Backpack '99 Part 1

I got to go on this excellent tour in '99. I first went to Israel - which was an excellent chapter in my life. After that I went to backpack through Europe. So I was travelling for 6 weeks. Away from work. It was excellent! Here we sit on the airport, awaiting my flight. <l - r> Mark, ?, me
Arriving in Israel. No idea of what would be awaiting me. People not understanding you etc... First I had to get some money!
Trying to order food was pretty difficult... taking the menu is written in Hebrew :)
We first stayed in Eilat. This is a beautiful place to see tropical fish, corals, etc. It's a must... this pic was taken inside the aquarium which is built into the sea. We also went snorkling....
Another view in Eilat.
Us - getting ready to go for a swim... and snorkling... this was absolutely amazing....
We went to the dead sea... this is such an amazing feeling. Drifting on water. The main thing is to NOT get water in your eyes or mouth.... VERY salty! :)
More people at the dead sea.
Dead sea.
We went to this mountain close to the dead sea where the Jews had a camp to flee from people trying to kill them. I think it's called Masada....
This is where David hid in the cave. When Saul was seeking to kill him.
On our way to Gallilee. I just couldn't resist this adventure...
Getting ready to baptise the 'de Flaming' family. This was such an amazing experience. One could really sense the Lord being there...
Here's the family. Each one had to give a testimony of what the Lord has meant to them so far. I was absolutely amazing. Praise the Lord for He loves us SO much!!!!
I also got to go through this amazing experience. Really great to be committed to the One who cares.
We went on this boat. It's on the sea of Gallilee. We sang, etc, was fun!
Ruins of places where early christians were killed for there faith. A great book on this is Jesus Freaks, from DC Talk.
Another pic of the ruins.
NICE swarmas to fill the tummy!
The people I stayed with in our flat in Jerusalem. They are truelly great people. May the Lord bless you guys and keep you safe and on His road.
In Jerusalem. Singing and praying over the city... Ps. 122:6 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you. It was great.
On the wall of this city. The old City on the one side... the new ciry on the other. Here someone is "sitting in th gap" :)
The typical Jerusalem picture.... boy - it was great!
The wall - the only part still standing of the Jewish temple. This is a great place. I really enjoyed praying here. God was VERY present.
A typical orthodox jew.
Another guy. Showing how to blow the horn. It quite difficult. I tried it myself... :) I can do it now though....
Another type of food. Looks like a gian pancake. You tear of a part and then eat it with other food and dip.
He's not here...! He has risen!!!!! This was the message on the door to Jesus' grave... whether or not it truelly is the place doesn't matter. The main thing is that He died to take away our sin... but also rose again - to proof it worked....! :)