SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Egged tour bus picked us up at our hotel at 5:50 a.m.! We drove all the way up to the Sea of Galilee. First stop was Nazareth. The weather was cooler and nice. It's an Arab town. Some Arabs are Christian and some are Muslim, living together peacefully. There we toured the Church of the Anunciation, built on the very spot that the angel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary.

 

 

 

Notice Mary and the angel at the top in the picture below.

 

 

 

 

 

We were fortunate to see a parade in front of the church, celebrating the appointment of a new bishop.

 

 

 

 

 

The band was excellent. They played Auld Layne Syne and also upbeat Irish music.

 

 

 

 

 

Excavated village in Nazareth from the time of Christ. Awesome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We drove through Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. Then we drove up to Tabgha where the Church of the Multiplication is. This marks the spot where Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves of bread. 

 

 

 

 

 

The infamous 2 shekel tinkle. In Israel, you don't ask, Where are the restrooms. You ask, Where is the Water Closet? Or the WC? Or the toilet? This WC required 2 shekels (50 cents). One girl only had a 5 shekel coin but the old lady collecting the money refused to give change, even though she had a pocket heavy with change.

 

 

Next stop Capernaum.

 

 

 

The wind off the Sea of Galilee was wonderful. Note the tourist "Jesus boat" on the choppy waters.

 

 

 

 

It was so peaceful and lovely there.

 

 

 

 

 

Beth's handsome hubby, Mike.

 

 

 

 

A synagogue was built over the remains of the synagogue where Jesus preached. Awesome to see. Below, you can see some of the remains of the original synagogue.

 

 

An excavated village in Capernaum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beth and Emily.

 

 

This lovely 26 yr old young lady from Romania is a television news reporter. She speaks at least 4 languages. Very sweet.

 

 

 

Here is our tour guide. Very nice.

 

 

Here we're in the town of Bethsaida. Below are the excavated remains of St. Peter's house. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a church built above Peter's home. Inside (see below) there is a glass area where you can see down into the remains.

 

 

 

 

View from inside the church. Very Pretty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside the church. Statue of St. Peter.

 

 

 

 

Lunch nearby at Fish Restaurant Kfar Nahum. This picture does not do it justice. Sits next to the Sea of Galilee. Beautiful view with outside or inside seating. This photo is outdoors but it doesn't show the sea due to the glare. Good food.

 

 

 

 

After lunch we drove to the Jordan River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beth and Mike stepping into the Jordan River. West Bank. Chilly!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A river mammal decided to join the fun.

 

 

 

 

 

People preparing to be baptized in the River Jordan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two fun gals from Austria. Marie and Elizabeth.

 

 

 

Emily with that perfect cup of coffee.

 

 

 

 

 

View from in the bus as we drive home. Left our hotel at 5:50 am. and returned at 6:45p.m., 3 and 1/2 hour drive back.  

 

 

 

 

Wonderful tour. Highly recommended. A long day---05:50 to 650 p.m.

But we weren't exhausted at the end of the day, like we were yesterday. It was a relaxing day. We really enjoyed it.

When we returned, we decided we were getting tired of "foreign" food, and ate dinner at The Coffee Bean. Was delicious.