Day 12 - Our last full day in Israel

Well, today is our last full day in Israel and it was a pretty full one. We started our day by driving about 50 kilometers up the coast to the archaeological park of Caesarea. This city is featured prominently in the New Testament for being the home of the Roman Centurion-Cornelius, with whom Peter visited and shared the Gospel. But it is also the place Paul was taken to appear at trial before Governor Felix, King Agrippa and his wife Bernice. Paul made his defense and his appeal to Rome here. (Acts 23-26)


The park presents a movie of the history of the city when you first arrive. Great production quality and very informative. We were able to get pictures of Caesarea from the various periods of the city. Beginning with the Palace, Amphitheater, Port and Chariot stadium built by Herod. Then the Byzantine period, the Muslim period and the Crusader Period. Each period suffered earthquakes that caused wide destruction and degradation to the city. Not to mention the wars fought over the city!

After our outing, we returned to the Hotel and went to the beach. It seemed a shame that our hotel was only 2 blocks from the beach and we not at least lay out on it for a few hours. Afterward, we came back at sunset to take some last pictures of our vacation and the Mediterranean Sea. The beautiful sunset represented a literal and allegorical end to our stay. Tomorrow, up early to fuel the rental car and turn it in at the airport. Then California here we come!

Chariot race track  (Pre-NASCAR short track)