May 14 is Independence Day and the start of a holiday weekend in Israel (also George's 80th birthday), so in the morning we headed off to the Sea of Galilee to beat the crowds. By the way, they seem to have no end of holidays in Israel. Tabgha, on the Sea of Galilee, is the place where Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. Here are two pilgrims near the spot.
Then on to Capharnaum and the ruins of an ancient synagogue,
remnants of Simon Peter's house,
and a cute little gecko.
This Galilee area is considered the centre of Jesus' ministry. Driving completely around the Sea of Galilee gave us a good view of the Golan Heights that separate Israel from Syria.
Then on to the River Jordan, where we only went in part way. Those in the white robes (over swimwear) were having a full baptismal.
The east side of the Sea of Galilee is primarily desert, but the west side is beaches, resort hotels, fast food, everything you would find at Wasaga Beach. A small shopping centre was under construction when Whoe! ruins were spotted, so now it's an archaeological site. This happens frequently in the Holy Land.
We stopped for lunch at a Kibbutz, where we stepped into the Sea of Galilee.
Then off to Nazareth, passing through Cana on the way .... remember the water to wine.
There was quite a traffic jam as a wedding was taking place in the town centre. It was not a very dressy affair, and we understand they had to buy their wine.
Nazareth is the town where Jesus spent his early years. We passed Mary's well where Jesus and his mother came to draw water. Then the Church of Joseph built over the place where Joseph had his carpentry shop. Next the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of Christendom's most revered shrines and the largest church in the Middle East. The Basilica is built on the same site where the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah.
A portion of the grotto where Mary lived is incorporated into the alter.
The Basilica is also know as the Church of All Nations. In the Church and surrounding courtyard artists from many nations have depicted the Madonna and child. Each is a very unique piece of art.
Here is the one from Canada,
the United States,
and Japan.
Back in Haifa our guide took us to the most beautiful part of the city, German Town, built by German Jews who fled Nazi Germany before WWII.
The lookout above German Town provides a great overview of Haifa, including our ship if you look closely.
OK here is the big picture.
OK, off to the Greek Islands (Santorini).
Cheers, P&G.
Near Tabgha we visited the Church of the Beatitudes on top of the hill where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount.
The next stop was a German built church where we saw an ancient olive oil press made out of large stones. The part with the wheel crushed the olives including the pits. The other part strained out the oil from the pulp. This must be what they mean by first cold press. BTW, the pit of the olive produces the most oil. Go figure!
Then on to Capharnaum and the ruins of an ancient synagogue,
remnants of Simon Peter's house,
and a cute little gecko.
This Galilee area is considered the centre of Jesus' ministry. Driving completely around the Sea of Galilee gave us a good view of the Golan Heights that separate Israel from Syria.
Then on to the River Jordan, where we only went in part way. Those in the white robes (over swimwear) were having a full baptismal.
The east side of the Sea of Galilee is primarily desert, but the west side is beaches, resort hotels, fast food, everything you would find at Wasaga Beach. A small shopping centre was under construction when Whoe! ruins were spotted, so now it's an archaeological site. This happens frequently in the Holy Land.
We stopped for lunch at a Kibbutz, where we stepped into the Sea of Galilee.
Then off to Nazareth, passing through Cana on the way .... remember the water to wine.
There was quite a traffic jam as a wedding was taking place in the town centre. It was not a very dressy affair, and we understand they had to buy their wine.
Nazareth is the town where Jesus spent his early years. We passed Mary's well where Jesus and his mother came to draw water. Then the Church of Joseph built over the place where Joseph had his carpentry shop. Next the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of Christendom's most revered shrines and the largest church in the Middle East. The Basilica is built on the same site where the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah.
A portion of the grotto where Mary lived is incorporated into the alter.
The Basilica is also know as the Church of All Nations. In the Church and surrounding courtyard artists from many nations have depicted the Madonna and child. Each is a very unique piece of art.
Here is the one from Canada,
the United States,
and Japan.
Back in Haifa our guide took us to the most beautiful part of the city, German Town, built by German Jews who fled Nazi Germany before WWII.
The lookout above German Town provides a great overview of Haifa, including our ship if you look closely.
OK here is the big picture.
OK, off to the Greek Islands (Santorini).
Cheers, P&G.
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