Saturday, May 5, 2012
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!
Friday, May 4, 2012
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!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
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
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
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
Sunday, April 29, 2012
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
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
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
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
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