HISTORIC PALESTINE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 81, 15 June 1943, Page 6

HISTORIC PALESTINE

INTERESTING SOLDIER'S LETTER

JACK SHANNON'S TOUR

BIBLICAL PLACES VLSJTED

(Continued from last issue)

We heard the manager say bedroom for three but there were only two beds there, so we asked him where the third bed Avas and he sakl it was; in the room and putting his hand under the bed lie pulled it out already made and that was why Ave did not see it in the room as it was under the other bed.

Wc were too tired to> go out so we went to bed. Next morning our taxis arrived and we were introduced to the Mayor of Tel a Vhv who talked for about two hours on the progress of the town. I thought he was never going to stop, lie then gave us a drink of orange, juice then showed us Tel a Viv from the top of the buildilig. He. also showed us through a babies hospital and then to a children's nursery where the people can leave their young children while, they go away and work.

A quick drive through the town and along the waterfront and it -was lunch time and we missed going through the museum and also .an orange factory where tlicy sort and pack oranges. Already nine hours overdue we. missed seeing Jaffa. Jewish Children Once again in oar taxi we were off our next stop was Alhiet where we were' shown through a Jewish colony. They had small houses to live, in and a big community kitchen where they had their meals. Although the children were at school on the place they saw very little ol' their parents. if a child was good at painting or drawing he would have an opportunity of being an artist when he grew up as his teachers would help him on. We also Avcnt through a hoot, and shoe factory and saAv the boots and shoes being made from start to finish, they also invited us to stay to dinner, but avc had to push on. Then on through the plains of Sharon passing small industrial towns, and colonies on the Avay. Native Farmers

Here the natives still plow their lands with olden tlay implements, it appears that modern equipment such as tractors and ploughs have not bothered them, sometimes in the field a camel and a donkey will be pulling a plow .side by side or perhaps a builoek and a donkey, While the native plows his children play in the iield near by. How he knows which kind is his beats me as they have no fences at all. Many of the natives up there would give you the "V" or thumbs up sign as you went past. On the green hills studded with broAvn rock, herds, of goats and brown and white sheep grazed, while natives in their flowing robes of many colours or on Arab steeds watched over their flocks.

Soon Mt. Carmel loomed into view and wc knew we were nearing Haifa where we stayed the night. We went to the pictures and saw "40,000 horse men." B did not think much of it. Crest of Mount Carmel Next morning we. climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel by car. On top was a large monastry and also the Persian gardens which we* went through. They were absolutely magnificent. We went inside the monastry which had wonderful Persian carpets on the floor, and on the walls were some wonderful paintings. Wc had to take our boots and shoes oil before we could go in and while wc were inside one of the nurses mixed everyone's boots and shoes up just for a laugh. Wo also had a wonderful view of the harbour and surrounding district. Wc could not stay there for iong however and soon we were on our way once more. Approaching- the Holy Land We travelled over the road where Jesus rode. Of course it is tarscalcd now. At a place called Janai the taxi in front of us had a blowout and nearly went over a bank. Having fixed the tyre Ave proceed and at 12.30 a.m. we were looking down on Tiberias by the Sea of Gala'ce. We had lunch there. Yes, a "'•'■"•• li water fish complete with head and tail and scales. The only thing U was minus was its inside but it lasted a'r'ght. As wo were leaving a Jewish wed. din_; was on so wc had a look at il. A quick run through the town a row on the S6a of Gal alec and we

were off once more our next*place of call being Nasareth. On the way wc had a look at Mary's Well and children crowded around asking for bakshees. Nasareth and Jerusalem Soon Ave arrived at Nasareth and saw the Church of Annunciation and St. Joseph's Workshop. Wc bought some oranges and continued on our way to Jerusalem. However in the valley of the Rebels as the place was ■called a taxi broke down. Niec place to break down wasn't it, and instead, of getting in at 6.30 we arrived. at nine o'clock. It was now Thursday night and we stayed at another wonderful hotel and had some wonderful meals. Friday morning we drove through the Aviklerness of Judea to Jericho then to the river Jordan and next to the Dead Sea. I could not swim but I went into the Dead Sea as * you cannot sink, it is so salty. Next we went to the Garden of Gethsemane and passed the Seven Sisters on the way out there. They are seven steep sharp bends one after the other. We also saw the tomb of Mary in the Garden and in the distance we could see the Golden Gates. On the way to Bethany wc passed the Good Samaritans Inn, the Mount of Temptation and Elishas fountain. After that wc returned, to Jerusalem for lunch. Historic Places Visited At one o'clock we. left again for Bethlehem visiting the Church of Nativity where Christ was born, Milk Grotto, Shepherds Field. The Well of Magis and Rachels Tomb on the way. Next we went to MtJ. Scop is with Hebrew University and National Library. We then went on to the Mt of Olives and also. Russian Tower and Chapel of Asccf\cion. Saturday morning Ave walked through the old city of Jerusalem visiting the bazaars and the Wailing Avail. There Avas a terrible noise going on 'here, the Jews would pray

and "wnil and beat the Avail "with their hands and did not like you taking photos of them. "We saw the Synagogues and Temple Area, The. Dome of liock. St. Anne, the Via Dolorosa, Ecee Homo, Church and Arch. Prison ol' Christ and the Hols' Sepulchre, Pool of Bethesda the Citadel and King David's Street. Wo also Avent the an ay of the Cross. So darkness, came once more and we were glad the day A\a? OA-er but not glad our holiday liad nearly ended. Sunday Ave Avcre taken down to the station, the whistle blew and soon we Avere. heading homeward bound to Gairo