Holyland Pilgrimage

Ten years ago, I wrote in my list of “101 Things to do in my Lifetime” that I want to go on a pilgrimage tour to HolyLand. I finally did in 2006! It was so amazing to have seen the places, touched the objects and walked the same paths as that of prophets, saints and kings.

Some stories behind the photos:

Dead Sea (1st photo).   The lowest point on earth at 1,290 ft below sea level! I didn't pass up the opportunity to take a dip.  Trying to float was effortless (actually it's so hard to get back on your toes because your body just involuntarily floats). And it's fun to put mud on your face! Instant mud spa! hehe... Just be careful though not to get saltwater into your eyes. Trust me, it's really painful.  Water got into my eyes and I couldn't open them. My friend had to rush to the shore to get me a bottle of mineral water so I could wash my eyes.

Walled City of Jerusalem (2nd photo). It houses the places where Jesus was condemned, crucified and resurrected. The one with the golden dome is called the Dome of the Rock where Isaac was bound for sacrifice. But it's under the Moslem quarters now - it's actually a mosque to commemorate the place where Muhammad, in a dream, ascended to heaven. The Jews and Armenians have their own quarters too within the walled city.  We had Stations of the Cross within the Walled City which ended in Golgotha.

Church of Nativity (3rd photo). This houses the spot where Jesus was born.  The door of the church is only about 4 ft high and was built this way to prevent horses of invaders from getting inside and destroying the Church. It was actually spared by Persian invaders bec they thought that the Magi were Persians (at the time of invasion, an image of the Nativity was displayed at the facade of the Church).  It is now the oldest church in the world which is still in use. It was built in 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine and his mom, St. Helena.

We spent a week in Israel and the place is just loaded... loaded with interesting and amazing things for the mind and soul.

BTW, our very own tilapia is known as St. Peter's fish.  When we went to Galilee, it's the most celebrated meal!  One tilapia meal costs P800! It's the most expensive tilapia I ever ate! Haha... 

May these pictures and some snippets of my journey inspire you to someday go there too.  And I hope you don't wait until retirement age to go there.  Go there while still young and energetic.:)