It was such a tranquil place...
Our last full day in Galilee and what a stunner - the weather was great, I hear its the same back home.... so I hope my poor garden is surviving! But for me this day posed all sorts of new challenges. We travelled to the Golan Heights.
Before that though we went to Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine. We saw an old purification jar. I would say that the circumference was so large that two people might just be able to touch fingertips round it. The depth of the stone was about a foot or 30 cms for those who don't recall predecimalisation. So I imagine the 20 gallons or so kept at a really rather pleasant temperature... even in the heat. It was a fascinating vessel. So big it would have required a scoop or small pot to empty it.
Then it was on to the Golan Heights. I have to say when the guide told us it was a beautiful area it felt a strange thing to hear but that is because my mind associates that place with strife. However, he was correct, it is a stunningly beautiful area. Though we did pass large areas that were cordoned off because of mines and another large area where fire had laid it bare. But we went to the top of a mountain and viewed the landscape. At that point we only 60 km from Damascus and 50 km from Tiberias. We could see villages in Lebanon and Syria.
But less of the serious stuff - we saw LOTS of cattle, the fat bulls of Bashan or at least the reasonably well covered ones all trying to find shade.
Our guide Sam pointed out a prison that he referred to as 5* - where corrupt politicians go and are treated in some style.
In a little gift shop in Cana I just managed to resist the temptation to buy some Holy Land shot glasses and the rather brutal looking crown of thorns!
We learnt about cultural divides - between the British and Asian cultures that is! We were gathered in our customary "Sam-i circle" to listen to some wisdom when this Asian lady pushed through to take photos. She got short shrift from one of our number!!
Finally we drove through some little Druze villages, catching sight of a 'wise man', to one of the sources of the River Jordan. The clarity of the water was fantastic. Some of the party took a small sample and it was hard to know that it wasn't tap water! In fact it was impossible. That nature reserve was wonderful - I have to return there!
Finally I want to mention some of our number. There are three priests with us, Fr's Derek, Nick and Brian. Brian comes from Bethnal Green and has one of his churchwardens here, his PCC Secretary and his Treasurer. Paul and Jim are both landlords in the City. We have three head-teachers and all sorts more. Clare was in the same year at college with David Tennant and Carolyn makes costumes for Merlin! So quite a fun group!
More tomorrow from Jerusalem!And a photo then too... or maybe before then!
Before that though we went to Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine. We saw an old purification jar. I would say that the circumference was so large that two people might just be able to touch fingertips round it. The depth of the stone was about a foot or 30 cms for those who don't recall predecimalisation. So I imagine the 20 gallons or so kept at a really rather pleasant temperature... even in the heat. It was a fascinating vessel. So big it would have required a scoop or small pot to empty it.
Then it was on to the Golan Heights. I have to say when the guide told us it was a beautiful area it felt a strange thing to hear but that is because my mind associates that place with strife. However, he was correct, it is a stunningly beautiful area. Though we did pass large areas that were cordoned off because of mines and another large area where fire had laid it bare. But we went to the top of a mountain and viewed the landscape. At that point we only 60 km from Damascus and 50 km from Tiberias. We could see villages in Lebanon and Syria.
But less of the serious stuff - we saw LOTS of cattle, the fat bulls of Bashan or at least the reasonably well covered ones all trying to find shade.
Our guide Sam pointed out a prison that he referred to as 5* - where corrupt politicians go and are treated in some style.
In a little gift shop in Cana I just managed to resist the temptation to buy some Holy Land shot glasses and the rather brutal looking crown of thorns!
We learnt about cultural divides - between the British and Asian cultures that is! We were gathered in our customary "Sam-i circle" to listen to some wisdom when this Asian lady pushed through to take photos. She got short shrift from one of our number!!
Finally we drove through some little Druze villages, catching sight of a 'wise man', to one of the sources of the River Jordan. The clarity of the water was fantastic. Some of the party took a small sample and it was hard to know that it wasn't tap water! In fact it was impossible. That nature reserve was wonderful - I have to return there!
Finally I want to mention some of our number. There are three priests with us, Fr's Derek, Nick and Brian. Brian comes from Bethnal Green and has one of his churchwardens here, his PCC Secretary and his Treasurer. Paul and Jim are both landlords in the City. We have three head-teachers and all sorts more. Clare was in the same year at college with David Tennant and Carolyn makes costumes for Merlin! So quite a fun group!
More tomorrow from Jerusalem!And a photo then too... or maybe before then!
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