We were on the bus at 8am and given our headsets so that we would be able to hear. We did Morning Prayer and sang Be Thou My Vision and How Great the Father's Love for Me.
Our first stop was at Herod the Great's seaside villa, Caesarea. (I'm getting a little frustrated with slow internet! My pictures are taking forever! It is working now that I have moved to the lobby.)
Caesarea is the town that Peter traveled to in order to speak with the Centurion. It is also the place where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned for two years. Herod the Great, the king who had all children under two years old slain when he learned of Jesus' birth, built himself a port, his villa and a temple to Caesar at this location.
We entered the Theatre. This was used for plays
It is still used for concerts today. All the seats are numbered.
As we left from here the skies opened up. We had a short bus ride to see the aqueduct that Herod built to bring water to his villa from Mount Carmel. We were able to get out to take a picture, but that was it. Next we went to Mt Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 17 and 18.
Our next stop was at Sepphoris, the capital of Galilee. It had a small theatre also and the remains of many Jewish homes.
There was also the remains of a Roman home with intricate floor tiles. Dad especially liked the caption for Hercules below.
No moderation for the Romans!
From there we went to Nazareth and visited the church of the Assumption. This is built over the home of Mary to commemorate the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary with the news that she is to bear Jesus.
It was a very long day, but the weather cooperated wonderfully and we even had periods of sun. We ended the day driving to the top of the precipice where the people wanted to throw Jesus off because of his teaching. By now it was dark and the view of the city below was beautiful.
Back on the bus at 5:30 pm to drive to our next abode on the Sea of Galilee, Kibbutz Ein Gev Holiday Village. We had a late supper and celebrated with a drink after, spurred on by our new friend Vanessa!
Then off to bed. And this time I slept!
How are you finding the language/cultural elements? Do most people speak English or do you mainly interact with your group? Anything surprising/out of the ordinary?
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to say. We don't have that much interaction with the locals as we are touring and listening to our guide all day. And tourist facilities have people who speak many languages. At the Jewish hotel and kibbutz they serve kosher food, so no dairy with meat. Dairy and fish is OK. We wouldn't see bacon or pork etc. today at the park there was a group of young Jewish girls who said 'hello' so I replies 'shalom' and they loved it. People have been very friendly. Our waitress tonight was from New Jersey!
ReplyDeleteSo glad your having a great time! Vanessa is awesome! Tell her I say hello! :) R:)
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