Sea of Galilee - 2009 Vacation Part 8

The tour bus came to the Sea of Galilee after leaving Nazareth. We first arrived Mount of Beatitudes. This is where Jesus delivered Sermon on the Mount.The exact original location is not known but the Church of Beatitudes has 1600 years history. Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass here in 2000.

Church is not very big. Decoration is simple but powerful.
Standing in the garden of the church, one can see the Sea of Galilee.

Church of Beatitudes.
Capernaum (ancient name was Capharnaum). This was the home town for Peter, Andrew, James and John, as well as Matthew.
Statue of Peter.
House church in Jesus time.
Capernaum has a long history. This is the ruin of a Roman town.
The oldest synagogue.


Roman ruins
Leaving Capernaum, we came to Tabgha and visited the Church of Multiplication.
At the courtyard of Church of Multiplication.
Mosaic on the ground of the church. The church and mosaic were done in the 5th century.
The stone under the table is where Jesus performed miracle dividing 5 loaf of bread and 2 fish feeding 5000 people.
Another piece of mosaic on the ground.
There is a lily and koi pond in the yard.
Driving to the Jordan River, we had a good view of the Sea of Galilee.
Outside of the River Jordan where Jesus was baptized, there are versus from Mark 1:9-11 in all languages. I was standing next to the Chinese one. It was contributed by Rev Li from Hong Kong.
Jordan River
Beautiful sunset at the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus Home Town Nazareth - 2009 Vacation Part 7

Our cruise ship left Rhodes and sailed to Haifa, Israel. Here we took a tour bus to Nazareth - home town of Jesus. We have visited the Church of Annunciation. This is the place where the revelation to Mary, the mother of Jesus by the angel Gabriel that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God took place.
The walls around the courtyard are lined with pictures from all over the world about Mary and baby Jesus.
Above are some of the pictures from all over the world.
The door of the church with stories of Jesus carved.
Wall decoration after we entered.
The site behind me is where the original church was. This is the place angel Gabriel reveled to Mary.
The main hall of the church.
Window in the main hall is decorated with different designs of Mary and baby Jesus.
Wall of the main hall is also decorated with designs from all over the world.
2000 years ago, people were living underground according to archeologist.
Jesus family was living in a cave similar this this one. Exact location is not known but very close to this one.
Outside of the church.

Rhodes - 2009 Vacation Part 6

The cruise ship docked at Rhodes after leaving Kusadasi. Rhodes is an island at southern Greece. We finally left the rain clouds!

The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes is just steps away from the port. Taxi are black and white. The vehicles in the street are taxi - not police cars.

The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is what makes Rhodes famous for. The giant sculpture's two legs were stepping on each side of the mouth of the port. The original bronze sculpture was destroyed in an earthquake. Today there is a bronze deer (symbolize Rhodes) sculpture on the site. On the left side of my picture where the mouth of the port is one of the base of the Colossus of Rhodes.

Local mini market in a quiet street.
Main street in the medieval Old Town.
Town center.
Quiet residential area.
Locals set up shops in front of their homes. They don't seem to be eager if business comes to them. They were relaxing and chatting.
I saw this armor in front of a shop and can't resist to take a picture. It gives protection for sure but it is so awkward and heavy. I would be too tired even just to walk wearing this let alone to fight.
Entrance to the clock tower.
The clock tower - highest point of Rhodes.
The mosque next to the clock tower.
Flowers in Rhodes are similar to what we have in S. CA. However, I really like this color that is not common.
One of the gates of the wall. Outside is the port of Rhodes.
Our cruise ship Vision of the Seas docking in Rhodes.

Ephesus - 2009 Vacation Part 5

Ephesus, Turkey is an ancient Roman city. Virgin Mary spent her last years here. Today it is one of the best preserved Roman town. I have been here a little over two years ago. Seeing it again reminded me happy times we had here back then too.
Old temple - we can only imagine with the remaining columns.

Roman sculptures are incredible. Take a look of this angle. She is still so beautiful with grace weathered more than two thousand years.This is a typical Greek column design.

A large building.

The library.
A sculpture at the entrance of the library.

We can tell how large this city was in Roman days.

The road in the town center is very wide.

A very large and well preserved theater.

Romans must really know how to live. The buildings are all beautifully decorated. Sculptures are very beautiful. And they have such a large theater for their entertainment.