Tui Snider

Tui Snider

Inquisitive world traveler who writes books, gives talks & leads tours through historic cemeteries. My homebase is Texas, where I share a goth/tiki castle with my mad scientist husband & tabby cat. For my newsletter & more visit: TuiSnider.com Read more🇺🇸United States tuisnider.com/

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January 2023 Traveler
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 2:46 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 2,405 ft
Palestine Dung Gate 31.774438, 35.23371331°46’28” N 35°14’1” E
Western Wall
January 18, 2023 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
I’d always heard the “Western Wall” referred to as the “Wailing Wall" but today I learned that many Jews consider that a derogatory term.

So, “Western Wall” it is!

The Western Wall is the most religious site in the world for Jewish people. The wall is the last remnant of an ancient temple and can be found in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Western Wall is also sacred in Islam. According to their tradition, the Prophet Muhammed tethered his winged horse, Buraq, on the Wall after his miraculous night flight from Mecca to Jerusalem.

No matter what your religious beliefs may be, all people all welcome to pray here. Men pray on one side, and women on the other.

I’m not sure what the fountain is for. I think some folks wash their hands before praying.

Many visitors tuck a note into crevices along the wall. I felt inspired to do so during my visit.

From time to time, these notes are collected and then buried on the Mount of Olives according to a Jewish ritual.Read more
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January 2023 Traveler
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:58 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 2,523 ft
Palestine Shaykh Jarrāḩ 31.789703, 35.22803831°47’23” N 35°13’41” E
Lunch in Jerusalem
January 18, 2023 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
As part of our tour, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at a fancy hotel. I don’t know what that round red thing was, but it was yummy. It tasted like some sort of pickled vegetable, but I have no idea what. The hummus, baba ganoush, and tahini were all delicious, too.Read more
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 12:44 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 2,536 ft
Israel Mount Zion 31.771738, 35.22920531°46’18” N 35°13’45” E
King David’s Tomb
January 18, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
In the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed that the biblical King David was buried in the same building as the Room of the Last Supper.

Historians and archaeologists have long since disputed this, but the tradition still holds. So even though King David is not actually buried here, many come here to pray.

As you can see, men and women can visit the “tomb” by using separate entrances. I didn’t take any photos inside since the small space was crowded with women in prayer.

The little tomb room features a bookshelf crowded with a variety of religious texts, in case you need inspiration.

I don’t yet know what’s in the last photo, but I saw similar things at entrances throughout the Walled City, and noticed people touching them as they passed. If you know, please tell me! It’s something I will look up once I get a chance.Read more
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January 2023 Traveler
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 12:37 PM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 2,536 ft
Israel Mount Zion 31.771672, 35.22922231°46’18” N 35°13’45” E
Last Supper Room
January 18, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
On the top floor of the building housing King David’s Tomb you will find “The Cenacle,” more commonly called “Room of the Last Supper.”

“Cenacle” comes from a Latin word for “dining room,” which makes sense, since tradition holds it is where THE Last Supper took place.

In one corner of the room, you can see a pillar topped with a pair of pelican babies pecking their mother’s heart.

Female pelicans are used as a symbol of sacrifice via the mistaken idea that the female feeds her babies from her very own flesh.

I didn’t catch the meaning of the tree statue in the side niche. Must confess that a kitten came dashing through at one point and began chasing a leaf, which distracted me for a few moments while our guide was speaking. (You can see the little guy in one of the photos.)Read more
Tui these are amazing. Thank you for sharing [Rae]
1/20/23Reply
TravelerYou are welcome! Glad you’re enjoying these pics!!! Hugs!
1/26/23Reply
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 12:01 PM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 2,346 ft
Palestine Ma'ale Adumim 31.781747, 35.23897231°46’54” N 35°14’20” E
Hillside Cemetery
January 18, 2023 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
I don’t know the story behind this cemetery, but we passed it on our way to the Jerusalem’s walled city. The bags you see are full of broken rocks. I saw city workers repairing sections.

Our guide mentioned that in Israel, no one is crèmated, nor do they use caskets. People are placed in shrouds, then buried directly into the earth. “This lets nature do her job,” he explained.Read more
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:31 AM
☀️ 55 °F
Altitude: 2,598 ft
Palestine Wādī al Jawz 31.791953, 35.24124231°47’31” N 35°14’28” E
Dome of the Rock
January 18, 2023 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
We were able to glimpse the Dome of the Rock from a view point atop the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

Since only Muslims are allowed to visit this eight sided mosque, this little peek from afar was as close as we got.

Even though it wasn’t always a mosque, the Dome of the Rock is especially holy to Muslims, since this is where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven.

Jerusalem was so hazy that I checked to see if the weather app on my phone would have a pollution alert on it. To my surprise, it did not.

Also to my surprise, rather than bring up the weather for Jerusalem, the local area it brought up was the very street we were standing on.

City planners in Jerusalem have made it mandatory for all buildings to be clad in limestone, known locally as “Jerusalem stone.” This gives the town a more cohesive look, by enabling modern structures (such as the apartments in the last photo) to blend in with the ancient.Read more
Two to TravelNon-Muslims can visit the Dome of the Rock, but cannot enter the mosque at the site. Long dresses to the ankle and covered head mandatory for all women.
1/21/23Reply
TravelerAh, ok! Guess our guide had it wrong. Thanks for clarifying. (I had on my “hot weather Holy clothes,” so was ready to enter any religious spaces.)
1/26/23Reply
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:54 AM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 2,228 ft
Israel Yad HaShemona 31.80433, 35.09257231°48’16” N 35°5’33” E
Israeli Street Signs
January 18, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Israeli street signs are written in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. My favorite, however, is their stop sign, which simply features a hand.
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January 2023 Traveler
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Day 29
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:32 AM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 2,224 ft
Israel Yad HaShemona 31.804483, 35.09223931°48’16” N 35°5’32” E
Elvis in Israel?
January 18, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
I expected to see many shrines during our visit to Jerusalem, but the last thing I expected to see was a shrine for the King of Rock and Roll!

Even so, our first stop in Jerusalem was to the Elvis Diner and Gas Station. As you can tell from the photo, it cost a dollar to use the bathroom. After our two hour bus ride, business was brisk.

The place was crammed with memorabilia. I got a kick out of the matryoshka dolls, but I think the masked mannequin looks more like Nic Cage than Mr. Presley, don’t you?Read more
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Day 28
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 12:10 PM
⛅ 52 °F
Altitude: 2,641 ft
Cyprus Ómodos 34.84793, 32.8080334°50’53” N 32°48’29” E
Treats in Cyprus
January 17, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
We just didn’t have enough time to enjoy the Island of Cypress! We did manage to enjoy some coffee and gelato at a cafe in the cutest little village.

Larry had a cappuccino, but I opted for a traditional Cypress coffee, which is pretty much like Turkish or Greek coffee. This means that there’s a thick sludge at the bottom that you don’t drink.

Larry taught me a trick today for making the grounds sink in your Cypress coffee. Just add a splash of water and wait a couple minutes. Worked like a charm!

Also pictured are a few treats that I didn’t get a chance to buy today. I really wanted those carob bites. Ever since I ate fresh carob from a tree in Crete, I’ve been a fan of it!

Alas, we ran out of time today. Maybe next time. I would definitely like to return to Cypress. This little taste of it is just not enough!Read more
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Day 28
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 11:47 AM
⛅ 52 °F
Altitude: 2,631 ft
Cyprus Ómodos 34.847808, 32.80785334°50’52” N 32°48’28” E
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Cypriot Cats
January 17, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
Our guide told us that cats outnumber people on the Island of Cyprus and that Cypriots love them because they eat snakes.

The kitties I met today all seemed quite content, especially the kitten at the cafe, who enjoys finishing off patrons’ gelato!Read more
Traveler Guten Appetit
4/21/24ReplyTranslate
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Day 28
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:39 AM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 413 ft
Cyprus Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates 34.673353, 32.86368734°40’24” N 32°51’49” E
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
January 17, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates dates back to the Late Bronze Age, we’re talking in the neighborhood of 2000 BC, y’all!

Like all the sanctuaries of Apollo, it was located outside of town. This one lies to the west of what was once the ancient city of Kourion.

This sanctuary was originally dedicated to male fertility. It was associated with the god Apollo, but later renamed Hylates.

Hylates comes from an ancient Greek word “Hyle,” meaning “forest.” He is a nature deity connected with wildlife, forests, and wild animals, especially deer.Read more
The whole area was probably once forest and climate change from natural conditions and need for fuel wiped it out...? Ya think?? [Larry Pressler]
1/17/23Reply
TravelerIt’s still quite forested, Larry, but farmers have covered many hills with grape vines. They make a lot of wine in Cyprus.
1/18/23Reply
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Day 28
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:11 AM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 213 ft
Cyprus Krommya 34.664463, 32.88875334°39’52” N 32°53’20” E
House of Eustolius
January 17, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
We visited the ruins of an ancient mansion on the Island of Cyprus at the archaeological site of Kourion.

This grand edifice, now called “the house of Eustolius,” was built during the early Roman period and renovated in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

The floor tiles welcome visitors with the following inscription:
“Enter to thy good fortune and may thy coming bless this house.”

My favorite aspect of this grand house is the detailed mosaics. Aren’t they wonderful?

The one with the woman features the word, “creativity,” and shows her holding a device to measure a Roman foot. According to our guide, this is a reminder that the best creativity comes as a result of carefully measuring your thoughts, plans, and actions.

Sounds like good advice to me!Read more
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Day 28
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 9:45 AM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 180 ft
Cyprus Krommya 34.664272, 32.88804734°39’51” N 32°53’17” E
Ancient Theater in Cyprus
January 17, 2023 in Cyprus ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Do you know the difference between a theater and an amphitheater? A theater is a half circle, and an amphitheater is a full circle.

This particular theater was built near the end of the 2nd century BC. It’s been renovated several times due to earthquake damage.

In its heyday, this theater could seat up to 3000 people.

The acoustics are really amazing. To demonstrate, our guide turned off her mic and spoke. We could hear her perfectly all the way up in the back row!Read more
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 1:22 PM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
Greece Órmos Katakólou 37.647205, 21.31610837°38’50” N 21°18’58” E
Death Notices
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Just as in Italy, people post death notices on telephone poles and bulletin boards throughout town after someone dies here in Greece.
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 1:20 PM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
Greece Órmos Katakólou 37.647187, 21.31615337°38’50” N 21°18’58” E
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Around Town
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
We spent the day in the seaside village of Katakalo, Greece today. Here are a few shots from our stroll around town.
Traveler Squee!
1/15/23Reply
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 12:40 PM
☀️ 55 °F
Altitude: 13 ft
Greece Órmos Katakólou 37.64673, 21.31736337°38’48” N 21°19’3” E
Seaside Stroll in Katakalo
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
It was perfect weather for a seaside stroll today in Katakalo. We even stopped for coffee and people-watching. We could see a variety of fish swimming in the water. Really made me want to go snorkeling!Read more
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 12:06 PM
☀️ 54 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
Greece Órmos Katakólou 37.647312, 21.31612837°38’50” N 21°18’58” E
Katakolo Kitties
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
I noticed a few street kitties weaving their way through legs and chairs at an outdoor cafe. They were the only strays I saw today, so hopefully it’s not a big problem here.
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 11:50 AM
☀️ 55 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
Greece Tragano 37.674655, 21.40529737°40’29” N 21°24’19” E
Roadside Altars
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
Roadside altars are a common sight along the roadways in Greece.

I’m not sure if, like in America, this means the person lost their life at that place or not, but just as Greeks do in their cemeteries, the altars features lamps and/or candles.Read more
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 11:49 AM
☀️ 55 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
Greece Tragano 37.672178, 21.41493337°40’20” N 21°24’54” E
Greek roots?
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
What’s the Michelin man doing in Greece? Who knows, perhaps he’s yet another of Zeus’ illegitimate offspring…
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 11:33 AM
☀️ 55 °F
Altitude: 131 ft
Greece Pýrgos 37.672628, 21.43883837°40’21” N 21°26’20” E
Happy Cops
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
Most cops around the world are rather intimidating, but when this trio saw me looking at them, they smiled and waved!

In fact, everyone here in Greece today has been quick to a smile. A group of old guys at a cafe waved at our bus as it passed. Wish I’d gotten a photo of them; they were all rather nattily dressed in suits and caps.

As we strolled around town, locals were so friendly and easy to engage. Makes me want to spend more time here!Read more
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Day 26
Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 11:16 AM
☀️ 54 °F
Altitude: 23 ft
Greece Kavuri 37.671905, 21.36056237°40’19” N 21°21’38” E
Ancient Monastery
January 15, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
We took the Hop On Hop Off bus from Katakalo to Pyrgos today. Along the way, we passed the Sacred Monastery of Eisodiotissa, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The church of the monastery is inside a small cave grotto in the rocky hillside which dates black to the 15th century.

In 1974, the School of Iconography and Byzantine Music was founded in the ancient monastery and remains to this day.

Maybe next time, we’ll get to visit it. Today was just a drive by!Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 12:17 PM
🌧 57 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Italy Punta del Faro 38.25655, 15.64695538°15’24” N 15°38’49” E
Slipping past Sicily
January 14, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 57 °F
As our ships slips through the Strait of Messina, I’m able to squeak out a little cell coverage.

Not sure how long it will last!
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Day 25
Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 10:32 AM
⛅ 57 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Tyrrhenian Sea 38.619953, 15.29653538°37’12” N 15°17’48” E
Bathroom signs
January 14, 2023, Tyrrhenian Sea ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
There’s nothing like standing next to a roaring fountain after enjoying an espresso or two to suddenly need a public restroom.

Rome gets so many visitors that they need signs to remind folks how to behave. Here are two that I saw today.Read more
TravelerLove the no fishing one LOL. You know that someone tried all of these hence the signage.
1/14/23Reply
TravelerPretty crazy, eh? Lol!
1/18/23Reply
Fishing in a toilet? As a kid, I dreamed of fishing in a sewer. [mArk]
1/14/23Reply
TravelerFishing for what, dare I ask? Lol!
1/18/23Reply
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Day 24
Friday, January 13, 2023 at 4:05 PM
☁️ 55 °F
Altitude: 89 ft
Vatican City Saint Peter's Square 41.901813, 12.45746341°54’7” N 12°27’27” E
Varican
January 13, 2023 in Vatican City ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
last selfie in today’s barrage: at the Vatican!
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Day 24
Friday, January 13, 2023 at 4:00 PM
☁️ 55 °F
Altitude: 121 ft
Vatican City Saint Peter's Square 41.901755, 12.45748841°54’6” N 12°27’27” E
Vatican Square
January 13, 2023 in Vatican City ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
It was nearly sunset by the time we strolled into Vatican Square. This time, I paid more attention to the fountain with its papal seal and those twisting dolphins.
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Day 24
Friday, January 13, 2023 at 3:27 PM
☁️ 55 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
Italy Piazza Navona 41.902295, 12.47144541°54’8” N 12°28’17” E
Photobomb
January 13, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
I got photobombed by a Roman seagull and I didn’t mind one bit!
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