ISRAEL 2011
After selling several Registered Tennessee Walking Horses to a Family of Israel, we were invited to drive the horses to JFK airport in New York and then accompanythem on their trip to Israel.
We have compiled this trip via pictures and story and invite you to share in this wonderful experience with us.
The slideshow will start authomatically and you can pause on any picture to read the subtexted number with the with the story.
Nathanael and Jennie
We have compiled this trip via pictures and story and invite you to share in this wonderful experience with us.
The slideshow will start authomatically and you can pause on any picture to read the subtexted number with the with the story.
Nathanael and Jennie
At The Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel; "The Wailing Wall"
I have slowly but surely been documenting the story that goes along with the pictures, however, its taking a while,
so I am going to insert the story up to where I have gotten to so far and continualily add more to the story as I go along,
the (0) corresponds to the picture on the slide, so if you have the time and are interested here we go
so I am going to insert the story up to where I have gotten to so far and continualily add more to the story as I go along,
the (0) corresponds to the picture on the slide, so if you have the time and are interested here we go
The slide show can be paused or toggled forward and backwards as you desire
We do not exactly know what to write and share with you, stick to just the horse part of our trip or share with you the whole trip. We'll start from the beginning with the horses. We had the honor to sale the last Delight's Trump Card's stud colt, Trump Card to our new friends in Netanya, Israel about 3 years ago.
Jennie and I are phasing out of the horse showing and training business, to pursue our Golden Years together, out friend called again a few weeks ago. He tells us that he has bred TC and has over 15 babies on the ground, we are told they were looking to add another stud to their program,. "What do ya Have?" We ended up selling him 3 horses, 1 Champagne Watchout colt, and a WO filly and another mare by our third stallion
"I found Gold" They requested that we accompany the horses to Israel and stay as his family's guest. (Back story A conversation Jennie and I had on our first date 28 years ago was both of our desires to go to Israel some day, Jennie had gotten her passport just the previous month to go with her grandmother but that fell through.)
I don't know when so many things needed to be able to leave has been presented to Jennie and I without any problems, our daughter and her husband had just rented a house 1 house over from us and they stayed here and watched the place, there was no reason not to go!Sad to think but this is the first time in 28 years of marriage Jennie and I have been 2 or more weeks together away from the family, it felt good.
We ordered our passports got all our paper work in order. Hooked up the truck, together with our 3 horse living quarters trailer, we headed off to New York's JFK airport. (1) We hit snow in Virginia and itnever let up, we were later told that this was the earliest snow storm NY has seen since 1952.
Diving conditions became very difficult, many of us who trailer horses understand how people in cars think that a truck and trailer will handle and stop just like a car.
Upon arrival at JFK's (2) "Vet Port" 9:30pm, now exactly 24 hours from when we left home the horses were checked in, bedded for the
night are held in quarantine until their flight,
Jennie and I are phasing out of the horse showing and training business, to pursue our Golden Years together, out friend called again a few weeks ago. He tells us that he has bred TC and has over 15 babies on the ground, we are told they were looking to add another stud to their program,. "What do ya Have?" We ended up selling him 3 horses, 1 Champagne Watchout colt, and a WO filly and another mare by our third stallion
"I found Gold" They requested that we accompany the horses to Israel and stay as his family's guest. (Back story A conversation Jennie and I had on our first date 28 years ago was both of our desires to go to Israel some day, Jennie had gotten her passport just the previous month to go with her grandmother but that fell through.)
I don't know when so many things needed to be able to leave has been presented to Jennie and I without any problems, our daughter and her husband had just rented a house 1 house over from us and they stayed here and watched the place, there was no reason not to go!Sad to think but this is the first time in 28 years of marriage Jennie and I have been 2 or more weeks together away from the family, it felt good.
We ordered our passports got all our paper work in order. Hooked up the truck, together with our 3 horse living quarters trailer, we headed off to New York's JFK airport. (1) We hit snow in Virginia and itnever let up, we were later told that this was the earliest snow storm NY has seen since 1952.
Diving conditions became very difficult, many of us who trailer horses understand how people in cars think that a truck and trailer will handle and stop just like a car.
Upon arrival at JFK's (2) "Vet Port" 9:30pm, now exactly 24 hours from when we left home the horses were checked in, bedded for the
night are held in quarantine until their flight,
We were taken a few miles away to World Famous Belmont Park Race Track where we were to park our truck in this trucking and trailer parking lot for the remainder of our trip. We finally laid our heads down,for an exhausting short sleep…it was now 12:30am…we were to be picked up for a ride to The Vet Port at the airport at 6:00am.
The horses are checked several times by USDA VMOs, and (3) the last check before the flight the horses at that point could never touch US soil again, so everything is arranged to transfer them without letting them touch ground by a unique system of shoots and special trailers.
(4) We arrived at the airport to see an unmarked Israeli Boeing 747 jet being loaded up with cargo, we found out that Israel has two 747s that fly strictly cargo to and from the USA, Belgium, Cyprus and Tel Aviv.
The security for the Israeli hanger, plane and customs was very heavy with thorough examinations and checks. They don't play; they take their security very seriously.
We were given exclusive access with a guard to stay with the horses as they were being (5) weighed and finally loaded.
(6) We finally were loaded and set to go, (7) in the upper level where the pilots operate, everything is out in the open, there was a small kitchen, withn reach of our seat on our left a lavatory and (8) 3 seats, no windows for which this plane is affectionately named "The Submarine" The third seat was occupied by a gentleman from Belgium who routinely flies back and forth escorting horses, he was on his return trip home on this flight.
The horses are checked several times by USDA VMOs, and (3) the last check before the flight the horses at that point could never touch US soil again, so everything is arranged to transfer them without letting them touch ground by a unique system of shoots and special trailers.
(4) We arrived at the airport to see an unmarked Israeli Boeing 747 jet being loaded up with cargo, we found out that Israel has two 747s that fly strictly cargo to and from the USA, Belgium, Cyprus and Tel Aviv.
The security for the Israeli hanger, plane and customs was very heavy with thorough examinations and checks. They don't play; they take their security very seriously.
We were given exclusive access with a guard to stay with the horses as they were being (5) weighed and finally loaded.
(6) We finally were loaded and set to go, (7) in the upper level where the pilots operate, everything is out in the open, there was a small kitchen, withn reach of our seat on our left a lavatory and (8) 3 seats, no windows for which this plane is affectionately named "The Submarine" The third seat was occupied by a gentleman from Belgium who routinely flies back and forth escorting horses, he was on his return trip home on this flight.
The horses are loaded last and the first to take off the plane; they are in the nose of the plane. On these take offs and landings Jennie said that the horses must feel like they are back on the NY Jersey Turnpike.
The flight was very informal, no stewardesses, or announcements by the pilot, the kitchen was at our fingertip to get refreshments whenever we wanted something. They packed us a hot meal, snacks with plenty of fruit and drinks; they just did not want us to operate the coffee machine. Unbeknownst to me at this time, but I was to come to learn that Israelis take their coffee very very seriously.
On the take off Jennie commented that the horses must feel like they are back on the NY Jersey Turnpike. The flight was very informal, no stewardesses, or announcements by the pilot, the kitchen was at our fingertip to get refreshments whenever we wanted something, we could walk up and talk to the pilots at anytime and we had direct and free access to the horses which we would offer water make sure they were eating and conformable. Starting a week before the trip we put all of the horses on a probiotics, aimed to ease any stomach problems caused by stress which could lead to colic.
We also carried with us mild injectable sedative,in case we needed it but it did not become necessary, matter of fact our traveling companion asked Jennie what she had given them as they were all so calm and happy, to which she said "nothing," he complimented us on our horses as he stated he transports some of the hottest horses in the world and they need gallons of it. He said he was an official escort for many of thehorses that attended the 2010 World Equestrian Games, he also escorts exotic animals, like "lions, tigers and bears?" "oh my" I joked. These were every interesting flight to talk to other horsespeople from different countries.
I thought what a trip that would be to have a mix of animals like that…with the horses` (9) Upon reaching Belgium, we were transferred to the other 747; (10) this one had 10 seats WITH WINDOWS!
We were joined by some very interesting business people from Belgium who was being invited by the airline to go to Tel Aviv to consummate a trucking contract between the two. When I asked one of the gentlemen what they thought about Americans, without hesitation he said"You are a very proud people, you have fought hard for what you have and you deserve and have every right to be proud," I was taken aback by his compliment, also very proud at that moment to be an American.
(11) We landed in Tel Aviv, Israel 26 hours later, 48 hours since leaving home. The horses were held up atcustoms as we waited a couple of hours for them to be released into quarantine, all imported animals into Israel must stay in quarantine for 7 days before being released to the owners.
(12) We were taken to our host home and met by everyone, we were overwhelmed with the honor they bestowed upon both of us, we were treated as celebrities. I have seen many ranches and farms in my travels however, in all I have seen this was the most well thought out and practical in its planning, design, practicality and beauty, no space was wasted it was meticulously taken care of. Every tree,bush, rock, and stones even the wood in all the buildings were imported to this place piece by piece from outside Israel,
(13) The landscaping should be on somebody's show for beauty, were were taken to The bunkhouse, this was so warm, comfortable and fun, our host had taken pictures of TC's sire Trump Card and jennie , had them blown up anddisplayed in the bunkhouse, we didn't know what to say. they had several olive trees with the oldest beingover 2,500 years old.
While our horses were in quarantine the head veterinarian customs officer we were told asked if hecould come out to out host's the next day to look at some horses to maybe purchase. We were put up in a real cute guest house. He had rented us a vehicle for our stay to come and go as we wished but I graciously declined as I saw how those folks drove and I did not want to risk it, especially not being able to read the signs quick enough which were in Hebrew, Arabic, and English all on one sign. I could just see it! gettingin an accident and causing an International Crisis!!!Oh Lord!.
We were treated to an awesome dinner that night before turning in to sleep off our jet lag. Surprisingly to us we were up and fresh at 6 am the next morning. We were given a grand tour of this most beautiful piece of property. Then we started messing with the horses, in evaluating them, examining TC babies and classifying and grading the breeding mares.
(14) Our first excursion was to the deep channel sea port city of Haifa, We stopped and ate at (15) Maxim Restaurant, a Mediterranean seaside site where onOctober 4, 2003 the sixth female suicide bomber took the lives of 21 Hebrew and Arabic people including 3 children and 1 baby, and another 60 people were injured. Hanadi Jaradat, a 28-year-old law student retaliated after witnessing Israeli Defense forces kill her cousin who was wanted by Israel for being Islamic Jihad Operative and her younger brother on the eve of his wedding who was not wanted.
They rebuilt the restaurant despite this attempt to erase a place of unity by both cultures. We had what we would come to understand is the national drink "Coffee," Exotic coffees everywhere you went, and the most delicious treats, and sat and listened to this countries rich history.
Our host needed to keep an appointment in Haifa so we dropped him off at his appointment and Tal became of tour guide.
Tal is young, therefore a bit of a wild child in her driving, we weaved through traffic without stopping, all of the streets intersections were controlled by "round-a-bouts"…I loved it, very efficient. (16) We came to an amazing view of the B'nai Shrine and Gardens in Haifa.
Some people might erroneously believe that Israel is all deserts, but boy- are they wrong!
There's nothing that screams "not just a desert land" more loudly than the gardens which are located in the north of Israel in a land called Haifa. There, you will find an incredibly lush experience; the Bahai gardens.Perhaps you will ask: What and who is Bahai?
To prepare you before your Israeli tour guide divulges all the information, here are some facts about the Bahai faith. It began in the nineteenth century in Iran, as an offshoot of the Muslim Shiite faith. Their prophet, whose name was Baha-u-llah, was not to welcome in Iran after he began professing his controversial beliefs.
Exiled out of his country and neighboring Muslim countries, he ended up at Mt. Carmel, in Haifa, which he found quite to his liking.Determined to remain posthumously in the Holy Land, Baha-u-llah found to it that he and his predecessor's bones would be interned there, in Haifa. The majestic golden dome that is the focal point of the gardens is their shrine. This shrine has a forty meter high dome that is lined with 14,000 gold-coated.Those of the Bahai faith enjoy religious freedom in Israel, as opposed to places in the rest of the world that are not so open to their differing viewpoints on the religious history of the world and the direction it is headed.
In the world, there are actually five million Bahaians, which is pretty impressive considering that the religion is relatively new. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world , of all faiths, come to the majestic Bahai gardens n private Israel tours as well as group Israel tours ( as well as by themselves!) every year to revel in its intricate beauty.
When we say gardens, we mean gardens in its most elaborate form. We're talking 19 luscious, exquisite, breathtaking terraces, the highest one being the "Persian Gardens" which are sight that cannot be missed. Surrounding the terraces are citrus groves, topiary, and flowers.
There is a theme of "nine" that coincides with Bahai faith regarding the "nine major world religions" and can be witnessed in the nine concentric circles that extend out from the shrine, with the shrine itself containing nine sides.
There is where the heartbeat of the Bahai world pumps, and next to the shrine is the Universal House of Justice, with ( you guessed it) nine members 0f the high Bahai council.
The garden is also called by some the "Eighth Wonder of the World" which gives you some insight into its majestic appearance and effect.
On this particular day we were treated to a lengthy torrential downpour, when this occurs they close the gardens because of the slipperiness of the stones of which the steps were made. Jennie gave me that "Well do something Nate, look!"
So I made the obligatory plea with the soldiers at the gate that I came along way from Tennessee, America to see this Shrine…eh..
He apologized but declined to let us go in…being honest with you here, I was actually very happy to hear this as
I had quit smoking cigarettes two days before and those steps had heart attack written all up and down them. Just look at it!...to get to the top you had to climb those 19 terraces step by step…and then climb back down…
The flight was very informal, no stewardesses, or announcements by the pilot, the kitchen was at our fingertip to get refreshments whenever we wanted something. They packed us a hot meal, snacks with plenty of fruit and drinks; they just did not want us to operate the coffee machine. Unbeknownst to me at this time, but I was to come to learn that Israelis take their coffee very very seriously.
On the take off Jennie commented that the horses must feel like they are back on the NY Jersey Turnpike. The flight was very informal, no stewardesses, or announcements by the pilot, the kitchen was at our fingertip to get refreshments whenever we wanted something, we could walk up and talk to the pilots at anytime and we had direct and free access to the horses which we would offer water make sure they were eating and conformable. Starting a week before the trip we put all of the horses on a probiotics, aimed to ease any stomach problems caused by stress which could lead to colic.
We also carried with us mild injectable sedative,in case we needed it but it did not become necessary, matter of fact our traveling companion asked Jennie what she had given them as they were all so calm and happy, to which she said "nothing," he complimented us on our horses as he stated he transports some of the hottest horses in the world and they need gallons of it. He said he was an official escort for many of thehorses that attended the 2010 World Equestrian Games, he also escorts exotic animals, like "lions, tigers and bears?" "oh my" I joked. These were every interesting flight to talk to other horsespeople from different countries.
I thought what a trip that would be to have a mix of animals like that…with the horses` (9) Upon reaching Belgium, we were transferred to the other 747; (10) this one had 10 seats WITH WINDOWS!
We were joined by some very interesting business people from Belgium who was being invited by the airline to go to Tel Aviv to consummate a trucking contract between the two. When I asked one of the gentlemen what they thought about Americans, without hesitation he said"You are a very proud people, you have fought hard for what you have and you deserve and have every right to be proud," I was taken aback by his compliment, also very proud at that moment to be an American.
(11) We landed in Tel Aviv, Israel 26 hours later, 48 hours since leaving home. The horses were held up atcustoms as we waited a couple of hours for them to be released into quarantine, all imported animals into Israel must stay in quarantine for 7 days before being released to the owners.
(12) We were taken to our host home and met by everyone, we were overwhelmed with the honor they bestowed upon both of us, we were treated as celebrities. I have seen many ranches and farms in my travels however, in all I have seen this was the most well thought out and practical in its planning, design, practicality and beauty, no space was wasted it was meticulously taken care of. Every tree,bush, rock, and stones even the wood in all the buildings were imported to this place piece by piece from outside Israel,
(13) The landscaping should be on somebody's show for beauty, were were taken to The bunkhouse, this was so warm, comfortable and fun, our host had taken pictures of TC's sire Trump Card and jennie , had them blown up anddisplayed in the bunkhouse, we didn't know what to say. they had several olive trees with the oldest beingover 2,500 years old.
While our horses were in quarantine the head veterinarian customs officer we were told asked if hecould come out to out host's the next day to look at some horses to maybe purchase. We were put up in a real cute guest house. He had rented us a vehicle for our stay to come and go as we wished but I graciously declined as I saw how those folks drove and I did not want to risk it, especially not being able to read the signs quick enough which were in Hebrew, Arabic, and English all on one sign. I could just see it! gettingin an accident and causing an International Crisis!!!Oh Lord!.
We were treated to an awesome dinner that night before turning in to sleep off our jet lag. Surprisingly to us we were up and fresh at 6 am the next morning. We were given a grand tour of this most beautiful piece of property. Then we started messing with the horses, in evaluating them, examining TC babies and classifying and grading the breeding mares.
(14) Our first excursion was to the deep channel sea port city of Haifa, We stopped and ate at (15) Maxim Restaurant, a Mediterranean seaside site where onOctober 4, 2003 the sixth female suicide bomber took the lives of 21 Hebrew and Arabic people including 3 children and 1 baby, and another 60 people were injured. Hanadi Jaradat, a 28-year-old law student retaliated after witnessing Israeli Defense forces kill her cousin who was wanted by Israel for being Islamic Jihad Operative and her younger brother on the eve of his wedding who was not wanted.
They rebuilt the restaurant despite this attempt to erase a place of unity by both cultures. We had what we would come to understand is the national drink "Coffee," Exotic coffees everywhere you went, and the most delicious treats, and sat and listened to this countries rich history.
Our host needed to keep an appointment in Haifa so we dropped him off at his appointment and Tal became of tour guide.
Tal is young, therefore a bit of a wild child in her driving, we weaved through traffic without stopping, all of the streets intersections were controlled by "round-a-bouts"…I loved it, very efficient. (16) We came to an amazing view of the B'nai Shrine and Gardens in Haifa.
Some people might erroneously believe that Israel is all deserts, but boy- are they wrong!
There's nothing that screams "not just a desert land" more loudly than the gardens which are located in the north of Israel in a land called Haifa. There, you will find an incredibly lush experience; the Bahai gardens.Perhaps you will ask: What and who is Bahai?
To prepare you before your Israeli tour guide divulges all the information, here are some facts about the Bahai faith. It began in the nineteenth century in Iran, as an offshoot of the Muslim Shiite faith. Their prophet, whose name was Baha-u-llah, was not to welcome in Iran after he began professing his controversial beliefs.
Exiled out of his country and neighboring Muslim countries, he ended up at Mt. Carmel, in Haifa, which he found quite to his liking.Determined to remain posthumously in the Holy Land, Baha-u-llah found to it that he and his predecessor's bones would be interned there, in Haifa. The majestic golden dome that is the focal point of the gardens is their shrine. This shrine has a forty meter high dome that is lined with 14,000 gold-coated.Those of the Bahai faith enjoy religious freedom in Israel, as opposed to places in the rest of the world that are not so open to their differing viewpoints on the religious history of the world and the direction it is headed.
In the world, there are actually five million Bahaians, which is pretty impressive considering that the religion is relatively new. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world , of all faiths, come to the majestic Bahai gardens n private Israel tours as well as group Israel tours ( as well as by themselves!) every year to revel in its intricate beauty.
When we say gardens, we mean gardens in its most elaborate form. We're talking 19 luscious, exquisite, breathtaking terraces, the highest one being the "Persian Gardens" which are sight that cannot be missed. Surrounding the terraces are citrus groves, topiary, and flowers.
There is a theme of "nine" that coincides with Bahai faith regarding the "nine major world religions" and can be witnessed in the nine concentric circles that extend out from the shrine, with the shrine itself containing nine sides.
There is where the heartbeat of the Bahai world pumps, and next to the shrine is the Universal House of Justice, with ( you guessed it) nine members 0f the high Bahai council.
The garden is also called by some the "Eighth Wonder of the World" which gives you some insight into its majestic appearance and effect.
On this particular day we were treated to a lengthy torrential downpour, when this occurs they close the gardens because of the slipperiness of the stones of which the steps were made. Jennie gave me that "Well do something Nate, look!"
So I made the obligatory plea with the soldiers at the gate that I came along way from Tennessee, America to see this Shrine…eh..
He apologized but declined to let us go in…being honest with you here, I was actually very happy to hear this as
I had quit smoking cigarettes two days before and those steps had heart attack written all up and down them. Just look at it!...to get to the top you had to climb those 19 terraces step by step…and then climb back down…