Lake Park at Hula Valley
Doing some bird-watching at the main floating corridor on the lake at Hula Valley.
We made a stop at the Lake Park at Hula Valley, a popular spot for nature enthusiast to behold the arrival of thousands of migratory birds coming from the North during spring and autumn. It was not the season for migration yet, but we could still enjoy some relaxed walks around the swamps with the hazy hills as a dreamy backdrop. Water buffalos, deer, turtles, some huge catfish and what looked like a very big and charming water-rat were among the creatures that we spotted during our stroll.
The hazy mountains on the distance give the lake a mystical air.
Dreamy walk amongst tall papyrus and fresh breeze.
Our little charming friend.
Sea of Galilee
A place of a very soothing beauty, witness of many historical milestones: the Sea of Galilee.
The Sea of Galilee owes its regard as a well-known landmark and popular destination among travelers not only to its natural beauty, but also to its religious and cultural significance. According to biblical records, Jesus performed several of his miracles there, like walking on water and calming the storm. The multiplication of fish and bread and some of his important sermons, like the Sermon of the Mount are also believed to have happened at the hills nearby overlooking the lake.
Decorated columns and rafters next to the church of St. Peter, near the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
When you are overlooking the lake and its adjacent hills, it is fascinating and overwhelming to imagine that so many historical events that shaped our civilization and influenced us in countless ways took place right where you are standing. Wars were fought, religions were cemented, and territories changed. "See that plateau right over there? That is the place where Saladin defeated the crusaders, which was a decisive victory for the Muslims." There was just so much to take in.
Visiting the ruins of the White Synagogue near Capernaum made me wonder how much of the original teachings of Jesus and the beliefs of early Christianity were lost through time and ended up being distorted and manipulated to serve private interests of the dominant class. I wonder what would have been like to be there, listening to the enlightening words that held a promise of redemption and a new life.
The ruins of the White Synagogue near Capernaum.
Remains of the carvings decorating the old temple.
You can find and visit all sorts of interesting places by driving around the lake, from the ancient city of Tiberias (founded by the Romans and then ruled by the Byzantine, the Arabs, Cruzaders, Ottomans, and even the British) to the hot springs at the popular resort of Hamat Gader.
On our way to Hamat Gader, we made a quick stop at the Yardenit, a baptism site on the Jordan river, near the place where Jesus took the sacrament from John the Baptist. On the present day, many christians assemble here to take part on the baptism ceremony at the river, immersing their bodies in the holy waters of the Jordan.
At the entrance of the Yardenit, next to the Jordan river.
I found this beauty walking around the Yardenit. It was not shy!
A view of the baptism site in the river.
We finished the day -and the intense scientific schedule of the week- in the best possible way: spending the afternoon at Hamat Gader's famous hot springs. There, I could feel all the stress dissolve into the thermal waters and the bubbles from the jacuzzi releasing the tension accumulated from the intense schedule of the past days. There is also a crocodile farm where you can walk around and take a look at -from a good, safe distance- some very impressive, huge specimens, as well as almost cute-looking baby aligators.
The main thermal pool at Hamat Gader. Best enjoyed when the sun goes down!
The view from the valley at Hamat Gader Hot Springs.
After a cool shower with some of The Body Shop's Divine Calm shower gel, which has the most soothing and delicious lavender smell with just the right intensity -my favorite for relaxing after a hard day-, I felt like a new woman!
And thus concluded our adventure. After the rather intensive security revision at the airport in Tel Aviv -they take appart and dismantle ALL OF YOUR LUGGAGE looking for anything suspicious- we had a shopping spree at the duty-free stores to spend our leftover shekels. I turned mine into belgian chocolate, bars of halva -some sort of Israeli fudge- with pistachio and some date syrup that I use now as a special addition to my breakfasts (it goes great with everything, from oatmeal to waffles!).
A sunny day at the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
We flew back to the ice and snow of Berlin in what we knew would be an extremely safe and terrorism-free flight! Many people suffer from post-holiday blues, but I am always surprised at how much I feel at home whenever I come back to Berlin. "My city!" I think every time I spot the Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz from the air as we approach the airport. I guess having a loving boyfriend and an adorable kitty waiting for me at our cozy appartment might have something to do with it!
Thanks for reading, and next time opportunity knocks on your door, just say yes. Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity, and magic will happen!
Cheers,
Violetta