The Odyssey: In Jesus' Hood

We didn't really have a plan for Israel, we just wanted to see as much as we could. We'd had such a fun day with Rozanne & Melody we decided to copy their plan and head up north for a northern tour. Travelling with us all along the way were an Aussie, four Polish Catholic priests, an American, a Canadian, a Philippino couple and a few other people joined us along the way.

Our first stop was Caesarea, this was an ancient Roman city built by King Herod the Great, right on the Mediterranean. It was unfortunately quite arctic temperatures, but you could really imagine having a beer in the ancient city, while watching the chariots race in the hippodrome with the waves crashing in the background.

The semi-restored theatre at Caesarea where they used to do standard plays but also nautical shows

Panoramic of the whole coast in Caesarea

Making our way downtown, Caesarea. Rozanne, me, Annabelle & Melody

The stadium for the Hippodrome, Caesarea

Our next stop and where we'd be basing ourselves was Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. In a way we were following in Jesus' giant footprints on our way up north.

The city of Nazareth

The fruit & vege markets in the old city of Nazareth

Our next stops were Capernaum next to the Sea of Galilee and the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.

Beautiful setting in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee

This church is where the Sermon on the Mount took place

The view of the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes

A non-religious nature walk was next in order to whet our appetites for more later. We headed up to the Banias Nature Reserve in the Golan Heights near the border with Syria & Lebanon. The walk was short but beautiful, and you saw a very green side of Israel. Within this reserve was also an ancient Temple of Pan and its associated ruins.

The Banias reserve, a very green part of Israel.

Lovely waterfall

A late photo attempt of us jumping out of one of the Temples of Pan

We had lunch in the snow in Mas'ada before making our way to the Odem Winery. Turning water into wine would be a pretty popular party trick but unfortunately it was something they didn't teach. The wine there is made miracle-less and kosher, but it is still pretty tasty. I drank for Dad too so I doubly enjoyed it.

Our view at lunch in Mas'ada

People always seem to throw snow at me

The Odem Winery where we had our wine tasting

Rozanne & I trying some wine

The view from Mt Bental into Syria in the far distance

We then went to the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves & Fishes. The hint of what happened here is in the name. This church is right on the beach of the sea of Galilee. This is where I mastered the water walk.

The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves & Fishes