(Her: Joanna)
Because there is no bus running during the time of Sabbath,
our plan to bus to the Sea of Galilee fell through. With the time that we have, joining a tour
was the best option though it was a bit pricey. I was really excited to see these places that
I have heard from church and the bible where Jesus lived his life and started
preaching the gospel. The story about
his first miracle in turning water into wine (Cana), feeding 5000 people with
only 5 pieces of bread and 2 fishes (Tabgha), and the place where his first few
disciples started to follow him are all stories that I have grew up with
(Capernaum). I cannot tell what I expect
from these places exactly but I am hoping I can find or feel traces of
Jesus.
Boy, was I disappointed. Despite the fact that the Sea of Galilee was
a beautiful place to spend a summer holiday, the places where significant
events happened in Jesus life are now no more than any regular touristy
place. I cannot see or feel any association
to the holiness I was expecting. On the
contrary, all these places are very touristy.
The worst was the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized by John. Inside me, it hurts to such a religious place
to be so commercialized. There are
different sizes of “Holy Water” you can buy and for the convenience of the
tourists, the price is even in US dollar; tourists rushed to buy shirts with
Jesus’ icon on and have a deep into the Jordan River; a full complex of
souvenirs.
