The start of another clear, warm, day. There is colorful bogenvilla plants everywhere. The roses are just about finished for the season. The date palms are full and loaded with bunches of dates, often covered with plastic bags to keep them from falling to the ground. Acre after acre of olive trees.
First stop is the Mt. of Beatitudes where there is a beautiful church that over-looks the Sea of Galilee. Pastor reads the Beatitudes - and there is time to pray and contemplate what we have seen.
The rest of the day will be to see modern Israel sites. Drive through the Hula Valley which once was a swamp. The Israelites drained the swamps and now there are green farms and small communities. This is the Land of Milk and Honey - we see it every day. See the ruins of ancient Hazor and Crusader fortress of Nimrod in the distance.
The village of Quierat Shimona in the distance. This village was shelled by the Lebonese in the 07 war. Eight people were killed.
To Caesarea Philippi, AKA Banias, AKA Panias. A beautiful site. In this location Peter made his confession that "you are the Christ." A great study from the Pastor. We hike for about an hour, through the Banias Nature Park walk to a beautiful falls.
Lunch at a small place on the edge of an ancient volcano that is filled with water. Our tour guide points out sites along the way. The land is green and fertile.
A note about the food. It is wonderful. Different than most Americans are used to eating - but none of us is going hungry!! As I often say at the airport as we board the plane to go to Israel - "Let the eating begin!!" Many vegtables. Lots of chicken and fish. Pizza at a few stops. Desserts that are down-right sinful!!! Freshly baked bread. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the trip, but most people dig into a large lunch....the cost was $7-12 depending on the stop, and the size of the plate. Oh yes - very few are able to resist the temptation of ice cream most days.
To Mt. Bental - a northern point that overlooks the Syrian Border. An active security outlook when needed. Again we see bunkers that were used, and will probably be used again, by Jewish men and women defending the border. These bunkers still have a few tables and beds. The electricity is still on. Syria is within walking distance.
Drove the length of the Golan Heights from North to South. Learned much about the importance of the Golan to Israel - for both its water supply and its defense.
Tomorrow we will leave the northern Galilee area and head south for the Dead Sea.
No comments:
Post a Comment