Thursday, March 10, 2016

The Sea of Galilee Region and the Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles.

The Sea of Galilee is known by many names by many people throughout history. Termed as both a sea and lake some its names have been Galilee, Kinneret, Tiberias, Gennesaret, Ginosar, and Minya. Many of the names also had a city or other geographical location nearby with the same name. 

We drove up to the Sea of Galilee along the Jordan River Valley from Beit She'an where we got to see some amazing ruins and architecture including the Beit She'an Amphitheater.  As we drove we could see fertile cultivated fields and banana groves covered in netting to protect the fruit There were also picturesque cyprus trees. We drove around the lake, taking in the scenery, and up to the area of Capernaum. 

We were going to go to Capernaum but many sites were closed even though it was light out. The reason for this is because we were there before their daylight savings change and before the big tourist season. If we hadn't taken so much time in the morning on getting our rental car we might have arrived in time.

Despite the setback we still enjoyed our time on the northern shore of Galilee. We were able to visit the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum (also known as the Church of the Seven Apostles) which resides directly east of the ruins of Capernaum. The church was closed, but the grounds in late March are gorgeous! There was an abundance of flowers and some animals kept there. The church stood out with its white washed walls, red-domed roofs and a cross atop each dome. One could also walk right up to the Sea of Galilee there.

After Capernaum we headed back to Haifa. As we drove up and out of the valley we stopped on the Mount of Beatitudes near a convent and took in the landscape and a few photos. It truly is a beautiful place.


Southern Galilee

6 photo panorama


Northern Galilee

The Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum
Church of the Seven Apostles


Flowering Bush over Galilee at the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel
Flowering Branch over the Galilee at the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel


The Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum or the Church of the Seven Apostles, Galilee, Israel

Red Hibiscus at the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Church Bell at the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Church Bell at the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Plant Lines at the Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Peacock in the Orchard, Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Peacock in the Garden, Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum, Galilee, Israel

Greek Orthodox Church at Capernaum or Church of the Seven Apostles and the Sea of Galilee, Israel

Countryside north of Capernaum, Galilee, Israel - 9 photo panorama



Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes


The Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes, Israel

The Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes Towards Tiberias, Israel - 12 photo panorama

Fields, Sea of Galilee, Mount Arbel, Ginosar and Migdal from the Mount of Beatitudes, Israel

Tree, Fields and the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes, Israel


Returning to Haifa


Along Route 85 between Karadrim and Kfar Hananya, Israel

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Beit She'an Amphitheater

Beit She'an Amphitheater is located in Beit She'an National Park. Beit She'an is made up of layers of history. Many civilizations have built in this area because of its strategic position in the area. The most recent and grandiose architecture is from the Romans and Greeks. An important part of both of those civilizations was the amphitheater.

The Beit She'an amphitheater is one of the first things you see when entering the park. The entrances to the seats are prominent. They are complete with arched passageways and had the conveniences of back in the day. Though much of the amphitheater is no longer standing that which remains gives the feel for what it might have been like. Improvements have been made, such as a stage and lighting to make the amphitheater more functional. Much is also being done to preserve what remains there.

My wife's background is in theatre and teaching theatre this is one of her highlights of Israel. I also enjoyed the time here as well. For both of us this was a first to experience Roman architecture and ruins. We spent much of the day at Beit She'an.

Beit She'an Amphitheater, Beit She'an National Park, Beit She'an, Israel - 19 photo panorama

Beit She'an Amphitheater, Beit She'an National Park, Beit She'an, Israel - 6 photo panorama


Entrance tunnel arches. Photo on the right is a five photo panorama.




The amphitheater tunnel entrances looking out. The photo on the right is an eight photo panorama



Along the public entrance tunnels are some other passageways to what would have been the places to to relieve oneself. They are no longer functioning. 
The photo on the left is a two photo panorama.


The ceilings of the entrance tunnels have their own beautiful architecture while the lighting casts soft shadows over the stonework. 


The two photos above are views towards the theatre through two different entrance tunnels.



top of the seating of the Beit She'an Amphitheater - 7 photo panorama



The stage of the amphitheater and columns. 
The photo on the left is a five photo panorama while the one on the right with my lovely wife posing is an eight photo panorama.


Beit She'an Amphitheater, Beit She'an National Park, Beit She'an, Israel - 10 photo panorama

Beit She'an Amphitheater, Beit She'an National Park, Beit She'an, Israel - 10 photo panorama









Amphitheater seating. Photo on the right is a four photo panorama


Beit She'an Amphitheater, Beit She'an National Park, Beit She'an, Israel - 77 photo panorama





 The images above are from the side of the stage of the amphitheater. The whole back of the stage would have been a wall of columns such as these. 
On the right is a five photo panorama.


Amphitheater Steps - Beit She'an Amphitheater, Beit She'an National Park, Beit She'an, Israel - 4 photo panorama