Day 17 Wednesday

Today was a full day but it was done at a pretty easy going pace... Which was good because it was hot ... Around 37degrees I heard someone say. It's important to drink a lot of water on these occasions I know but it does mean finding the "wash room" as I guide calls it, a high priority at every stop.

The day started with a beautiful sunrise over the water.

After a filling breakfast. i must say at this point that cups of tea over here are not very satisfying . They are always too weak and never taste nice - even today's Arabian version of Lipton's tea. I was very glad to discover a pot of coffee on every table. 

Our guides Ghada and her sister Noha ( this does not mean 'no sense of humour' but rather 'wise one' ) arrived and I was blessed to receive a gift from the younger of the two ... A copy of a Nazareth cookery book she helped prepare last year. It has her name in the credits and her mother's picture and a few of her mother's recipes included as well. She gave it to me as I showed an interest in locally cooked foods at lunch the yesterday. I was flattered to be so singled out and the envy of other far more accomplished cooks on the tour.

 This is Noha showing some fishermen's early morning catch at the pier.

 Here is a sign at the same pier.

Our first port of call today was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee . It was an absolute joy and so peaceful out there. The 20 minutes silence we spent in the middle of the sea was made all the more special by the jumping fish regularly interrupting the silence.

A viewing of the Ancient Galilee Boat after watching a movie on it's discovery and excavation in 1986 was fascinating. No photos allowed again but here is a photo of the brochure ( and the cook book)

We then left for the ancient city of Capernaum, where we saw an ancient synagogue ...

... right next door to the traditional place recognised as Saint Peter's home. Notice now it seems to be the house of cats rather than apostles.

We have been really lucky with guides on this trip and Theresa's been none better than this Christian Arab Ghada. She can sing and has done so for us on a number of occasions, share personal stories, jokes and reflections on the Gospels as well as giving us historical and archeological facts about each site. Truly amazing and spellbinding to listen too... Although I cannot deny I was dropping off a little listening to her whilst sitting in the sun at this synagogue.

 Here she is buying some pomegranate juice from one of the many places that sell this delicious treat.

We must have visited four churches today - each one representing a certain place mentioned in the story of Jesus around Galilee.  I am not sure which one to show you as it is hard to capture the beauty of each in a photo - plus my batteries were running out. 

 This was a nice one, rebuilt using the same plans as the original ruins - it was from the Byzantium era and is called the Church of the Loaves and Fishes.... I think .

The most unexpected thrill was have my feet cleaned by a number of fish that were swimming the waters edge outside one of these churches. It felt unreal. They gave my weather worn feet a thorough going over.

A swim back home a great meal and an early exit to my room finished this day off nicely. The only thing I missed was the  chance to touch base back home. When we returned to our hostel it was 4.30 - 11.30pm in Australia -  so I was unable to get much out of my family. I hope we get back a little earlier tomorrow afternoon.

8025@9.25. Not good again