November 12, 2015 - Cruise 2015
- Jae Wiens
- Jun 29, 2021
- 7 min read
Hello to all of you! I trust this finds you very well, and taking great care of yourselves and of each other!
On with the tour as promised…
Yesterday was November 11th, and on board the ship, Remembrance Day or Veteran’s Day was commemorated in a ceremony at 11 A.M.
I have been to many Remembrance Day ceremonies over the years since I was little, but this one may have been the one that held the most meaning for me. It was very emotional for me, which surprised me, but at the same time didn’t.
During the ceremony, our Captain of the Rotterdam, as well as other dignitaries, gave speeches and brought historical moments to life. What resonated with me were the stories of WWII, where battles were fought here in the Mediterranean. It was really not that long ago that ships on both sides of the fighting were hunting one another down in this sea.
How many sailors lost their lives in conflict in the same waters I am now traveling through in peace?
How many refugees sailed these waters even then looking for a new home because of the same conflicts, which forced them from their homes?
This year (2015) marks 70 years since the end of this war. And yet, as our Captain remarked, wars are still impacting people of many nations in this area, compelling thousands to leave their homes.
It was mentioned that in the event that we come across boats loaded with refugees in these southern seas, we would be stopping to pick up these people. We were informed that the ship has room for another 500 people, and if we see people in need, it is our “human duty” to help them. The Captain requested us as passengers to “be willing to help us (the crew) help these people, as well”!
It was a sobering reminder of one’s purpose in life - to help others! What else are we here for, if not to lift others up? To “love our neighbour...”, when that “neighbour” is a refugee looking for a new home!
And at the end of the ceremony, the Veterans of any battle were called upon to stand so we could give them recognition for their great service. Young and old, women and men, of all nationalities, stood up. Everyone seemed to be brushing away tears at that point in the midst of the resounding applause!
A very powerful and moving experience!
This morning, I awoke to our ship coming into port at Haifa, Israel.
Still pinching myself at the fact that I made it to the Holy Land, and the fact that in this time of history, I get to travel here the way I do. Aboard a ship with all the amenities one could ask for, safe and sound!
From the bit of research that I did, Haifa is the third largest city in Israel after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This lovely port city has a history over 3,000 years old. It was conquered and inhabited by many different rulers, such as the “Caanites, Israelites, Phoenicians, Persians, Hasmoneans, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the British…” (Wikipedia). WOW!!!
It is home to the Bahá'í Faith’s Bahá'í World Centre. From the port, the manicured Bahá'í Gardens stretch out and up the slopes of Mount Carmel. I learned that Haifa is known for these beautiful gardens, the best falafel, and the Technion University. This university produces some of the brightest minds in the world and lends its influence to many technology start-up companies.
I had scheduled an excursion to Nazareth, but unfortunately, I was told that there was a conflict in this area so for safety’s sake this excursion was canceled. I was really disappointed, but I was able to get on to another excursion, which proved to be really amazing!
Our first stop was Zippori National Park. Zippori is the Hebrew name. It is also known as Sepphoris. During the Crusades, it was known as Le Saforie. It was formerly known as Diocaesarea. As you may guess, this area had many influences throughout history.
While I was there, we visited the great archeological excavation site. I was so impressed by the ancient tiled floors that were unearthed. Each small square was hand painted, baked in the kilns, and laid individually to form intricate patterns, portraits or scenes. Quite extraordinary!
This area is said to be the birthplace of Mary, the Mother of God. It is also said that this is the village where Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, Mary’s parents, are said to have resided.
Located here, there is a 5th century Basilica celebrating Mary’s birth. There is also a Roman theatre, a Muslim cemetery, a Crusader citadel, and two Christian churches surrounded by cacti, pomegranate and apple trees on top of a hill overlooking the fertile fields of the Israeli countryside.
THE CITADEL FROM THE CRUSADER PERIOD BUILT ON EARLIER FOUNDATIONS. THE LONG CORNERSTONES ARE ROMAN SARCOPHAGI FILLED WITH RUBBLE
Heading down the highway, it was so enthralling to see signs for places I had only ever heard of or seen on a map. We eventually made our way to the Sea of Galilee and to the Town of Jesus, Capharnaum.
Capharnaum takes its name from the Hebrew name Kfar Naḥūm, which means the "village of comfort". It is mentioned in the Bible in four of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
What a fascinating area! There was so much to see in such a small area. The first church, the new church with its glass floor to see the excavation site, the first synagogue where Jesus taught, the relics of ancient habitations and tools, marble pillars, the marble stars of David and of Solomon. Although my excursion stop was so brief, I was still able to head down to the shores of the sea.
REMAINS OF THE FIRST CHURCH AND THE MODERN BUILDING OF THE NEWEST CHURCH IN CAPHARNAUM ON THE SHORES OF GALILEE
The Sea of Galilee (in Hebrew), or Lake Tiberias/Kinneret/Kinnereth, was so mystical. The rich blue of its fresh waters stretched out far and wide, though I am sure that in the days of Jesus these waters covered a much larger area. Throughout history, there have been conflicts involving this water supply due to its great importance as a valuable resource. Its main source is the Jordan River. These days, Israel is still very dependent on this sea for their water supply.
All too quickly it seemed, it was time to leave this town of Jesus. This is where He had taught, gathered some of his apostles including St. Peter, while performing numerous miracles, and teaching peacefully about faith, hope and love.
Our next stop was lunch at a nearby kibbutz, where the food and the wine were delicious and plentiful. The grapes for the wine are grown in the vineyards on site. The vegetables were gathered from the numerous well-tended gardens surrounding the main buildings. So nourishing!
We headed onto our next stop, traveling past the coastal village of Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Mary, from Magdala!
From there, we journeyed through Tiberias, passed its hot springs, casinos, and roller coasters at a water park along the shores of the sea/lake. So different from how I had envisioned this historical place! It made me laugh out loud at how I have such preconceived notions of certain places and my mind can’t help but be changed when I see it in person!
We eventually made our way to the Jordan River. We visited the site, which is said to be the spot where Jesus was baptized by John, the Baptist.
Even on this day, there were many people who had come to this area from far and wide across the world just to be baptized in these same waters. It was all so intriguing and mystical, and I have to admit it was a bit overwhelming to be here among so much prominent history.
When I was younger, I would go to church, but I probably counted more ceiling tiles than actually paid attention. And yet, when a reading was given from the Bible and places were mentioned, I would go home and find these places on a map. The Bible seemed to me then like a great travel journal with places in distant lands I would probably never see.
So, to be standing in the Jordan River, having wandered through the Town of Jesus, been to the hometown of Jesus’ Mother, and past places I had heard of, well, it was rather mind-blowing to say the least!
I get it now, why people make pilgrimages to holy sites. To be in the presence of Holiness! Here, it felt like the visits to these ancient and sacred places was where I could “almost” touch God, to be in the presence of Him more fully by literally following in Jesus’ Footsteps! It is beyond amazing! I can’t help but see the world in a different, more reverential light from this experience!
Our next and last stop on this great journey was to the Golan Heights above the Sea of Galilee / Lake Tiberias, while passing near the intersecting border points of Israel, Jordan and Syria.
My visit to the Golan Heights was brief, again, but it was incredible to be able to look out over the expanse of the sea and the fertile valley, while passing the minefields along the way.
Such a beautiful area of the world and yet such discord. The phrase, “Why can’t we just get along?” comes to mind, and yet with such ingrained histories and present circumstances mired in conflict, I imagine the resentments that come with such animosity must span generations.
Perhaps there should be some celebration of the fact that this generation has made it this far based on the turbulent history of this area. Now there’s some common ground!! Maybe it’s time for some generational blessings to be started - on both sides?!
And yes, this is just an outsider's (possibly naive) perspective! What a shame though, to live in constant turmoil!
I wish there was more of a focus on showing off one’s country, instead of one’s weapons!! We ALL deserve to live in peace!
On this note, I am grateful to have made such a phenomenal trip to this area of the world, in peace, and to have experienced it with such an open mind. I will certainly go home with a renewed and more educated view of this area in terms of its history, current affairs, vibrant and welcoming people, and the rich beauty of Israel and its surrounding neighbours.
For now, the ship is ready to depart once more. Tomorrow morning, I am so excited to say, we will be arriving in Ashdod, Israel. From there, I will be making a “crusade” of my own and heading to Jerusalem!
Can’t wait to tell you all about it! Write to you when I can! Bye for now!
Love, Jae
P.S. As a side note, I would like to give a big thank you to www.britannia.com, www.history.ca, and Wikipedia for their historical and invaluable information, which helped me to answer many questions on these areas I have visited!
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