Jordan River and Capernaum

Today was extremely hot, it reached 42.

We first went to the Jordan River. Even first thing in the morning it was extremely busy with many groups being baptized. Our tour director said if any of us wanted to be baptized there was a booth where you could rent a robe and a towel. Shirley wondered what Jesus would make of the whole enterprise, the Temple incident came to mind.

Still it was an interesting place. I waded in the water and little fish came to nibble my toes.

We travelled on to the Mount of Beatitudes. A fairly modern church adorns the place where Jesus is supposed to have stood. The hillside overlooks the Sea of Galilee.

Then we went to Capernaum which is known as Jesus’ home town after he left Nazareth. It was Peter’s town and Jesus lived in Peter’s house for a time. Peter’s house and the first church built around it can be seen

The third century synagogue is fairly well preserved and stands on the foundations of the synagogue in which Jesus preached.

A carved stone from the earlier synagogue showing a menorah was especially interesting as it is something Jesus would have seen.

Then we had lunch at St Peter’s Restaurant. Quite delicious fish as you would expect. and then on towards Jerusalem along the east side of the Sea of Galilee right along the base of the Golan Heights. We stopped at Beit Shean and saw the amphitheatre used for gladiatorial lion fights and executions by throwing to the lions.

Then we came to Jerusalem where we will be for four days. Sabbath started this evening so some of the elevators are running in Sabbath mode which means they travel up and down stopping at every floor so you don’t have to do the “work “ of pushing a button for your floor.