Along the Mediterranean
Sunny, Hi 72, Lo 62
Where are we now?
In the northwestern part of Israel. Kfar Rosh Hanikra is snug up against the Lebanonese border (top) and the Mediterranean Sea. Acre (Akko), outlined in red, is south of Rosh Hanikra, also on the Mediterranean. South of Akko is Haifa, a thumb that protrudes into the Mediterreanean.
The Old City of Akko, Israel
The old city of Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an exceptional historic town in that it preserves the substantial remains of the medieval Crusader buildings beneath the existing Muslim town dating the the 18 & 19th centuries.
Sue tries her hand at "Crusader marksmanship" a.k.a. ring toss
Akko - Capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. The remains of the Crusader town of Akko, both above and below the present-day street level provide an exception picture of the layout and structures of the Crusader capital.
Crusaders were frequently attacked by Muslims. A group of knights formed an order to protect the pilgrims. These knights were known as the Templar knights. In Akko the Templars built a fortress and a tunnel from the fortress to the port.
In 1994 the Templar's tunnel was discovered underwater. A story is told about a wife who insisted her husband send for the plumber as the toilet in the house smelled of sea water. The plumber removed the toilet and broke through to the tunnel below. Pumps were installed and the tunnel cleared. It opened to the public in 1999.
Present-day Akko is an important example of an Ottoman walled town, with typical urban components.
Very interesting and detailed man-hole cover
The refrig at the end of the tunnel...
I ducked into this alley because of the puffs of white tule tied around the entrance and along the walls. Perhaps it signified a wedding; never found out; but now I know where to find the refrigerator...
Tower and Sea Gate on the south side of the city
The Al-Jazzar Mosque, also known as the White Mosque, is located inside the walls of the old city of Akko, overlooking the Mediterranean.
Mosque Sebil (fountain)
Today (May 2nd) is Israel's Independence Day. We were treated to a fly-over by the Israel Air Force.
Near the Sea Gate, along a section of the city wall is a favorite place for boys and young men to jump off. Supposedly, jumping is a rite of message to become a man; a view not shared by everyone. As we passed we heard two distraught and angry mothers who were giving the boys (presumably their sons) an earful. Their words were ineffectual.
Looks bad for the landing... but trust me, he landed away from the rocks
Rosh Hanikra Grottoes and Caves
At Israel's most northern point on the Mediterranean coast is Rosh Hanikra. For thousands of years, the sea was pounded the cliffs, forming grottoes and caves. There is a self-guiding trail through some incredible formations, filled with the booms of crashing surf.
Wow! Look!
The walkway leaves the cliff and a view of the Mediterranean appears
An Israeli Patrol Boat also appears off-shore, presumably looking for boats from Lebanon
The limestone in this area is studded with beautiful, hard flint rock. I could look like pieces of asphalt at first glance.
Observation area near the tram docking station. The tram takes passengers down the steep cliff face to the caves.
Lebanon
Rosh Hanikra's caves are a stones throw from the Israeli-Lebanese border. I stuck my foot under the gate into the buffer zone - just kidding!
Israeli guard is carrying an IWI Micro-Tovar assult weapon
Where are we now?
In the northwestern part of Israel. Kfar Rosh Hanikra is snug up against the Lebanonese border (top) and the Mediterranean Sea. Acre (Akko), outlined in red, is south of Rosh Hanikra, also on the Mediterranean. South of Akko is Haifa, a thumb that protrudes into the Mediterreanean.
The Old City of Akko, Israel
The old city of Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an exceptional historic town in that it preserves the substantial remains of the medieval Crusader buildings beneath the existing Muslim town dating the the 18 & 19th centuries.
Akko - Capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. The remains of the Crusader town of Akko, both above and below the present-day street level provide an exception picture of the layout and structures of the Crusader capital.
Crusaders were frequently attacked by Muslims. A group of knights formed an order to protect the pilgrims. These knights were known as the Templar knights. In Akko the Templars built a fortress and a tunnel from the fortress to the port.
In 1994 the Templar's tunnel was discovered underwater. A story is told about a wife who insisted her husband send for the plumber as the toilet in the house smelled of sea water. The plumber removed the toilet and broke through to the tunnel below. Pumps were installed and the tunnel cleared. It opened to the public in 1999.
Present-day Akko is an important example of an Ottoman walled town, with typical urban components.
Very interesting and detailed man-hole cover
The refrig at the end of the tunnel...
I ducked into this alley because of the puffs of white tule tied around the entrance and along the walls. Perhaps it signified a wedding; never found out; but now I know where to find the refrigerator...
Tower and Sea Gate on the south side of the city
The Al-Jazzar Mosque, also known as the White Mosque, is located inside the walls of the old city of Akko, overlooking the Mediterranean.
Mosque Sebil (fountain)
Today (May 2nd) is Israel's Independence Day. We were treated to a fly-over by the Israel Air Force.
Near the Sea Gate, along a section of the city wall is a favorite place for boys and young men to jump off. Supposedly, jumping is a rite of message to become a man; a view not shared by everyone. As we passed we heard two distraught and angry mothers who were giving the boys (presumably their sons) an earful. Their words were ineffectual.
Rosh Hanikra Grottoes and Caves
At Israel's most northern point on the Mediterranean coast is Rosh Hanikra. For thousands of years, the sea was pounded the cliffs, forming grottoes and caves. There is a self-guiding trail through some incredible formations, filled with the booms of crashing surf.
The walkway leaves the cliff and a view of the Mediterranean appears
The limestone in this area is studded with beautiful, hard flint rock. I could look like pieces of asphalt at first glance.
Observation area near the tram docking station. The tram takes passengers down the steep cliff face to the caves.
Lebanon
Rosh Hanikra's caves are a stones throw from the Israeli-Lebanese border. I stuck my foot under the gate into the buffer zone - just kidding!
Israeli guard is carrying an IWI Micro-Tovar assult weapon
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