Favourite photos from the Pilgrimage

Here are some favourite photos from our Pilgrimage. I hope you enjoy viewing them.

A morning's cruise

While waitiıng for our travelling companions to return we decided to take a morniıng tour. İt ended up basıcally being just a cruise and a visit to the Spice Market. Amazing to see so many varieties and colours of spices and teas under one roof. We then boarded a private boat for a cruise down the Bosphorus Sea. The cruise takes one between the two continents of Europe and Asia. There's also a brıdge not unlike the Golden Gate brıdge ın San Fransısco. There were many places of interest along the way includıng very expensive real estate where the guide said houses sell anywhere between 1 and 20 million dollars. We had a bit of drama when a smaller craft nearly collided with our boat. Quite a loud expressive altercation took place between the two skippers! One didn't have to know the language to understand that they were probably swearing at each other!!! Even though it rained most of the time we were still able to take photos so hopefully we can now post some on the site. That' Paul's job!! This ıs probably our last post as we set off for home tomorrow although according to the Hotel we are supposed to go today! It' been a bit stressful trying to get through that we are part of the group coming back today. We've been hassled since 10pm last night by a Travel Agency here who ınsist we have to pay more money and also for a transfer to the Airport thıs afternoon. Street scene on our way to shoppıng center

Spıce market stall

The brıdge that connects Asıa wıth Europe

Just crusıng the Bosphorus

The boat that nearly crashed us

A fısherman and hıs seagull frıend

Expensıve real estate

Here's one for Marc

A day in Istanbul

We've had a big day today. No photos!! We got directions to a big shopping mall that required us taking 2 trams and a transfer to the underground metro. From there it was a lengthy walk in quite hot sun to get to it. However it was worth it in the end. We spent about four hours there but when we went to leave it was absolutely pouring down!! We waited a while and then made our way out when it looked like a break in the rain. Bad mistake! A thunder storm broke. We managed to flag down a taxi and the ride back to the hotel was an experience in itself!! And we thought Rome was crazy!!! We've just had another walk back to the bazaar as it's fine again. Tomorrow we're taking a half day local tour. The others fly back tomorrow from Ephesus and 9 of us leave on Thursday to come home. Happy birthday Karen. I thought I had your email address and tried to remember it. As I write this your day is well over. It's 7.10pm here and we're 9 hours behind you.

Istanbul... finally

Marie's turn to write! We're now on our own ın this very vibrant city. The rest of the group left a short time ago to go to Ephusus. We opted to stay here in Instanbul for the couple of days they are away. We've done a couple of main attractıons wıth the group, namely the Sophıa Haggia and Blue Mosques. Quite incredible really and so obviously very dıfferent to our Christian churches. We've just come from the Grand Bazzaar which is an exğerience in itself. Thousands of shops and traders hassling you on every twist and turn. Sandy would be ın shoe heaven. An entire street of just shoe shops! Our hotel is very close to everything but honestly it's like Fawlty Towers. A family run establişhment where they want to help you all the time. We've nicknamed one of the sons Manwel. When you see hıs photo you'll understand why!!! We're ın an ınternet cafe doing this so we hope we can now upload some photos. thıs ıs a photo of Manuel

Insıde the Grand bazzaar

Shoes, glorıous shoes!!

Spıces

The Blue Mosque

Last day in Israel

Hello again, This is our last day in Israel before we head across the shores to Istanbul tomorrow morning. It's only just 2 hours flight away. We have to get up at 5 am to catch the bus to Tel Aviv airport. The temperature yesterday at the Dead Sea in the sunshine was 40+C. And 34C in the shade. Today we saw some more holy places in Jersualem and Emasus. Add then battled our way through the Muslim crowds at the market on our way to lunch. Quite an experience! The afternoon was spent packing and resting. Today is Sabbat day where the Jews do no work. Interestingly, in the dining rooms there was no toaster or any electrical appliance that requires manual labour to work it. They really take the sabbath seriously and do no work. We have seen many Jews all dressed up walking someplace probably to church. Many different headwear from the plain skull caps to the russian bear hats. Hopefully we'll find a full service internet cafe in Istanbul so we can upload photos. Ciao, Paul and Marie

The Dead Sea

Hello again, Today we went to Masala and Quatram (not sure I've got the spelling right here). Took heaps of photos but have no easy means of uploading. I'm using the slot machine internet in the hotel. Sorry can show you all these places. But anyways we went to the Dead Sea and Marie went for a float and mudded up (that is, covered herself in Dead Sea mud) while I waddled away in the shallow waters. The Dead Sea is 20% salt. The Pacific Ocean is 3% salt. So you can imagine how much you float in such a brine. Get pickled if you swallow any. Tonight we are going to Notra Dame church which I'm told is quite spectacular. Better go! Ciao, Paul and Marie

A day in Bethlehem

We've had the most perfect day today in Bethlehem. It's a very beautiful place. We started out this morning at Shepherd's Field and had Mass in a little cave. From there we went to the Church of the Nativity nad queded up with a million others to go underground to the supposed exact place of the Manger. It was an exercise in patience but was well worth it. We then went off to a local shop for a spot of retail therapy before a quick lunch break. The rest of the day was spent at Ein Kareen which involved a climb of about a 100 steps to get to the top where we were rewarded with magnificent views and two remarkable churches. I wish we could post some photos from here as I would put up the Starbucks one I took today - except that here it's called Stars & Bucks. We hope to be able to get to an internet cafe once we go to Istanbul on Saturday. Tomorrow we're off to the Dead Sea/

Back in Jerusalem

We left the beautiful surroundings of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias and returned to Jerusalem yesterday. Our travels took us through the Jordan Valley to Jericho. While there Marie had a camel ride - a shame we can't put up photos again just now as we once again haven't got the facilities. However, if you go to johncoconnor.blogspot.com you can view plenty of photos there. We went up in a cable car to the top of Mt Temptation - much higher than both the Christchurch and Queenstown gongolas. The views were spectacular. The landscape is so very very barren and stark mostly, but with pockets of lushness and date palm groves. One of the biggest things we've noticed is just how incredibly dirty the streets are and around shops and businesses. Apparently it's acceptable to have a perfectly clean home inside and just throw your rubbish out the windows. Today we've had the harrowing experience of visiting Yad Vashem - Holocaust Museum and gardens. The afternoon has been free to enable us to do our own thing. It's a heatwave here today.

Blessed are the cheesemakers...

Hello again, This morning we went to the Beatitudes Convent where the sermon on the mount was given and which was parodied by Monty Python in the Life of Brian. An amazing complex. Stunning. We had a Mass there in the open air and a look around the gardens of the complex. Then we went to the national park at Zipponer (not sure of the spelling) and looked around the ruins. It is a work in progress, an active dig site. I'm getting ruined out. When you've seen one ruins, I say, you've seen them all. Ruins are good for the tourist trade. Enough words, I know you want to see photos! Starting with a photo of this morning's sun rise:

A big day out

Well today we went across the sea of Galilee to a kibbutz and had a fish lunch. The fish was called a St Peter fish. And it was served with chips. The kibbutz was quite run down. They showed us around on a tractor and noddy train. There were cows being farmed in a battery cow shed. From 270 cows they get 3 million liters per year. They have 3 crop harvests a year. Fascinating. Must away for now. Paul and Marie

More photos

Hello again, Here are some more photos. Enjoy!

Nain to Mt Tabor

Another amazing day here. We left early this morning to travel to the small town of Nain then went on to Cana, the place of Jesus's first miracle. Of course all the little tourist shops are called The First Miracle and they are full of trinkets and bottles of Cana wine. We went to the Wedding Church and came upon four Filipino couples renewing their wedding vows. The afternoon was spent up at Mt Tabor where we had Mass in a beautiful chapel. Now at last here's some photos. When I get more time, I'll add an explanation of each photo. Enjoy!

Tiberias

Well what an amazing day this has been. We left Jerusalem this morning and travelled through desert land, first to the River Jordan and then by day's end to here in Tiberias. Our hotel is on the shores of Lake Galilee and every room has a view out over the lake. Our room is on the 15th floor and as today we've been at the site of ruins caused by the earthquake of 748 a room this high up makes me feel somewhat nervous. We've heard so much today about the massive fault line along the valley that it really was the last thing we Cantabrians needed to hear. It was super hot today with little shade in which to take refuge. Keith - here's one for you! Our guide has struggled to sleep these first few days, but last night she fell into a deep sleep .... Until she got a phone call at 4am from you asking if she had any houses to sell!! Now what are the chances of me being in Israel with the same tour leader who was regaling her tale at breakfast this morning of being disturbed by you!! Still unable to post any photos. We're hoping there's an Internet cafe here in Tiberias. We didn't bring the laptop this time. Only the iPad which we can't do the photos from. We just didn't appreciate we'd encounter difficulties doing this. But we're not in Europe where there's a cafe on every corner. We've taken a zillion photos and we're only at the end of day three!

Day in Zion

Well, what an exhausting day today has been. Crammed 10 hours visiting holy places into 7.5 hours. Still more to go before we finish the day. Have taken hundreds of photos but need an Internet cafe to upload them as I can't upload from the iPad. I'm sunburnt ... The weather varies from cold in the wind to hot in the sheltered places. We went to many places mentioned in the gospels. Most are solid rock, cave type dwellings. But the modern stuff is amazing, especially the churches. Hundreds of tourists everywhere, but most of a Christian disposition. Or is the muslin? Any way people generally smile at you. Seen lots of Jews, especially men in full regalia. And we saw a camel and a donkey. With riders! Ciao for now, Paul and Marie

At last!

Greetings from Jerusalem. I did try to make a new post last night but we couldn't connect to the place we could create a new post. You will find an update in the reply part to Paul's post from Singapore. I am sitting at the desk our hotel room which has a fantastic view out over the city. It is all so white. When I first opened the curtains yesterday morning it looked like snow had fallen. Far from it! It is very hot here. We will post more news later tonight as we've paid exorbitant money to get an Internet connection which lasts for 24 hours. We're about to leave for the day and have to be on the bus by 8am.We'd love to get some photos up but that may be a few days away yet. You can also take a look at another blogspot created by Fr John O'Connor. Johncoconnor.blogspot.com Love to all. Marie &Paul

Singapore airport - again!

Hi folks, We've reached Singapore. I'm writing this post from the transit hotel using the free internet. Yeah!! We can't post any photos yet. Our cameras are with our luggage and our luggage is in transit to Istanbul. We have 6 hours here in transit at Singapore and it's 6:39pm Sunday as I write this. Not sure what that is NZ real time. We board the Boeing 777-300 to Istanbul sometime round midnight. But this transit hotel is pretty fantastic. It has nice coffee, free food, showers, massages, and nap rooms!! I could spend the three weeks here. Nay. Just kidding. Not much else to report, Ciao, Paul and Marie

We are away... well almost

Hi folks, Quick post before we leave. We are waiting at the airport. The plane we board has just landed and its 9:20 am. Thanks to Marg and Rod for bringing us to the airport and for boarding us the last week. Bye for now. Ciao, Paul and Marie

Pilgrimage Itinerary

Here's our final itinerary

1 May Tue JERUSALEM
This morning we have a guided walk of the Old City of Jerusalem, identifying the four main sectors. We spend time at the Wailing Wall which is the closest location to the place where the Temple used to stand. The Wall we know today was a part of the Temples Western Wall, hence its name. We also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is known as the church of the Resurrection and stands on the site that encompasses both Golgotha, or Calvary where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb where he was buried. This church has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century and it remains the holiest Christian site in the world.

2 May Wed
We set off to the Mt of Olives where we visit the Church of Pater Noster. This church, belonging to the Carmelite Sisters, is believed to have been built over the grotto in which Jesus gathered his disciples and taught them ‘The Lords Prayer’. There is a panoramic view over the city as we wander past the tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Malachi & Zechariah before arriving at Dominius Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. We visit the Church of Mary Magdalene and then on to the Garden of Gethsemane to see the Church of All Nations which contains the bare rock upon which Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest. After lunch we proceed on to Mt Zion to visit the Cenaculum, room of the Last Supper and the Church of Dormition where Our Lady was assumed into heaven. We then go on to the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu where we commemorate Peter’s denial of Jesus after his arrest, before visiting King David’s tomb and tower. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

3 May Thu JERUSALEM - GALILEE
Travel to Beit-Sh’ean the most exciting antiquity excavations in Israel. It dates to the Romans/Byzantine period when 50,000 people lived there. After our lunch stop we visit Yardenit- Jordan River site of Jesus’ Baptism and then continue to Tiberias on the shores of Lake Galilee.

4 May Fri
We set out for Nain to relive the story of the dead son Jesus returned to his mother, then on to Cana to the First Miracle Church, also called the Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine. In the afternoon we ascend the narrow road leading to the majestic summit of Mt Tabor where Our Lord’s divinity shone forth in the Transfiguration.

5 May Sat
Our day begins with a visit to Nof Ginosaur Kibbutz within which is preserved the remains of a first century fishing boat as in the days of Christ. We arrive at Tabgha, site of the feeding of the 5,000, where we celebrate a special Mass at the outdoor alter down by the shore of the lake. We travel by road around the lake to Korazim to relive the parable of ‘The House built on the Rock’ and the ‘Persevering Widow’. We stop at Sowers Cove to reflect on ‘The parable of the sower’ before proceeding to Capernaum, the centre of Jesus’ teaching and healing and home to Peter the apostle. Onwards to the Church of the Primacy of Peter where Jesus challenged Peter “Do you really love me, feed my sheep”. A ‘St Peters fish’ lunch is included today. Then we set off in a traditional sailing vessel across the sea whilst reflecting on Jesus miracles of calming the sea and walking on water.

6 May Sun
Our day begins with Mass at the Mount of the Beatitudes as we take time in this special place of silence to ponder Jesus’ message of happiness. The adventurous may enjoy a stroll down the mountainside in the tradition of Jesus. We continue on to Sepphoris the original capital of Galilee. The rest of day is at leisure.

7 May Mon
Today we journey to Nazareth and see sights pertaining to Joseph and Mary. We visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and also see the Church of St Joseph, Mary’s Well and a traditional Jewish Synagogue. This afternoon there is free time to explore the historic bazaars and experience everyday life in Nazareth.

8 May Tue GALILEE – JERUSALEM
Our return to Jerusalem takes us through the lush Jordan valley to Jericho the ‘city of Palms’, which is said to be the oldest inhabited city and most famous oasis. An intriguing look at the excavations will assist our understanding of the successive stages of the town walls and its 10,000 year history. We ascend by cable car the Mount of Temptation, the site of Jesus fast of 40 days.

9 May Wed
We set off to visit to Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum and gardens) including the children’s memorial. Yad Vashem has been entrusted with documenting the history of the Jewish people during the holocaust period, preserving the memory and story of each of the six million victims. The afternoon is at leisure.

10 May Thu
Sightseeing in Jerusalem this morning includes the Dome of the Rock & El Aqsa Mosque. In the afternoon we enjoy sightseeing in Bethlehem taking us back to the first Christmas as we visit the Shepherds Field to commemorate the appearance of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. On to Bethlehem where we will visit the Church of the Nativity, (built over the site where Jesus was born) Manger Square and the Grotto of the Holy Manger. We continue to Ein Kareem, birthplace of St John the Baptist and the sight of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

11 May Fri
Today we visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd boy. We continue south to Massada where, on arrival we embark on the cable car to the summit which offers spectacular scenery. Here we will have a guided tour of Herod’s fortress and the Zealot’s last stand. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to float in the Dead Sea at En Boqeq.

12 May Sat
Today we set off for Emmaus. The Church of St Anne, built over the place of birth of the Virgin Mary is a beautiful crusader church erected over the birthplace of Anne, the mother of Mary. The church is right next to the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralysed man. We continue on to Ecce Homo Convent where we view Lithostrotos and the Pavement and visit Flagellation and Condemnation Chapels.
The afternoon is free to do the Stations of the Cross in your own time and way.

13 May Sun ISTANBUL
This morning we will be transferred to Tel Aviv International Airport for our flight to Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul we will be taken to visit Hagia Sophia .
Hagia Sophia was rebuilt in her present form between 532 and 537 under the personal supervision of Emperor Justinian I. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. After completion, Justinian is said to have exclaimed, ("Solomon, I have outdone thee!").

14 May Mon
After breakfast we take a walking tour with a local guide to the Blue Mosque At the Blue Mosque you will be provided with plastic bags to slip over your feet before entering. The Blue Mosque acquired its name because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. The Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616. Besides being tourist attraction, it's also an active mosque, so it's closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers. From here we walk to the colourful Grand Bazaar.

15 & 16 May At Leisure

17 & 18 May Travel back to New Zealand