From Cyprus-Day Cruise to the Holy Land
I liked it very much on the ship. I have never been on a sea liner before. I liked it very much. A real floating hotel. Well trained staff, good food. But the main thing - around the sea! And it became a pity that we would be here only the night there, and the night back...
There: we got acquainted with the ship, we did not visit the pool, because quite cool in the wind in June, the casinos are also not gambling at all. We sat in bars, looked at an entertainment show, where almost all of our compatriots were. The cabin was for three, but we were two. Water splashes in the porthole. Bath! Slept like kids!
Back: tired, overwhelmed with impressions, they collapsed as if they had been cut down, although the people from the persistent were again having fun.
Upon arrival in Haifa, they waited a long time for permission to land on the shore. Immigration was in no hurry. One couple was not allowed in (they say there are those who wish not to return on board). We were let in, searched and directed to the bus.
Then acquaintance with the country from the bus window on the way to Jerusalem. IN
Tel Aviv did not stop due to traffic jams. We drove around the center of Jerusalem, showed the buildings of the Knesset, some ministries. No overall impression. The whole city is made of white stone, which tends to acquire a dirty yellow color over time. Exceptionally little greenery. Houses cling to the hills like honeycombs. Flat roofs. In general, everything is typical for a hot dry climate. It was more interesting to observe people.
We were lucky to have the opportunity to visit the Palestinian territory behind the wall. The Church of the Nativity left a strong impression. I have no words.
Then, already on Jewish land, they passed through the Yavf Gate to the Old City. Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Wall of Tears. Temple of All Religions. Garden of Gethsemane.
All this must be seen for yourself. The only thing that lubricates the impression is the high speed of seeing everything, the MASS of people, the queues at the shrines. Such strange monks, who regulate the line at the Sepulcher, chuckle and talk very loudly among themselves. Since we are not devout, we perceived all this as an excursion, but it seems to me that true believers still need time and peace...
The return journey was quick, in order to be in time for departure. And now we are standing on the deck, looking at the night glowing city, gradually melting in the distance. . .
According to the latest news, it is assumed that a tourist visa to Israel can be obtained upon arrival in the country. And it's great!
