-At 8:16 a.m., we’ve just boarded our bus.

We are all excited for what is to come.

We are headed first to the ancient city of Nazareth. Mr. Neumann informed us that Nazareth was the place where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive Jesus Christ. As such, we will be visiting the Church of the Annunciation.

Along the way, we passed a valley—called the Jezreel Valley—on which many Biblical battles took place. We also saw many mountains around us where other Biblical stories unfolded. We saw from afar Mount Tiberius, as well as a mountain associated with King Saul, and we also saw Mount Precipice.

We ended up driving directly to Mount Precipice where we took pictures because of the spectacular view, and talked more about Jesus Christ. Mr. Neumann told us that Jesus was a leader who wasn’t afraid to speak up and show people what they were doing wrong. Many people, because of this, were angry with him and were ready to throw him off Mount Precipice. It is said that he jumped off and disappeared.

We then visited the Basilica of the Annunciation, the place at which the Angel Gabriel is believed to have told Mary she would conceive Jesus. The entire area was beautiful. On the outer walls were several interpretations of the Virgin Mary. (The Virgin Mary has appeared in many countries. In each apparition, she wore and looked like normal people within those countries). Inside, there was a small cave-like room with an altar in it. There was also a second floor which appeared to be the place where Mass is normally held. The architecture was gorgeous.

Afterwords, Mr. Neumann treated us to an Arabic dessert made with cheese which was very delicious.

While driving, we could see in the distance the city of Cana, where the story of Jesus turning water into wine took place.

We passed by a field where Richard the Lionhearted fought Saladin centuries ago during the Crusades.

We then passed by the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked upon the water.

After passing the Sea of Galilee, we visited the Benedictine Monastery in Tabgha, which is the place where Jesus is believed to have miraculously multiplied 2 fish and 3 loaves of bread to feed 5,000 people. The church within the monastery was packed full of pilgrims, all of whom prayed solemnly to the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

Afterwords, we headed to a mountain on which Jesus preached. One of his sermons here became known as the “Sermon on the Mount.”

After our visit to the Mountain, we went for lunch at a burger place called BBB. The burgers were very delicious!

And, after our nice meal, we went horseback-riding for about an hour. It was, for most of us, a new and a very enjoyable experience. Horses are absolutely beautiful creatures.

After this we headed back to the city of Hadera, from which we had traveled 44 miles to get to the city of Nazareth. Most of us are now getting rest and preparing things for tomorrow. Tomorrow, we will be heading to the city of Jerusalem very early. We will stay in Jerusalem for two days and one night.

So far, our trip and pilgrimage to Jerusalem has been wonderful. It is very interesting to know that we are walking on the very same places which Jesus walked on 2,000 years ago. We are excited for what is to come tomorrow.