JERICHO: The Oldest City in the World

We have visited Jericho in Israel many times since 1977 - our last visit was over 20 years ago.  Since it lies in the West Bank Occupied Territories today, it is not so easy to visit.  We teamed up with our Brit friends, the Haywood's, last Sunday - hired a Taxi and visited Jericho!  We were a bit disappointed.  Not as much fun as we remembered.  Maybe it is because not many tourists go there anymore.

There is a new cable car that takes you up over the ancient walled city of Jericho to the Mount of Temptation.  From the Cable Car, we looked down on the ruins of ancient Jericho.  We skipped going in to the ruins and visited the ruins of Hisham's Palace (a Muslim Palace built around 750 AD).  Nothing Biblicaly important about this site, just very interesting.  We stopped by a 2,000 year old Sycamore tree, thought of Zacchaeus and returned to Jerusalem.  Anytime we do anything with the Haywood's we have FUN, Sunday in Jericho was no exception - we had FUN and got some great pictures!

 Looking down onto the ancient ruins of Jericho

 Jericho

 On the Mount of Temptation looking toward Jordan

 Mt. of Temptation

 Great Conversation:

Roy: "I am NOT afraid!"

Mavis: "Yes you are, you ARE afraid!"

Roy: "I am not afraid!"
Judy: "Al, don't say anything!"

 Mount of Temptation

 Monastery on the Mountain

 Palm Tree in Jericho

 Ruins of Hisham's Palace built around 750 AD by the Muslims.

 Small private bath

 Huge Public Bath

 Incredible Tile Floors

 Fountain Pool

2,000 year old Sycamore Tree.  Zacchaeus, where are you?

We leave Jerusalem one week from tomorrow on November 5, arriving in Tampa in the late afternoon November 6.  We will spend Thanksgiving with our oldest daughter and family in New Hampshire and Christmas in Tampa with the rest of our family.  We are looking forward to spending time with family and friends in the USA.  We are scheduled to return to Jerusalem mid February for three months and will spend Easter in the Garden next year.  Blessings from Jerusalem!