Tuesday began at 9 am when my cousins Yaffa and Naama picked me up from Hana's apartment. It was so good to see them, it had almost been 8 years but definitely didn't feel like that long. To my surprise, they told me
we were going to the ancient city of Caesarea to begin the day. I was ecstatic. I love ancient history, and my mom always told me about how spectacular Caesarea was when she visited it.
As we were driving into Caesarea, I remembered that Caesarea is home to Israel's only golf course . As I said that out loud, Yaffa made a quick turn right into the golf course where we decided to eat breakfast. I definitely thought my grandpa , uncles, and brothers would appreciate that one so I took a few pictures...
View from the Clubhouse Deck.
Driving Range
After a breakfast of coffee, Israeli Salads and pita, we headed to the ruins of the ancient city of Caeasarea. The city was originally built by King Herod during the Roman era but it had also been a Byzantine then Christian then Muslim Crusader city. I have never been to a site so rich in history and with so many ruins to tour. It was breathtaking, and all right along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea on a gorgeous sunny morning...
Ruins of the city square
Looking at the edge of the beach
Me with ruins of the Roman Hippodrome (stadium where chariots and gladiator games were held) and the modern hydropower plant in Hadera in the background.
My cousin, Naama, and I in front of the Roman Ampitheatre .
Me inside the Ampitheatre .
My favorite picture of Caeasarea .
After our amazing morning in Caesarea, we drove about 30 minutes north to
the large , 
beautiful port city of Haifa. Haifa is known for its amazing scenery but also because it has a large Israeli and Arab population that co-exists peacefully. We walked around the area known as the German Colony, where a large group of German immigrants designed an 
area of the city in the similar white brick and red bricked rooftops. We could also see the Baha'i gardens , but did not go up to them. The gardens are world renowned for their intricacy and are on the entire side of what would be a small foothill in Colorado. After our quick walk, we ate an amazing lunch of salads, pita, humus and grilled kebabs. After lunch, we traveled to the highest point in Haifa that overlooked the entire city and Mediterranean Sea.
beautiful port city of Haifa. Haifa is known for its amazing scenery but also because it has a large Israeli and Arab population that co-exists peacefully. We walked around the area known as the German Colony, where a large group of German immigrants designed an area of the city in the similar white brick and red bricked rooftops. We could also see the Baha'i gardens , but did not go up to them. The gardens are world renowned for their intricacy and are on the entire side of what would be a small foothill in Colorado. After our quick walk, we ate an amazing lunch of salads, pita, humus and grilled kebabs. After lunch, we traveled to the highest point in Haifa that overlooked the entire city and Mediterranean Sea.
View from the high point.
It was an unforgettable day visiting two areas of Israel I had never seen before. More importantly, it was so good to be with my Israeli family again all day. I was so taken aback by the sites I toured, the knowledge and history I acquired, and the warmth and fun that Yaffa and Naama showed to their American cousin.
Up next.... Day 4: Jerusalem.
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