Showing posts with label Israel. Show all posts

Dead Sea Floating | Israel

Marky Ramone Go June 09, 2021

I can’t remember how young I am when I first learned about the Dead Sea. I recall having a sense of dread about its name. “Do you die when you swim in that sea?” I recall asking my older brother. His explanation escaped my interest that time as I remain fixated at its morbid reputation. As I grow older, it occupied the top-tier of my mental bucket list of places I desire to tick off one by one. Therefore, when I was assigned to join a Holy Land trip for a travel writing gig and saw our itinerary; two places other than the Walled City of Jerusalem stood out to me: the Petra in Jordan and the Dead Sea.

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Places You Will See When You Go on a Holy Land Tour | Israel, Jordan & Egypt

Marky Ramone Go May 25, 2021

When one mentions the “Holy Land”, the first thing that comes to mind for most Christians is the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is ten kilometers from Jerusalem. While in fact, this is true, the scope of the usual holy land journey encompasses three countries: Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. This route includes stops at a few historic locations in addition to following the footsteps of Christ, Moses, John the Baptist, and Mother Mary. Here are a few locations to inspire you to travel to the holy land.

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Reciting a Brief Prayer at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem | Israel

Marky Ramone Go December 07, 2016

I can’t remember exactly where and when I first learned about the Wailing Wall. I’m sure it was sometime during my childhood. Being an earnest reader of history books, I came across the fascinating account of Israel, from its birth of a nation in 1948 to the Israeli-Arab Wars and going back to its ancient times. Early on, I'm already made aware of its significance as one of the leading emblems of Judaism, and that it also played an integral role in other religions such as Christianity and Islam.

people praying at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem

The Western Wall is open to people from all faiths to visit and pray

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Following the Way of Jesus Christ in Israel

Marky Ramone Go November 10, 2016

Savoring my first breath of air in the very birthplace of Jesus Christ, I instantly noticed the sudden shift of scenery as I stared out the window of our chartered bus. What arrested my attention was the fusion of colors representing the fertile lands dotting the countryside of Israel. The new topography that replaced the red desert dunes that dominated the landscape of Jordan provided a new visual spark for me to scrutinize. While I would miss the staggering golden tints characterizing the spectacular backdrops of Wadi Rum to Petra and to Amman, these fresh set of scenery added to the high I was feeling that moment. Coupled with a realization about how this trip is turning into notches more epic, I glazed at the backdrop with intent focus. Within moments away of tracking the path of Jesus Christ, an emotional air got through me – and knowing how extraordinary it is for anyone regardless of faith, to step into the very heart of the Holy Land – I felt all the good karma overwhelming me.

The Old Jerusalem is seen at the background.

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The Ruins of Caesarea Maritima | Israel

Marky Ramone Go June 30, 2016

Before proceeding to Mount Carmel in the city of Haifa, we made a pit-stop at the ruins of an ancient city founded by Herod the Great in 25 BCE. The Caesarea Maritima is an ancient city situated on the coast of Mediterranean Sea on the edge of Sharon Plain. Despite being flattened by passage of time with scattered ruins today, this old city formerly known as Strato's Tower, still abounds with historical remnants of a glorious past.