Israel Day 3: Galilee to Nazareth

Day 3 in Israel was technically New Years Day back home, so to ring in New Years in the Old World Jim and I went to the hot springs at Hamat Gader. Hamat Gader is located at the border of Israel and Jordan. The Spa complex comprised of several pools and fountains that spread out from the natural source of the main hot springs. The hottest hot spring was so hot we couldn't stay in the water more than a few minutes. The water was rich in minerals and smelled strongly of sulfur - it was super relaxing to start the day off this way. 

 Happy New Year!

 The closest we got to Jordan

 Our next stop was to travel up the windy road up Mt. Tabor, famously known as the Mount of Transfiguration.

 The Church of Mount Transfiguration. The current church standing is part of a Monastary that was completed in 1924, but it sits on top of ruins from 4-6th century Byzantine era and 12 century crusade era ruins.

 Nativity inside the Cathedral at the Mount of Transfiguration.

 This exposed rock is revered as the site where Jesus Christ was transfigured before his apostles and speaks to Moses and Elijah.

 There were some amazing views at the top of Mt Tabor. We enjoyed overlooking the valley below.

 Our next stop was Tel Megiddo, the future site of Armageddon.

 This site was inhabited from 7000 BC - 585 AD. There are 26 archaeological  layers at this site.

 One of the main attractions is this underground tunnel that leads to water springs. City under siege? No problem! We've got access to water.

 We said goodbye to the site of Armageddon and Hello to Nazareth. As we drove up to this city, Jim remarked how the phrase "A city set upon a hill cannot be hid" has new meaning after seeing how some of these old cities have been constructed - literally built upon a hill.

 We went to the Church of the Annunciation. This site is traditionally the location of Mary's childhood home. There were a lot of Mary statues as well as Mary mosaics from around the world on display.

 Nativity at the Church of Annunciation

 Ruins of "Mary's old home".

 Nazareth

 As we headed out of Nazareth, we had another amazing Israel sunset.

Before our day was through we stopped in Haifa and stuck our feet in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time.

 To end the day we got to Tel Aviv and checked into our hotel. We were able to Skype the kids and go find some amazing falafel and crepes. Another amazing day in Israel!