Owl Over the World: The Holy Land: Caesarea, Israel

To be honest, I had never even heard of Caesarea prior to this adventure in March. So if you're like me and history/geography aren't your major strengths, then don't worry I'll fill in the gaps! Thanks to the recommendation from our wonderful friend/tour guide/local/co-worker, Rebecca, we would never have even known about this amazing, ancient port town. Thankfully we had a gorgeous day to take in the sights!

Because I am a visual learner and geographically challenged (Seriously. I get lost WITH a GPS. Pathetic, I know...), I figure the best place to start is looking at a map to get an idea where this so-called Caesarea place is. I've even put it in red so you can easily find it. ~~Just kidding I stole this from the Internet.~~ :)

First stop... The High-Level Aqueduct

Built by Herod the Great in 9 BC and named in honor of Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, the bustling port city of Caesarea had everything going for it...except one little thing needed for basic survival. Water! Since the closest fresh water spring was 8km away (translation for my American readers: about 5 miles), Herod erected a high-level aqueduct to deliver fresh drinking water. Only three years after its foundation, Caesarea became the Roman headquarters of Palestine.

I could have easily spent the rest of the day at the beach enjoying two things I've missed living in Germany: the oceans (how beautiful is the Med?? Wow.) and vitamin D. Instead of being beach bums, we maximized our time and kept exploring!

Second stop... The "Bird Mosaic" Mansion

Once again, we would have never known about this little gem off the beaten path if it weren't for Rebecca. As I walked across this extremely old and detailed piece of art, I couldn't help but think about how if this mosaic floor would have been discovered in Europe or America there would have A. been a fee to view it and B. walking on it would be completely out of the question! However, "It's Israel" was a common expression we heard which kind of means as I understand it "Hakuna Matata." Yes, I use Disney in my everyday language, don't you? But really, the Israeli culture is m-u-c-h more laid back than our western mentality. Kind of refreshing!

The mosaic has 120 total medallions made up of 10 different bird species. Bordering the birds are several different types of animals and fruit trees. "They" believe a wealthy family must have lived here around the 6th century. The mosaic was discovered in 1955 and then re-discovered in 2005. Is re-discovered a real word?

Third stop... Old Town Caesarea

For only $12 you can enter the Old City portion of Caesarea. As soon as you enter, you walk across a bridge above the 9 meter (30 feet!) deep moat which surrounds the medieval city. In addition to the moat, King Louis IX added the 900m long wall 13m high after all the former fortifications were destroyed.

The Eastern Gate.

The Caesarea Port

Although much of the ancient port is now underwater, it does make a great spot for scuba diving. Perhaps I will get certified one day and come back? Yes, let's add that to the bucket list!

Hello, marble octagon jacuzzi! As you may know, Roman baths ~~were~~ are kind of a big deal. They didn't play around when it came to: killing, bathing, entertainment. Who wouldn't want to take a hot bath after attending a race at the Hippodrome?