Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and Nazareth

WE started this a.m. on the Mediterranean Sea.  I began the day with an early morning walk by the Sea and having my Time Alone with God overlooking the Sea.


Caesarea, the incredible sea port created by King Herod, was fascinating as always and the beauty of the place in spite of the ruins, was refreshing.  The place of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Gentiles after hearing Peter's Gospel message, Caesarea became a place of exporting the Gospel of Jesus to the ends of the Roman empire.  We stood in the ruins of Herod's coastal palace here Paul would have been interviewed by Festus and Agrippa.

Tamarisk Tree in Caesarea

Mount Carmel is the site of Elijah's famous encounter with the prophets of Baal.  The home of a Carmelite monastery, the roof-top view of the plains of Megiddo (Armageddon) allows you to see for miles and miles.

Lunch today was at a restaurant run by a Druze family consisted of Snitchel and Falafel and wonderful salads -- we thought of you today Jeanie Drake!

We spent the afternoon in Nazareth starting with the precipice which was likely the place where the people of Jesus' hometown tried to throw him off the cliff.  This was followed by a visit to the Church of the Annunciation, built over the remains of Mary's home and probably the boyhood home of Jesus.

Inside the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth

Much to reflect on and think about after the wonderful insights from our guide.  More pics later. Internet very slow tonight in trying to download pics.