Laos - Plain of Jars
Foto: De rotsburcht Masada van koning Herodes (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Israel - On the southern side of the Dead Sea lies Masada. Masada is an ancient fortress from the time of Herod, around the beginning of the Common Era. During the Roman siege of the fortress, the defenders held out for three years. When the Romans finally broke in, they found that everyone had committed suicide. For me, it is much easier to reach the fortress on the 400-meter-high rock via a cable car. At the top, I see the remains of Herod’s ancient fortress, where about a thousand people once lived. I walk through the ruins toward the northern end, where Herod’s palace is located. A black line on the walls shows how archaeologists found the site; everything above this line has been restored. In the bathhouse, I see the ingenious construction of the floor. Warm outside air was channelled beneath the raised floor, creating underfloor heating and turning the room into a kind of sauna. There was also a sophisticated water system: water was collected from the surrounding slopes and transported via channels into the fortress. It was stored in carved-out caves, ensuring a constant supply despite the fact that it only rains a few days per year.
Disputed Jerusalem
Israel - Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Jerusalem has a mixed Jewish and Arab population and is a highly sensitive issue in international politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. East Jerusalem was captured by Israeli forces in 1967 and ...
Roman city of Beit Shean
Israel - I continue by bus toward the Dead Sea. It is clearly noticeable that I am descending again to 400 meters below sea level. Just before reaching the Dead Sea, I arrive at Beit She'an. Beit She'an is an ancient city dating back to the Early Bronze Age. ...
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Israel - After lunch, I continue my journey through Jerusalem and walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This impressive church is built on the site where Jesus was nailed to the cross on the hill of Golgotha. The nearby tomb is also part of this church today. ...
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Israel - When I enter the Church of the Nativity, a procession is taking place. Everyone is asked to be silent, and I have to wait before I can visit the church. The church consists of an upper and a lower church. The lower church is built around the birthplace ...
The Negev Desert
Israel - Viraz, the bus driver, drives the bus from the airport into the desert. I see a barren, hilly landscape. Along the roadside, several tanks with soldiers are stationed. I am likely travelling very close to the border with Jordan. As we continue through ...
The Western Wall
Israel - At the end of the Via Dolorosa, I arrive at the Western Wall. The Western Wall lies against the western side of the Temple Mount. Here, the Jews lament the destruction of their temple on the mount. It is the only visible remaining wall after the destruction ...