My Pilgrimage: June 5

A long, hot day.  That's the new norm, as the next week looks to be all just below or above 100 degrees.  It started with renting cars for our time in Galilee.  The best part was the frustrating attempts to refind the hotel, circling for 15 minutes until we found the one tiny sign in an alleyway.  Then we had to shuttle the suitcases to our new place, where we will be for about twelve days.  I can say now that this “luxury hotel” is definitely lacking (like, WiFi in the rooms).  But, at least we have a place to stay.

Then, we were off to start exploring the Galilee region, the heart of Jesus’ ministry.  We started with a hike up to the Arbel Cliffs, which on a less hazy (due to the humidity) day would have given us a great view of the entire Sea of Galilee.  The hike up reminded me a lot of Colorado, very rocky, red (at least through my sunglasses), though it was very open, so no shade.

Our only other scheduled stop on the day was the Mount of Beatitudes, so along the way we stopped for lunch.  Not knowing anywhere else, we stopped at a restaurant near Magdala (where we will be excavating next week) which is famous for its “St. Peter’s Fish.”  It comes out whole, so including head and fins (my sister would love it).  Asked why it was called St. Peter’s Fish, our director simply said “to sell to tourists” (it’s just tilapia).

When we got to the Mount of Beatitudes, it was still closed for the afternoon siesta, so we circled back for a quick stop at Tabgha, better known as the location for the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.  There is a very nice monastery and church there, with a famous mosaic just in front of the altar.

At the Mount of Beatitudes we had Mass at an outdoor altar.  It was very windy, so it made it interesting.  We then had some time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and the church there.  Unfortunately one of our group had to be taken to the hotel early to cool off and rest (he’s currently at the hospital to find out what is wrong, so please keep him in your prayers).

We made our way back to our new hotel, where we will be for the next twelve days or so.  A “luxury” hotel is a bit of a stretch, seeing as something as simple as WiFi in the room is not reliable.  We had been hoping for washers and dryers, but instead they only have a very expensive laundry service.  Thus, I will continue to wash my clothes in the bathroom.  But, at least we have a place to stay.

This afternoon we had an optional trip to the Horns of Hattin with a very knowledgeable archeologist.  It’s not exactly a major tourist attraction, so a few of us made our way up a bumpy gravel road followed by a hike to the top.  It was worth it, because the views were amazing (we looked down on the Arbel Cliff from this morning!) and she gave some great insights into the Crusades.  For those who do not know, the Horns of Hattin were the location of a decisive battle in 1187 when Saladin completely destroyed the Crusader army under King Guy, leading to the Muslim reconquest of Jerusalem.  Again, it was a great opportunity and helps flesh out our class on the Crusades.  Now it’s time for some rest before another full day touring the Galilee region.

The cliff on the right is the Arbel Cliff