This morning we arrived in Tel Aviv shortly after 9 AM, a smooth landing after a pleasant, if long flight from the USA.
Passport control was quick and efficient now that we have to acquire an ETA – IL before departure. After deplaning, all passengers follow the signs to passport control, stopping along the way to scan the information page of their passport on a machine, which will in turn, give them a small blue entry paper, which they must keep with them for the duration of their stay and present again at passport control upon departure from Isreal. This is in lieu of receiving a stamp on your actual passport.
After receiving your paper, proceed to the window designated for foreign passports for a few quick questions before proceeding to collect your luggage.
Once we proceeded into the Arrivals Hall, we were met by Catholic Journeys representatives who warmly greeted us and escorted us to our awaiting vehicles.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we traveled to the port of Jaffa where we visited Saint Peter’s Church, and had a delightful lunch with Mezze (middle eastern appetizers) and one of the most delicious and freshest fish I have ever eaten, a Denis or Seabream fish.
In the afternoon, we drove to Mount Tabor to visit the Church of the Transfiguration. Perched high upon a hill at the end of a harrowingly long and serpentine drive, the church commands an impressive view over the Jezreel Valley.
With very few people visiting at this time we were greeted by what looked to be a very well fed cat guarding the front door and silence, broken only by the wind howling around church and through the Mediterranean Pine Trees.
One of the benefits of being here at this time is the lack of crowds. We literally had the entire basilica to ourselves.
A quick 15 minute drive brought us to our lovely Plaza Hotel in Nazareth.
Tonight, a candlelight procession at the Basilica of the annunciation! There were many faithful who gathered in the courtyard behind the church to witness the acolytes carrying the statue of Our Lady out of the grotto to begin gospel readings and to pray the joyful mysteries of the rosary in multiple languages.
It is always awe inspiring, to see the crowds pray and sing with such devotion. Such a beautiful way to end our first day in this very peaceful Holy Land!
James “Jimmy” Hyland
