Jerusalem- Day 3

What an amazing and interesting city. My favorite spot was the garden tomb. The spirit was so strong there. As I approached the tomb I was experiencing yet again the aches and pains of my mortality (my legs and back have had a rough go of it the last couple of days). When I got to the tomb I imagined how the Savior arose and for a tender moment felt His embrace. My friend turned to me and said, the Resurrection Jess Berry. I replied: I cannot wait, it will be a sweet day. Probably my sweetest day, to be resurrected with a perfected body, void of physical deformity and pains. Those aches and pains are just a tangible reminder how sweet that day will be.

The remainder of the day was a vivid movement of culture, the old city, the Western wall, people watching, Herod's temple, and being sadden by how the Orthodox Jews treat the Arabic people (both sides are to blame for the pressure cooker that is Israel, not just the "Arab terrorists"). I imagine Heavenly Father weeps by how the inhabitants of such a Holy Land treat one another.

The Ellwangers having lived in Israel seven years gave us both an historical and current cultural/political tour. It has been so eye-opening. One Orthodox Jew pushed me in the Arabic market, I almost decked him (haven't been that upset since CB called me names in PE and did get decked). This is very typical behavior of the Israeli people, somewhat rude to everyone.

The most wonderful words spoken in history!

Golgotha (surprisingly close to the garden tomb)

Christ's tomb

The tomb itself was rather small I thought

BE and LS in the tomb

The Damascus Gate and Arabic market (love the walls)

The love Ninja Turtles!

Walking into the market...

For MPR...thought of you when I saw these!

Butcher shops everywhere...very cool! Maybe my next profession?

Dome of the Rock

Sweet view of Herod's temple

Up close view of the temple

The Western Wall, it was very interesting to people watch at the Western Wall...the lady below was my favorite by far.

She had to have been 10 months pregnant, I was a little worried I was going to have to help her when she went into labor. She stood up, took her Torah, closed her eyes, started swaying/dancing, and then reciting her prayer. She was very involved in her worship, so much so that she didn't open her eyes as she ran into multiple children walking pass her...nothing was going to stop her. 20 minutes after we left the wall this same lady was on the street corner begging for money (rather common since almost all Orthodox Jews don't work in Israel).

The Galilee Valley

Day 1 we went to the borders of Syria, Jordon, and Lebanon! Okay, not exactly to the borders but very close! Those three countries all border Israel by the Sea of Galilee and we drove as close as we could get...while still being safe obviously. We also went to Capernaum, the Valley of Armageddon, and had some amazing foods...and ended my day with ice cream (the only way to end a day of traveling, a Jess Berry rule of traveling). Visiting Capernaum was cool, given that that was where Christ lived most of his three year ministry and the original steps to the synagogue that is referred to in the scriptures is still there and was interesting to see. The sea of Galilee is gorgeous!

The view of the Sea of Galilee from Tiberia.

BE, ME (our wonderful hostess, BE's Mama, and our tour guide, she made the experience wonderful!), and I on the balcony of the LDS church in Galilee. Can you say, lucky members that attend that branch?

With LS

You know, just the latest form of transportation on a busy Israeli street...the man has a death wish driving that on the street.

Arabic "salad"

Obviously based on my face, delicious!

Attempting to look like a tourist...

The remaining walls of Peter's home in Capernaum.

On the temple steps.

Original Capernaum city walls

Temple in Capernaum.

I was the driver all day on Day 2. ME is a very brave lady to hand the wheel over to a California driver...It was frightening at first, no one obeys traffic laws here but after awhile I started to get the hang of it and I am alive to tell about it! It helped me not get car sick though today so that is a plus! After only three days in the country I became a true Israeli driver according to BE. This bus was trying to butt into my lane of traffic, I laid on the horn, waved my hands, starting yelling: No, No, and then sped up so he couldn't cut us off. You are either on the defense of offense driving in Israel, no middle ground. The aggressive nature of the drivers probably will have lasting effects on my driving...yikes.

The Ellwangers took us to a friend's house for a traditional Arabic meal that evening It was so AMAZING!!! I mean I have had most of these foods through the years in the Bay but none of them compare to this meal. The family was so hospitable! They fed us eight delicious desserts! EIGHT and I tried all EIGHT! The husband is a retired CPA and we had lots to visit about. Every day I've been here I've met someone either from Idaho (2 last night) or people that know people I know. It could be that the LDS community is small or that I'm Ron Berry's daughter...probably a combo.

See how tight I'm gripping that steering wheel?

Putting on a brave face for the passengers.

The Sea of Galilee from the Mt. of Beatitudes.

Love this! That husband gets major bonus points for carrying the wife's purse.

Mt. of Beatitudes

Real olive press

The location thought to have been where Christ performed feeding the 5,000 using 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread.

Picture for Mama Berry (I bet you love the curly hair, right?)

The Galilee Valley is beautiful, probably the prettiest part of Israel.

Vacation Baby!

1. Packed, check. Thanks to JP and KB! (with camera to document the goodness)

2. No work for 10 days, check!

3. Pulling an all-nighter to fight the impending jet lag, check.

4. Ready to see The Water Filter and L-Schoe, YES!

5. Excited, check!

Shalom!

Go Bright or Go Home

The JB and JP Summer 2011 collection, embrace the color! (I really struggled not just calling out her shoes after she said the opening prayer in my Sunday school class. Love that JP and her style.

Flashback: La Jolla Apt 211

SJ...always keeping us entertained! GH found this gem and sent it to me this week.

Repeat Champs!

The Berry Oil boys took 1st again in the Sun Valley tourney, shooting 14 under par. Talented guys! Would you expect anything less?

Minnie Mike Baby Shower

Saturday we had a baby shower for Mama MPR and Minnie Mike before they take off to NM.HC and MB got a Lil' Monster bib for the Lil' Monster. So great!

We went to The Melting Pot...a first for all four of us. Very delicious!

Too many cute baby clothes to have a favorite...Minnie Mike will be a loved and spoiled baby, at least if I can help it.

MB and I were the entertainment for the evening...or at least we think we are that funny!

yikes!

You better believe it that the baby clothes were wrapped in this...what can I say, bridal showers are my specialty, not baby showers...

Driving Miss Berry

Saturday morning JP came over and drove me around to run errands. Either she really loves me or was really bored or a combination (probably the most likely scenario). We learned that I like to push the shopping cart faster. Thanks to JP I won't be bringing 10 bottles of small shampoo and I have cool paisley purse to take as well.

Look at JP's serious face...clearly she takes her job of driving Miss Berry seriously.

Now she smiles...JP, thanks for a great Saturday morning!

I introduced JP to The Milk Pail as well...only four years too late. Yet I still gave her the VIP tour and secret rules to conquer each trip to The Milk Pail...which I will share with you now.

1. Only bring your keys and debit card into the store (no need to carry a bulky purse).

2. Remember Milk Pail patrons for the most part are rude (I've never understood why though) so be on the defense...i.e. grab the first basket you can spot and don't aimlessly wander through the market, pick a route and stick to it.

3. Always, always sample the cheese selections at the back of the store.

4. Nutella by the small container is always less expensive at the Milk Pail than Safeway.

5. Each checker has their own line so don't go to the south side of the store line and think you'll wait your turn...aim for the three middle checkout lines...those are always the quickest.

***I also told JP about the game I play every week in the Milk Pail...see how much produce you can buy for under $10, it is more fun than 10 items or less.

JP can't say I've never taught her anything now...

My Amazing Chip Shots!

Saturday MW came to PA and took me golfing. It was such a glorious day to play 18 holes of golf and a wonderful time with MW! I played pretty well. I made this amazing chip shot that landed less than a foot from the cup. I had to document it so my bro would believe me. Thanks again MW for a great day golfing!

Tonight, during the New Friday golf league I made yet again another amazing chip shot. Slowly my pitching wedge is stealing my heart...it has taken years. We also had a fewest putts contest and yours truly took the prize with 14 putts in total...not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

I heart golfing!