Day 4 - Tiberias

Today's schedule was adjusted since there was a triathlon in Tiberias and the things we planned to see here in Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, and other places are inaccessible because the roads were closed. So after our amazing breakfast spread we met up with our guide at 8a in front of the hotel and headed to the Hula Valley and took a walk through the bird sanctuary there. There weren't a lot of birds to see but we did see some along with fish, turtles, and an animal called a Lutra. It looked a lot like an otter. We also saw a short 3-D movie about bird migration. We learned today that many areas here were swamps. These swamps had to be drained to use the land for farming. Eucalyptus trees were planted in order to help drain the swamps. There is a movement now to allow the land to go back to what it was before. There is plenty of farming land still left to sustain the people and also export to other countries. Interesting contrasts to the old and more modern Israel. 

A Turtle

We continued up to the Golan Heights for a panoramic views of Mt. Hermon, which were somewhat covered by the haze. Along the way we saw abandoned bunkers from a time when Syria held this land. As we walked up from the parking lot we got samples of apples and honey from a friendly man at a fruit stand. On the way back down we bought just a few apples for snacks. Our guide asked this man if he was a Druid and he was. It doesn't seem to mean what I thought that meant in the past. It is a religion, but they are farmers here and citizens, they become citizens of whatever country they happen to be in and don't participate in any warfare whatsoever. Anyway, the point of going to Golan Heights was the view, we did have great views of the rugged plateau, the green Huleh Valley, and we could also see Syria from this vantage point. The UN (United Nations) secures this area. This was an interesting visit and to hear and understand how this land has changed hands so many times.

A View Into Syria 

(on the other side of the green fields)

UN Peacekeeper - Golan Heights

After the drive down the mountain we went to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry. Previous to this visit we didn't realize the entire city was destroyed by an earthquake in 5th century after the death of Christ. There are ruins and artifacts of the period, which is all that remains from the time of Jesus. A place of worship had been built over the home of Peter's Mother-In-Law where Jesus stayed. The only things left from that time are some stones. All of these ruins are only found by tedious excavation of the many areas. I might add that various religious denominations have built their churches over every know Biblical site. (Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:1; 3; Acts 9:38; Matthew 4:13; 9:1; 11:23; Mark 2:1; Luke 7:1)

Entrance to Capernaum

Stones From the House of Peter's Mother-In-Law

Exquisite Carvings

I'm adding this last photo because it was explained to us today that the Menorah is the most important symbol to the Jewish people, not the Star of David as some may assume. You can see this ancient carving near the top of this photo shown below, also at Capernaum. 

Menorah

We stopped for a local lunch, due to the limitations of the Sabbath this small place was the best choice. I had St. Peter Fish and I enjoyed it very much. Other choices were lamb and chicken. All were served along with the salad bar, water, coffee, and fresh dates for dessert!  (US$20pp) Everything was delicious!

St. Peter Fish Plate 

After lunch we went to the the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the sea, there is a church here now. This area is where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Martin in our group read the passages from his Bible. It was so quiet and peaceful with birds chirping, it almost carried us back in time. 

View of Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes

We added one more thing to the schedule today, a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It was US$15. - well worth it. Singing, nice music, even some dancing! We had approximately 25-30 on our boat. The music was lively and we danced and met a group of people who had some from South Africa, like Martin and Debbie in our tour group. It's a small world as they live about 5km from each other! There was also a demonstration using a fishing net, no fish were caught. We did not have time to see the "Jesus Boat" or Sea of Galilee Boat that is in the museum at this same site. However, we saw a piece of it and displays on how it was raised from the lake. 

Our Boat - Promised Land

(the smaller reddish one)

Our last stop will be Tabgha, just north of Tiberias, which is the site of the miracle of the 5,000 - it was closed when we got there but we did go just next door to the Peter Primacy. The truth is the only know "general areas" where things took place. The church built here is on the "rock" and it is said that this is where Jesus told Peter to be the cornerstone and build His church. There is a simple statue indicating this. So much has changed. Even the flow of the Jordan River is nothing like it used to be at the time of Jesus. It was more like a creek where we drove over it. As it enters the lake, it is larger. Dams built in other countries have caused this particular change along with the need for water.  

(Matthew 14:20,21,22; Mark 6:44; John 6:10)

Jesus and Peter Statue

On the way back to the hotels is was dusk as we drove by the town of Magdala. They are building a new hotel, shops, etc. there. Leah told us this was such an important place at the time of Jesus. When He walked from this area to Nazareth and such, everyone passed through this town. She pointed out the canyon where Jesus and multitudes of other passed though in their travels. So many cities change but these hills and countryside have not.

I do hope this blog today makes sense. I am tired and thought about writing it later. I realized I won't have much time later and I might be tired then too! So I just went ahead with it.