WARNING: these posts have not yet been proof-read. It’s difficult to find decently priced internet connections here. The actual posting time of these entries is April 22, in Jerusalem – in the Olive Tree hotel… with free WiFi!
2005.04.20
*Pilgrimage Day 11*
Day 11
Jordan River
Today we visited the Jordan River, and as the sign would say, it was supposed to be Close to where Jesus was baptized – pretty retarded I know, but it was still cool. What was cooler was that Fr. Vic renewed our baptismal vows there as he poured water (from the river) on our heads.
Village of Migdal
On our way to the mount of beatitudes, we passed by Migdal, the town from where Mary Magdalene hailed from. It is considered to be the 3rd most holy place in Israel.
Mountain of the Beatitudes
This is the place where the sermon of the mount was supposedly held. The guide explained how Jesus probably wasn’t atop a mountain (and it isn’t a mountain, FYI) preaching to the crowd down below, but probably up to an elevated audience (like in a theater). That is the only way preaching to 1000 people, without a PA system, in open air would work. Plus, it had to occur at a certain time of the year (winter) where the wind is favorable.
Food
Lunch was ok, but again, extremely expensive. Everything in Israel seems to be expensive… and there’s a 17% sales tax to boot. So even if you get a decent bargain, you’ll probably end up getting back to the retail price (unless the shops or vendors decide to wave it). I don’t know if this applies to food though.
But in any case, lunch cost us 15USD each. Again, it wasn’t a buffet (I’m beginning to see a pattern here). Though the fish was good, in all honesty: if given the choice, I’d prefer fast food just to be safe. The problem in all the countries we’ve visited so far is that their food is inconsistent. The Philippines of course has its share of diverse tastes of what is supposed to be “the same food,” but usually, if it’s in a restaurant, that means it’s good.
And I just have to say it… get used to asking for salt – you’ll be needing it most of the time.
Caphernaum
We then went to Caphernaum; Jesus’ headquarters when he transferred from Nazareth. It’s actually where his ministry started. We visited the synagogue where he supposedly had taught in. Synagogues at that time was like a place of gathering – there, you had your schools, city hall, etc. This is probably where he accumulated so much followers in such a short time.
Sea of Galilee
We then took a boat ride to the middle of the Sea (which is really just a lake) of Galilee. We heard mass in the boat. We’ve been having mass everyday since we arrived in Egypt and the two significant masses (Mt. Nebo, and this) so far, had me as one of the readers. I feel really blessed.
Miscellaneous
Israeli women are hot! You’d be surprised how easy it is to find a good looking (and not to mention sexy, well endowed) girls here. They are in no way Indian looking (translated as bumbay as I initially thought).