Want To Walk 40 miles in JESUS' Steps?

CAPERNAUM, Israel (AP) — A new trail across northern Israel offers travelers the chance to walk — or trot — through New Testament sites in the footsteps of Jesus.


The newly opened Gospel Trail winds for 39 miles, heading from Nazareth, across gentle green hills, through Jewish and Arab towns and to Capernaum, the fishing town where Jesus is said to have established his home base. The Tourism Ministry believes the new trail may attract up to 200,000 Christian pilgrims to northern Israel over the coming year.

Christians are a rapidly growing segment of Israeli tourism, comprising about two-thirds of the 3.45 million people who visited in 2010.

On the Gospel Trail, tourists can ride toward the Sea of Galilee on horseback, accompanied by escorts from a nearby ranch wearing jeans, big belt buckles and embroidered cowboy boots with spurs. The scene feels more Texas than Gospel, especially because according to the New Testament, Jesus' mount of choice was a donkey. Horses were considered vehicles of war.

But as the horses canter to Capernaum, past the occasional grazing cow in a grassy pasture, with the sun setting over the distant hills of the Golan Heights, visitors can imagine for a moment that they have returned to the Holy Land of two millennia past.

The Gospel Trail, planned and researched for more than a decade, cost about $800,000. The government paid for two-thirds of it, the Jewish National Fund the rest. Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said the trail is one element of a branding strategy to sell Israel's abundant religious sites to visitors.

Despite the large numbers of Christian tourists, for years little comprehensive information was available to those hoping to hike alone through the Galilee. Walking trails were marked but maps were in Hebrew, Israel's national language.

This began to change when two entrepreneurs developed a path they called the "Jesus Trail" in 2008, following a slightly different route from Nazareth to Capernaum. Founders David Landis and Maoz Inon offer guided hiking tours and a colorful tour book for the region, the best resource available for trekking in the steps of Jesus. Inon also founded a backpacking hostel in Nazareth.

The new Gospel Trail, by contrast, is a government project. It heads south out of Nazareth, beginning at Mount Precipice, where a mob nearly threw Jesus off a cliff after a sermon he made in a local synagogue. The summit provides sweeping views across the Galilee, from ancient Nazareth and down through the Jezreel Valley, today considered Israel's agricultural heartland. From there, the path goes to Mount Tabor, said to be the site of the Transfiguration, when Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah and became radiant, and God called him his son. Today, priests celebrate Mass in a Franciscan church with soaring ceilings and pristine white marble floors.

From there, the trail winds north, passing, in springtime, through a carpet of anemones and cyclamens. A side path, also marked, heads to Kfar Kana, where Jesus is said to have turned water into wine. Then the Gospel Trail passes double extinct volcanos known as the Horns of Hattin — famous as the site where Saladin's Muslim army defeated the Crusaders in 1187. Today a lone mosque stands as one of the few remainders of an abandoned Arab village on the site.

Nearby is the town of Migdal, named for the ancient town of Magdala, said to be home to Mary Magdalene. Farther north, at Tabgha, the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes commemorates when Jesus fed a multitude with only a handful of food. And finally, travelers pass by the Mount of Beatitudes before heading to Capernaum, where a charming pink-domed white church gives a European look to the lush green surroundings.

The Gospel Trail includes suggestions to take a boat across the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is said to have walked on water. The boats run between Capernaum and Kibbutz Ginosar, where marine archaeologists found and preserved a 2,000-year-old ancient fishing boat. Another boat route runs to Tiberias, a town dating back to 20 A.D.

All along the way, gas stations, quiet farming towns and luxurious guest houses offer places to recharge. The trail wends through picturesque Biblical landscapes and long stretches of neatly planted vegetables. It also runs alongside less attractive water distillation plants and rock quarries. Ministry spokespeople say they hope the trail will provide an incentive to entrepreneurs to open hotels and restaurants along the way.

A variety of options already exist for travelers, from the Fauzi Azar Inn tucked into Nazareth's Old City, to the luxurious Scots Hotel in Tiberias. There are also country cottages outside Jewish towns, simple beds on farms and homestays in Arab villages. Camping is also easy in the many parks along the trail.

Jose Leonardo, a chemical supervisor from Houston, walked the trail at Tel Kinrot, a hill filled with archaeological finds that looks over the Sea of Galilee. He hiked with a group of Christian pilgrims visiting Nazareth for the day as part of a week-long trip to Israel. Leonardo said he was especially moved by a visit to Mount Tabor. "It's great to walk where Christ actually walked and just to know that so much history is here," Leonardo said. "I think every Christian should come out here and actually experience that walk to get closer to God and know his land and his people."

Contact A Way To Go Travel to set up your journey to Israel in 2012!!!!!!

Ten Places To Travel For Happiness

Maine
With it long coastline and beautiful scenery. The great trip is to just go up Route 1, ideally late spring or early fall. You can drive from Boston to Portland and then just keep going along, Freeport, Brunswick, Rockland, up past Camden, then Bar Harbor. It goes all the way to Canada.

Orkney Islands, UK
Hard to get to but worth the trip, these mostly uninhabited 70 islands off the coast of Scotland. Visit Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the lovely harbor at Kirkwall, the largest town. People have been living there since prehistoric times and they have produced a lot of poets, writers, and musicians. Lots of fresh fish available for seafood lovers.

Bali
Long a fantasy vacation destination, then give Bali a try. It has grace and aesthetic appeal. The colors, the artistic sense of the Balinese. Weaving, carving, dancing, play instruments, and singing are some of the talents of the Balinese. The houses are beautiful, the clothes are beautiful, the temples, and the wonderful dances and ceremonies. Many travelers head to Bali's beaches but traditional crafts and ceremonies can best be seen inland around the town of Ubud.

Costa Rica
Guanacaste on the northwest Pacific coast. It has many resorts, is on the Pan American Highway and is easily accessible by air from the USA. Happiness here is related to simplicity.

Egypt
It has one of the oldest cultures on Earth, plus a friendly populace and welcoming feel. Egypt has the world's treasures, thousands of years of accumulation of Egyptian culture, the Pharaonic culture, not just the Pyramids, but temples all along the Nile, from Alexandria on the Mediterranean to Aswan and on to Abu Simbel. Numerous tour operators offer river cruises and guided excursions along the Nile.

Thailand
Thailand is both famously foreigner-friendly and inexpensive, making it attractive to expats in retirement. The welcome, the food, the educated populace and the weather, but also the immense variety of travel opportunities. There is coastal Thailand, jungle Thailand, mountainous Thailand, and if you're there you can easily visit Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, or India.

Malawi
Small villages are self-contained societies that take care of their own. Take a visit to Lake Malawi, a very big, deep lake, with hotels all along the lake shore. The game parks in the north where you can see elephants and giraffes and other animals.

Hawaii
First-timers should make sure to visit multiple islands, as they're all different. Each island has its own character, its own sense of pride. If you're not happy on one island, just find another.

Sicily, Italy
The food in Sicily, the wine, the weather, the crops they grow, all are wonderful things. It's a very hospitable place, and Palermo is one of the great cities of Italy and of Europe too. Because of its proximity to North Africa, it's different from the rest of Italy. To get there via ferry from Sardinia, train from Naples, or on a cruise ship.

Trobriand Islands
Also known as the Kiriwina Islands, complex Pacific society off the coast of New Guinea. This is a place where people feel welcome. The people of Trobriand Islands are perfectly content with what they have. It is far offshore and a hard place to get to, but worth it.

Shelly's Trip to Hawaii

You know you've reached paradise when you step off your plane to warm breezes, friendly faces and the spirit of Aloha all around.  The Islands of Hawai'i are truly an American treasure. From the lush feel of Kaua'i with magical waterfalls and the vibrant spirit of Oahu, the fun of Maui, and the Volcanoes on the Big Island, the Islands of Hawai'i are truly a magical destination!  If you want to hang out in a hammock or zip line through and old sugar plantation it's all there for you. Some of the best dining in the United States is available from farm fresh pineapples to premier seafood the Islands of Hawai'i have something to please every palate. Best of all no passport is needed!  

Ahhhh The Kahala where the spirit of Aloha welcomes you to it's open air lobby near enough to Waikiki for fun but far enough for a fabulous serene beach area. The Kahala is host to both celebrities and families and their award winning dining gives you a taste of Hawaii. Stingrays, turtle and dolphins are also located on site as part of Dolphin Quest. Comfy beds, tasteful amenities and outstanding staff makes the Kahala the place to be for relaxation on Oahu. Mahalo!

                                                                   The Kahala Lobby

 
 
The Waikiki Edition
Urban chic right in the heart of Waikiki - this fabulous property was one of Shelly's favorites!
 

                                                       Sitting Area at Waikiki Edition

Mardy's Trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!!!!

Just back from a short trip to Puerto Vallarta and all I can say is WOW!
Located in Banderas Bay this destination has the authentic soul of Mexico, warm people proud of their country, and some incredible Mexican and international cuisine.
This wonderful beach resort blends beautiful scenery, an array of outdoor activities and shopping, and still retains the charm of a small fishing village.
Puerto Vallarta is definitely family friendly and has a host of activities that will please adults and children alike. So if you're looking for a week long vacation or just a long weekend, this might be just what the doctor ordered.

Mardy Murray

                                         Yelapa, Mexico


                                    
                                         Beach in Puerto Vallarta

                                          Room view from Riu Palace Pacifico                                     

Bargain Beach Getaways

Are you so desperate for a warm and sunny escape—and so convinced it’s beyond your means—that you’ve settled for tanning-salon sessions and homemade piña coladas?
Really, now: Jetting off to a sandy slice of heaven doesn’t have to send you to the poorhouse. There are plenty of budget-minded locales that are light on your wallet, but still heavy on balmy temperatures, swaying palm trees and beautiful beaches.

Culebra, Puerto Rico
Located off the eastern shores of the main island, sleepy Culebra is rich with uncrowded playas edging calm and cerulean waters--plus a small clutch of basic but bright hotels, like Mamacita's, averaging $100 nightly.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Stretch your dollar in this laid-back Cancún respite, offering diving, snorkeling, shopping and primo sunset- cocktail spots--not to mention inns from charming to chic, like Hotel Cielo or Kinbé Hotel, for $55 to $150 a night.

St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
This unfussy chain of barrier islands along the Sunshine State's west coast really has it all: a variety of wide beaches, cheap seafood-shack meals, a slew of affordable ($65 a night and up) places to stay and a fun nightlife scene.

Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Sugary sand, a relaxed vibe and cheap Bahamian eateries abound in Freeport and Lucaya, where hotels include the Island Seas Resort (from $100 nightly) to the more upscale Radisson Our Lucaya (from $165).

Bermuda

Pink sands, pampering resorts, scenic golf courses and incredible snorkeling are all good reasons to head here- four-night, all-inclusive deals from $699 per person, with options including Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Coco Reef Bermuda.

Shanes trip to the Sandals Royal Bahamian

It was perfect timing to take another great trip to the Sandals Royal Bahamian! This was our third time down since 2005 and I noticed some major changes and renovations! First off, I was booked in the Royal Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite with Butler service. With this room, you have private Mercedes transfers a massive room and a butler on call 24 hours a day for your every whim. The butler greets you in the lobby and takes you straight to your room. They already have your dinner reservations set up for you and most importantly reserve your private hut on their private island DAILY upon request. The butler gives you a cell phone where you can call them from any location on the resort at any time! Very good service in that respect.
The main changes to this resort in the last couple of years is the upgrades to the beach, rooms and Royal Village landscaping. They have brought in sand to create 2 extra pristine white beaches, one on Sandals Cay and one on their location at Cable beach. The rooms have all been renovated and look amazing! The Royal Village gardens are just amazing with rose covered trellises and walking trails.

Food quality at this resort is always great! Room service is prompt and is served good and hot. The best places to eat are Gordon's on the Pier, Baccarat and Casanovas.

If your looking for things to do, this is the place! You can tour the Atlantis and go to their water park, go snorkeling on the boat excursion offered by Sandals, Scuba dive, Swim with the Sea Lions and Dolphins, take a boat trip to the Exumas, etc... This is important for me, because I love to keep busy on vacation...Go figure :)
All in all the Sandals Royal Bahamian is an amazing resort, full of good food, good service and most importantly a private island that could rival anything in the Caribbean!

Great Hidden Island Secrets, Now YOU Know

Hollywood scouts were on to something when they skipped over Mykonos and chose a secret island in Greece as the location for Mamma Mia. The movie was a $600-million hit, in part because it fueled peoples’ fantasies of escaping to a secluded island (and yes, those catchy ABBA tunes didn’t hurt). Surprisingly, that picture-perfect movie location, Skopelos, has stayed under the radar. When you hop off the ferry, you’ll be wowed by the view of the shimmering Aegean Sea, the island’s tile-roofed tavernas, and a decided lack of travelers.

There are still gems like Skopelos hidden all around the globe, if you know where to look. We have done the hunting for you to uncover secret islands where you can truly unwind.

Greece: Skopelos
A one-hour ferry ride from Skiathos, the island of Skopelos is so picture-perfect (hidden coves; blue-roofed tavernas; hundreds of Byzantine-era churches) that Hollywood chose its Kastani Beach as a set for Mamma Mia. At the just-renovated Adrina Beach Hotel the 49 pastel-colored rooms face the pine-tree-studded coastline, strewn with daybeds.

Caye Caulker, Belize
There’s nary a traffic light on this laid-back island—a five-mile strip of land that’s a 15-minute flight from Belize’s main airport. Head to Shark Ray Alley to snorkel among nurse sharks and stingrays or go scuba diving at the underwater caves of Blue Hole. Aboveground, try the curried lobster at the roadside Jolly Roger’s Grill. On the eastern side of the Caye, Seaside Cabanas has 10 rooms and six colorful cabins, each with its own roof terrace for taking in those amazing Caribbean views.

Sampson Cay, Bahamas
Partially protected from commercial activity since 1959, the Exuma Cays are normally the domain of cruisers—and a few privileged landowners such as Johnny Depp. But guests at Sampson Cay have access to the area’s thriving patch reefs and isolated islets. At the Sampson Cay Club, the five modest villas include wide patios that are perfect for watching the sunset. While the limestone karst terrain may be rugged, every path ends on a stretch of secluded white sand.

Flatey, Iceland
Don’t expect to see much night sky here: in summer, daylight shines for up to 21 hours on this rocky one-mile hideaway in Breiðafjörður Bay. Lush meadows and multicolored timber houses dot the scenery, and the mainland’s Snæfellsjökull volcano is always within eyeshot. In town, Flatey stays true to simple Scandinavian design (blond-wood furniture; whitewashed walls), and the downstairs restaurant turns into a live-concert venue for local talent at night.

Gozo, Malta
This tiny Mediterranean island is where Odysseus was “held captive” by Calypso after the Trojan War. Take one look at the landscape, and it’s no wonder he stayed seven years. Rolling hills, crumbling castle walls, and a Bronze Age fortress are some of the most endearing features. Check in to Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa, with 85 stone bungalows overlooking the sea. From there, it’s a short drive to Dwejra Bay, where you can take a dip, then munch on pastizzi (ricotta-filled pastries) at Tapie’s Bar (St. Francis Square; lunch for two $20).

Andaman Islands, India
These 550 atolls in the Bay of Bengal have all the prerequisites for an idyllic getaway—with an added dose of culture. You can still see a few ancient indigenous tribes. The island of Havelock, a two-hour ferry ride from Port Blair, is arguably the most appealing, thanks to its bone-white beaches. Book a sea-facing villa at the new SilverSand Beach Resort and ask the staff to take you on a trek to the Kala Pather forest.

Rodrigues, Mauritius
Locked in a shallow lagoon, this fish-shaped island has served as a paparazzi-free bolt-hole for Prince William in years past. With its verdant valleys and numerous islets, it’s a haven for hikers and kite-surfers, too. Stay at the beachfront Mourouk Ebony Hotel, with 34 Creole-style rooms. For freshly caught seafood, don’t miss Coralie la Diffe’rence, dinner for two $40).

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
At 104 square miles, “The Barrier” is the largest island off the Kiwi coast, but it’s also the most untouched. Spend your days hiking through dense kauri woods or exploring jagged inlets. Then refuel over mussel fritters at Tipi & Bobs The four modern rooms at the glass-walled Oruawharo Beach House are designed by New Zealand architecture firm Fearon Hay and have spectacular views of Oruawharo Bay.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Searching for the Bali of, say, 1970? Head to Gili Trawangan, a tiny island near Lombok dotted with countless waterside cafés. No motorized traffic is allowed here—the best way to get around is to rent a bicycle or use your own two feet. The daily agenda involves nothing more than fishing, diving, or kicking back with a cold beer at Scallywag. On the southern coast, Vila Ombak has 115 airy oceanfront rooms.

Mabul, Malaysia
Diving enthusiasts flock to Mabul, off the northeastern coast of Malaysia, where the exotic marine life is on a par with the Galápagos—native sea moths, bobtail squids, and the elusive paintpot cuttlefish are just a few of the inhabitants. At Sipadan Water Village Resort the 45 stilted bungalows are cooled by constant sea breezes.