Nazareth

Today in Nazareth we split up for lunch some of us went to Diane's (where the ice is free) and some went to Pizza Roma. On the way back we stopped along markets and shops where Mark stumbled upon the most incredible roasted and heated cashews. Grigory purchased dry apricots and shared as we continued to holyland gift stores in the marketplace. Paul was slightly upset to find a Christian novelty store that shelved retail rosaries next to military bullet necklaces, it seemed very imappropriate. So. We left and shopped across the street where the prices were better anyway. Although still in Israel it was a bit surreal being in Israel's largest arab city. As we approched the Church of Annunciation, you could hear the call to prayer in a nearby Islamic mosque. This served as further evidence of the complex unison of cultures in modern Israel. At the church we saw what is believed to be the biblical sight where the angel approached Mary about her expected child. There is much controversy on if this is the actual sight. We further ventured uphill to a greek orthodox church which celebrates the same annunciation. They believe a seperate site, the original spring that services Nazareth. It was at the sight some of us were chased from the church for taking pictures!! With tours completed we headed back down the hill with Ophir, our guide. In order to do that, no less then 5 people had to restrain Randy's wheelchair from tumbling down the hill as the street was narrow and steep. By steep we mean steap!! Alas all was fine, and onto the Kibbutz! Stay tuned for more........