Field Trip Out of Town

A week after Kylie got her knee drained, we took a trip to see an old monastery (Oct 16).  It just so happens that the orthopedist was part of our group, so that was a bonus.

I'm glad we were in a vehicle.  I can't imagine how long it must have taken the people in earlier times to walk up here.

Can you see where we're going? 

This is the view, up from where we parked.

And here is poor Kylie starting the trek up hundreds of stairs.

Sweet Karis stayed right by her side.

Looking back down.

 The long winding road we had taken.

The kids enjoyed climbing everywhere.

Here is Karis at the edge of the wall, and the hole in the wall is empty for now.

Then Karis went into some tunnels below and stuck her head out through the wall.

 Here are Karis and Keira climbing on the older part.

Of course, since we aren't in a country with a lot of regulations, there is a straight drop-off right behind us and no guardrails anywhere.

Right across from where we took this picture was this "prayer" tree.  People come and tie ribbons or strips of plastic bags all over this tree.  Sometimes they tie money inside the the plastic bags.

Kylie started her descent down.

She and her sidekick made it in good time; however, I think she was wiped out.

When we left the monastery, we drove around a nearby town looking for the tomb of Nahum, the prophet.  As we were winding in and out of streets, we saw this.  

I have no words.  There's the birth, Last Supper, crucifixion, hints of Babylonian empire, and who knows what else.

When we finally found the tomb of Nahum, the entire church built over the site was under construction.

Unfortunately, there was no way in, so maybe we'll get to see it another time.

After our long day, we drove to another city to eat, and there are so many things to be said about this menu, but I'll let you check out the other items for yourself.  I've circled the few that made me grin the most.