The Sea of Galilee, which is in fact a lake has so much to offer: pristine beauty, hiking trails, religious attractions, and historical sites.

Our first stop: the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount. Followed by the site of the Feeding of the 5000; Tabgha and the German Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fish. And the Primacy of St Peter. Amazingly I am at the places where those events occurred and those are no longer just stories from my year and half bible study. If you asked me any reflections, to be honestly there was only the amazements of the Churches art value.

Those three places are the must go to places of Galilee’s religious tour. We were surrounded by many devout believers around the worlds and they are also part of the scene at least in our eyes.

We still have two more Christian sites on the list. But in between we headed to the Arbel National Park. Well it has the two elements we enjoy namely hike and the stunning view. Plus the bonus of a glimpse of history: fortress and caves actually on the cliffs. Tiring but rewarding!

Then we rushed to the Mt Tabor. At 1,900 feet above sea level, Mount Tabor (also called Mount Tavor) is believed to be the site of the transfiguration, when according to the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke, Jesus took the disciples Peter, James and John to see an apparition of Moses and Elijah.

The last site is Yardenit– Here, where the Jordan River flows from the Sea of Galilee southwards to the Dead Sea, it is believed that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (“Yardenit” is the diminutive form of the name of the Jordan River in Hebrew). Standing on the shore watching scores of pilgrims wear white robes and get baptised in the same spot. Maybe the warmth of afternoon sun, maybe the atmosphere of spirituality, I somehow connected to the holy land – being happy by focusing on the eternal life, therefore so called hardship in this life becomes less important. Yes on this spot I can feel the happiness from sisters and brothers!

It is a such busy day packed with spiritual experience and fun. To finish with famous St. Peter’s fish, delicious lamb Kabab and a great variety of side dishes, today is the day!