The Sabbath is today in Tiberias, as well as in all Israel, and all the stores are shut down to observe this. There is virtually no traffic as we leave in our big tour bus. The rising sun over the Sea of Galilee is stunning. We notice the bare hills of the Golan Heights on the other side of the Sea. The city is really beautiful with trees and flowers everywhere.
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| The last sunrise we'll observe from the Rimonim Hotel in Tiberias. |
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| The Franciscan Church of the Miracle at Cana is the site of Jesus' first miracle, when he turned water into wine at the request of his mother, Mary. |
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| The Catholic Church at Cana. |
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| We descend into the crypt, one level below the main church, to view the historical exhibits. This is a wine jug similar to the ones in use in Jesus' time. |
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| This painting in the Cana Church depicts the wedding where Jesus changed water into wine. |
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| Our daily Mass, today at the Cana Church, was very special. Seven couples from our group, including Father Jeff's parents, renewed their wedding vows. From left are Father Richard, the celebrant, Father Jeff, and Father Gilbert. |
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| Basilica of the Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth. |
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| Painting showing the Angel of God announcing to the Virgin Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. |
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This is the first lower level of the Annunciation Church. The church is lovely and architecturally interesting. There is a large opening in the floor of the first level, visible at the top of this photo.
Nearby is the Church of the Holy Family. This sculpture is outside, in a niche.
Our group next journeyed to Capharnaum to the house of Peter's mother-in-law. On the way we noticed a few multi-level houses that appeared to have an incomplete top story. Rami told us of the Arab custom: when a son is born, the father will add an upper level to the house. When the son gets married, the father will finish this level.
This is the altar in Peter's mother-in-law's house. The church looks like a space ship outside! In the center is a glassed-in area on the floor where the ancient house is visible. It is easy to imagine, from this vantage point, the crippled man being lowered in a hole through the roof. Then Jesus forgave his sins and told him to get up and walk, which he did!
Excavated area showing the different rooms of the ancient stone house.
These are the ruins of the Synagogue where Jesus preached! It was good to walk around, look about the countryside, and imagine Jesus walking on the very stones of the floor.
Our last stop today was a surprise: the Israel Diamond Exchange! Rami told us that for many years, Israel was the top dealer in diamonds in the world. Now, he says, computer technology has surpassed diamonds in economic importance in the country. First, we saw a short movie telling where diamonds were found in the world, how they were formed, and how they were cut. Then we browsed a large showroom with incredibly magnificent jewelry (with equally incredible prices!!). I inquired about a small pair of diamond earrings. The sales clerk brought them out and said the price was 40,000 euros - but - it would be cheaper just to buy the diamonds without a setting! (No thanks!!)
We piled back in the bus after several folks actually did buy jewelry. After a trip to the hotel, we had a wonderful dinner, as usual, packed, and went to bed early. Tomorrow we'll go to the Eternal City, ROME!
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