Haifa, Israel Day 2

11/16/2012 (Friday) -- Galilee

An early start again for our second day in Israel. We found Ido, our guide for the day, right away because Amikam (who observes Shabat and couldn't be with us on a Friday) told us that "he has a beard and looks like a rabbi." He is a very funny person and big with words. Like Amika, Ido also has more than 30 years experience as tour guide. Today we will visit the Galilee area and our first stop would be Nazareth.

Views of Mt. Carmel from Cagney's

Our first stop was a souvenir shop near the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth. This shop provide free coffee and restroom access even without purchase but we ended up buying several items here.

Church of Annunciation where the angel appeared to Mary and told her that she will be the mother of Jesus Christ.

Pictures of Mary donated by Catholics from around the world. This one was from China.

Ido, our guide

Inside the Church of Annunciation. Mass was still proceeding upstairs while tourists visiting the site downstairs.

ground level

the shrine

then we went upstairs to the church

picture from Japan

the ceiling with designs of the letter "M"

picture from USA

underneath the church site is the excavation of the ancient village where Mary lived.

On our way to Galilee where we passed by Canaan, Tiberia, and Migdal before arriving the Mount of Beatitudes.

Sea of Galilee

getting to the northern part of Galilee

Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. It is just beautiful here!

Christians from all over the world came here to reflect on the teachings of Jesus.

entrance to the church

stained glass windows near the ceiling with the eight blessings

ceiling of the church

Ido read the Beatitudes from Matthew Chapter 5

"The Beatitudes" 

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:1~16

Like many others there we also found a shady and quiet spot to have a time of fellowship reflecting on the Words of God.

Derrick read the scripture in English.

It was closing time so we took this last picture with the five loaves and 2 fish before heading over to the Church of Heptapegon

where the miracle of feeding the multitudes took place.

Lunch was at a fish restaurant specialized in St. Peter fish, $22 USD for a whole fried fish, which is just a regular tilapia. We all opted for just the salad bar which cost $12 USD per person. Our experience here was not good with the waiter's terrible attitude. This is a tourist trap but I guess it is the only restaurant around.

Not a good lunch but it has an excellent view of Galilee.

After lunch we just walked down to the beach.

It seemed like we drove for about three minutes from the restaurant to get here.

Peter

ruins of the town

Ido continued to tell us the history of this place.

This was as close to the Jordan River as we could get.

last glimpse of the Sea of Galilee

Bidding farewell back at the port. We had two wonderful days in Israel with two amazing guides. We felt absolutely blessed that we even get to visit Israel at all under such circumstances. What a memorable journey!

Welcome aboard!

Two great days in Israel and our next stop will be Egypt!