Athens and Jerusalem

Week 18 June to 24 June
Our flight to Athens took us through Frankfurt, and upon arriving at Athens, we were instantly hit by the heat. Our hotel was in close proximity to the Acropolis, so we went early in the morning before the heat set in, to walk up the hill, observing the sites on the way. Many repairs were being made to the various structures with modern machinery.  It is truly amazing how people of that time managed to do what they did without the machinery of today.

Theatre of Dionysos

The Erechtheion

Getting a better perspective

The Parthenon

We were particularly impressed at the amount of dedicated man hours that people must have put in to make a dream become a reality for their gods. When the time came for our descent, the sweltering heat had already set in. (9am) We retired to our air-conditioned room until later in the afternoon. Either it is global warming or it’s our age!!

The election had taken place just the day before we arrived. Since there had been some political unrest in Athens in recent times, we were somewhat apprehensive about what we might strike there. Our fears were completely unfounded, apart from a little graffiti designed to incite rebellion, there was no other real evidence of any unrest.  From the media we were told that a lot of the turmoil in Greece has been created by a tax avoidance culture. In our short stay we befriended one of the local café owners, and observed evidence at first hand of this claim.

From Athens we flew to Tel Aviv through Istanbul, tasting first-hand the wonderful hospitality of Turkish Airlines. This would have to be the best airline we have flown on so far. They could not do enough to help.  Upon arriving in Israel, we took the Sherut (a shared minivan taxi) to Jerusalem. It was awe inspiring to realise the amount of change that this nation must have experienced in the last 60 years. The infra-structure is incredible.

View of road from Sherut

There was a joy in our hearts travelling through the countryside, seeing the names of places of Biblical fame. The Sherut brought us to our hostel just outside Damascus Gate of the Old City, and the joy rapidly dissipated. The first exposure to the dishonesty was recognising after the Sherut had taken off that we had been overcharged – unfamiliar currency.

We had booked a room with air-conditioning, an ensuite, and linen. Our hearts sank when we saw the sign indicating the hostel entrance. But more shocks were to come. Going through the sleazy entrance, we lugged our bags up the stairs and made our way into the dark office. Here we were met by a charming smiling man who welcomed us in. We gave our names. “Did we want air-conditioning?” he asked. He then proceeded to get out his calculator, and presented us with the bill for our 6 nights’ in advance accommodation.  But hey – the room we had booked was advertised as having air-conditioning, but now we were being told that there was an added charge (50 shekels per night) to be able to use the air-conditioning. When we later figured out the actual charge in NZ$, after paying in advance up front for 6 nights’ accommodation, it was almost double the advertised charge, and included other “add-ons” that were either deceptive, or outright illegal ….. We should have taken note of the notice behind the proprietor’s desk which read, “No refunds.”  The proprietor then tried to negotiate an exorbitant trip package, and got quite belligerent when we refused. We were taken to our room, only to find that the large sliding door onto an outside patio, extremely accessible to any of Jerusalem’s diverse inhabitants, did not lock. Our host assured us it was totally safe, but by this time we realised we were dealing with someone who could not be trusted at all, and we asked for a room change.
As for the ensuite – later we discovered that there was no hot water in the “shower”, if it could be called such, consisting of a hose hanging down with a shower head, located in the toilet area, to drain out of a hole in the toilet floor.  

The "Ensuite"

And the linen? We were supplied with smelly towels, and pillows reeking of stale sweat, no sheets or pillow cases. Welcome to Jerusalem!!
The hostel was very close to the Old City, so we set out to the information centre to get maps etc.

Outside the Old City Wall

The streets in the Old City are narrow, and lined with merchants, ready to lure you into their dens and haggle over the price of items. Fortunately we needed to buy very little so observed as we passed by.


Hustle and Bustle inside the Old City

The first day saw a visit to the Wailing wall followed by a walk around the Western side of the city overlooking the Kidron Valley.

Declaration of the Future

The Wailing Wall

Excavations outside of the Old City Wall

Looking Across the Kidron Valley to Mount of Olives

We also met up with a German man and his daughter (both Christians) staying in the hostel, and we commiserated together about the lodging. They blessed us by taking us to the Yad Vashem holocaust museum, quite an experience for them as Germans. We were greatly impacted by the 5 hours that we spent there, looking at the film footage, listening to testimonies, seeing the artefacts and the photos. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos there.

The Garden Tomb was very close to the hostel, and the atmosphere there was completely different – it would seem that this attraction is actually run by Christians, and would have to be one of the highlights of the things to see.


Golgotha, the Place of the Skull

The Garden Tomb

The Reason Why We can Live

Another must see is the Temple Institute, a trust that is preparing for the building of the third temple. This trust is currently making the vessels and articles to be used in the new temple, and it was interesting having it explained to us what the various articles were and what they represented. Again we were not allowed to take photos there.

Holland

Week 11 June to 16 June
It is not until you go to Holland that you realise just how flat it is. Also surprising was how wet the soils were. I guess that it is because the land is so flat and so close to sea level. This flatness lends itself to having the bicycle as the main mode of transport around the urban areas. Someone told us that there are more bikes in Holland than people! In the cities, they not only have their own roadway (cycle track), they seem to have their own sets of lights at intersections!
There has been a growing challenge as time has gone on to grapple with the day to day necessities. Whilst in North America and the UK, getting instructions, directions, and reading labels and signs was not an issue. The only difficulty was trying to find the stuff that we wanted, as packaging and some items were completely different. In the UK, we felt more at home in relation to this, but when we got to Germany, our lack of ability to speak German had its challenges. However, in Germany, not only has the communication with people been a problem, being able to read signs and reading the packaging on goods in shops has almost been impossible. Upon arriving at the Amsterdam airport we were pleasantly surprised to find all the signs and directions in English. We were soon to find that this was not the case outside of the airport, although their signage often had English on them as well. Although we did not have much need or opportunity to buy things, having Jetty’s help was great.
This week has seen us spending most of the time at a Conference in southern Holland. We were personally chauffeured by Jetty to the conference centre close to Zelhem. This place was beautifully set up, with not only the conference hall, but many other subsidiary buildings, rooms, a restaurant, shop and swimming pool. It clearly was a holiday park, with caravan sites and many chalets, which appeared to be privately owned. 

Inside the Chalet

Another View

We, with one other person (Judi Middleton), had the run of one of these, and we were able to enjoy the space of this place – it had beds for 7 people. We had earlier met Judi in the UK at two different conferences, so spending time with her having her in the chalet was a real blessing.

Judi

This Conference was extra special. We had heard about it whilst in the States, and our hearts leapt, so we strongly wanted to come. God opened the doors and made it a reality for us. There were around 300 people there from at least 20 different nations. Most of them were either Iranian, Armenian or Afghan. Although the schedule was intense, (up to 6 meetings a day), and the conference went for 5 ½ days, we had wonderful fellowship with many different people. We kept saying to ourselves that it was a real privilege to be blessed with the opportunity to be there.

With Gernot, from Germany

It was sad saying our goodbyes on the Sunday morning as we headed back to Amsterdam to spend the night there. Our plane was to fly out on Monday morning for Athens.

In Central Amsterdam

 In both Germany and Holland, we were pleasantly surprised to find that most shops don’t open on Sunday, which is in complete contrast with the States where often shops never shut. Fortunately we found a Turkish food outlet close to our motel and treated ourselves to a great Turkish Pizza, which was very much like a large wrap.

Into Austria and Into Holland

Week 04 June to 10 June
When in the States and Canada, most of the motels we stayed at had a microwave and a fridge, so we could do some cooking. In the UK, this was not the case, with most having just a kettle so we could cook/heat very little in our rooms. This chalet we were staying in had a kitchen, and Karen took advantage of the oven and cooked a roast chicken meal, and also made shortbread. The shortbread, although very nice lacked something, and she found that the butter was unsalted – apparently normal butter in Germany is like this.
Our chalet was central to many of the sights to be seen in Southern Germany. We took the opportunity to visit the Linderhof Palace (Castle), the shortest distance taking us through Austria. The chalet was within 15 km by road from the Austrian border, and moving from one country to the other was no different from driving on any other road.

Austrian countryside

Along the way we did get to see some of the Austrian scenery, lakes and mountains, essentially the same as Southern Germany. Even the houses looked similar, and one could be easily excused in thinking that they were in the same country.

Plansee, Austria

The Linderhof Castle was built by a Bavarian king, Ludwig II, patterned on Versailles, and the French influence was very evident. It was only ever used as a holiday home, and we could not get over the amount of money and man hours that must have gone into building such a place for the benefit of one person for such a short period of time. The place oozed with extravagance.

Outside the Entrance to Linderhof Castle (Palace)

The Water Fountain, that went about every 15 minutes

The last two nights of our time in Germany were spent at Hurlach Castle, a YWAM base. We had a precious time of fellowship there, experienced the warmth of their lovely hospitality.

Hurlach Castle

Outside the Castle

A big treat from the Lord , which we were not expecting was a meeting at Gebetshaus, a place that we had earlier visited in Augsburg. There would probably have been 250-300 people, mostly younger people, packed upstairs, to hear Wes Hall from Kansas City IHOP University.  Even though the desire was there to go to IHOP when we were in the States, it was as though the Lord was bringing IHOP to us! Even though Wes was able to speak fluent German, for the most part of what he shared, He spoke in English with an interpreter for the German, which was a real treat in that we were able to understand him. 

The Meeting at Gebetshaus

On Friday morning, we left Hurlach for Munich Airport at 6.45 in the morning. We were pleasantly surprised with the lack of traffic, and had a very smooth run. Our concerns about how to return the rental car were unfounded. It was very straight forward and very quick.
After several hours wait at Munich airport, we flew to Amsterdam. Upon arriving in Amsterdam we boarded the train to a city called Enschede. This is where we stayed with Jetty (pronouced Yetty), another one whom we had earlier met in Toronto. She picked us up from the train station, and took us to her place which is part of a Christian community.

With Jetty

We spent a couple of days with Jetty, enjoying her wonderful hospitality and a great time with her. On Sunday evening we had time in the community complex’s chapel with a couple of other people who live in the complex.

The poppy is real!

Bavaria

Week Monday 28 May to 03 June
When we were in Blackpool, we met up with a couple who lived in Germany and they informed us of a 24/7 prayer house in Augsburg, that was a ministry of the Catholic Church. We obtained the website of this prayer house from this couple, found its address, and paid them a visit. The name of the ministry is Gebetshaus, which is German for “Prayer House”.  We were just so overwhelmed by the love of those involved, and the awesome sense of God’s presence there. This Roman Catholic Church is so supportive of the ministry that some of the young people are employed to help operate this ministry.  This prayer house operates in a very similar manner to IHOP.

On our Tuesday morning, (Tuesday evening in NZ), we were stunned to find out by email that our close friend, Gary Adams, had suffered a fatal heart attack. It was somewhat sudden and unexpected. At the time we were feeling a little homesick, and it just about clinched the return home ticket. We found that it is not easy to be on the other side of the world when these sorts of things happen. Our prayers go out to Sue in particular and in some way wish we were there to help support her.  We, like many, are really going to miss Gary. He was such an encouraging, supportive and loyal friend to have.

Mastering the artifical rapids

A special kayaking/white water rafting facility was built in Augsburg for the Munich Olympic Games. This now is used for practice and Jutta took us there to see the artificial rapids and the kayaks practicing.

Try this one for size!

The following day we went with Jutta on a 100km journey north to Dinkelsbuhl, a town which dates back to 6th Century. This town has a wall right around outside in original condition. There we saw examples of houses which had been built with straw and mud, and then coated in plaster.

Dinkelsbuhl

One of the 16 Towers along the wall

Outside the corner watchtower

Outside one of the older buildings, the upper levels timber framed, mud, straw and plaster

It was not easy saying farewell to Jutta and her family as the week closed and we headed off south. Jutta, like all the other people that we have been graced to stay with, went out of her way to make us feel welcome. She exposed us to a great variety of cultural food, including their cheeses, their breads, their sausages and their cakes! If we lived on this sort of diet, we would grow in size quite rapidly!

Garden Tea Party!

Our farewell to Jutta

We did note that many of the German people exercise by biking and walking, which perhaps explains why, despite the diet, we have not seen any obesity here at all.
We made our way to a small town called Hinterstein, nestled in the Bavarian Alps of Southern Germany, and also very close to the Austrian border. We had booked a chalet in the mountains for 6 days, and were awed by some of the beautiful scenery. Not only were the mountains majestic, the Bavarian houses with their steep roofs, large eaves and their balconies studded with flower boxes full of brightly coloured spring flowers helped set the scene.

The view from our balcony

Around Hinterstein there are many walks, along purpose built tracks suitable for both walking and cycling. Some of these tracks follow the alpine streams.

Hinterstein is also quite central to some of the sights in Southern Germany. We took a half hour trip to Obersdorf, a skiing resort also known for its ice skating. Like Hinterstein it is in a valley surrounded by steep peaks.

On the way to Oberstdorf

Overlooking the township of Oberstdorf

Apart from seeing the sights, part of the purpose in spending time in the chalet was to rest up before the next intensive time, a week-long conference in Holland.  Jutta had given Karen a book of Sudoku, which Rod was quick to snatch when she had her back turned!

Sightseeing

Week 21 May to 27 May

Paul and Caroline on the banks of River Torridge, Bideford

Westward Ho! is a smallish beach community in North Devon, and looks out into the Atlantic Ocean. It has a very large golden sandy beach, and it is clear by the camping grounds, the caravan parks and the very small “baches” that many visit this area in the summer.
The timing of our visit to Devon was truly amazing, and was another reminder how the Lord was ordering our steps. We had absolutely no idea, but the following morning, 22nd, the Olympic torch was due to pass through Bideford which was very close to where we were staying. So we got to join in on the excitement with the crowds lining the street. It was a stunningly beautiful day.

This guy wanted 10% in royalties from our income for selling the picture on e-Bay!

The Olympic Torch

After the event, Paul and Caroline took us to Clovelly – a quaint little fishing village with cobbled streets. It is claimed to be the only carless village in England. The residents bring their supplies in by sleds on the cobbled streets. 

Karen about to sled Rod down the cobble stones!

Looking down the "main street" of Clovelly

Another view down the "main street".

Overlooking the bay

Coming down to the bay

Having said our farewells to Paul and Caroline, we set out on a rather uneventful 220 mile journey from Westward Ho! to London to stay with Vanessa and Andrea for the closing time in the UK. When we were in London at the start of our UK time, we did not get to see the sights – the weather was cold, wet and miserable anyway. This time, the fine weather continued and at 9.30 the next morning we took the underground railway to the centre of London. The day turned out to be very hot.

The clown at Picadilly Circus

Having linked up with a tour company we went on a walking tour to see changing of guards and Buckingham Palace, then got onto a bus to tour the sights.

What Christopher Robin and Alice went to see

Big Ben through the London Eye

Crossing the Tower Bridge

The traffic was very slow in central London and at times it would have been quicker to walk. We stopped off at the Tower, and had a tour with a Yeoman guide. Amongst other things we saw the crown jewels.

Inside the Tower Castle walls

As close as we could take the camera

The Tower was followed by a river cruise down the Thames from Tower to Westminster. We arrived back at the house around 8 pm very tired.

Taking Andrea's dogs for a walk in Osterley Park

On Thursday we said goodbye to our lovely hostesses, Vanessa and Andrea, set off at 6 am to catch the plane to Munich. Upon arriving at Munich, we found that Rod had booked a rental car for the wrong airport! This was eventually sorted and we were given a virtually brand new car with only 1800 km on the clock. We took an hour’s trip to a place called Augsburg. There we met up with Jutta, whom Karen had met on her world trip 30 years ago. At that time Jutta had “rescued” Karen from a potentially dangerous situation and she took Karen into her home for a few days.

With Jutta at the Fuggerei

We were warmly welcomed by Jutta and her precious family, who introduced us to many aspects of Bavarian culture – the food, the music, the feasting!!

Being treated to music from a Bavarian band at Andechs

Try this pretzel for size!
And the half leg of pork with sauerkraut!

We were also introduced to the autobahns! On a trip (where Rod was not driving) we were travelling around 160 km/h and as a Porsche passed us, the wind from the car buffeted the one we were in. That Porsche must have been approaching 300 km/h.
Jutta is a tour guide, so we had our own personal guided tour around the sights of Augsburg, a very old city, which dates back to the days of the Roman Empire.

On the steps outside the church of St Ulrich and Afra, Augsburg

The Mansion House Augsburg

A visit to a garden show