You Have Always Wanted to Go There – Might This Book Help You Decide to Visit Jerusalem and Israel?
The Berlitz “Discover Israel” by Carlton Reid
Since I have been leading Tours and Pilgrimages to Israel this is one of the books I have consulted most often to keep me up to date with the latest developments, and any major changes in the nation. Its 300 pages are packed with valuable information on every aspect of travelling in the Holy Land, and the photographs are splendid. The book divides itself into the various geographical areas and points out what must be seen, and what should be seen, and what one should try to see if you have the time. I like that!
When we have gone to Jerusalem we have used a centrally situated hotel. It is actually opposite the Old City Walls on the north side, and only a few hundred yards from the famous Damascus Gate. The Golden Walls Hotel is exceedingly comfortable, with fine fare and a most warm and helpful staff, and it is only a twenty minute walk from the ancient Western or Wailing Wall, which supported the Temple area. Older copies of the book use the former name of the hotel: The Pilgrim’s Palace.
Most of these stones at The Western Wall are three thousand years old, and a visitor is now able to explore the tunnels beneath the foundations. I like to go into the nearby quarries, too where the rock was initially hewn. These are right opposite our hotel underneath the walls!
All the major sites are given an adequate description and explanation regarding background and current access. When I see the photographs and read of Jericho, Qumran, Masada and the Dead Sea, it makes me want to return.
We normally spend a week in Jerusalem, and its environs, and then three or four days up north based in a most beautiful hotel situated on the shores of the Lake of Galilee, where Jesus Christ spent much of His time, and exercised a major part of His ministry.
You can safely swim in the Sea of Galilee, and we have a sail across it too, and of course, we do spend time floating in the glorious Dead Sea which is a must for everyone. All shapes and sizes take part! One does not have to travel long distances to see a lot, and this book makes that clear and simple.
The maps are sufficient, if you are interested in considering a visit to Israel and exploring these exciting sites, and it is exciting. I can assure you of that. Those traveling with me over these past years have thoroughly enjoyed every day of the tour, from the moment when they boarded the El Al Boeing, to the day when they had to return home. Have a look at this excellent volume, and if you wish to be led around Israel by a Scotsman, get in touch. I can be easily reached in Nairn, Scotland.
Many people tell me it is always something they have intended doing, and the Holy Land is a place they have so wanted to go, but they would only dare go with a reliable guide. If I can help you make arrangements contact me in Nairn, Scotland. That will reach me. Or contact me faster through Studylight in the Resource Box. Click on Contact the Author in the right hand column, and send me your thoughts and questions.
Perhaps now, is the time to make that visit that will saturate you with memories to last a lifetime.
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.