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Who wants to go? Walking Talpiyot, Jerusalem, Israel Day 6

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www.redneckrhapsody.com Street sign: Ein Gedi - Talpiyot - Jerusalem, Israel. Walking tour of Talpiyot

Ein Gedi Street – Talpiyot – Jerusalem, Israel

Israel Solo – Day 6 – Chillaxin in Talpiyot

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina headed out for a walk on a beautiful day.

Good day for a walk & just taking a break.

 

Today would be a great day to take in Talpiyot, Jerusalem. It is an area South of the Old City , but just North of Bethlehem. I decided after such a big day yesterday that I’d take a day to just….be. “Be”ing for me is rest, reflect and prayer / thanking.

www.redneckrhapsody.com A collage of flowers- Roses - red & pink, bougainvillea in a bright fuchsia, then several other flowers that are shades of purple and lavender that I am unsure of their variety.

Flowers are a Fav! I just wish I new the names to all of them. I know the roses and bougainvillea, but the others I’m uncertain. One reminds me of agapanthus and the other a little of morning glories… Do you know what they are?

Dirty Laundry

Was able to take care of my laundry this morning. The AirBnB where I am staying let me use their washer and clothesline outside. Sure will be nice having everything clean, again. Everyone one must have been in the same frame of mind, considering I saw laundry on many of the balconies this morning.

Walk. Smell. Breath. Pray.

Enjoyed a stroll of the neighborhood. Met people on the sidewalks. Wandered through small street markets and spied out local restaurants. Great day to spend with the Holy Spirit. Love greeting people on the sidewalk  – “Shalom”.

www.redneckrhapsody.com The corner local neighborhood market where there is the most vivid display of produce along a whole wall. Refrigerator case full of produce and perishables. Bouquets of fresh roses, and Gerber daisies in shades of pink and coral.

Local corner neighborhood market.

Doors, doors and more doors

Double door whimsy. This cream color double door set in Jerusalem stone made me pause. It’s unique feminine hand bending to knock left me smiling and wondering….

One of the Most Peaceful Places

Found a beautiful park with great trails; Sherover Promenade. The trails go all the way back to the city about a mile or so walk. The park had a great view of the city. Olive trees were everywhere with amazing scents of rosemary, lavender and sage. The green & brown was sprinkled with blooms from roses, anemones and many others. I just may have located one of the largest unofficial tour bus parking lots, too. Ha, ha!

www.redneckrhapsody.com View from the promenade with the Old City behind me.

View from the promenade with the Old City behind me.

Who Knew???

www.redneckrhapsody.com A huge display of different types, sizes and prescriptions of contacts that are available of purchase.

Contacts for purchase @ their local drug store.

You heard me, who knew that you could go to a local drug store (Walgreen’s / CVS type) and just buy contacts? It certainly wasn’t me, or I would have tried to remember my exact prescription. I can’t get over that you can just go in and buy them. This will definitely be something that I will be looking into before I go back in September. The prices weren’t that bad either. Current exchange rate as of today (2/17/19) is $3.62.

Take Away’s for the Day

A couple of things that really stuck with me and left an impression:

  1. Just how many people have Israel flags on their homes???

    www.redneckrhapsody.com Israel's national flag. I love to watch flags flying in a country who is proud of it! A double take of it flying in a garden.

    I love to watch flags flying in a country who is proud of it!

     

  2. Just how many people hang their laundry out to dry???

    www.redneckrhapsody.com Many of the locals thought today's lovely, sunny day with a slight breeze would be a great day to do laundry. Many of the lines and racks on the balconies were filled with their colorful garments to dry.

    Laundry Day

     

  3. Just how much can one city smell like a bottle of essential oil??? When you walk the city neighborhoods the smell of rosemary is always around, because it grows along all the sidewalks (at least along Hevron Road) as a hedge.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Rosemary along the paths & streets

Fresh rosemary growing along the paths & roads.

www.redneckrhapsody.com City of Jerusalem's flag mounted on the balcony of a citizen. It's flanked on either side of the Israel flag.

City of Jerusalem’s flag mounted on the balcony of a citizen. It’s flanked on either side of the Israel flag.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Beautiful living in the city. Apartment homes in the neighborhood with lovely flowers and landscaping.

Beautiful living in the city.

Staying in Shape

It is so easy to get wrapped up in the sights, sounds & smells that you can easily let the day fade into evening before you realize you’ve walked another 7 plus mile day.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Sunlight streaming through the branches of a tree. I can hear the old John Denver song - "Sunshine on My Shoulders" or the old hymn - "Sunlight, sunlight in my soul today..."

“Sunshine on my shoulders…” OR the old hymn that I heard my momma play and sing when I was going up “Sunlight, sunlight in my soul today…”

Better hit the hay a little early, going to start early tomorrow, at the Temple Mount!

Loving leaning in & living in a Rhapsodyville state of mind,

Trina

Here are the links for the first 5 days of my solo tour in Israel Spring 2018:

www.redneckrhapsody.com Looking at the ruins at Zippori. An ancient city that was a major seat of power in the Galilee Region.

DAY 1 – Looking at the ruins at Zippori. An ancient city that was a major seat of power in the Galilee Region.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 2 Israel Post - Safed in the town having a Yemen brunch with two cutie, who aren't bad cooks, either.

Safed in the town having brunch with two cutie, who aren’t bad cooks, either. A Yemen meal.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 3 Israel Post - Northern Israel the Golan Height's visiting Nimrod's Fortress

Northern Israel the Golan Height’s visiting Nimrod’s Fortress

redneckrhapsody.com Day 4 Israel Post - Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post - Jerusalem Day 1 (pt1) 1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post (pt 2) - The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

Part 2: The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina at the Western Wall exit with a giant mezuzah. .

Israel Day 5 – Jerusalem Day 1 – Part 3: Western Wall exit with a giant mezuzah.

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel – Day 5 (Pt 3) ~ Redneck Rhapsody

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In search of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

 

I knew I was close, but just kept ending up on the wrong street, with each wrong turn around every corner was a beautiful surprise and more culture to absorb.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Shopping on the streets in the old city of Jerusalem.

Shops along the streets in the Old City.

I did find the entry to a courtyard area that was through this little doorway on either the back or side of the church. Still no entry to the church, but beauty to be seen none the less.

Found it FINALLY!

When I finally entered the courtyard in front of the doors; I took a few pictures then just went up and went in.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Entering into the court yard of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Entering into the court yard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

There were no lines, no major crowds. Had I wanted to enter certain areas there would have been, but I was there just to observe what this place was to others. (BTW, I think I may have went in where you were probably really suppose to have exited….LOL So typical of me.) I wanted to enjoy the amazing architecture, the holy symbols that are cherished and see why this location is so sacred to the Catholic faith, especially.

www.redneckrhapsody.com People in the courtyard of the church with the doors of the church in the background.

Church’s courtyard teaming with people.

It was quite overwhelming to take it all in, but I enjoyed the experience.

Tombs in the church

www.redneckrhapsody.com Guide in the church posing with me.

Guide in the church who let me join his group.

I watched a guide try to explain how to turn the flashlight on, on a cell phone, to two women. They were European and spoke NO English or Hebrew…. Needless to say I turned mine on and handed it to him. He invited me to take the tour into this small cave like area inside a small room off to the side of the main areas in the church. It was a tomb area. I couldn’t hear all that he was saying, but I think I gathered that he said it was the tomb of the family of Joseph. Not sure if he was referring that it would have been Joseph & family of Jesus or not, but it was an extremely blessed exchange of different people in this same small space. Watching the effect that this was having on these women, who probably did not understand much that was being said; it was affecting their spirits. This was a holy place to them. 

www.redneckrhapsody.com A tomb in the church

This is a tomb in the church. It was in a cave like area.

Yes, this church had an affect on me, but not like it did on the believers that were there to have the experience they were searching for.

How can you not be affected?

Just shows you that sometimes it is about us. It’s about what we come looking for, our relationship with the Lord, not where we are. Sometimes you can be in the most amazing historical church in the world, but feel Him move through your body on a stone street that was deep beneath the surface of the city. You just never know where He will find you or who He will send to greet you in Israel or your hometown. You just should be seeking him!

www.redneckrhapsody.com The front of the ornate smaller chapel inside the church. It is where the Holy Sepulcher is contained.

The front of the ornate smaller chapel inside the church. It is where the Holy Sepulchre is contained.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Believers lighting scented candles.

Believers lighting scented candles.

My belly was growling

Not knowing how late it had gotten I decide I should probably grab a bite to eat. The couple I was staying with had a few recommendations they said if you were in this part of the old city – Lena’s was a must for the very best hummus. Finally found it around 4:30 p.m. So…lunch was going to be a little late…. Well, they closed at 4:00, so maybe even a little later than I planned entirely.

I decided that I had basked in the glory & love of the Lord most of the day, so maybe I start my towards the house. He had sent people my way and put them in my path since before I had even left the house that morning. I was probably just about all out of grace for one day 😍.

Heading home for the day…

RedneckRhapsody.com View of the Temple Mount above the Western Wall.

My view looking back as I was exiting the Old City.

RedneckRhapsody.com Huge mezuzah when exiting the area of the Western Wall.

Biggest mezuzah I have ever seen. Placed at the exit of the Western Wall area of the Old City.

 

RedneckRhapsody.com My new friend trying to help me; Excited she told me where Van picks up....well, kinda...

Excited she told me where Van picks up….well, kinda…

redneckrhapsody.com Almost 8 miles and 34 flights of stairs...

Almost 8 miles and 34 flights of stairs…

My journey back to the area inside/outside the Dung gate was about all my legs and feet were up to at this point. I had already walked about 18,000 steps at this point. I tried to find where the van would pick up. It was not inside the gate where we were dropped off. It was outside the gate and a little ways up the hill 🙄. I again stood with a group and found out I needed to go a little further up the hill….

Will I make it????

RedneckRhapsody.com Nice young man & me waiting on the van to take us to First Station.

He was so kind to wait with me. He was actually going to 1st Station, too.

One young man was going to 1st Station and was so very kind and helpful. BUT the van that finally arrived 35 minutes later was a Mercedes and was NOT labeled at all – just plain white. I had to decide do I break my promise to a stranger I met this morning or trust this young man and 6 others that say it’s going to 1st Station???? Yep, you guessed it, I trusted that it could never get better than the day I’d had. If I got to meet Jesus that day I’d be great with it. I would be happy thanking Him face to face for SO MANY things! If it took me to 1st Station I’d praise Him for not making me take any more steps than were necessary.

MADE IT!!!!!

We arrived at 1st Station within 15 minutes. I took a picture with that young Jewish man who had been so kind. He’s in my prayer collage picture. He took the van to and from 1st Station daily to go to and from work. He lived in a settlement in the West Bank and this got him as close as he could to where he walked another 20 minutes home.

I made it back to car, then to my AirBnB house, where I showered heated up leftover pizza and finished my last glass of wine from Safed. Finished the day with almost 8 miles of walking (which was somewhat totally self induced crazy blonde moments). Thank you God for showing up for me and showing out. I’m such a lucky girl to have such an amazing Father that just really wants to spoil me rotten! Aren’t you glad He’s your daddy, too?!?! #kingskid #fearless 

Love ya  & Rhapsodyville wishes!

Trina

If you happened to miss day 1 – 4, day 5 part 1, part 2: Click on whichever that you might have missed out on.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 1 Israel Post - Ancient Zippori 1st Day solo in Israel

Ancient Zippori 1st Day solo in Israel

redneckrhapsody.com Day 2 Israel Post - Safed in the town having a Yemen brunch with two cutie, who aren't bad cooks, either.

Safed in the town having brunch with two cutie, who aren’t bad cooks, either. A Yemen meal.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 3 Israel Post - Northern Israel the Golan Height's visiting Nimrod's Fortress

Northern Israel the Golan Height’s visiting Nimrod’s Fortress

redneckrhapsody.com Day 4 Israel Post - Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

Last rooftop view from Korazim. Now to Bet Shemesh, then to Jerusalem.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post - Jerusalem Day 1 (pt1) 1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

1st Day in Jerusalem. Starting off from the Talpiyot district.

redneckrhapsody.com Day 5 Israel Post (pt 2) - The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

The day in Jerusalem did not disappoint. So much history, so many stories. The ancient road under the Via Dolorosa.

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel – Day 5, Part 2 ~Redneck Rhapsody

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Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 1

Loving this city, Jerusalem

Looking for shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 2

The street was sparsely populated

I asked for directions for the money exchange & Via Dolorosa…many were willing to help, just not sure HOW well I interpreted it…hahaha! Finding the exchange, where I could change cash for shekel’s was getting real… Not everywhere wanted American dollar’s. The places that you do the exchange were supposed to be SO easy to find, well I either didn’t know exactly WHAT I was looking for or was a block off every time I got close.

Maps are a good thing – Paper please

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 3

Beauty everywhere

I would advise anyone who is going to be exploring the old city – have a map of just the old city!!! Large print if you’re over 40 and without your readers, LOL! Also bring an external charger for your phone; chances are you’re gonna need it.

Found the Via Dolorosa! Still no shekel’s. Wandered up on the Praetorium. Met a guide outside on the street as I exited heading toward the Lion’s Gate. I explained I was still looking for shekel’s, so I didn’t have any to give him for a tour.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 1

Bougainvillea

As I meandered my way toward St. Anne’s, I was absolutely drinking in the moment of the day. The look of the stone walls that towered over me giving me thoughts to all the history that was held within them. Well, actually under them. The layers of this ancient city absolutely take me to another place & time. When I hear the sounds, feel the warmth of the sun, see the beauty of the blooms falling softly over the walls all while catching a whiff of the hearty mixed spices; I catch a reflection of what it must have been like to have been here thousands of years ago. I clearly understand why Yahweh picked this piece of earth!!!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 7

Glorious day & weather

I found the street quite vacant. I found a place to set up my mini tripod and take a couple of shots. There were a few students that had been let out of school on the opposite sidewalk heading back towards town, but for the most part I was alone.  As I headed back, I turned around and there RIGHT in my PERSONAL SPACE was a young man (late teens/early 20’s). It was a divine appointment from earthly angel.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 8

Temple Mount area behind this wall.

He sent me love messages all day long…

He was what most would consider to have special needs. He looked deep into my eyes (while almost touching me) and asked me one question, very seriously: Do you love me? I actually had to lean back to look at his whole face he was that close. I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Of course I love you.” He said, “I love you, too.” He turned on a dime and took off walking. I was taken so off guard by the whole incident that I forgot to ask for his picture for second, so I hollered at him and asked if he’d let me take one. He spun around, puffed up his chest and posed perfectly.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 9

My friend who loves me!

The sun was at a bad angle, so I checked to see if I got the picture. Luckily I did, because when I lifted my head to thank him he was GONE… I mean I don’t know where he could have totally disappeared to that fast…but he was gone. Divine, just sayin!

My next divine appointment was with guide.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 10

The Church of Flagellation

Yep, the one I passed earlier not just once, but twice. He was setting right across from the door that led into the Praetorium. They say third times charms…When I started past him he said, “I don’t care if you have shekels or not (because I still had not found the exchange). I cannot let you walk by. The Lord won’t let me, let you go without showing you this.” Well, when I looked directly at him I knew, he knew Jesus and I knew he knew the Holy Spirit.

Behind the doors awaits new wonders!

He pointed up to a couple of doors that he had seen me take a picture of earlier, he said, “That’s a school now, but it used to be the top of the original palace where Pontius Pilate resided. Come on I want to show you something.” Class was in, so the students weren’t about at the moment. He led me up to a window and I was looking down into the garden area, on the North side of the Dome of the Rock. There was no one around, so peaceful.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 11

Amazing view!

I teared up – really couldn’t even speak realizing that God just gave me a view that most all people would not get to see that day, at least tourist that is. I dug what few loose shekels that were floating in the bottom of my backpack and gave them to him. I gave him all I had.

Sometimes all we have is all He requires

When we exited he asked if I had anymore time he wanted to show me one more thing. We went in across the street and he told me of the games carved into the stone that would have been the roof of the structure in Christ’s time and how they played the game to see who would torture Christ. Is this 100% fact everything he is saying or completely the authentic location of the things that happened, I have no idea.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 12

Games the soldiers played carved into the stones

All I do know is that I was at some point standing on what was still Holy Ground. I know this because the Holy Spirit welled up so deep inside my soul that I held my breath, had tears in my eyes and my heart was racing. I think my heart actually broke again, for the pain that my precious Savior was in, right here in this city. He accepted the sin for the whole world and me. I could feel the weight and shame for knowing how much I’ve let Him down over & over. He would do it all again just for me. Wow, the feeling comes right back as I type these words. My face is heating up, I’m holding my breath all while my heart is beating fast.

You can’t NOT be moved…

When he saw how much this meant to me, as he talked about Christ, he said if I would give him a few more minutes he had one more place to show me. He stopped and looked at me and said, “He sees you and He loves you so much.” I looked at him and said. “How is it a Jew like you loves Jesus so much, to share His love for this place like you do?” He said,in a very low tone, “Because I BELIEVE he is Messiah, too.”

Down the street to Lithostrotos. John 19:13

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 13

We went out and down the block and turned onto another street, where we went into a little hotel. It was the entrance to a museum under the city where there was an ancient street from a thousand or more like two thousand years ago.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 14

More games below the city’s now day streets from days gone by.

He told me stories and let me walk where Yeshua possibly walked, maybe even where the walk would have started with Him dripping blood and dragging a cross. Fact – Yes, I believe it definitely happened, in this very spot? Who knows? I just know, like I know that for a good 30-45 seconds I had a spine tingling, hair raising, goosebumps, tears flowing Holy Ghost encounter and so did he!  
      

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 15

Ancient streets below the current Via Dolorosa.

He prophesied over me as we were leaving.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 16

I have at least one more friend in Jerusalem!

As we went to exit from there he suddenly stopped turned around and proceeded to prophesy to me. I was caught so off guard by what was happening, that had I been prepared, I would have recorded what he was saying. Not doing this….was one of my biggest regrets of my entire trip. I did wake up at 3:00 am that night, with His words, He sent Sharif to speak to me still lingering in my my mind. I immediately grabbed my trip journal and began to write everything that I could recall that had happened / said that day. It was truly the VERY MOST divine day of appointments in my ENTIRE life.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 17

The flowers are so vibrant. Spring is beautiful.When we stepped back out into the light. We exchanged names & numbers, he trusted me with the names of his children to put on my prayer list. I was on my way again, back to looking for shekels, the Church of The Holy Sepulchre and food!!!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 18

As I meandered on the Via Dolorosa (or so I thought – it is a very crooked street….) I was just leaning into my experience of the day and continuing to trust that the Lord had more appointments for me. He did not disappoint!

A Drink & jewelry

I met a kind gentleman who had gave me a pair of earrings and had a free water delivered to me. He offered to take me to dinner, but I declined. He was very complimentary, haha! Definitely an ego boost – LOL. His father had owned the shop he was tending, on the Via Dolorosa, for years. He had recently passed away. He was there to sell out the inventory and close it. His business was import goods to the US. His home was Houston, TX.  

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 21

Time to move on. I should have been looking for food, all I had eaten was a lemon square and a handful of trail mix. I had let time totally get away from me. So much to see….so much to do…. Now, where is that church?

This city makes me so happy! Shalom!

Lean In and living in Rhapsodyville!

Trina

P.S. I did FINALLY find an exchange. I at least have shekels.

Don’t miss Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 pt.1

Get your trip booked to go with us now!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

Fearless Friday Fall Fun – Silver Dollar City

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SDC Fall Fun

It’s fall y’all!

Fall for Fun

Yes, I’ve waited till today to post this JUST because it sounded all cute: Fall fun on a Fearless Friday. A couple of weeks ago the hubs had a business trip to Branson, MO for the weekend. I had total incentive to go…Sonsational is only 5 miles from there! I could not wait to hug this young man, it had been a couple of weeks.

SDC Fall Fun 1

My boy!

Allstate Termite Pest Solutions

It was nice to meet the rest of the people that Wayne works with. We had tickets to Silver Dollar City for the weekend. We chose to wait till Sunday to go to the park, since the in laws came up for time with Noah and us on Saturday.

Family Time

Camper Luv

Looking for a new Home Away

We checked out a couple of travel trailers since we were in the market. We met the boy at the laundromat with a week plus of dirty clothes. All but 1 washer was on the fritz at the dorm. We then went for a great dinner and visit with the fam. Sunday the parents headed home.

Silver Dollar City

SDC Fall Fun 5

Chilly morning in the mountains…

Church

We headed to Silver Dollar City with the Allstate Termite Pest Solutions family. They brought in Dr. Randy Caldwell and his family for the service. We had a couple of guys do praise & worship. All did an excellent job!

Lunch was provided, then we were free to roam the park, enjoy the sights and ride the rides. We (Wayne, Trina & Noah)  aren’t much on rides, so we took on the shops, scenery and fun stuff. We walked the swinging / bouncing bridge. The next stop was Grandfather’s Mansion, which is a sorta fun house. It definitely made you question your balance.

 

Always Make Time to Shop!

SDC Fall Fun 14

Blown Glass Factory

I do believe it was a toss up between the glass blowing factory and candle shop as to which was my favorite! 

SDC Fall Fun 19

Candle Shop Collectables

We stopped by the homemade candy shop! We were able to try fresh black walnut fudge & black walnut brittle. The wood shop had several pieces that I know would make some great gifts.

SDC Fall Fun 27

All in all, it was a great fall, family day.

SDC Fall Fun 28

Silver Dollar City is beautiful in the fall. They have some of the best decorations and backdrops for photos ever! Can’t wait to come back in a few weeks for the Christmas lights & nighttime parade! It’s always a very good day when it’s spent with us 3!

Lean into your life & find your Rhapsodyville!

Trina

Treats Not Tricks! It’s Fearless Friday Y’all!

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Saturday evening was the

beginning of what would be several

days of lots of fun times!

Fearless Friday treats not tricks will give a glimpse

at a fun no hassle week,

for once, in a long while!

Steampunk Fun

Ready to go!

The Cabana Boy decided that he would finally get it in gear, just suck it up, take a generous amount of supplements & meds, drink a large glass of orange juice 🍊 with a little “kick” 🥃, and haunt along with me. I will be doing a more in depth post on our costumes at a later date. Steampunk round 2! (Steampunk round 1 – 2017) Probably will pop up in October….next year – 2019, hahahaha! NO procrastination here, just perfection. I want it very detailed, so it takes a minute.

 

My sister and brother in-law dropped by for a day or two, so that’s always a treat. It would have been even better, had I been able to talk her into bringing hair clippers or a bottle of color. I really didn’t even try this time, though. I’m just going to have to make a trip to visit her….soon. Trying to decide on style / color… If you have suggestions drop them in the comments.

Best Treat Yet!!!!

Camper 10_2018

Can’t wait to get started on this project.

We’ve been looking for a camper for a while. I found one we went to look at on Monday. My new home away from home arrived in my driveway on Tuesday! This is my favorite kind of sweet treat for me – – – NO CALORIES! And it will be enjoyed for a while, not just once. This will be the inspiration for MANY post to come, I’m sure. It’s in great shape, but will be getting a glamping makeover! Besides all of the travel we will be doing in it. So ExCiTeD!!!!!

T or T with the Grand!

Sweetest face ever! Yep, prejudice!

Halloween 10_2018 #1

Greer MDO Trick or Treat

Greer’s MDO Trick or Treat was a great success Tuesday morning. They take the children all around town to local businesses. The owners & towns people are happily awaiting them. My little Minnie Mouse was precious. I was blessed to be able to do this for the second year in a row.

After that nice little stroll, I headed to pick up one of my FAVORITE twins.

Halloween 10_2018 #4

Cathy Wilcox – Headed to BBLL on haunting’s…

Cathy Wilcox joined me on the next haunted outing.

We went to the Old State House

Halloween 10_2018 #5

Speaker: Brian Irby is an Archival Assistant at the Arkansas State Archives. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in History from UCA, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public History at UALR.

Museum for a Brown Bag Lunch Lecture.

Our speaker for the day was Brian Irby. He spoke on other haunting’s last year, too. They do BBLL once to twice a month on various topics throughout the year. This one just so happened to be about places in Arkansas that are tied to stories that they might be haunted. Some of the stories have been totally debunked. A few have no explanation of apparitions, noises and ghostly appearances, all the while one was just completely creepy….

Old Mike 😳

Halloween 10_2018 #6

Story telling

That story was about “Old Mike,” who died in Prescott, AR. He was a traveling salesman. He arrived by train. No I.D. was found when he died in 1911. They embalmed him and put him in a casket on display for a while. To see if anyone would know him.?.?.? The funeral home was also the local hardware store. No one ever claimed him. He eventually ended up in a closet in the back. He was a local draw. People just came in to see “Old Mike,” so they were sent back for a look. Local school children even took field trips to see him. A circus tried to buy him, but the townspeople thought that would be inhumane. Every few years they would re-embalm him and put new clothes on him. (Eeewwww yuck!) After Arkansas State Legislature put laws on the books, someone sought to have him buried.

Halloween 10_2018 #7

Old Mike – Bust

Which the town did in 1975, some 64 years after he had died. NOT creepy at all… But if you are ever that direction and would like to take a peek a replica bust of him is on display in Prescott’s Depot Museum.

Mount Holly Cemetery

Halloween 10_2018 #20

Trina with angel

After Cathy and I wrapped things up at the BBLL we decided to head on up Broadway a little piece to the Mount Holly Cemetery. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Arkansas, if not anywhere. It has some of the oldest graves around. If you are ever around it is worth the trip, especially if you happen to be a cemetery / history buff, which I happen to be a little infatuated with both.

Fun with Friends

Houseboat fall fun 2016

Wayne, Bill, Marie, Donna, Robert & Trina

A fun Halloween evening was wrapped up with wishing good friends farewell for now, as they will be relocating to Wisconsin next week. We were able to bid them farewell with steaks – hot off the grill, sweet potatoes, wine, a great visit and happy time. What a treat, no trick about it! We love you Bill & Marie and will miss you immensely! Be blessed in your new segment of life.

Halloween 10_2018 #21

Years together 1

Halloween 10_2018 #22

Years of fun 2

It’s Friday y’all find something that makes you fearful and DO IT anyway! Be FEARLESS!

Enjoying my state of Rhapsodyville,

Trina

Jerusalem Day 1 – Day 5 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Jerusalem Day 1 - Spring 2018 Home for the week – AirBnB

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel Day 5

Spring 2018 Part 1


Israel day 5, it’s starting  in Jerusalem this morning. One of my favorite places in the world. I started the day with a fantastic breakfast and great company. Oh my, did my AirBnB take the breakfast feast to a whole new level…it was a huge amount with a terrific variety. My host was a lovely, Jewish couple who were kind & friendly. They were extremely helpful with suggestions for the stay. Where to eat, park, awesome at helping with map apps, and best ways for transportation. Luckily their daughter, who serves in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) and one of her friends was there to help polish off breakfast.

After all the residence rolled out, I spent a fair amount of time in praise & prayer, before I headed off to my first day in Jerusalem. The presence of the Holy Spirit brought tears and joy!

Best Lemon Bar Ever Homemade from scratch from FRESH picked lemons. Dessert for Breakfast

I asked the Lord to please reveal why He laid everything in place for me to be in Israel at this exact time. It was totally out of my wheelhouse. Taking an extended trip on my on, much less a trip to a foreign country. It was a definite stretch. I knew when I left in November that I would be back…. I just didn’t know it would be so soon.

Jerusalem Day 1- Out the door! Out and About

I knew that I wanted to offer the opportunity to others ( Israel Registration Form April 2019 ) to go experience all that is there. So, I felt led to really trip around on my own and see the land on God’s time schedule. My prayer for this day was, “Lord show me all that you have for me. Let me experience it and glean everything I can. Let me feel You, Yahew!”  
Just getting to the old city was a mission impossible…almost.

 

Free parking in Jerusalem – YES!

It was in the same area as dinner the night before, but just not in the parking lot, actually. It was on the fringe of one side of the parking lot with only space for about 15 cars. Did I mention that they weren’t actually spaces either… Up in the grass, or next to a gravel driveway, some parallel, some just kinda sideways and hopefully you wouldn’t end up blocked in…. So maybe I’ll just pay to park. Because, on my second trip back around to this parking lot, which is a one way area, with only one drive to leave that’s about a quarter of a mile away AND you have to circle a HUGE city block ¾ quarters of the way around it to get back into said parking lot. Pay to park, yep I’m so there:NOT – LOL…HaHaHa… You do that with an app on your phone. No biggie, right? I got this – It’s ALL in HEBREW. Needless to say there would be NO pay to park.

Good thing I prayed and the Lord totally used this trip to show me I could travel, not have stress and pressure. The ones that know me best – know that the normal me would have probably have already left the car somewhere; just get a ticket or towed. I truly decided this was all in how He wanted to show me love today. I met some great people in this parking lot adventure. I made the decision to just laugh about it all and enjoy the sights, sounds, and ancient-new, thriving city this parking lot I’d been circling like a buzzard.(Next I was going to walk for laps for a minute or 30.) Well, God’s divine number is the #3. Why not go for the ole 3rd time charms deal – say a prayer for a spot to become available (not that I hadn’t been doing that, but I did tell Him if He wanted me to see all that He had in store for me that day He had to get me parking, or I would never make it to the Old City and to the Via Dolorosa). Well God?

Jerusalem Day 1 - Parking Lot back up R E A L L Y……

Did I happen to mention that there was parking lot construction going on????

HA! Yep, ssssooooo no matter where you go, somethings are the same. I was really sitting there waiting on a cement truck OR was I really waiting on the lady who the bus dropped off, to walk to her car? All of this, just as I was about to leave the “parking fringe” for the 4th and final time. Rolled my window down to ask if she was leaving…YES! Her space was just the right fit for my car!!!! Well, God!!! Thank you!

**I may have mentioned this in one of my previous day journeys while I have been on this trip, but I decide to take a picture of or a selfie with each and every person who blessed or helped me on this trip. I told them I was going to make me a blessing/prayer picture. I came home; made a collage of the pictures printed, so I can pray for them. If this becomes redundant in my post on this particular trip, I apologize, but there are many new readers on each of these days and I want to share how good these people where to help me with the simplest tasks. Giving me a place to park at their home, helping me with putting gas in my car(pumps are in Hebrew) card would not work at pumps – only inside, giving me directions, free gifts, but most of all their time.**

Shuttle??? Anyone???

I met two people as I walked toward the area where I had been directed that the FREE shuttle should be, that would take me right to the Dung Gate. I saw a little rain shelter in that middle of the parking lot, but there was no mention of it being for the “Free” shuttle pick up, so I walked back to the opposite side; where I had seen the lady get off of the bus earlier. It was a city bus, not a “free” shuttle.

I have decided in some circumstances…..free and convenience are two total different things and “free” is overrated when the expense is time(that I could have spent in the old city), heat/sun/sweat, already hit 2500 steps, and stress – oh yeah, I’m not doing that today.

BUT…I told God I was on His time clock, so this is where the journey was happening today, right now. Believe it or not I was not anxious, really rather peaceful. Hummmm maybe I could learn how to make this a new norm (I am trying, since I know I can do it).

I finally found the shuttle after 3 different conversations, and was told very intensely to not get in ANY van EVER that wasn’t marked on the outside appropriately. This could be very dangerous. My new friend who was Jewish (now IG friends, too), was formerly from NYC, NY. Her and her husband wanted to raise their children in Jerusalem, so they had moved there about 5 years ago. They actually live in a Jewish community that is in an area of the West Bank area outside the city. I feel that she would not have warned me of this if she felt it was unwarranted. This never left my mind. I enjoyed the rest of my wait with a lovely mother & child, and a nice couple from Mexico who come yearly.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Arrived Dung Gate

We were dropped right outside the gate. Lot’s of traffic happening this morning. More than usual I was told. Besides it was not really morning anymore either, about noon, after my hour and a half parking lot venture….

Israel 2018 - Jerusalem Day 1

Prayers in the wall.

The Western Wall, ramp to ascend to the Temple mount and several other interesting sites exist in this particular area of the Old City. It was a day for bar mitzvah’s to be taking place. They were happening near the city wall, just down from the the gate of entrance. Another was happening on the men’s side of the Western Wall. They were loud and very interesting to watch. This is a culture, religion, people who are deeply rooted in tradition and values. They are His beloved and chosen. I absolutely love this place.


Direction’s Please – Again….

Looking for shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa – I need to exchange dollars for some shekel’s. This proved more difficult than one would think. But, then again my blonde does sometime reach its roots… It truly, probably was the person looking for them. My journey of EXACTLY where & when I was suppose to be here this day to meet the people in each of the places that I was supposed to meet them and hear every single story that I was supposed to hear.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Western Wall 1 Help…again, please.

This kind lady who works a booth that loans shawls to those going to the wall for prayer helped me with a little info on where to find shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa. We visited a bit. She asked why I came back and was not a Jew. She shared why I should be a Jew and was worried that maybe I had Jerusalem Syndrome (yes it’s a real syndrome) if I loved it there that much, but wasn’t a Jew. She was sincere on both parts. I took her picture – reluctantly on her part, so I will not post it (well, maybe a little), but she helped me. I will pray that she one day will want to know about my Savior. I am very careful not to offend their belief while still stating mine, cautiously.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Western Wall 2

Ready to go!

 

There is a lot to do and see still, so I need to get moving. More to follow in Part 2!!! I pray that you are enjoying this journey with Israel me. I love sharing all of this. I hope it inspires you to be brave, travel more, or meet God where He’s waiting for you.

Livinin my Rhapsodyville Life,

Trina

I am also taking a group back.

Don’t put it off. Just do it…go with us!!!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

Israel Spring 2018 Post – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

Let’s Travel Together! Israel here we come!

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Let’ Travel Together

Airport Luggage wait

It’s been a minute…

Wednesday Word & Fearless Friday have been on a hiatus. BUT so has the rest of my “blog” life. Sometimes real life just rushes you from all sides. I have been totally consumed in real life issues. Let’s just say the summer of 2018 will never be forgotten. I will be posting more on it in detail in future featured life blogs.

Here’s the last 90 day’s

short, no detail list:

Flowers from the greenhouses

Gorgeous orchid – grown at C of O

Moved son into college

5 trips to Branson

1 Team National Convention

TN Summer 2018

Working hard or hardly working….

with 3 extended fun filled

Ft. Lauderdale, FL days.

Multiple Lake & Friend weekends

22nd Anniversary

Happy 22

22 & counting

One horrible 36 hours of my mom suffering before going to Glory.

Mom's Flower

Rose for Mom

Welch Summer 2018

Mom’s eternal going home

3 days of preparing an adequate tribute for the rock of our family before her resting physical body here. She is healed and living an eternal dream life now.

Living Trust……

Transitioning earthly belongings and adjusting to a new normal, LOL ( I miss picking up the phone, already).

What I do know

I have finally received the (numbers & dates to take a group to Israel with me next year. I cannot wait to share this wonderful country with you. I pray that you will have faith in me enough to go. This will be my 3rd (if not 4th, by then….may have to slip in one more visit before next April) time to go to Israel in the last 2 years.

Israel Nov. 2017- TW

Trina & friend (Susan snuck in a beautiful photo bomb, too!)

 Register and Make your down payment TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

God has placed a passion in my heart for His land and people. How can we teach, believe and want to share His word and never go walk on the dirt that is sacred and holy to Him? This little piece of just over 8,000 square miles (a few more historically) is where almost everything in the recorded scripture takes place. There is NO record that I have ever read where Jesus Christ ever traveled to any other country (except for when Herod pursued him as a toddler). So….God must REALLY love it there; to have spent what little time He was a human, to have saw fit to NEVER step one foot off of this hallowed ground.

Life Changing

To say it’s life changing to go to Israel is truly an understatement. I leave Jerusalem crying each time. It is where I believe God first breathed the breath of life into dirt and chose to make man. It is where Abraham was to sacrifice Issac. It is where my Savior and YOURS poured out His precious blood to give atonement for each human who wants eternal life. It is where the Holy Spirit first poured out His gifts to keep man moving forward toward the cross and eternal life until Christ’s return. This land is more than words….it is a living history. You will feel like you are walking through a time warp when you enter certain places. The foods you will eat, smells you will smell and sights you will see can transport you to a life that you have only ever read about.

Beautiful Gate

Eastern Gate

You will experience a varied set of emotions and I will guarantee you will never open a Bible and think the same EVER again…

ITINERARY

Day -1 Mon, April 8th – Travel Day

Day-2, Tues, April 9th  – Arrive Tel Aviv

Mediterranean at Netanya

Mediterranean Sea

Morning arrival.  Meet and greet at the airport.  Board bus and travel with your guide to the Port City of Jaffa on the Mediterranean for a short visit.  Travel along the way of the Sea of Netanya. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and stroll along the beach.  Welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Netanya. (Ramada Netanya or similar)

Day-3, Wed, April 10th   – Sea of GalileeCaesarea, Israel

Breakfast.  Travel along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to explore the excavations of the ancient Roman port. Travel to the village life in Jesus Days Muhraqa, which commemorates the battle of Elijah on Mt. Carmel.  View the Jezreel Valley and visit Megiddo, the side where the final battle of Armageddon is to take place.  End the day at the home town of Jesus, Nazareth, to enjoy a visit at the reconstructed Nazareth Village and to the wedding church at Cana. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.  (Ron Beach or similar)

Day-4, Thu, April 11th   – Golan Heights

Breakfast.  Start the day at Safed.  Time for lunch. Visit Tel Dan Nature Reserve.  Visit the Banias, the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi and the Banias Falls.   Nimrod’s Fortress in the Golan Heights area. If time permits, end the day with a view of the area from the Shalom Lookout, in the Southern Golan. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Nimrod Fortress

Day 5, Friday, April 12th   – Sea of Galilee

Breakfast.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with music and worship.  Visit the ancient Boat Museum at Kibbutz Ginosar. Visit Capernaum to see the remains of Peter’s house and where Jesus chose to center his ministry.  Ascent the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (reserved meeting point). Stop at the 7 Springs on the shore of the Sea of Galilee by Tabgha, site of the miracle of the fish and loaves. Visit the newly excavated site of Magdala. End the day with a visit to the Yardenit baptism site. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Jordan Baptize

Noah baptized in the Jordan

Day-6, Sat, April 13th   – Jordan Valley-Jerusalem

Bet She'an

Beit She’an, Israel

Breakfast.  Visit the excavations of the Roman city of Beit She’an.  Travel south along the Jordan Valley with an optional stop at Kaser El Yehud Baptism site and a view of Mt. Temptation at Jericho.  Ascend to Jerusalem via the Judean Wilderness (Wadi Kelt) like pilgrims have been doing for centuries. Shabbat Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.  (Dan Boutique or Panorama Hotel)

Jerusalem, Israel

Sun setting over Jerusalem

Day -7, Sun, April 14th  – Jerusalem

Temple Mount - Jerusalem

Temple Mount

Breakfast.  Start the morning with a visit to the Temple Mount (security permitting).  Stroll through the city alleys and colorful markets, as we walk along the “Way of the Cross” from St. Stephen’s Gate, the Pool of Bethesda to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  Then we will visit the City of David and see the 3D movie and the Davidson Center to see the Southern Wall Steps. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day – 8, Monday, April 15th  – Dead Sea

Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Region

Dead Sea

Breakfast.  Start the day with a visit to Genesis Land for a short camel ride and hospitality in Abraham’s Tent.  Then travel down to the Dead Sea, the lowest area in the world. Enjoy a short hike to David’s waterfall at Ein Gedi Oasis. 

Sunrise Dead Sea

Sunrise – Trina at the Dead Sea

Visit Qumran (with movie) where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and shop for Dead Sea products.  Enjoy a dip in the salt mineral waters of the Dead Sea. After dinner at the hotel, we will visit the Western Wall and Western Tunnel. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day-9, Tuesday, April 16th    – Jerusalem

Garden Tomb

THE GARDEN TOMB – JERUSALEM, ISRAEL NOVEMBER 2017

Tour and communion at the Garden Tomb.  Drive through Government Hill and view the Menorah at the Knesset, Friends of Zion Museum.  On to the Israel Museum to see the Model of the First Century Jerusalem and the Scroll of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed.  Machane Yehuda Market in the afternoon. (Must sign up for the market). Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10, Wednesday, April 17th –   Jerusalem

Ascent the Mt. of Olives.  Visit Dominus Flevit Church and walk down the Palm Sunday path to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations for prayer in the Garden.  Continue to Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

King David Statue

Noah next to statue of King David

Day 11, Thurs, April 18th     – Tel Aviv/Departure.

Begin the day at the Yad Vashein Holocaust Memorial and travel to the Valley of Elah, site of the Battle of David and Goliath and see the 911 Memorial. Farewell dinner.  In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Jaffa, Israel

Jaffa Port Mediterranean

April 19th –  Departure 00:30am.

Just do it!

I dare you to do this. There’s never a better time than the present – it is a gift and we never know when we will be required to give that gift away and NEVER get it back. Failed health, circumstances, money, children, jobs, yada-yada-yada – excuses are cheap / free; but they truly can cost you the most…. a life time of I wish I had’s.

Don’t forget to get registered TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

After traveling to Israel, I know that I was brought to this land to share the secrets that it holds with other children of the gospel. You need to come experience the things it holds for you and YOU can go share it with the world!!!!

Lean In and Lean on Him to make this trip of a life time with us!

Shalom & Rhaposdyville Livin,

Trina

Check out my previous post on my trip to Israel.

Day 4 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Conquering the N. Galilee Region

Victory for the North Galilee Region!

Time to Move

On the Road again!

Bags are packed and I am going for a little detour as I wind my way towards Jerusalem. I went to visit the ancient tombs in Bet She’arim. A very important Jewish Rabbi – Yehuda Hanassi was buried here. He was the head of the Sanhedrin. He was buried long ago (220CE). Many Jews from all around the world have chosen to have their bodies sent here for burial, also.

Israel - Trina

Bet She’arim

Such beauty in Solitude

Israel - Trina

Tomb doors are massive.

These tombs were carved into the mountain side that are actually caves that have tombs in them. The catacombs hold many beautiful limestone sarcophagi. The huge stone and hinge doors hold more than their share of stories. Would love to know some of them.

 

Israel - Trina

I am FOR CERTAIN that I would NOT want to be in any of these after dark. Catacombs were quite dark in the broad daylight, especially when you wandered far enough back in them. I kept waiting for someone to jump out and scream… OR creep up behind me and tap me on the shoulder…..yep, you guessed it, I would SCREAM and probably need to change my shorts!!!!

Blessed with helpful souls

Israel - Trina

Nicest park lady ever! Spoke almost NO English…

Met a wonderful lady that helped me get my park pass ( that I would have already paid for if I’d bought it on my FIRST day….) If you are traveling Israel on your own and going to be in the National Parks & Reserves BUY a multi-park pass that will meet your needs. Yes, it will save you money if you plan on going to more than 3.

The things you can see in a cemetery…

As I went to leave, there were a couple of wedding parties that were arriving to have their pictures in the park. Yes, a little strange to see wedding pictures being made in a cemetery, but it was a beautiful location. Was interesting to see how their cars were adorned for the occasion compared to cars in America.

Israel - Trina

Who would have thunk it?

Now, my new nest for a few days

Israel - Trina

AirBnB – for $$$ off your first stay Airbnb.com/c/trinaw1880

This would be my 3rd of the 4 different AirBnB’s that I would be staying in. I was in Jerusalem for 5 night’s. My gracious host were Mark & Kim Weiss. They have a lovely home that was set up perfect for me. Although it wasn’t easy for my maps to get me there the first time, I did make it. It was in a fantastic location for having means to get around. One and half blocks from city buses. A few blocks from First Station (more about this in a sec). I had the downstairs at their place all to myself, so it made for a great place of peace to rest at the end of long days.

Israel - Trina

Yum!!!

I inquired about where to grab dinner and they said, “Go to First Station.” It wasn’t but about 2 blocks up and about 8 or so down. Love this place. A good variety of restaurants. All looked to have an excellent selection of food. There was a market, art gallery, small area of carnival type games, live performances which varied all the way from singers to music and dance. This became my go to spot to find what I would need the next few days. All the way from food to parking (more on that next post😜).

Other than spending 45 minutes driving in probably about a 5 mile radius, trying to actually get on the road I needed to be on, this day proved to be quite mild. Which wasn’t a bad thing…

Working on tour packages for Spring 2019! Let me know if you want more info! trina@redneckrhapsody.com

Make sure you are signed up for my emails so you can follow the rest of this trip. I will be posting in the future from our Fall 2017 tour of Israel. Catch up with Day 1, Day 2 & Day 3 – Israel 2018

Maybe it’s your time to “lean in & travel to Israel!”

Trina

Day 3 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Israel 2018 - Trina

Java – Way the day starts.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Gas stop – Who still gets someone to pump for them….ME, #blessed

Fuel for

TWO Tanks!

Israel 2018 - Trina

Banias Falls

What true redneck travel girl, whose trip is being filled full of rhapsody, wouldn’t want to start the day in a nature reserve or 4? Let the adventure begin. Day 3 – it’s going to be amazing!

Tel Dan Nature Reserve is where I had planned on starting my day, but it didn’t exactly work that way…. When traveling “fly by the seat of your pant’s” a little, things don’t always go as planned. So, I visited the backside of the Kibbutz of Tel Dan, but didn’t ever make it into the actual reserve itself. Did learn that the kibbutz exports caviar to the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, Singapore and Canada. It is highly sought after. Prowled a little, snapped a few pics then moved on. Now, to where & what I knew would be the most physically challenging part of my northern Israel exploration.

Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve

Mt. Hermon’s run off is the source of the stream that flow’s here. I started out at the Banyas Waterfalls location. It was going to be a warm day. Boy, was I thankful that a large portion of my trek was under the cover of foliage. LOTS of steps, rough declines and steep inclines. A picture / video are sometimes worth a 1000 words. So, there will be a bit of both in this post.

The sound of all the water falls are constant & inundating, even when you can’t see them. The power and majesty of water flowing in abundance like that just reminds me of how small we are. I love them…..

Redneck Rhapsody Girl – Fig Tree Fondness

This little redneck travel girl had a large memory revival when I breezed (literally a big wind blew the smell right into my face, like

Israel 2018 - Trina

Fig Tree

a big breath of air being released at just the right time) by a fig tree. ALL STOP 🤚 When I was a young my grandmother had a fig tree next to the steps that went up to the porch at her house. This smell lingered as we grew up swinging on that old porch swing. This fragrance brought back memories of joy, sadness, fun and youth. My cousins and I could spend hours planning, fussing, discussing, and dreaming with this all familiar odor as a backdrop.

Precious memories, how they linger…..Rhapsodyville…..

Israel 2018 - Trina

Fig Tree Fondness

Wow, the power of the sense of smell… thank you Lord for all of my senses, but at this particular moment on this day for just a bit it gave me an incredible memory of one of my very best teacher, mentor and someone who I treasured. Mommie, I miss and love you all the time; especially your warm hands. You were always willing to hold and warm my cold ones.😍💗 This is my “Rhapsodyville” dose for the day!!!

LLLOOONNNGGGG way from the car……..

When I arrived at the top, on the opposite side of where I began, you can chose to journey on the path. You can venture further north, towards the stream where the falls come from, the Banias Springs park area (Caesarea Philippi). It would be about a 90 minute trek there and 90 minutes back. When I thought I might just do it…..Clouds rolled in and thunder rumbled. Well, it had stormed really bad this week. I decided if I was caught in a flash flood, where the trails were already slick, it would not be the best use of my time. I can play in the mud back home. Back to the car I go.

BEE-yond Cool

Israel 2018 - Trina

All Natural Bee Hive

Found one of the coolest things that I have ever seen in nature. I only had my camera on my phone this day. Would have give anything to have had a REALLY good zoom lens. I’m still not sure from the angle that it would have made it any better. Hope you are going to be able to see it. You’ll have to use your imagination for the hum of the buzz of this many honey bees. This was a natural beehive. AND it was HUGE.

Up, Out & On the Move

Made it back to the car and headed to the springs. Which is just a couple of miles drive. Banias is also known as Caesarea Philippi. It is an area where there is a grotto dedicated to Pan. It use to have many different building’s & statues of Roman gods, goddesses and other mythological creatures. Rumor has it that this area was and is still a direct portal to Hades. There was an earthquake that destroyed many of the structures. It was severe enough that it even rerouted the Hermon stream that flows from the mountain.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Relics of the past

Just keep meandering…

I ventured on past the main part of the stream and began to wonder back toward the falls. I found an old flour mill, Roman bridge, aqua ducts and many other beautiful sights.

Time to move out & up

Israel 2018 - Trina

Nimrod Fortress

A quick winding 10 minute trek to the north led to the high spot of Nimrod’s Fortress. It is a beautiful historic Muslim strong hold with a full protective wall, a keep with defense capabilities, cisterns dining halls. It would rival any structure from that time period in history. The fortress is located in the very north part of Israel. You can see Lebanon and Syria from there, in the beautiful Golan Heights.

Hot Bath Calling

Israel 2018 - Trina

LOTS of stairs…great workout!

The day started before 07:00. It is inching toward 16:00, hence I was about 2 hours from my tub. It had been calling my name for that last 25 flights of stairs / inclines.

Happy trails and 🎶 tunes 🎶 for the road…..

Day 4, we’ll cruise into Jerusalem for the next 5 days! God is so good! I just kept pinching myself, because this was all too good to be true.

Be Fearless✨adventures await🌍and lean in🕶,

Trina

Redneck Travel Girl, Rhapsody Style:

Check out Day 1 & Day 2

Day 2 – Israel – Rhapsodyville

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Sunrise

Israel 2018

Rooftop Sunrise Korazim

I should say Shabbat Shalom – I woke up in Korazim / Corazim / Chorazim (yes, it is spelled all 3 ways) (pronounced – Korzeem – I say it wrong everytime🙄), really early. Time difference still catching my tailwinds, LOL. My little studio apartment that has a walk out onto the roof has an excellent view of the very north edge of the Sea of Galilee. You can see the Golan Heights to the east, too. I was hoping for some amazing sunrise pictures, but it was quite hazy. I gave it a go anyway. Had fun with trying to get it, not often I get to romp around on a rooftop ledge… Pictures weren’t what I hoped for but they weren’t awful either. It was a beautiful morning, just not the sunrise shots I was able to get in November.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Sunrise shots

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Sunrise North

Yoga My Way

Did get a good rooftop yoga work out in before I ventured out for the day. Love doing yoga outside, this was new for me. Might have to do more of this.

Safed / Tzfat

Israel - 2018 - Trina

She made my day! Free parking & good directions.

I had decided to go to a place I had not previously visited. Safed or Tzfat – YES, same place, totally different spellings…. EVEN ON THE SIGNS, not just on the GPA… After I missed the first exit, I was completely guessing on the second one. Needless to say, it was just another small way that I was better off. It landed me on the old side of town, exactly where I wanted to be! I was concerned about parking, but ended up in a gravel parking lot which wasn’t marked. Luckily, a beautiful woman that lived in a house nearby was bring out her trash. She gave me permission to leave my car here @ no charge. She gave me directions to the part of town I was wanting to go.

Who Knew I had found

just what I was looking for!

I happened to be only about a two block walk from there. (What I didn’t know at this time is how blessed I was… When I went to leave the town after reprogramming my GPS it took me out the way I was SUPPOSE to have come. It took me like 45 minutes to get through the new side of town and traffic. I would have missed most of the shops, as they would have been closed before I could get to them. Isn’t it funny how when we let go and let God, things sometimes turn out just as they should even when we believe we were doing it all wrong……..)

Friday = Shabbat

It was Friday, so there that means Shabbat. Shabbat is the Jews Sabbath. It is still observed by most everyone and everywhere in Israel. Which means between noon and two o’clock almost everything closes until sundown on Saturday. The lady of the house begins cooking early in the morning preparing the family’s meal, which can include extended family and friends. So, I was really glad I made it there by 10:00 am. I figured a couple of hours would be enough. Well, it was, but I could have spent an entire day in this charming ancient city.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

This city in one of the four element cities in ancient Jewish tradition. Safed is the city of wind. – This was told to me by one of the locals. Wikapedia – Since the 16th century, Safed has been considered one of Judaism‘s Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias; since that time, the city has remained a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.

Everywhere I turned there were neat art galleries, handmade items, specialty shops, and local made delights. Cheese shop, jewelry, wineries, fresh food made to order right in front of you. Artist of all types.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Specialized Tallit’s

OK, forget a day – I literally could have spent a week in just this place and been happy. Probably was a really good thing that they were closing early, because I didn’t make it to near all of them. The good Lord knew I didn’t have all the money that I wanted to spend. I made Him a deal about this trip. If I was taking it for the learning experience and seeking Him, that I would NOT spend, except on necessities. Like FOOD….

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Brunch in Safed – Yemen style. Two crazy, fun boys who were a pleasure to watch and have cook for me!

Well, it was totally necessary that I try at least one new experience that I have never had before. I bought 1 bottle of Ancient Safed Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon. I now have at least one new like!😍  I savored it, took me a week to drink the whole bottle. I didn’t bring the bottle back, but managed to get the label off and am trying to decide how I want to preserve it.

To put it mildly I 💗 this place! I could actually live in this town. BUT… I am finding out that there are many cities that I could absolutely live in Israel. The more that I visit, the more that get added to my list.

I headed back to my temporary home base mid afternoon. The sky’s were clear, I put tunes on and just enjoyed the drive. Decided I would camp out for some rays on the rooftop when I arrived.

Israel- 2018- Trina

Burger & fries

Thought I might actually get a real meal for dinner, since it had been about 3 days since I had meat. Vered HaGalil was referred to me from a local. It did not let me down. They had amazing looking steaks, but I opted for the all American burger & fries. It was less than 5 minutes from where I was staying.

 

Israel- 2018- Trina

Vered HaGalil – Restaurant

 

 

 

If you see horses in any of the pictures of my stay here, it was their’s. Their ranch backed up to the house I was in, so I was privileged enough to watch them eat & play from the rooftop view (pictured above).

 

 

Shabbat Shalom

After that meal I had no desire to just sleep on it. It was still light, so I thought I would go for a walk and get a few more pictures. This place is truly beautiful. I wonder how this community would have fared if they had turned from their ways when Christ tried to teach them about the Kingdom of heaven….

Israel - 2018 - Trina

“LOTS” of lantana – luv!

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Yahweh’s handy work

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Yahweh’s color pallet amazes me…

This country truly rules my heart and owns my soul….. Shabbat Shalom

Leaning in as much as possible…. it is wear I wish to be,

Trina