Valley Peaks

A Heart for Israel

2007-01-21T05:40:00.000-08:00

I went to Israel without any expectations, only a desire to know God's will and purpose, to seek God's heart in my life. My agenda was narrow, His was on a far wider scale.

We went with Mt. Carmel School of Ministry, an intensive 2 weeks course that combined teachings and studies together with on site visitations. SOM revealed Israel in ways I feel was very unique and engaging. An excellent way to be introduced to Israel and God's plans. So inspirational are the messages that the sights almost seem secondary. It is quite a revelation to sit in a boat on the Sea of Galilee or gaze upon the plain of Megiddo and hear the teachings of Yeshua through the lips of Peter Tsukahira, David Davis and the other teachers, as well as to see the works and ministries that have been planted in the land through the messianic congregation of Jews at Kehilat HaCarmel.

We were introduced to the House of Victory, a rehabilitation center for addicts that have seen a remarkable transformation among its graduates. We worshiped with Arabs! in the New Covenant Church in Haifa. We heard the Sermon on the Mount on the Mt of Beatitudes and communed together at the Garden Tomb.

We visited Capernaum and Caesarea Philippi and prayed on the Golan Heights and on the Mt. of Olives. We listened to sermons under an oak tree in Tel Dan and under an olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Roman city of Caesarea and the fortress of Masada were revealed. Yad VaShem sobered while the Dead Sea refreshed us. We saw the caves of Qumran and the landscape of En Gedi. Jerusalem unveiled the Southern Steps of the Temple Mt. and the City of David.

Throughout the trip the song: "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies last forever", sang in our hearts. "Hodu ladonai ki tov, ki leolam, leolam chasdo!" God has a purpose and a plan! and His heart is for Israel and the nations.

Baruch Haba Beshem Adonai!

Day 1
We have arrived in Israel! View of Mt. Carmel and the Mediterranean sea from Beit Yedidia, our guest house.

Around Mt. Carmel

The 1st sunset and sunrise at Beit Yedidia. There was a lion, a tiger, 3 roosters and a variety of birds that greeted the dawn at oh...i reckon 4am.

This little (noisy?) bird was innocently perched on the tree the night before. When I awoke the next day, it was still perched on the same tree! Hello!

Day 2
Worship at Kehilat HaCarmel, messianic congregation of Jews on the Shabbat.

Muhraka
Overlooking the plain of Megiddo or Armageddon – the Jezreel Valley. Somewhere here, Elijah rested and was fed by ravens. 1 Kings 17:1-6 It is here that 'all Isreal' could have gathered to witness the battle between Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. 1 Kings 18:16-46 Perhaps Elijah's servant climbed up here several times and saw a cloud, the size of a hand, rising out of the Mediterranean sea. 1 Kings 18:42-44

That's the Mediterranean sea in the distance, reflecting golden sunlight.

Sermon on Elijah's alter in the monastery's garden by Peter Tsukahira. 1 Kings 18:17-39 The false alter vs God's alter. The false alter is superficial 'cuts', for show. God's alter is a finality, You bring a non-returnable, living offering that represents the best. You build up the alter and God will meet you, His fire falls purposefully. This is revival.

Sunset back at Beit Yedidia.

House of Victory
We visited the House of Victory, Israel's first Bible-based rehabilitation center, where both Jews and Arabs have lived up to its name and emerged with victorious lives.

For more information about House of Victory, please e-mail Eric Benson at houseofv@netvision.net.il or write to House of Victory, P.O. Box 45384, Haifa, Israel.

Day 3
A new dawn on Beit Yedidia and oh wait! The little bird is still there! Is it real?

Teaching at Kehilat HaCarmel. Session 1. Peter Tsukahira teaches on Prophesy with a big 'P' – Today the Messiah has come! God will gather all Israel from all countries and bring them back to the promised land. Ezekiel 36:22-28 We need revelation – understanding and entering God's truth. What time is it? It is Israel time!

Very yummy Druze lunch lovingly introduced and described by Pam Singer.

Session 2. Don't 'blink' after Romans 8. Romans 9-11 is where the importance is! Romans 11:11-12 For if the fall of the Jews could bless the world, how much more a blessing when they accept the Messiah! Solve the biblical division between the Jew and Gentile and we will have the greatest global revival. All Israel will be saved!

Session 3. Preparing the Way by Dani Sayag, messianic Jewish Pastor. Isaiah 62 Get involved in what God wants to do in Israel. Prepare a way for the people of Israel to come back to God. Ezekiel 37 Israel is a valley of dry bones. Prophecy Israel to life. Pray!

Session 4. David Davis on The Elijah Spirit. Malachi 4:5-6 Move in the anointing of Elijah. Communion. Consecration. Community. Prayer. Confrontation. Commitment. Cave – alone with God. Cloak – glory. Make disciples! Go all the way. A double portion.

Day 4
Another sunrise over Beit Yedidia.

Teaching part 1. The Identity of Islam by Peter Tsukahira. Ishmael and Esau, brothers of Issac and Jacob. A transformed Esau. The Arab revival will precede Israel!

Teaching part 2. God's Tsunami. Israel & the nations. Two great end time fulfillments. Matthew 24:14 When the gospel is preached to all nations. Matthew 23:37-39 When Israel says: "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."

Or HaCarmel Ministry Center has a vison for humanitarian aid, spiritual leadership training and intercessory prayer. They also house a refuge for women and their children – in recent years Sudanese Refugees. Being the first to open the doors to help these people, Rita Tsukahira explains here.

Views from the roof of Kehilat HaCarmel.

Day 5
Dawn over Haifa. It was windy and very cold...but you would still say a prayer over the city.

On the way to a teaching tour of Galilee.

Sermon on the Mt of Beatitudes by Peter Tsukahira. The Sermon on the Mount is considered the greatest teaching of Jesus. The blessing, the power and the glory is at the bottom, not the top. The kingdom of God is with the poor, the hopeless and the depressed. To find your ministry and anointing, look down!

The first view of the Sea of Galilee. The Galilee region was the home of Jesus during at least thirty years of his life. The first three Gospels of the New Testament are mainly an account of Jesus' public ministry in this province, particularly in the towns of Nazareth and Capernaum. It is also on this sea that Jesus walked on water!

Capernaum – the village of comfort – is situated on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and reported to have been the home of the apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John, as well as the tax collector Matthew. According to Luke 4:31-44, Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum on the sabbath days and much of Jesus' public ministry happened here.

Teaching on Matthew 13:1-23, "The Parable of the Sower" by Peter Tsukahira. What is important in your life? Are you there only to listen and not follow? To merely hear and then return to your own life? These are the seeds that don't fall on good soil. We are called to listen AND follow, and to go out and change the world.

There is a large variety of birds on the Sea of Galilee.

Sermon on the Sea of Galilee by Phil Israelson. The kingdom of God = Power. God wants us to demonstrate this but it starts with purity. Time spent with God.

Day 6
The second day of the teaching tour of Galilee.

A Muslim village

Scenery on the way

A very very very old olive tree. When they were building the road, they didn't have a heart to cut it down, so they left it on the shoulder.

Caesarea Philippi is named after the pagan god Pan. A shrine stands here carved out of rock and the entrance is referred to as the "gates of Hades". Jesus refers to this when He tells Peter: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:13-23.

Peter Tsukahira speaks on Matthew 16:13-23. Jesus prophesied over Peter a different character to what he was. He gave Peter a revelation on who Peter was and his destiny. Despite all Peter's short comings, he became the man he was designed to be.

Tel Dan, the Biblical city of Dan, where Jeroboam builds golden calves to act as Israel's gods. 1 Kings 12:25-33

A track through the nature reserve to a ritual site attributed to the days of Jeroboam.

Peter Tsukahira together with our guide Inga

A teaching at Tel Dan by Phil Israelson. Deuteronomy 30: 11-20 and Deuteronomy 12 Do not delay, OBEY. Daily choose life and know the voice of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual life is not automatic. It takes a decision to obey. Seek God with your all and ask Him to transform you and bring revelation.

Overlooking the border of Israel and Lebanon. Pray over Lebanon. Isaiah 29:17-18

On route to the Golan Heights.

A remembrance of the Yom Kippur War and praying over Syria on the Golan Heights.

Visit to an abandoned look-out post overlooking the borders of Syria and Lebanon.

Sculpture made out of recycled scrap metal.

Day 7
Teaching on "Restoration of One New Man". Zechariah 4. Israel and the Gentiles made one in Christ. One body, One spirit, One new man. By speaker David Davis, senior Pastor and founder of Kehilat HaCarmel and Beit Nitzachon, House of Victory.

Praying the "one new man" over the city of Haifa and over Lebanon (borders in the distance).

Phil Israelson

Visit to New Covenant Church, a body of Arab believers led by Pastor Yousef who also hosts his own Arabic Christian internet radio. See also "One New Man Conference".

Arabs, Jews and 10 Nations worshiping together in both Arabic and English. How cool is that!

Dinner at Maxim's, where we spoke to and prayed over the surviving waiter. Maxim was targeted by a suicide bomber for being a symbol of co-existence of Arabs and Jews. The Maxim restaurant suicide bombing however, failed to destroy the desire for peace and the restaurant was quickly rebuilt and opened within several months. The coffee here, by the way, is excellent!

Day 8
Our last sunrise at Beit Yedidia. Onwards to Jerusalem! In Hebrew, Yerushaláyim is in plural, meaning the two Jerusalem's. Perhaps referring to the New Jerusalem that is to come? Or maybe echoing the "one new man" concept of Jews and Gentiles.

We stopped by the Roman city of Caesarea on the way. A pagan city under Herod the Great.

Peter Tsukahira speaks on Acts 10, "Peter's Vision". Because of Peter's revelation, Caesarea became the first place the gospel went to the Gentiles.

Pomegranate juice...mmmmm...

A first glimps of Jeruselem!

Sobering visit to Yad VaShem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority.

The Jerusalem Menorah, a symbol of the nation of Israel and the mission to be "a light unto the nations." Isaiah 42:6. The seven-branched candelabrum – 7 symbolising "fullness" or "completion" – represents the Spirit of God.

The Haas Promenade boosting spectacular views of Jerusalem.

Day 9
Dawn over Jerusalem.

Tour of the Judean desert.

The fortress of Masada.

Overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada was fortified by Herod the Great. It is known for the first Jewish-Roman war, where 960 Jews choose suicide over surrender.

Such a pretty nun!

En Gedi.

Caves of Qumran. The caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. The texts are of great religious and historical significance, as they include some of the only known surviving copies of Biblical documents made before 100 AD. In other words, the only surviving historical text that proves the Bible to be the most accurate piece of literature around...not that we need any proof!

A visit to the Pavilion Prayer Tower set up by King of Kings Community Jerusalem. It boosts 360 degree views of Jerusalem and is a place of devoted Prayer for the salvation of Israel.

Day 10
The Old City of Jerusalem.

The Temple Mount

The site of the Pool of Bethesda

The streets of old Jerusalem

The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall, is an important Jewish religious site, part of which dates from the end of the Second Temple period.

Young prayers

Older prayers

The Southern Steps of the Temple Mt. Here it can truly be said Jesus walked upon and taught His disciples. It is here that the disciples emerged from the upper room filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Acts 2. Peter Tsukahira teaches from this chapter. Everyone who calls on His name, Jesus, Yeshua, will be saved. He is the Jewish Messiah. And Jews also need to be saved by Yeshua.

The Southern Steps with the Mt. of Olives in the distance

The southern wall of Temple Mount where some of the original stones from the time of Jesus can be found, still lying on the pavement where they had fallen. Matthew 24:1-2 Jesus predicts the destruction of the Second Temple.

A view of the Mt. of Olives

Down to the time of the City of David

Funky Kippas!

Views of the Temple Mt. from the Mt. of Olives.

The Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36-45. Luke 22: 39-46. The Prayer in the Garden. "...nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” We need to come o the place where we can say: "Lord, whatever."

The Golden Gate.

Back in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Witnessing Bat Mitzvah. The coming of age of a Jewish boy or girl when they become responsible for their actions and bear their own responsibility for all areas of Jewish life.

Through the streets of Jerusalem.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

He sold me a memory card and asked me to take his photo...so, this is the guy who sold me a 4G CF card in a shop in old Jerusalem!

Jewish children at play.

The Garden Tomb. Golgotha, the "place of the skull".

Phil Israelson takes the final sermon. How great a salvation! To come under grace and truth, through Jesus who brought a new covenant.

We partook of bread and wine together in that Garden Tomb. In remembrance of Jesus, Yeshua, who loved us so much, He willingly went to the cross and died for us. That we might choose to receive this precious gift of salvation and enter into an intimate relationship with the God of Abraham, Issac and Israel.

My Favourite Things

2007-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

My "Raindrops on Roses" and "Whiskers on Kittens".
Snaps from daily life that take me out of routine.
:) enjoy.

Rabbit

2007-01-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

In Your Rest

2007-01-17T19:23:00.000-08:00

Lord take me by the hand
And lead me to the place
Where I can find your peace and rest
By Your Grace I stand
Up from my hiding place
Your gentle whisper beckons me to You

Father take me higher
Father take me deeper
Father take me closer to You
Only You can set me free
to live the life You have planned for me

Upon Your alter within my heart
You have set me to be apart
As a living sacrifice to You
In Your presence, in Your grace
Where I can gaze upon Your face
There is nothing that compares to You

My desire is to worship You
My desire is to worship You

Colours of Egypt

2007-01-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Every country has it's own colour. I like to think the colour of Egypt is a bleached yellow complimented by a dusty grey-blue.

In a land scorched by the sun and where it is said even the Pyramids were conceptualised from the sun's triangular rays, it is illuminating to discover a flourishing country, rich in culture and diversity, energised by it's people and the waters of the Nile. To find hidden beneath the dusty surface, instead, a vibrant range of hues that indeed make up Egypt.

Egypt is a land that covers 2 continents. Divided by the Suez Canal are the African and Asian Continents. The Nile is the only river in the world that flows from south to north, thus, defining lower Egypt in the north and upper Egypt at the south.

We flew into Cairo establishing the city as a base for the rest of our travels. The Pyramids of Dahshur, Saqqara and Giza as well as the ancient city of Memphis are all relatively close by. Also situated within the areas of Cairo are the Egyptian Museum, the Hanging Church in old Cairo, the Coptic Christians sector, the Mosque of an-Nasr Mohammed and Mohammed Ali Mosque in Islamic Cairo and the famous Khan al-Khalili Bazaar.

Our route took us overland via a sleeper train up (or down) to Aswan, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Nile, where the desert comes down to meet the river and the band of green. The annual flooding of the Nile has been dampened by two dams, the old Aswan Low Dam, built by the British and the Aswan High Dam, build by the Russians.

A short boat ride took us to the temple island of Philae, the sinking island that was "rescued" after the 1st dam was built. Philae houses the Temples of Isis and Hathor and was was held in high reverence, thought to be the burial place of Osiris.

From Aswan, we flew to one of the most spectacular temples in Egypt, Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also saved from the reaches of the dam and the rising Lake Nasser reservoir. Abu Simbel is dedicated to the gods Amun Ra, Ra Harakhti, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses II, popularly identified to be the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

We took 3 day Nile river cruise from Aswan to Luxor, stopping at various temples and sights along the way. The temple of Kom Ombo, between Edfu and Aswan, is an unusual temple in that it is dedicated to two Gods, Haroeris and Sobek. The temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed God Horus, is the most completely preserved and second largest after Karnak.

At Luxor, we visited Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings, The Temple of Deir El-Bahri built for Queen Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple and Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected Karnak to Luxor Temple.

From Luxor, we flew back to Cairo and from there drove on to Alexandria where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, The world's first lighthouse, Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.

Back in Cairo, we drove though the dessert of Sinai to reach our destination, Mt Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery reputed to house the Burning Bush.

We ended our journey in Sharm el-Sheikh, busking under the yellow sun and bathing in the Red Sea.

Top Tip: Most of our expenses went towards tips, so bring plenty of change.

Giza Pyramid Complex
The Giza Necropolis stands on the Giza Plateau, only a few kilometers south of Cairo. They were believed to be stairways to heaven, used by Pharoahs as launch pads to join the heavens as stars, a perfect destination for the soul of the dead king.

"From atop these pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you." – Napoleon Bonaparte to his soldiers before the Battle of Giza, 1798

Giza Pyramid Complex Map

The Great Pyramid of Giza
Or the Pyramid of Khufu, is the oldest and largest of the 3 pyramids and the only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Pyramid of Khafre
Khafre's Pyramid, is the second largest of the ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza. However Khafre wisely built it at a steeper angle and on higher ground, making it appear to be taller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Great Sphinx of Giza
This half-human, half-lion is one of the largest single-stone statues on Earth

Dahshur
Snofru was thought to have built the 1st smooth sided Red Pyramid in Dahshur after the trial and error of the Bent Pyramid close by.

Our 1st glance!

Snofru's Red Pyramid

Inside the Red Pyramid

Snofru's Bent Pyramid in Dahshur

Step Pyramid of Djozer
The first Egyptian pyramid built of stone

During an excavation in 1924-26, a pedestal of a statue of Djoser (Zoser) was found.

Memphis
One of the greatest cities of the ancient world, Memphis was the capital city of ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom.

Streets of Cairo
A land of 75 million people, 25 million in Cairo alone, do not expect to find solitude. Cairo's sights, scents and sounds assaults the senses, it is near impossible to move though the city without being beeped, yelled or enticed at.

Coptic Cairo
Is the oldest part of Cairo, and predates what is now modern Cairo. It was a Christian stronghold and you can still see some of the churches, including The Hanging Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is said to have rested under the palm trees when the family sought refuge in Egypt.

Mosque of an-Nasr Mohammed

Mohammed Ali Mosque, The Citadel
This Ottoman mosque is the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th century and overlooks Islamic Cairo.

Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
An Aladdin's cave! Every turn, every street reveals treasures and delights! Returning me to the enthralment of a child.

Medieval Carved Stone Gate

We were a novelty amongst the locals, especially with the kids, all who once over the initial shyness all vied for our attention. And of course! Their picture taken!

A few adults included too!

Fishawi's
Cairo's oldest Coffee House and most atmostpheric

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Shisha at Fishawi's

This lady we met at Fishawi's had spent some time in Tokyo doing her masters

Little Fatimah on the left loved us so much she was willing to offer up her one sweet pear. Such a little sweetie.

Aswan
Aswan, southernmost of Egypt, is the most beautiful with the Nile wide, green and dotted with pretty islands. The desert hills flow down to the river...simply gorgeous.

Beautiful Aswan

On route to Aswan...

The Sahara Desert

View from the British Dam

Yes...the sun does get very hot!

Temple Island of Philae
Philae houses the Temples of Isis and Hathor and was was held in high reverence, thought to be the burial place of Osiris.

The goddess Hathor

A sacrifice...proof that the ancient Egyptians ate pork!

The Temple of Isis

The Small Temple of Hathor

Felucca Boats

A golden disk the size of a golf ball rises over Egypt everyday and sets as a magnificent red orb. It is no wonder the ancient Egyptians revered the sun god Ra and chiseled his image as a huge red sphere.

The Old Cataract Hotel
Where Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile" was filmed.

Abu Simbel, is one of the most spectacular temples in Egypt. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was saved from the rising Lake Nasser reservoir. Abu Simbel is dedicated to the gods Amun Ra, Ra Harakhti, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses II, popularly identified to be the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

It was one of the most spectacular sights I came across and rendered me speechless.

The Greater Temple

Four colossal 20 meter statues of the pharaoh with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Ra Harakhti

Hieroglyphic name of Ramesses II in a Cartouche

Temple entrance

Rock cut sculptures of four seated figures: Ra Harakhti, the deified king Ramesses, and the gods Amun Ra and Ptah. The axis of the temple was positioned by the ancient Egyptian architects in such a way that twice a year, on October 20 and February 20, the rays of the sun would penetrate the sanctuary and illuminate the sculpture on the back wall, except for the statue of Ptah, the god connected with the Underworld, who always remained in the dark.

Baboons featured greeting the sun god Ra

The Smaller Temple

Our 3 day Nile river cruise

Aswan's beautiful banks

We found a croc on our bed

The temple of Kom Ombo
The temple is between Edfu and Aswan, and is an unusual temple in that it is dedicated to two Gods, Haroeris and Sobek.

Haroeris

Sobek

Inbetween cruisers

The temple of Edfu
Dedicated to the falcon-headed God Horus, it is the most completely preserved and second largest after Karnak.

The Scarab Beetle was associated with the sun god Ra

The replica barque of Horus in the Sanctuary

Khnum god of creation

Bast

A hippo!

Ankh, Symbol of Life

It's hard work in the hot sun during Ramadan

Outside the ancient temples, life goes on

Colossi of Memnon
Two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, they were once reputed to "sing".

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. – Matthew 9:37

Valley of the Kings
A valley where kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom were buried. Discover more about each tomb from the on going Theban Mapping Project. The tombs we visited were spectacular and very hot. Photography was prohibited but they are very much worth the visit, including King Tut's tomb which is a separate entrance cost.

Tomb of Tutankhamun, the richest boy-king ever discovered.

The Temple of Deir El-Bahri
Built for Queen Hatshepsut, it is one of the most characteristic temples in the whole of Egypt, due to its design and decorations.

Living with the dead and living on the dead. The tourism trade is a key industry. Everybody is trying to sell you something, may it be the ankh, the key of life, or the scarab beetle, which pushes the sun across the sky. The common phrase is "Ten dollar! Ten dollar!", then as you walk away, "5!, 4!, 3!....2!.....1!". This is when one should turn back and say, "Free?". By which you are then rewarded with a rather cheeky grin. :D

Karnak Temple
The largest ancient religious site in the world, it was dedicated to many gods.

Even the ancient Egyptians needed a calendar/organizer. A bit hard to update don't you think!? :)

Our guide showed us where colour was once taken from, nodes embedded into the sandstone, each a warm hue different to the last.

Luxor Temple and Avenue of Sphinxes
The Sphinxes once connected the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

The broken body of Rameses II

The Abu'l Haggag Mosque, built in the 18th century, using the buried walls of the Temple of Luxor as its foundation.

Court of Amenhotep III with papyrus bud columns.

No prizes guessing which god this is....ahem...

Avenue-of-sphinxes-luxor.html">Avenue of Sphinxes

On the Road
We drove for miles and miles to get to Alexander and through the desert of Sinai to Mt Sinai and Sharm el-Sheikh. I loved it though, and osculated between taking photos and sleeping. :)

They had some rather quirky billboards!

Alexandria
Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean, the city of Alexander the Great himself, once used to house Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. To me, the atmosphere calls to mind the ease and fun of any other beach front city. Same same, but different.

Alexander the Great
6 "After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule. – Daniel 7:6

Library of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood here. Plans are underway to rebuilt it.

Desert of Sinai
We entered the continent of Asia under the Suez canal and finally arrived where I most wanted to go, Sinai's wilderness. Turns out it is a lot more developed than I had imagined, especially the coastal areas, where holiday resorts are popping out, quite literally, out of nowhere.

Driving for 8 hours, however, I did glimpse the surprisingly varied landscape of Sinai's wilderness. One day, I would love to take a trip into the heart of Sinai itself...preferably on the back of a camel. :)

There are several different types of date, each with a different taste and texture

Camel!

Camel!

Camel's Humps!! Hahaha!

Weeeee!!!

I love camels!

Did I mention I love camels?

Soo cute!

Mount Sinai
The mountain of God

1.30am climbing Mt Sinai

Awaiting the sunrise at the top of Mt Sinai

Here it comes!!

Saint Catherine's Monastery
Our first glance...

The Burning Bush

Our tire burst...

They stopped to help. :)

Sharm el-Sheikh
The end of our road...and a mighty good way too!

Epilogue: Egypt truly offered a spectrum of experiences. She gave us the unexpected, the intimate and the splendor. Our journey may have covered most of her lands, yet, have barely uncovered her enigma. That might remain for centuries, buried beneath her shifting sands.

Current

2007-01-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

a mind like a hive of bees
yet without purpose, without aim
questions like waves that never cease
they pound the cliffs that do not bend

who i am that i know too well
forever from me can i never run
where i'm heading that i cannot tell
every step taken in deepest dark

sleep is a rare jewel of the night
like a thief of it do i ever seek
it eludes me hidden well out of sight
blinding me with the early morn

it seems the dust will never settle
no water will quench my dying thirst
under the plow of darkness mantle
there i trudge the well worn earth