Where was John the Baptist born?

On an unusually warm and beautiful day in January, I got to hike in the Judean Hills.

We started near Yad Vashem and hiked to Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist.

It was a beautiful day, perfect for hiking! The views of the Judean hills were gorgeous.

Finally, we ended up in Ein Karem, the city known as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Today, it's a fun, artsy-type village. Many tourists come to see its big attraction: the church at the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Around that time, I remembered that I'd been here on my tour in 2017. Honestly, that day I wasn't too into it. It was our last day and I'd just seen the place I cared most about seeing (the Garden Tomb). John the Baptist's birthplace didn't really matter as much to me. But I did get some pictures, which I am glad for because when I was there this year, the church was closed to tourists.

What I remember most about that day was sitting outside, waiting for everyone else to come out. Still, it's a beautiful area and Ein Karem looks like a great place to hang out! I got to eat at one of their restaurants and it was delicious. 

And hiking on a beautiful day in Judea is always a good idea: just make sure to bring water! Those hills will get you!