druze and to Bahai believers too.

Before Báb died, he prophesied that someone like Elijah and John the Baptist would come. And this successor would expand Bahai faith. Many claimed to be this second prophet, but finally, Bahá’u’lláh (the name means “Glory of God) came. He was also a Persian from a prominent family. Though he was persecuted too, he was only imprisoned and expelled in various prisons in the Ottoman Empire, with Akko being the last stop. He wrote many articles in prison, he was married three times and had many children. When he was still alive, he was allowed to visit Haifa, so he came to this spot in Haifa 4 times with his son. And finally, he buried  Báb‘s remains here.

Out of the 6 million believers of Bahai faith, most of them are in Asia, particularly 2 million of them are in India. If you’ve been to New Delhi, you might have seen this ‘Lotus Temple’ right? This is one of the 7 Bahai house of worship in the world.

Bahai Garden

Why so many people visit Bahai Gardens in Haifa? I wondered that. Most people on the tour I attended were not Bahai followers. But this place attracts people as it carries the fame of UNESCO world heritage site since 2008, great views, and probably we all have the curiosity to Bahai faith…. and this is a free thing to do in Israel!

Why is it free? The guide said, “It’s a gift for everybody”.

Báb‘s shrine was built in 1953. Then the garden was built from 1989 to 2001 by another Canadian Bahai follower. Each year, 650 volunteers from all over the world come to take care of the garden. According to Bahá’u’lláh‘s law, it is forbidden to start a Bahai community in Haifa. So all volunteers are from overseas. Why did Bahá’u’lláh make this rule? There’s no explanation but his followers think that’s his wisdom. So Bahai faith found a place to exist here.

Why are there so many levels?

From the upper garden to the shrine in the center is 9 levels. Plus the shrine is 1 level. And then there are 9 levels in the lower garden. So the total is 19 levels.

19 is an important number to Báb because when he said he was the Messiah, h  had 18 followers in the beginning. (Plus himself, so 19).

The guide said except for the number 19, every other symbol seen in this garden doesn’t have any special meaning. The plants chosen don’t have meanings.

We were mostly taking pictures. Our guide didn’t talk much. We simply enjoyed this beautiful garden. 

It’s free and open to visitors because Bahai followers want to show people a serene and beautiful world. They stress on ‘peace’, and that ‘we can make this world that we live in a beautiful place’. So this Bahai Garden is a sample, to demonstrate Bahai belief.

It’s not hard to understand, because the concept of paradise garden originated from Persia.

Actually, I saw this and felt quite relaxed. The garden is well maintained. It isn’t hard to understand why people are drawn to know Bahai faith! 

Bahai Faith and Beliefs

There are many articles online. So below is what my guide said, and I will share my perspective as a Chinese Christian afterward:

Bahai believes in 1 God. This God is the God who created the world, and He wants people to know Him. There are many religions in the world, and each era has its own prophet(s) who spoke to that generation. Hence there will be new prophets conveying the words of God. But all religions believe in 1 same God. From Abraham to Bahá’u’lláh, one God.

Bahai faith stresses on

• Equality:  Men and women, rich and poor, everyone is equal.
• Democracy: Everyone is a creature. There are no clergymen in Bahai faith. Everyone can pray and search the truth independently. One can pray anywhere and in any way as there’s no formality in prayers and rituals.
• Peace:  Bahais are making this world a better place NOW instead of waiting for the world to come. Bahai will help the society to mature in spiritual things, and bring peace. Then there will be no wars.

In Bahai’s democratic system, a community (with more than 10 members) can vote. A country will have 9 voted council member. Each year 9 global council members will be voted and will stay in Universal house of Justice here in Bahai gardens for 5 years! They will do administration work here. There’s also a media outreach center, archive library and research center etc.

The guide said all Bahai followers pray in their own native tongue. The prayer book Bahá’u’lláh wrote is translated into 800 languages!

Alright, so most people who were paying attention to our guide looked marveled. They appreciated what was presented to them, because doesn’t this sound nice? Everyone is equal, no need for going to church, everyone can pray and this is how our society needs this peace…

When our guide finished, she asked us if anyone had any question. I asked a few, maybe it is too practical, but I could see how that changed the directions to the questions raised afterward.

• Who will visit the sick and pray for the sick?
• Is abortion allowed?
• What’s the view on LBGT or transgender in Bahai faith?

Well, the guide said everyone could pray for the sick. Abortion is not allowed because that equals to killing life. And transgender is allowed because everyone is equal. And there’s no homosexual issue in the time of Bahá’u’lláh so we don’t know. But Bahá’u’lláh said new prophets would give teachings to their generations.

As someone who comes from a Chinese background, there’s Daoism and Buddhism. So I am well aware of how evil spirits haunt people, and how it is preached that by meditating harder, or trying harder than you will be able to achieve a higher status.  So that is why spiritual things don’t work that way, you can never reach find ‘peaceful mind’ by meditation. The reality is that we are living in this life, and we have so many issues.

Some are suicidal, some have depression, some keep seeing ghosts, some live in accusations, some are raped from a young age, some have marital problems and some are drug addicts etc.

So how is faith isn’t about formality or religious appearance and rituals? When people are in pain, they need real strength, hope, and strength. It is POWER! If you are drowning in water, you cannot imagine yourself standing on the shore, and then you’ll have peace of mind. Well…  you’ll still be drowning in that case.

There are so many people in Chinese society who found out the difference between church and all those mysticism, folk beliefs and other philosophies which sounded nice, is the JOY, HEALING, HOPE, STRENGTH that they find here because of one true God has provided a way out for us.

God acts as the powerful force that pulls people from drowning lives, or darkness we say. God let us know ‘He can!’ and not “I can”. He is the one who stands on the shore, from another world and another level, and pulls us, all of us.  His love is a gift to us, it’s redemption.  Only He paid the price so we may live. He paid our ransom so we may have freedom. There’s been an exchange.

This Creator God is not asking us to be ‘better selves’. His focus isn’t on this temporary world, but how we as creatures have a relationship with Him as friends, father-son, husband-wife, king-servant. He wants our lives to be filled with His love after going through brokenness so we can touch other souls and share this great news of what He has done.  We are here not because we have to make this world a better place, but that He wants us to know Him.

God is light. Eventually, He will take back the glory that belongs to Him. We are His. Peace is found when we are touched by His gentleness and love, and we will realize how we are not alone in this world. Relying on philosophies or ideologies or eastern mysticism cannot give you that, I am so sure.

And finally, if I’m now to talk about how Bahai faith contradicts to Christian beliefs, it would be endless. It won’t be possible that Buddhist, Muhammed, 33 million Hindu gods, Chinese gods are all one God.

The Bible has many prophecies that point to redemption, for example, being born in Bethlehem, a branch of Jesse, a Nazareth, entering Jerusalem on a colt, and having a pioneer like Elijah.  Jesus (Yeshua) perfectly fulfilled more than 30 of those prophecies. And His birth, death and second coming to align with the God of Israel’s festivals (moadim). He is the Passover Lamb. He is the high priest who atoned for our sins. He is the atonement. He is the firstfruit. And the Holy Spirit was poured down and the gentile world gets to know about this Jewish Messiah. And finally Sukkoth, a feast of the tabernacle. He will be with us because His name is “Emmanuel” God is with us.

There’s only one path, one door. And one God who deserves to be praised. As a Christian, I’m not expecting a successful or easy life. But we know where real hope comes when we face persecution. We know Yeshua is the door of salvation, that takes us to redemption. In fact, Yeshua means to save in salvation. There is no other way or other truth.

However, the tour is free! It’s always nice to learn something new. For example, the founder of Bahai faith created this faith when he was only 24 years old…. and his followers died for him and what they believed. Well, how are we doing as Christians today? No wonder God doesn’t want us to be lukewarm. His love for us has never been just lukewarm.

Oh! And there’s toilet (free to use)!

The Templars built an escape tunnel from Akko fort to the ocean in 12th century. The site was discovered in 1994, and even today you’d be impressed by this tunnel!

Access-free facility available.

Don’t forget to come here with your combined ticket after visiting Akko fort.

This is the entrance to the tunnel~ It doesn’t look too impressive, but it’s quite fun down there! They sell entrance ticket for 15NIS here, but this attraction is already included in your combined ticket to Akko fort (40NIS).

It’s not easy to find. Google Maps GPS doesn’t work well in the old city. And the entrance isn’t on the map… 

I locate myself in Khan Al-Umdan first, then followed the signs.

There are some stairs (but it’s accessible as there’s an elevator). Animations showing the history of how crusaders got here.

There are two tunnels actually! Still remodeling as of 2018. This isn’t the path opened to tourist. Haha! Don’t worry!

Now, this is the way prepared for tourists. Crusaders conquered Jerusalem from the hands of Muslims in 1099. One of the “order” is called “Templars”. Their role was to take care of patients and pilgrims. But soon, very soon, in 1187 Salah Al-Din defeated crusaders again! So the Templars retreated to Akko!

This tunnel would have connected the fort to the Mediterranean Sea!

In 1291, Akko was destroyed and was renovated in the 18th century. And this tunnel was discovered in 1994 because someone had a sewage problem, And voila, this tunnel with 800 years of garbage and waste was found!

350 meter is not that long, but I was impressed the first time I came here! 

Yay! This is the exit! The sea! It would have been nice if the weather wasn’t like this! 

This is what the exit looks like.

The port at night! The lighthouse is right in the background, and you feel the beauty of this ancient city!

Taking a boat ride in the Sea of Galilee? Sounds like something you’d do in the Bible! But that’s definitely an experience you CAN have when you come to Israel, the land of the Bible. If you want to go on a worship boat (Christian songs and dances) then check out Daniel’s worship boat! The ride is for about an hour and the price is 50NIS. Call 1-2 days in advance if you are individuals to make a reservation.

Daniel’s Worship Boat

My Experience

I made my reservation by calling 2 days in advance. Daniel confirmed the availability with us. It’s recommended to arrive the dock at least 10 minutes before departure. (And it takes at least 4 minutes to walk from parking to the dock)

A boat could host 40 people I think. There’s not much difference sitting on either side. The group we joined was a 20-people group from the Netherlands. Then it’s another family and us. That’s all!

Feel free to walk around and take pictures!

The Docks

I took my ride from Ginosar Kibbutz. Better with a car.  

You’ll find yourself entering Ginosar kibbutz (tell the guard “boat ride”). Park your car and walk towards the Boat museum (there is a boat from Yeshua’s time)

You’ll see the dock right behind the museum!

And voila!

Other Option?

You can probably find a boat ride in Tiberias. For 30 minutes it costs ₪30. No reservation needed.

Honest Opinion?

Well, it depends on your budget. For me, a boat ride is “okay” experience. But for some people, this is once in a lifetime thing. If you are going on a boat ride, as Christian it makes sense to book Daniel’s worship boat.

Yes, I know ₪50 is not ₪30, but this is what Daniel does for a living. And plus the ride comes with worship and it is longer. On the other hand, see it as a way to bless the Messianic community!

Other video

King of Kings Jerusalem

Website：http://www.kkcj.org

Service：Sunday 5pm/7pm (2 sessions)

Location

Search “King of Kings Ministries”.  You’ll see a shopping mall on Jaffa Street. Go through the entrance of this shopping mall. Don’t be scared! Haha! (You can buy Eight burger as dinner!)

Walk straight and you’ll see an escalator. Go to B1. And walk towards where the lights are…..

Here we are! When King of Kings purchased this place, it was already a theater. I think it’s perfectly built for this congregation. You can stay connected to this congregation by watching their message LIVE : http://KingsCommunity.live

Elijah is a very important prophet for Jews, Islamists, Druze, and Catholics. As Mount Carmel is a mountain range, in the downtown area of Haifa there are two sites commemorating Elijah. One is Stella Maris Monastery, used by Catholics, and nearby is Cave of Elijah, used by Jewish community. It is believed that Elijah stayed here before he fought with prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. Many Jews pray here because Elijah healed the widow of Zarephath.

You can visit the place as Non-Jews. No admission fee but make sure you don’t disturb people who are praying! In Haifa, a single ticket allows free transfers in 90 minutes, so you can easily come here before going to the Baha’i Garden!

The entrance…

Elijah and the widow of Zarephath

Elijah healed the son of the widow of Zarephath. Therefore people believe that praying in Elijah’s cave will let their prayers asking for healing and kids be heard.

 After these things, it came to pass that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house fell sick, and his sickness was getting much worse until he had no breath left in him. So she said to Elijah, “What do I have to do with you, man of God? Have you come to me to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”

He said to her, “Give me your son.” Then he took him from her arms, carried him up to the upper room where he was staying and laid him on his own bed.  He cried out to Adonai and said, “Adonai my God, have You brought such evil even on the widow with whom I am staying, by causing her son to die?” Then he stretched himself upon the child three times. He cried out to Adonai and said, “Adonai my God, please let this child’s soul come back into his body!”

Adonai listened to the cry of Elijah, so the soul of the child came back into his body and he was revived. Then Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “See! Your son is alive.” Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word in your mouth is truth.”

The meaning of Elijah’s name

Elijah’s name is in 2 parts. Eli means my God. And Jah is God’s name, like “hallelujah” (praise Yah). So Elijah’s name means “My God is YHVH”

Cave of Elijah

Follow Google Maps, walk through underpass and climb through a flight of stairs, then you’ll reach Elijah’s cave. Stella Maris Monastery is accessible by bus, cable car or hiking. I didn’t have that much time so I visited the Cave of Elijah only.

Mount Carmel isn’t one mountain, rather it’s mountain range. 

This building in front of the cave is a hostel for Jewish pilgrims.

The rock …. yes it looks like a mountain where caves can be found.

Stations for Candle stands. It reminds me that candles are widely used in Catholic Churches too.

An empty chair in a corner, with a donation box on it. It reminds me how an empty chair is always left for Elijah in Pesach (passover).

Now let’s get inside the cave.  Jewish people would wash their hands first. I saw Japanese watching hands before entering Japanese shrines, maybe that shows how mankind in general knows we are not clean.

A two-handled vessel is used to obtain ritually clean status. The prayer should be said (written on the wall), thanking the God of universe for giving the commandment of washing hands.

I think we were the only non-Jews and the only Asians… but no on stopped us! So we went in.

I was curious why wine opener is here and why cups! I know wine is used in giving blessings, but in what circumstance would one come here with wine? Hmm…

If you are female, go to your left. It’s opposite to what it is at the kotel.

My first impression of the cave…. wow, what a cool cave! It’s nice and spacious. You can host a ceremony here. There are two cavities, one in girl’s section, and the other is on the eastern wall, covered by a black curtain. 

I saw mostly women here. Maybe men are working? Or maybe it is a feminine issue when it comes to barrenness or sickness. Or maybe girls turn to God in need of help.

Why is cloth hung? Information I found online says this is what is done in holy places. Catholics recommend bringing strings of clothes before coming to Israel too. But I need more background on this.

I remember I saw Japanese purchasing prayer boards to be hung in shrines. I see the desires people have for God. For me it is shocking, since I grew up in a baptist church. God’s presence is precious but for me God is reachable, as I have experienced again and again what Yeshua said,

“Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you.

I sincerely hope people who prayed would experience God’s presence soon.

Billboard and bookshelf is served as separation wall of two sections.

The other cavity is on the left behind the black curtain. It’s for 1 person to used, so whoever wishes to pray privately can go there. 

Tehilah～ Book of praises.

The oldest carving on the wal comes from Byzantine period. Do I think Elijah came here? Why not! I don’t think there are that many caves like this in Mount Carmel anyways!

Another box for collecting prayers…

Toilet is free to use but it’s not so clean!

Jesus, or his Hebrew name, Yeshua, taught in the synagogues around Galilee. He drove out seven demons from Mary Magdalene, whom joined Jesus’ ministry along with other women. Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, is no longer just a familiar name in the Bible, It EXISTS!

In 2011, this 1st century Jewish village was found on the side of the Sea of ​​Galilee, just 30 centimeters underneath the earth! A synagogue from Yeshua’ time, market place, mikvahs, houses, fishing areas etc. An unique article with a menorah engraved on a piece of stone placed in the center of the synagogue was found, called ‘Magdala Stone’.

Because of the archaeological discoveries of Magdala synagogue and village, it not only proves the connection of Jewish people to this land, it also proves the authenticity of Yeshua’s life events.

Magdala comes very high on my ‘must-see’ list. This is a 1st century synagogue! It’s like going through a time machine, and you are suddenly in a 1st century Jewish village! This is the place where the Bible comes in 4D! Don’t miss out this place!

The Magdalene Archaeological Park was discovered in a miraculous manner in 2009. The priest was going to build a Christian conference center by the Galilee. He bought a property which was a resort struggling with business. Before this no one knew where Magdala was! According to Israeli law, there is a certain procedure to go through to make sure building a new foundation will not hurt any remained archaeological items. It’s just a procedure, but voila! A synagogue was found! Who would have thought THIS was the exact place? And what surprised many was Magdala Stone, which was found in the synagogue. It’s very likely to be made by a person who had actually seen the Menorah in the Temple of God with his own eyes. And therefore, it gives us an idea of what Menorah would look like! Wow!

The Meaning of Magdala

Magdala is taken from an Aramaic word Magdala (מגדלא) or a Hebrew word Migdal (מגדל). It means “tower”.

Magdala is not only mentioned in the Bible, it’s also mentioned in Babylonian Talmud.  The full name of Magdala was used there-  מגדלא נוניה (Magdala Nunayya), and it means fish tower. Josephus the historian mentioned a place of  salted fish, Taricheae, and he probably refered to Magdala.

Magdala in the Bible

1. Yeshua (Jesus) walked throughout all Galilee. Since Magdala is located in Galilee, (and plus there is a synagogue here), it’s very likely that Yeshua had taught in this place.

Yeshua was going throughout all the Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

2. The birthplace of Mary Magdalene

Standing near the execution stake of Yeshua were His mother, His mother’s sister, Miriam the wife of Clopas, and Miriam from Magdala. (John 19:25)

And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Miriam, the one called Magdalene, out of whom seven demons had gone (Luke 8:2)

3. Magadan is Magdala

And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.) (NKJV) / And after sending away the crowds, Yeshua got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. (Matthew 15:39)

4. Magdala is probably Dalmanutha

Right away, He got into the boat with His disciples and went to the area of Dalmanutha. (Mark 8:10)

The History of Magdala

Magdala was a small fishing village. With its superior location, which is next to Arbel stream and the sea of Galilee, this place was suitable for developing agricultural or fishing industry. It makes sense how Mary Magdalene could support Yeshua’s ministry. (By the way, the Bible only says she was demon possessed and a sinner, but it wasn’t mentioned that she was a prostitute!)

From the 18 AD onwards, Magdala the fishing village lost its importance because of the rise of a new  Roman city – Tiberias.

In addition to being the hometown of Mary Magdalene, Magdalene was also the hometown of Yosef ben Matityahu. He was a general who led the Jewish revolt against the Romans, but he lost and was enslaved. Later he was famously known as Josephus Flavius the historian. In 66-67AD, the Jewish revolution failed. In Roman and Byzantine times, Magdala was gradually forgotten.

In 1960, on the surface of where Magdala was, a resort called “Hawaii Beach” was built. The business was not successful. In 2006, it was sold to Catholic priest Father Juan Solana, who wanted to build a Christian prayer and worship center by the Sea of Galilee.

The acquision of the land took 3 years and 4 installments. In 2009, the church went through regular archaeological inspection to make sure there’s no historical items or artifacts underneath the stratum.  And 30 centimeters below the surface, a 1st century synagogue was found!  Archaeological work is still ongoing.

Entry Tickets

Adult ₪15, Student or Over 65 ₪10, Kids (Under 12) free.

The land was originally bought to build a Christian worship center, but now they are preserving this place, and they are independently paying for all excavation costs. From what they are charging, I think it is fairly reasonable!