Nazareth, Day 6

I woke up at 5:30 this morning. It was a bit disturbing in that I dreamt about Palestinians chasing me with Molotov cocktails, getting caught in the middle of a demonstration....weird.

After breakfast, we headed into Nazareth. The first stop on the tour was the Basilica of the Annunciation. A modern basilica made of concrete, it sits directly over the spot where Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she was going to have a child. Outside the basilica are several mosaics given as gifts from all over the world. We ventured inside to hear mass being performed, with the sound of chant wafting its way throughout the church. The dome, looking like an inverted lily with the vines trailing downward, was spectacular. We went down to the area where the annunciation took place.

Back outside, I took a stroll around to look at the mosaics, and one from Greece struck me hard, with Mary and Jesus, saying "All my hope for the world for you, my Son." It was really moving to me.

We walked a bit further and went to the church of St. Joseph, where Joseph's carpentry shop was.

We then walked a little further to where the wedding of Cana took place, and made it in the church. It was a little dicey for us to see it, as it said the church was closed to tourists, but somehow we broke through and looked around. We went in the main part of the church where renewals of wedding vows were going to be performed, and after one set of vows were said, a somewhat burly Filipino nun came up and looked very stern. I thought there was going to be some throw down about to happen, and looking at the irritation of the nun, I think the nun would have kicked our tour guide's ass.

After being banished from the chapel, we went outside where 4 more vows were renewed. it was quite a touching moment. We then walked out and made our way back to the bus to make our way to the Mount of Olives. Overlooking the Galilean Sea, it was a beautiful sight to see the shores where the loaves and fishes were served, as well as the place where the sermon on the mount was held. We started listening to the beatitudes, and I just about lost it today.

For whatever reason, it's a very emotional day. Many things go through my mind, and I miss my mom and dad more than ever today. But as my friend said, they are with me through this whole trip...I feel it....but it doesn't make things any easier.