Israel / Palestine Wednesday, 23 February

Last dip in the Mediterranean 

After breakfast this morning we took one final walk on the beach by the Mediterranean Sea. The day was clear and sunny and we found a few new views from in front of our hotel. It was then time to load the bus and be on our way up the coast.

The Roman Aqueduct at Ceasarea

Our first stop was Cesarea, once the Roman capital of Palestine. It is large enough that we stopped in three different areas, moving by bus between areas. First was the area of the Roman theatre which has been reconstructed enough to have concerts and programs in it. Nearby was also a hippodrome. As other places, Herod had a couple of palaces here. Our final stop in Cesarea was at the north end of the area at the Roman aqueduct, which has been partially reconstructed. Karen took one last opportunity to dip her feet in the Mediterranean.

Continuing up the coast of the Mediterranean, we next visited Haifa and Mt. Carmel. Everything related to Biblical history has been long replaced here. On top is the Baha'i Temple and Gardens. It was a brief stop to enjoy the gardens from the road.
We went on to Megiddo (or Armageddon, or Solomon's stables). We explored the tell, which contains several layers of civilizations, ending with Solomon's work. This was a staging area and stables for King Solomon and has a fair amount of recognizable features. After touring the tell, we had lunch at the site.

An olive press at Nazareth Village

Our final destination for the day was Nazareth, the home of the Holy Family and our overnight lodging. We first stopped at Nazareth Village, a reconstruction of the town as it was in the First century. It was an interesting and informative tour of life two thousand years ago. Next we went to the Church of the Annunciation, the third church built over the site of the house where Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. There was a Mass going on in English, which precluded our going to the altar area to see the cave which was probably the homes in which Mary grew up. However, that led to a wonderful alternative.

OT era pottery 

Our guide, Naim, had arranged for a gentleman from the church to show us their small museum and a better example of a first century house under the present church. The museum area included several very interesting pieces ranging from column capitols that had never been installed in the Byzantine era, to pottery pieces that were from about 1500BC, all discovered at the church site. We then were taken to a first century house under the church--not Mary's, but very similar and "next door." It contained a living/sleeping area, and a second room for the kitchen and animals. Apparently this or a tent was what nearly everyone in that era had for a home. It is a good possible explanation for many homes of the time, including Jesus's birthplace in Bethlehem. It was a very informative and fascinating finish to the afternoon's touring.

The First Century house under the Church of the Annunciation 

From there we drove through Nazareth to St Margaret's Guesthouse for the evening and overnight. Dinner was very good (not a buffet) and we will be here two nights.