A Day Out in Caesarea

Every year, David’s small Liberal synagogue run an outing during Passover. David is in charge of this year’s trip and organises a day out in Caesarea. A day out from kitty responsibilities sounds good to me and David picks me up as we head northwards in Israel’s infamous overcrowded roads.
Aubs, David and the Kosher Crew

Caesarea is situated approximately equidistant between Tel Aviv and Hertzaliya on the Mediterranean coast. It has a affluent feel to the place and indeed boasts some of Israel’s most sort after and expensive land-space. It was originally an agricultural storehouse, built on the site of Straton’s Tower, but was captured in 90 BC by Alexander Jannaeus as part of his plan to develop the shipbuilding industry. In 22 BC Herod began construction of a deep sea harbour and built storerooms, markets, wide roads, baths, temples to Rome and Augustus, and imposing public buildings. Unfortunately, most of these structures are now no longer, although the impressive aqueduct still stands proudly along the coast and the Roman amphitheatre which has hosted a variety of concerts including Deep Purple and and Bjork. It also now hosts an annual international jazz festival.

Our main destination however is the special Ralli Museum which consists of two art galleries (entrance free) and boasts a variety of Old Masters related to the Old Testament in one and some 40 odd original Salvadore Dali sculptures and quality modern art pieces in the second. Truly amazing.

the beautiful Ralli 2 museum - home of some Old Masters

a collection of Romanesque busts outside the museum

Unbelievably i bring along two lenses but no camera, so i am very grateful to David for the accompanying photographs. His mini pointy shooty has a quality Leica lens and he has named it The Imp in tribute to The Beast.

The Roman Bird mosaic

I will be spending the next two days in Jerusalem with Travel Bud Elisabeth (of Felucca fame in Egypt) for a photo-shoot of the Easter celebrations. More laters.