It seemed like the tour would last longer than it did. Because we were so busy everyday the days flew by.
Our flight was at 9am and since the tour operator expected a long wait to go through security we were to be up and in the lobby at 4:30am with our luggage.
We were surprised with a box breakfast that we had to eat at the hotel- cheese, bread, cucumber, olives and an apple.
The ride to the airport was about 45 mins and we went into the airport and security line. Our luggage had to be unlocked and we were questioned one by one and then allowed to go to the check in desk and get our boarding passes and check our bags.
All of us went through fine and we sat by the snack bar until it was time to go through security and wait to board the plane.
I really enjoyed the experience, the lectures and seeing the Churches and places I heard about my whole life during Church services, Sermons and Holidays.
Seeing the places reinforced the things I learned and heard in Church.
It is one thing to see the events in Icons but another to be in that place like Canna where the water was turned into wine or the Shepard's Field where an Angel announced Jesus's birth.
The most light hearted moment was Greek dancing on the little boat on the Sea of Galilee.
The most awaited moment was wading in the Jordan River. Due to lack of time we did not go to the Dead Sea and I did bring my bathing suit to go in.
I really liked the visits to the St. Gerasimos's Monastery and the Holy Cross Monastery as they were away from the urban setting and very peaceful.
Of course it would not have been possible without Metropolitan Nikitas who was our Spiritual guide and leader and Yiannis our guide and Mohammed our wonderful driver.
Next post will be about our flight home.
Our flight was at 9am and since the tour operator expected a long wait to go through security we were to be up and in the lobby at 4:30am with our luggage.
We were surprised with a box breakfast that we had to eat at the hotel- cheese, bread, cucumber, olives and an apple.
The ride to the airport was about 45 mins and we went into the airport and security line. Our luggage had to be unlocked and we were questioned one by one and then allowed to go to the check in desk and get our boarding passes and check our bags.
All of us went through fine and we sat by the snack bar until it was time to go through security and wait to board the plane.
I really enjoyed the experience, the lectures and seeing the Churches and places I heard about my whole life during Church services, Sermons and Holidays.
Seeing the places reinforced the things I learned and heard in Church.
It is one thing to see the events in Icons but another to be in that place like Canna where the water was turned into wine or the Shepard's Field where an Angel announced Jesus's birth.
The most light hearted moment was Greek dancing on the little boat on the Sea of Galilee.
The most awaited moment was wading in the Jordan River. Due to lack of time we did not go to the Dead Sea and I did bring my bathing suit to go in.
I really liked the visits to the St. Gerasimos's Monastery and the Holy Cross Monastery as they were away from the urban setting and very peaceful.
Of course it would not have been possible without Metropolitan Nikitas who was our Spiritual guide and leader and Yiannis our guide and Mohammed our wonderful driver.
Next post will be about our flight home.
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