Monday, May 10, 2010

Nazareth

We've made it!!



Arriving in a blanket of haze to muggy Tel Aviv, we stepped off the plane giddy with delight and bouncing off the tarmac with excitement for what these next few weeks had in store! Actually, most of us were tired to the point of delirium, and soon found our giddy, wonderfilled hearts were equally exhausted as they were happy after our 12 hr. flight NON STOP from Toronto. Allan and Linford met us at the baggage claim and herded us onto our airconditioned bus for a short 1 1/2 hour ride up the far side of the Jezereel Valley to our final destination for the next week: Nazareth. We made our way through the winding (and some what confusing) streets of Nazareth to the Fauzi Azar Inn, run by the gracious Maoz Inon [check it out! www.fauziazarinn.com]. The Fauzi Azar Inn, we learned from Maoz (pronounced MOUZE.. like mouse.. you get it), began thanks to the efforts of both Maoz and his wife after they examined several Guest House communities in places like Israel and South America. Their hope as a couple was to develop a place for travellers to stay that encouraged the involvement of the community surrounding the guest house. Developing infrastructure to support the businesses and neighbourhoods connect with the village/city by connecting their guesthouse to the community proved to be a very effective and encouraging project!The Inn itself is beautiful, old marble floors and beautifully decorated ceilings greet you in the main reception area, and the rooms are so cozy and homey I can't help but be excited for sleep tonight!



We had a chance to travel to the Nazareth Village today, a experience that took us back to 1st century Nazareth during the time when Jesus would have lived. Truthfully, we were all so exhausted that even our vivacious and kind tour guide Linford had to encourage us to keep trekking through the hot sun to see almost exact replicas of 1st century homes built out of the rock and an old press used to make olive oil. Never the less we enjoyed our selves, and made it safely back to the Inn to settle in for some dinner and a MUCH needed shower power hour (most of still haven't slept since waking up yesterday morning at 6am to get to Pearson. We spell like stuffy airplane and dust and sweat.. yuck!)



Tomorrow we start our 4 day trek of the Jesus Trail [www.jesustrail.com]. We will eventually end up here again at the Fauzi Inn. I'm hoping to grab one last Shwarma before we head to our next destination. It's been so wonderful here so far: I wish I could some how get you all in this room with me so you could smell the hot, sticky air and hear the call to prayer ringing throughout the city.

Unforunately we can't get any pictures to load here at the Inn, but we'll be sure to add some as soon as we can!



We love you all in many great and wonderful ways. Breath deep! We're safe!



Arielle

2 comments:

  1. Be safe. Have fun.

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  2. sounds wonderful Arielle! Can't wait to hear more! Just an update from home - we had our last virtual Y day today (tear) and the little graduation ceremony went splendidly. You and Jenny were definitely missed. We showed your pics on a slide show and everyone gave big cheers! It was just so adorable!

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