Day 2 started out with a big, buffet style breakfast at the hotel in Tiberias which is the largest town on the Galilee in present day Israel. All the hotels we stayed at had buffet breakfasts and dinners with so many delicious choices. Lots of prepared vegetables, hummus, yogurt, eggs, pitas and various kinds of bread rolls, chicken, beef and lamb, fruit, cous cous, eggplant, kebobs, you get the picture!!! I actually lost 5lbs while I was there with all the walking and healthy food, now to keep it up at home!
After breakfast we got on our Bethany Tour bus with our great driver Dari, who was amazing, especially showing his skill in Jerusalem taking us down a few narrow, steep streets where most drivers do not go.
He was friendly and patient, we found out he was Druze which is an offshoot of Islam and a minority religion in Israel, he has 6 kids and is from Jerusalem.
Our first stop of the day was the old city of Hippos. Hippos is on top of a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Hippos means "horse" and apparently from a certain angle looking up at the city, the topography looks like the head of a horse. This city is from the Hellenistic period in the 2nd century BC. The first residents were pagan who later converted to Christianity, also there was a small Jewish community. It is now a National Park area and we were told to stay on the path!
After breakfast we got on our Bethany Tour bus with our great driver Dari, who was amazing, especially showing his skill in Jerusalem taking us down a few narrow, steep streets where most drivers do not go.
He was friendly and patient, we found out he was Druze which is an offshoot of Islam and a minority religion in Israel, he has 6 kids and is from Jerusalem.
Our first stop of the day was the old city of Hippos. Hippos is on top of a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Hippos means "horse" and apparently from a certain angle looking up at the city, the topography looks like the head of a horse. This city is from the Hellenistic period in the 2nd century BC. The first residents were pagan who later converted to Christianity, also there was a small Jewish community. It is now a National Park area and we were told to stay on the path!
This is why we were reminded several times to not wander off - this area was fought over with Syria, I believe either in the 6 Day War or the Yom Kippor War and there are still live mines in the area from the 1960's or 70's (?)
It was an exceptionally beautiful morning with perfect temperatures for a morning hike. I really loved this place and could have spent 2 more hours here exploring and finding a place to sit and take it all in...
It was an exceptionally beautiful morning with perfect temperatures for a morning hike. I really loved this place and could have spent 2 more hours here exploring and finding a place to sit and take it all in...
Excavated ruins of the City of Hippos
Beautiful view of the lake, everything was very green at this Spring time of the year.
This city is across the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes and when Jesus was speaking to the people his "Sermon on the Mount", this is the obvious "City on a Hill" that the people were familiar with.
Jesus is telling his followers - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus is telling his followers - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Our bus waiting for us down at the bottom.
Our next stop was Capernaum. Jesus spent much time in Capernaum and met his first disciples - Peter, Andrew, James and John here.
Ruins of the white limestone synagogue from around 300AD are believed to stand on the site of the original synagogue in which Jesus teached during his time in the Galilee.
A group from Brazil reenacting Jesus healing a woman (I believe) - they were speaking Portuguese! I watched for a few moments and when the woman is healed the group breaks out in spontaneous cheers, applause and praise to God! We saw many tour groups from all over the world - Norwegian, Polish, Brazil, Korean and many groups from the US.
The rocky shore of the Galilee in Capernaum where Jesus taught and called the fishermen - Peter and Andrew, James and John - "Come follow Me and I will make you fishers of men".
Next stop - a shopping break! Olives and Olive oil have been important to Israel from ancient to modern days. We stopped in at Olea Essence where they gave us an educational and informative talk about the olive pressing practices of today and ancient times. They are making skin care products using organic olive oil as well as cold pressed high quality virgin olive oil from local olives. Our guide in the store was a hoot! She was young, funny, knowledgeable and made the experience fun.
Lisa, washing the olive mud cleanser off.
On to the Golan Heights. We were able to see Syria from this view point, thankfully no fighting is going on in this area at present. It is heartbreaking that the war has gone on so long and so many have suffered.
The village you can see is in Syria.
Our days are full, next stop was the Dan Nature Preserve, also in the north of Israel.
All natural water sources in the Middle East are valuable! Very important to the country.
A Crusader Fortress we could see on our hike thru the Dan Nature Park.
A very ancient city gate that is currently under excavation. It is from the time period of Abraham! City gates were the place to be in ancient times. All the important people and leaders were discussing the issues of the day, decisions being made and trade done at the city gates.
Our last stop of the day was the old city of Magdalen on the west side of the Sea of Galilee. This is where Mary Magdalene, one of the women who followed Jesus was from. They have excavated a synagogue here that dates to the 1st Century, the time of Christ. It is possible that Jesus did teach in this very synagogue.
Our last stop of the day was the old city of Magdalen on the west side of the Sea of Galilee. This is where Mary Magdalene, one of the women who followed Jesus was from. They have excavated a synagogue here that dates to the 1st Century, the time of Christ. It is possible that Jesus did teach in this very synagogue.
The Magdalen Box dated to 1st Century found in the Synagogue.
2000+ year old Mosaics uncovered in the Magdalen Synagogue.
A very full day 2 in Israel, by day 2 we are beginning to know more in our group and enjoying the comradery of shared experiences and the bond of our faith. Cliff Graham from Good Battle Tours and Itai from Jerusalem Tours are both great and very giving of their knowledge and time.
