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Israel & Italy

Israel
When we left Jerusalem, we rented a car and headed west (towards the West Bank to be exact).  This part of our 17 day trip was probably my favorite.  There was more nature, activities, and relaxation.  
Tyler Jerrell and I hiking in the desert of Israel

with Alyssa Jerrell at En Gedi Falls
At 4:00am, we hiked to the top of Masada at to watch the sun rise over the Dead Sea.  
The top of Masada is where the siege by the Roman Empire ended in the mass suicide
 of the 960 Jewish rebels on top of the mountain
Although Israel wasn't on my bucket list, it did allow for a chance to cross a few things off and made for some great memories.

 RIDE A CAMEL
I think I have my favorite Disney movie, Aladdin, to thank for wanting to put this on my bucket list since I was 5.
SWIM IN THE DEAD SEA
Ever since I learned in history class that you could float effortlessly...

with Alyssa Jerrell

Mud Bath before a swim! Made our skin SO SOFT!

ITALY
I have always wanted to go to Italy!! It's such a diverse country with so much to offer we could have spent our entire vacation just in this country! All we were able to see was ROME....which of course, if you know me by now, my toes are wet but I want all in when it comes to this country! A serious dent in the bucket list (ha, like that could ever happen!)

  VISIT THE COLOSSEUM


 MAKE A WISH IN THE TREVI FOUNTAIN
(To ensure a return to Rome)....

SEE THE VATICAN and SISTINE CHAPEL

 WALK THE SPANISH STEPS
We did even better, we enjoyed a great bottle of wine on the Spanish Steps
EAT PASTA IN ITALY
This goes without saying, it's like fresh sushi in Japan, bratwurst in Germany, or even crab cakes in Maryland.... Eating the food that place is known for.  We waited for our last night of vacation for a nice dinner.  We ordered carpaccio (thanks to working 3 years at an Italian restaurant I knew what this was),  prosciutto wrapped melon, and I ordered Fettuccine Bolognese (I like simple, no surprises when it comes to ordering).  I have never in my life had homemade pasta before; it was life-changing.  I was also craving two things which they didn't serve: a caesar salad (apparently created in California) & creme brulee, which my sister informed me is "obviously French."  Shows what I learned working at an Italian restaurant!!!

Words cannot express the experience we all shared together as brothers & sisters.  I am beyond thankful and blessed for this opportunity.  We will always laugh and reminisce on the memories we made together.  Thank you Mom & Dad, it truly was the best gift I have ever received.  

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