Day 3 
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Day 3 (May 29, '08): Today we spent our time in and around the Sea of Galilee. We started off going to the Mt. of the Beatitudes, a hill that overlooks the lake, from where it is believed that Christ gave the Sermon on the Mount. Now there is a modern church there - the Church of the Beatitudes. Then we went to Golan Heights, the northeastern region of Israel that has been in the news of late due to a territorial conflict between Syria and Israel. We drove through one area where we could simultanously see Lebanon and Syria, while remaining in Israel. In Golan Heights, we stopped in Caesarea Phillippi (different from Ceasarea seen yesterday), also known as Banias Nature Reserve, where we saw the Temple of Pan, Roman temple ruins. Also in Golan Heights were the bunkers at Mount Ben Tal. The underground bunkers were extensive, and the cool temperature was a nice break from the 100 degree temps at ground level. There is also a beautiful lookout point from which Damascus can be seen in the distance. Next on the itinerary was Capernaum, a Roman town, where Simon Peter lived and where there are the remains of a 4th century A.D. synagogue. Then we headed to Tabkha, which is where Christ is believed to have fed his 5,000 followers with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Here, we finally got to stick our feet in the Sea of Galilee - there was no sand, only rocks, but it still felt VERY good! We ended our day at Yardenet Baptismal Site, which is on the Jordan River. Several members of our group were immersed in the river to reaffirm their baptisms. That's about it for now...wow, such a jam-packed day...time for sleep! P.S. Babe - I bought myself some expensive jewelry today. =) Don't get mad. =)

Church of Beatitudes
Church of Beatitudes
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View of Sea of Galilee from Mt. Beatitudes
View of Sea of Galilee from Mt. Beatitudes
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View of Sea of Galilee from Church of Beatitudes
View of Sea of Galilee from Church of Beatitudes
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Me & Sea of Galilee
Me & Sea of Galilee
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View of Sea of Galilee from Mt. Beatitudes
View of Sea of Galilee from Mt. Beatitudes
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Temple of Pan at Ceasarea Phillippi
Temple of Pan at Ceasarea Phillippi
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Sign explaining the Temple of Pan
Sign explaining the Temple of Pan
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Me at the Temple of Pan
Me at the Temple of Pan
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Sand scripture thingiemabob at Banias (Ceasarea Phillippi)
Sand scripture thingiemabob at Banias (Ceasarea Phillippi)
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Capernaum Entrance
Capernaum Entrance
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Capernaum Synagogue
Capernaum Synagogue
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Me in the Synagogue
Me in the Synagogue
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Outside of Synagogue
Outside of Synagogue
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Peter's house - modern church built on top (Capernaum)
Peter's house - modern church built on top (Capernaum)
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View from Mount Ben Tal
View from Mount Ben Tal
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Bunkers
Bunkers
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Me going into the Bunkers
Me going into the Bunkers
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Underground Tunnel
Underground Tunnel
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Me at Crossroads Sign on Mt. Ben Tal
Me at Crossroads Sign on Mt. Ben Tal
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Sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee
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