Tomb Stoning

The trip has a bit more of an edge to it with the unrest here increasing. We've had some great experiences including causing a ruckus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while trying to get a picture lying down on the tomb of Jesus. Apprently you're not allowed to do that. Today the Bishop got ripped off by some Beduion and our tour guide took them to task. She's one tough women. All in all things are going well

Sunday 5th of February, last day in Galilee. Spectacular sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. Went up north to Sepphoris (the jewel of Galilee), then to Banias which is in Caesarea Philippi. Banias was an old Roman pagan god temple, dedicated to the god Pan. The place of the dancing goats. It is the beginning of the Jordan River. One of three springs which join to feed into Lake Galilee. From there went up to the Golan Heights. Saw Mt Hermon snow covered top. A possible sight of the Mt of Transfiguration. From there we went back to Tiberias. A great place to hang out for a while.
Monday 6th of February, Started the day at the ruins of Beth Shean. A wonderfully reconstructed metropolis. From there began the drive south heading towards Jerusalem. Stopped off at Qumran and saw the cave where they found the complete scroll of Isaiah. Took the slow climb up from 200 metres below sea level to 100 metres to Jerusalem. Visited the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. Old olive trees over two thousand years old.
Tuesday 7th of February – Jerusalem. Started the day with a look at the old wall which surrounds the city. Then to the pools of Bethesda at St Anne’s church where Jesus healed the cripple in John 5. They are deep, 20 metres or so, the troubling of the waters probably comes from under water aquifers. Walked through the old city to the church of the Holy Sepulcher. The place of Jesus crucifixion and entombment. Nearly got kicked out for trying to take a picture lying down on the tomb. Afterwards we went to the Palatial Mansions most probably the site of the High Priests house and possibly where Jesus was taken after being arrested in the garden. Visited Mt Zion the upper room where Jesus had the last supper.
Wednesday, 8th of February – Dead Sea and Masada. Went out of Jerusalem down the road to Jericho where the Good Samaritan traveled and Jesus. Went down to the Dead Sea and floated, tried to swim but the salt was so strong. Then went from there to one of Herod’s Winter palace at the fortress of Masada.