Galilee Part 3

Continuing on from last time...to finish off our day of field trips we ended in Har Bental. From here we could see Syria and the road to Damascus. 

"Everything the light touches is our kingdom"

Har Bental was at one time used as an military artillery, so they had  a lot of underground bunkers.

Gwen and I were a bit concerned about it, but Mikey had it under control

Our backyard sunsets

We enjoyed our field trips...but we really loved being at our resort

Another full day field trip included a trip to Chorazin. A town that Jesus taught at and cursed. 

After making a stop at Sepphoris, we headed to Akko-A port city on the Mediterranean sea. We walked around the Knights Hall, but we mostly just liked playing the games. 

On a random alley road there was an extremely nice bathroom, called "2 the Loo". So of course we took a picture. Each stall had a different theme and there was even a gift shop. 

The Mediterranean Sea!

One of the nights we had a bonfire skit program. I was in the group that was assigned to lip sync/dance to "Wannabe" by the spice girls. The skits were extremely enjoyable and so well done. Especially considering we had an hour to put it all together. 

We also enjoyed eating makeshift s'mores. They were delicious, even without Honey Graham crackers and Hershey's chocolate. 

On our last day we packed up the bus and headed off for another full day of sight seeing before heading home to Jerusalem.

The Haifa overlook, it was gorgeous 

Then we saw yet another theater. 

It was at the ancient Roman city, Caesarea Maritima. Herod built parts of this city, and Paul taught there. 

The Dr. Strathearn class

We made a stop at the ancient Roman Aqueducts, but we were more excited to stop at...

The Mediterranean Beach!

My Jerusalem roommates. I love them all. 

Overall the Galilee field trip was amazing. I loved everyday of it. 

And if anyone was wondering I only have 11 days left till I come home. Which I find extremely crazy. Time is flying by! 

Rivers and Waterfalls (Galilee Part 2)

 Before church on the Sabbath, we made a quick stop to the River Jordan. You might remember our last visit to the Jordan River happened a few months ago in Jordan-where the water was brown. Well, turns out Christ could have also been baptized in this part of the river as well-where the water is green and the scenery is beautiful.

Even though we had swam in the river a few days previous, we thought it would be cool to stand in the river. 

Then it was another day of field trips. Our first stop was Mt. Tabor - A possible sight of Christ's Transfiguration. But as a child of Doug Jackson, the possible place where Peter said, "It is good for us to be here." Notice the school boy who wanted to be in the photo with us. 

Inside the church. The acoustics were wonderful. Our class sure does love to sing, we sing at a lot of the sites. 

Then it was off to Megiddo-the future place of Armageddon. Hence the poses. 

en route to another cistern 

On one of our free afternoons we went on a hike to a waterfall 

We had a man from the kibbutz as our guide. At rest stops he would ask us riddles, let us think about them as we walked, and then answer them at the next stop. 

The water was freezing, but we all had fun swimming around for a while. 

Another one of our free afternoons ended in another game of water ruby. But this time it was Dr. Andersons class vs. Dr. Strathearns. 

Things got pretty intense. For eample: me about to be attacked by five boys.  Let's just say that some people get really competitive. Blood was shed.

but for the most part it was really really fun. 

Then it was off to another day of field trips. 

looking out on the watchtower at Tel Hazor 

Our professor enthusiastically directing us in song about solomonic gates.

Then it was off to Dan, which pretty much was a nature park with ancient ruins. 

Tel Dan. Another field trip, another bible picture 

For some reason I can't remember, these were at Dan. I think it was because the Israeli military used it during war. 

Caesarea Philippi- Banias. The site of Peters testimony of Christ. This can also be found in one of the bible pictures. I am starting to think that to plan our field trips they just go trough all the photos in the back of the scriptures.

 

Then we went to see a waterfall 

We liked it. 

Then it was off to Nimrods Castle which reminded me of Europe. 

and would you look at that, another cistern. 

Then it was off to the next stop. But that will have to wait for next time.

And if you are wondering if these field trip days are ever tiring, they are. 

Oh Galilee, Sweet Galilee

Our last trip of the semester was to Galilee, and it was amazing. Everyday was wonderful and our 11 day trip just flew right by. 

Our first stop was Beth Shean, where Jonathan and Saul died. Another ancient city, and another ancient theater. But this time myself and a few others performed a hymn for our class and a bunch of random tourists. Sarah played the ukulele and the rest of us blanked on singing different parts so we just sang in unison. Considering that we knew about one minute before hand that we would be singing, I would say we did pretty well. 

We got to take this little caravan back to the bus and it felt like we were in Disneyland

After visiting Nazareth, we went to the lookout at Mount Arbel. The view was incredible, as always. 

Winter/Spring is so pretty over hear. All the wildflowers are in full bloom. 

We made it to our resort which was run by the next door Kibbutz. Our home for the next 10 days. We also toured the Kibbutz and we decided we are happy to live in a capitalist society.  

Those steps were the go to place for good wifi. So as you can see, the students are naturally all there. 

Our little homes

The good ole bus. 

The next day we took this boat across the Sea of Galilee. We stopped in the middle, had a thought by our professor and then sang, "Master the Tempest is Raging". The boat ride was just the beginning, we had a full day of field trips ahead of us. 

Capernaum. Not the exact spot, but the same place. 

The Mount of Beattitudes

Walking down to Tabgha. 

Other sites visited not pictured: A 1st century boat museum. Church of Mary Magdalene. and St Peter Primacy. 

One of the nights they took us out for a St. Peters Fish. aka Tilapia 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a fish person. So I was not enthused about the nights menu.

But not to worry! They also had pizza. Everyone was taking pictures of their fish so I felt obligated to take a picture of my meal as well. Don't worry though, Mom. I ate a few bites of fish for my health's sake.

We then had a day of classes and free time. We spent our free time failing to do our homework while lying out on the beach and resting in the hammocks. We also played some water rugby in the sea.

The next day included a field trip to Gamla which included a small hike.

Which provided, once again, an amazing view. 

We then spent the afternoon canoeing down the Jordan River. It might have been one of my favorite afternoons here. After the guide told us to not flip our canoes we were off down the river. Turns out, about 5 minutes later we were being ambushed by our fellow students on a quest to flip everyone's canoe. Few escaped. Fun fact for you, unflipping a canoe is very hard. We spent the rest of our time jumping/flipping off bridges and continuing to flip canoes. 

We practiced Yoga at sunset because we heard it was good for the soul.  

And that was the end of day 4 of 11. 

To be continued.